From Chania: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Full-Day Tour

Exploring Crete’s captivating history has never been easier than with the full-day tour from Chania to Knossos Palace and Heraklion. This immersive experience whisks visitors through the island’s rich past, from the legendary Minoan civilization to the charming streets of Heraklion. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to uncover Crete’s mythological roots, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the heart of the island’s cultural heritage. With expert guidance and carefully curated stops, the journey promises to leave you intrigued and eager to discover more about this enchanting Mediterranean destination.

Key Points

• The full-day tour from Chania to Knossos Palace and Heraklion costs €48 per person and includes pickup, transportation, guide, and entry fees.
• The tour itinerary covers a 1.5-hour bus ride to Rethymno, a 1.5-hour journey to Knossos Palace, and an optional visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
• Discounts are available for EU nationals under 25, non-EU nationals under 5 (free entry), and reduced rates for ages 6-25 and over 65 (non-EU).
• The tour focuses on Cretan mythology and Minoan civilization, with a guided tour of Knossos Palace and free time to explore Heraklion’s charming old town.
• The tour has an overall customer rating of 4.1/5, with positive feedback on the informative guides and the opportunity to discover significant historical sites.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day tour from Chania to Knossos Palace and Heraklion costs €48.00 per person and lasts for 12 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility. The tour includes pickup from 17 locations, air-conditioned bus transportation, a driver, a guide, and headsets.

Entry fees to Knossos Palace (€15) and the optional Heraklion Archaeological Museum (€12) are also covered. However, food and drinks aren’t included.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. This guided experience offers the opportunity to learn about Cretan mythology and the Minoan civilization while visiting significant historical sites.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins with pickup from 17 locations, including Gerani, Almyrida, Chania, and Rethymno.

After a 1.5-hour bus ride to Rethymno, there’s a 10-minute break before continuing on to Knossos Palace, which takes another 1.5 hours.

The guided tour of Knossos lasts 1.5 hours, followed by a 20-minute drive to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where visitors can spend an optional 1 hour exploring.

The tour then provides 3 hours of free time in Heraklion before the 1.5-hour return trip to Rethymno, with 1 hour of free time there, and finally back to Chania.

• Bus travel times range from 1.5 to 1.5 hours

• Guided tour of Knossos Palace lasts 1.5 hours

• 3 hours of free time in Heraklion

• 1 hour of free time in Rethymno

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned bus transportation, a driver, a guide, headsets, and entry fees for Knossos Palace (€15) and the optional Heraklion Archaeological Museum (€12).

However, it excludes food and drinks. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Discounts are available for certain age groups, such as EU nationals under 25 and non-EU nationals under 5 who can enter for free. There are also reduced rates for ages 6-25 and over 65 (non-EU).

Customer reviews indicate an overall rating of 4.1/5, highlighting informative guides but noting potential delays and busy periods.

Guided Experience

On this guided tour, visitors learn about Cretan mythology and the captivating Minoan civilization.

They’ll visit significant historical sites, including the renowned Knossos Palace, linked to legendary figures like the Labyrinth and Minotaur. Plus, the tour explores the vibrant Heraklion city center and the charming old town of Rethymno.

The guided experience offers:

• Insight into the island’s rich cultural heritage

• Exploration of the Minoan palace complex at Knossos

• Opportunity to discover the Heraklion Archaeological Museum (optional)

• Time to wander through the picturesque streets of Rethymno

This immersive journey provides a comprehensive understanding of Crete’s fascinating past and its enduring influence on Greek mythology and history.

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Important Information

Visitors should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen when joining this tour. This is important as the tour involves extensive walking and outdoor exploration.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so mobility is a key consideration. Discounts are available for certain age groups, with EU nationals under 25 and non-EU nationals under 5 eligible for free entry. Plus, those aged 6-25 and over 65 (non-EU) can receive discounted admission fees.

Customer reviews indicate a positive overall rating of 4.1/5, though some have noted potential delays and busy periods during high season.

With proper preparation and planning, guests can make the most of this comprehensive tour exploring Crete’s rich history and culture.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

This tour conveniently picks up from 17 different locations, including Gerani, Almyrida, Chania, and Rethymno.

The bus then travels 1.5 hours to Rethymno, where guests enjoy a 10-minute break before continuing on to Knossos Palace, about another 1.5 hours away.

After the guided tour of Knossos, the tour proceeds to Heraklion Archaeological Museum (optional) and then provides 3 hours of free time in Heraklion.

The return journey includes 1 hour of free time in Rethymno before heading back to Chania.

Key pickup and drop-off locations include:

• Gerani
• Almyrida
• Chania
• Rethymno

Discounts and Exemptions

EU nationals under 25 and non-EU nationals under 5 typically enter the Knossos Palace and Heraklion sites for free.

Discounts are also available for ages 6-25 and over 65 (for non-EU visitors). This makes the tour more accessible for families and budget-conscious travelers.

It’s important to note that passengers should bring a valid passport or ID to take advantage of these exemptions and discounts.

The tour operator give you an inclusive experience, allowing more people to explore the rich Minoan history and culture at these remarkable archaeological sites.

Guests should check the specific details when making their booking to ensure they receive any applicable discounts.

Customer Reviews

Customers have generally provided positive feedback on the Knossos Palace and Heraklion tour, with an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 according to reviews.

Travelers highlighted the tour guides’ informative and engaging presentations, sharing insights into Cretan mythology and the Minoan civilization. However, some noted occasional delays and busy periods that affected the overall experience.

Key points from customer reviews include:

• Informative and knowledgeable tour guides

• Opportunity to explore significant historical sites like Knossos Palace

• Enjoyable free time to wander Heraklion’s charming old town

• Potential for delays and crowding during peak seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the tour package excludes food and drinks. Participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides pickup, transportation, entry fees, and a guide, but not meals or refreshments.

Is There a Discount for Local Residents or Students?

The tour offers discounts for certain groups. EU nationals under 25 and non-EU nationals under 5 can enter for free. There are also discounts for ages 6-25 and over 65 for non-EU residents. However, there’s no specific discount for local residents or students.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves walking and navigating historical sites. However, the tour provider may be able to accommodate visitors with limited mobility on a case-by-case basis with prior arrangement.

Can I Customize or Personalize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour’s set itinerary can’t be customized, but travelers can choose to visit the optional Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Flexibility is provided in the tour’s pickup locations, allowing travelers to select the most convenient starting point.

What Happens if I Miss the Pickup at My Location?

If a traveler misses their pickup location, they should contact the tour provider as soon as possible. The provider may be able to arrange alternate transportation, but this is not guaranteed and may incur additional fees.

Recap

The full-day tour from Chania to Knossos Palace and Heraklion provides an immersive experience into Crete’s captivating history and mythology.

Priced at €48 per person, the 12-hour journey includes air-conditioned transportation, guided tours, and entry fees to significant sites.

Participants can explore the renowned Knossos Palace, visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and discover the charm of Heraklion’s streets, making it a fantastic way to uncover Crete’s rich heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: