Knossos Palace & Heraklion Full-Day Tour From Rethymno Areas

Exploring the ancient wonders of Crete is a captivating journey, and the Knossos Palace & Heraklion Full-Day Tour from Rethymno offers an unparalleled opportunity to unveil the island’s rich heritage. This comprehensive excursion transports visitors back in time, where they’ll marvel at the architectural marvels and vibrant frescoes that once adorned the iconic Knossos Palace. But the adventure doesn’t end there, as the tour also includes a visit to the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, showcasing a treasure trove of Minoan artifacts that shed light on the remarkable civilization that once thrived on this enchanting island.

Key Points

1. A full-day bus excursion from Rethymnon to Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, priced from $24.03 per person and lasting 8-10 hours.

2. The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, and entry fees, with 2 hours allocated for guided exploration at Knossos Palace and 1 hour at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

3. Knossos Palace is an iconic archaeological site and legacy of the Minoan civilization, featuring elaborate courtyards, storerooms, and royal apartments with magnificent frescoes.

4. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the Minoan civilization, with an impressive collection of artifacts and knowledgeable guides.

5. The tour offers 3 hours of free time in Heraklion for local cuisine and shopping, and has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 168 reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day bus excursion from Rethymnon takes travelers to the iconic Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Priced from $24.03 per person, the 8-10 hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Pickup locations span Rethymnon and surrounding areas. A private group option is available.

Priced from $24.03 per person, the 8-10 hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Pickup locations span Rethymnon and surrounding areas. A private group option is available.

The itinerary includes 2 hours at Knossos, 1 hour at the Heraklion museum, and 3 hours of free time in Heraklion. The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, and entry fees.

While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour earns high marks for organization, guides, and value based on over 160 reviews.

Itinerary Details

The tour itinerary covers 18 pickup and drop-off locations across the Rethymnon area, including Pigianos Kampos, Paralia Kourna, Georgioupoli, and Rethimno.

Travelers transfer to the iconic Palace of Knossos, the archaeological gem of Minoan civilization, for 2 hours of guided exploration and free time.

Next, they visit the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum to explore the Minoan past.

After, guests enjoy 3 hours of free time in Heraklion to indulge in local cuisine, shop, and discover the bustling food market.

The return journey to Rethymnon takes 2 hours, completing this comprehensive full-day adventure.

Knossos Palace

At the heart of the tour lies the iconic Palace of Knossos, the archaeological centerpiece and legacy of the Minoan civilization.

At the heart of the tour lies the iconic Palace of Knossos, the archaeological centerpiece and legacy of the Minoan civilization.

As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Knossos boasts an impressive history dating back to 1900 BC.

Visitors can:

1. Explore the elaborate network of courtyards, storerooms, and royal apartments that once housed the powerful Minoan rulers.

2. Admire the magnificent frescoes and architectural marvels that showcase the sophistication of this ancient culture.

3. Imagine the legends of King Minos and the Minotaur that have captivated the imaginations of people for millennia.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

After exploring the legendary Palace of Knossos, the tour continues to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, a treasure trove showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the Minoan civilization.

Visitors can marvel at the museum’s impressive collection, which includes iconic artifacts like the stunning gold Minoan bull’s head rhyton and the enigmatic Phaistos Disc.

The chronological layout allows guests to explore the evolution of Minoan society, from its Neolithic beginnings to the height of its Bronze Age power.

With knowledgeable guides on hand, the museum offers a captivating window into the lost world of ancient Crete.

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Free Time in Heraklion

What better way to take in the vibrant local culture than by exploring Heraklion’s bustling city center during the allotted free time?

Visitors can:

1. Wander through the charming Old Town, admiring the Venetian architecture and stopping for a bite at one of the traditional tavernas.

2. Visit the bustling local market and browse the stalls brimming with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.

3. Indulge in the city’s lively culinary scene, sampling authentic Cretan cuisine and sipping on the region’s renowned wines.

The freedom to explore Heraklion at one’s own pace provides a truly immersive experience, allowing travelers to connect with the heart and soul of this captivating city.

Return Journey to Rethymnon

As the day draws to a close, the tour group boards the air-conditioned coach for the return journey to Rethymnon.

The scenic 2-hour drive takes them back along the northern coast, offering glimpses of the sparkling Mediterranean.

Along the way, travelers can reflect on the day’s adventures – the grandeur of Knossos Palace, the rich history of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the lively atmosphere of Heraklion’s local markets.

As the coach approaches Rethymnon, guests are dropped off at their original pickup locations, full of newfound knowledge and memories of their Cretan odyssey.

Inclusions

The tour package includes several key elements to enhance the overall experience.

Visitors receive round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Plus, the tour includes transportation by modern, air-conditioned coach, providing comfort throughout the journey.

Perhaps most importantly, the package covers admission fees to both the iconic Knossos Palace and the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Minoan heritage.

These thoughtful inclusions elevate the tour, creating a well-rounded and enriching experience for all.

1. Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off

2. Air-conditioned coach transportation

3. Entry to Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Important Information

Visitors should be aware that cash is required for entry tickets to both the Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the ancient sites involve uneven terrain and stairs.

All pickups from Rethymnos Old Town depart from the Rethymno Municipal Garden bus stop.

The overall rating for this tour is 4.4 out of 5 based on 168 reviews, with particularly high marks for the guide (4.7/5) and transportation (4.7/5).

Customers highlight the tour’s organization, guide quality, and overall value.

Things To Know

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Meal on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any meals, but you can request a vegetarian or halal meal when booking. However, there may be an additional charge for special dietary requests. It’s best to inquire about this when making your reservation.

Is There Wifi Available on the Bus?

The tour provides no onboard WiFi. Passengers will need to rely on their own mobile data or seek out public WiFi hotspots during the free time in Heraklion. The tour focuses on the historical sites rather than modern amenities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the bus. The tour provider encourages bringing snacks and beverages to enjoy during the journey and free time at the destinations.

Are There Any Facilities to Store My Luggage During the Tour?

The tour provides storage facilities for passengers’ luggage during the excursion. Guests can leave their belongings on the coach while exploring the sites, ensuring a hassle-free experience. There are no specific details provided about the storage arrangements.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour’s duration. Customers can request additional time at the sites or in Heraklion, though this may incur extra costs. The tour operator is flexible in accommodating such requests, within reasonable limits.

Sum Up

The Knossos Palace & Heraklion Full-Day Tour from Rethymno offers an immersive exploration of Crete’s ancient Minoan heritage. Visitors can marvel at the architectural wonders and vibrant frescoes of Knossos Palace, then discover significant artifacts at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. With ample free time for local cuisine and shopping, this tour provides a comprehensive experience for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: