From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion With Free Time

Exploring the captivating legacy of Minoan civilization is a must for any visitor to Crete. This full-day excursion from Rethymno promises an enriching journey through the ancient ruins of Knossos and the vibrant city of Heraklion. Travelers can explore the storied past while enjoying the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as free time to explore at their own pace. Whether you’re intrigued by the architectural wonders of Knossos or eager to uncover the treasures of the Archaeological Museum, this tour offers an immersive experience that truly captures the essence of Crete’s rich cultural heritage.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion from Rethymno to explore the historic Palace of Knossos and the city of Heraklion, with 2 hours of free time in Heraklion.
• Includes air-conditioned transportation with hotel pick-up and drop-off from select locations in the Rethymno area.
• Guided tour of Knossos Palace available for an in-depth understanding of Minoan civilization.
• Admission fees for Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum included, with discounts for children and seniors.
• Tour not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during bus travel.

Tour Overview

This full-day excursion from Rethymno takes travelers to the Palace of Knossos and the city of Heraklion.

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation with hotel pick-up and drop-off from select locations. Guests can opt for a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos to deepen their understanding of the Minoan civilization.

After exploring Knossos, the tour offers 2 hours of free time in Heraklion, allowing visitors to shop, dine, or visit the Archaeological Museum.

Admission fees for Knossos Palace and the museum are included, with discounts for children and seniors.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Highlights

The Palace of Knossos, the largest palace of Minoan civilization, stands as the highlight of this full-day excursion. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins with a 2-hour guided tour, discovering the grandeur of this iconic landmark.

Key Highlights	Duration
Visit to Knossos Palace	2 hours
Free time in Heraklion	2 hours
Admission to Archaeological Museum	Included

Plus, the tour includes free time in Heraklion, allowing travelers to experience the local culture and cuisine at their own pace. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion is also included, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history of Crete.

Transportation and Logistics

Comfortable bus travel along Crete’s northern coast takes visitors from their specified pick-up locations in Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Rethymno town, Stavromenos, Sfakaki, and Atsipopoulo to the tour’s destinations.

Detailed pick-up information is provided via email, so travelers should check their spam folders for the specifics.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Pick-up and Drop-off Details

Specific pick-up details are provided via email to participants, so travelers should check their spam folders for the information.

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from specified locations, including Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Rethymno town, Stavromenos, Sfakaki, and Atsipopoulo.

Guests are advised to be ready at their designated pick-up point, as the bus won’t wait for late arrivals.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey along Crete’s northern coast.

Admission Fees and Discounts

Admission to the Palace of Knossos costs 15 Euros per adult, while entry to the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion is 12 Euros.

Children under 18 can visit both sites for free. Seniors over 65 are also eligible for discounted admission.

These entrance fees are included in the tour package, so visitors don’t have to worry about purchasing tickets separately.

The tour provides a convenient and cost-effective way to explore these iconic Minoan sites without the hassle of coordinating admission on their own.

With the option to add a guided tour at Knossos, guests can enhance their experience and learn more about the fascinating history of this ancient civilization.

Accessibility and Infant Policy

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the terrain at the Palace of Knossos can be uneven.

While infants are welcome, they must sit on laps during the bus ride. This ensures the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Families with young children should consider the physical demands of the tour and plan accordingly.

The tour operator aims to accommodate all guests, but specific accessibility needs should be discussed prior to booking.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have generally rated this full-day tour quite favorably, with an average score of 4.0 out of 21 reviews.

Most found the tour well-organized, with informative guides and ample time at the key sites. However, some noted issues with miscommunication around pick-up points and expectations of a guided tour.

The positive feedback centered around:

1. The informative guides at Knossos Palace.
2. The sufficient free time in Heraklion.
3. The overall organization of the excursion.

While the negative comments highlighted:

1. Confusion over pick-up locations.
2. Disappointment with the lack of a guided tour in Heraklion.
3. Challenges posed by the uneven ground at the Palace of Knossos.

Cancellation and Pricing

Regarding cancellation and pricing, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

The price varies based on group size, and a lowest price guarantee is available. The tour includes a fuel surcharge, but food and drinks aren’t included.

Travelers can expect to pay 15 Euros for admission to the Palace of Knossos and 12 Euros for the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, with free admission for children under 18 and discounts for seniors over 65.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Available Languages for the Guided Tour?

The guided tour at the Palace of Knossos is offered in multiple languages, though the specific languages aren’t mentioned. Clients can opt to include the guided tour to enhance their experience at the historic site.

Is There an Option to Extend the Free Time in Heraklion?

The tour does not explicitly mention an option to extend the free time in Heraklion. However, travelers could potentially request additional time if coordinated with the tour operator, though this may incur an extra charge or require adjustments to the itinerary.

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

According to the tour details, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the bus. However, the tour does not include any meals, so guests will need to plan accordingly.

Is There a Student Discount for the Knossos Palace Entry Fee?

Yes, there is a student discount for the Knossos Palace entry fee. Students under 18 can visit the palace for free, while there are discounts available for seniors over 65.

Will There Be Breaks or Rest Stops During the Bus Journey?

The bus journey includes rest stops along the way. Passengers will have the opportunity to stretch their legs and take short breaks during the longer drive from Rethymno to Knossos and Heraklion.

Recap

The full-day excursion from Rethymno to Knossos and Heraklion offers travelers an enriching experience of Minoan civilization. With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, participants can explore the ancient ruins of Knossos and enjoy free time in Heraklion. The tour includes admission fees, ensuring a hassle-free journey through Crete’s rich history, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.