From Rethymnon: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Day Trip

Exploring the ancient island of Crete is a must-do for any traveler to Greece. This day trip from Rethymnon offers an immersive experience, combining the rich history of Knossos Palace with the vibrant culture of Heraklion. For just $23.88 per person, visitors can uncover the secrets of the Minoan civilization, wander through the bustling streets of Heraklion, and gain a deeper appreciation for Crete’s captivating heritage. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a well-rounded adventure, this excursion promises to leave you intrigued and eager to discover more about this remarkable Mediterranean destination.

Key Points

• This day trip from Rethymnon allows you to explore the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos and the city of Heraklion, including the renowned Archaeological Museum.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, 2 hours to explore Knossos Palace at your own pace, and 3 hours of free time in Heraklion.
• Entrance fees to Knossos Palace and the optional Archaeological Museum are not included in the tour price, but can be purchased on-site.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and provides pickup from various locations in Rethymnon, ensuring a convenient and seamless travel experience.
• Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, and carry cash for local shops, as credit/debit cards may not be widely accepted.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

This day trip from Rethymnon offers an opportunity to explore the legendary Knossos Palace and discover the bustling city of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

Priced at $23.88 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Pickup is included from various locations in Rethymnon, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

At Knossos, visitors can wander the ancient ruins at their own pace, with entrance fees of €15 for adults and €8 for students.

After visiting Knossos, the group travels to Heraklion, where 3 hours of free time allows for museum visits, dining, and shopping.

Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned coach throughout the day.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights include exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace for 2 hours at one’s own pace, with entrance fees of €15 for adults and €8 for students aged 6-25.

After Knossos, visitors have the option to spend an hour at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, with fees of €12 for adults and €6 for students.

The final 3 hours are dedicated to free time in Heraklion city, allowing participants to explore, dine, shop, and experience local offerings.

From the impressive Minoan palace to the renowned museum and the vibrant city, this day trip provides a well-rounded experience of Crete’s rich history and culture.

Transportation Details

Air-conditioned buses transport participants to the various sites throughout the day trip.

These comfortable coaches ferry travelers from Rethymnon to Knossos Palace, then on to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, and finally back to Rethymnon, covering a total of 105 minutes to Knossos, 15 minutes to the museum, and 2 hours for the return journey.

Passengers can be picked up and dropped off at one of seven convenient locations in Rethymnon, including Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta, Sfakaki, Panormos, and Bali.

The transportation aspect of the tour is designed to be seamless, allowing participants to focus on exploring the historical landmarks and experiencing the local culture in Heraklion.

Included and Excluded

The day trip package covers a range of inclusions, such as pickup and drop-off at various locations in Rethymnon, air-conditioned bus transportation, access to Knossos Palace, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, and free time to explore the city itself, as well as all applicable taxes and fees.

However, the tour doesn’t cover meals, drinks, a guide, or entrance fees to the sites.

Travelers should come prepared with comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen.

It’s important to note that Knossos Palace can get quite crowded, especially during peak season, and cash is recommended for smaller shops, as credit/debit cards may not always be accepted.

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen are recommended for this day trip, as the Knossos Palace can get quite crowded, especially during the peak season from May to September. The tour is designed for independent exploration without a guide, allowing you to discover the sites at your own pace. Payment can be made with credit/debit cards, but cash is recommended for smaller shops in Heraklion.

Important Information
What to Bring	Comfortable shoes, hat, camera, sunscreen
Tour Structure	Independent exploration without a guide
Crowd Advisory	Knossos Palace can be crowded during peak season

The dedicated driver ensures smooth transportation throughout the day, allowing you to fully learn about the ancient wonders of Knossos and Heraklion.

Exploring Knossos Palace

Sprawling across an expansive hillside, the ancient Knossos Palace offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of Minoan civilization.

Spanning over 20,000 square meters, the site’s impressive ruins and meticulously reconstructed areas provide an immersive experience, allowing travelers to wander through the remnants of what was once the administrative and cultural heart of Crete.

With a self-guided tour, explorers can marvel at the intricate frescoes, elaborate courtyards, and advanced drainage systems that showcase the engineering prowess of the Minoans.

As they explore the palace’s rich history, visitors can fully enjoy the magnificence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, uncovering the legacy of one of Europe’s earliest advanced civilizations.

Visiting Heraklion Museum

After exploring the captivating ruins of Knossos Palace, visitors can choose to continue their culture by touring the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Minoan artifacts.

The museum’s exhibits provide a rundown of the Minoan civilization, including intricate frescoes, ceremonial artifacts, and the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco.

Visitors can marvel at the exquisite Phaistos Disc, a mysterious Minoan clay tablet inscribed with an undeciphered script.

With an allotted one-hour visit, guests can explore the museum’s rich trove of ancient treasures, gaining deeper insight into the remarkable Minoan culture that flourished on the island of Crete centuries ago.

Free Time in Heraklion

Visitors are given a generous 3 hours of free time to explore Heraklion, the vibrant capital city of Crete. They can enjoy the local culture, sample authentic Cretan cuisine, and discover the city’s captivating blend of ancient and modern influences.

The lively city center offers a wealth of options, from browsing the bustling outdoor markets to visiting the historic Venetian Loggia and the vibrant Lion Square. Foodies can indulge in traditional tavernas, while shoppers can peruse the charming shops for local crafts and souvenirs.

With its rich history, scenic harbor, and lively atmosphere, Heraklion provides the perfect opportunity to experience the essence of Cretan life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on This Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator’s policies state that only service animals are permitted to accompany visitors. Guests are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the duration of the excursion.

Is There a Restroom Break During the Trip?

The tour includes scheduled restroom breaks during the journey. Participants can use the facilities at the major sites and during the free time in Heraklion city. Ample opportunities are provided to address personal needs throughout the day.

Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance?

It’s generally recommended to book this tour in advance to secure your spot. Many popular tours can sell out, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking ahead ensures availability and lets you plan your schedule accordingly.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Other Sites?

While the tour itinerary is set, you can often request to customize your visit by adding or substituting stops at other sites. However, this may incur additional fees and require advance notice with the tour provider.

Is There an Option to Have a Guided Tour Instead?

There is no option for a guided tour on this specific tour. The trip is designed for independent exploration, with a driver providing transportation to the sites. However, guided tours may be available through other tour operators in the area.

Recap

This day trip from Rethymnon to Knossos Palace and Heraklion is an excellent way to experience the rich history and culture of Crete.

Visitors can explore the ancient palace, visit the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and enjoy free time in the vibrant city, all while traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned bus.

At just $23.88 per person, it’s a great value for an immersive cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: