Knossos and Heraklion City From Rethymno

Explore the captivating history and vibrant culture of Crete with a comprehensive day tour from Rethymno. Dive into the ancient wonders of the renowned Knossos Archaeological Site, where you’ll uncover iconic architectural marvels like the Grand Staircase and Throne Room. Afterward, learn about the lively atmosphere of Heraklion, Crete’s largest city, and discover its enchanting Venetian architecture. With convenient transportation and hassle-free hotel pickup, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of Crete’s remarkable heritage.

Key Points

• This full-day group tour departs from Rethymno, Greece, at 8:30 AM and provides transportation to the Knossos archaeological site and Heraklion city.
• The tour offers independent exploration time at both Knossos and Heraklion, allowing visitors to discover the key highlights at their own pace.
• Knossos entrance fees are €15 or €20 for a combination ticket with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and visitors have 2 hours to explore the ancient ruins.
• After Knossos, the tour provides 3 hours of free time in Heraklion to experience the city’s Venetian architecture, ancient ruins, and vibrant atmosphere.
• The tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off service, and the maximum capacity of 50 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day group tour provides an opportunity to explore the renowned archaeological site of Knossos and the vibrant city of Heraklion, departing from accommodations in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour boasts an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 29 reviews, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.

Visitors will have independent exploration time at both Knossos and Heraklion, allowing them to enjoy the rich history and culture at their own pace.

The meeting point is located in Rethymno, Greece, with a start time of 8:30 AM, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for participants.

Knossos Archaeological Site

Knossos Archaeological Site, the legendary home of the Minoan civilization, stands as an enduring testament to the ingenuity and cultural prowess of ancient Crete. Visitors can explore the intricate labyrinth of courtyards, chambers, and frescoed walls that once housed the seat of Minoan power, seeing the rich history and mythology that permeates this iconic archaeological site.

Feature	Description
Entrance Fee	€15 or €20 for a combination ticket with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Exploration Time	2 hours of free time to wander the ruins
Highlights	The Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, the Queen’s Megaron, and the iconic Bull-Leaping Fresco
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible; infants must sit on laps

The guided tour provides a convenient way for visitors to experience the grandeur of Knossos and learn about its captivating history.

Heraklion City Exploration

After exploring the archaeological wonders of Knossos, the tour provides travelers with three hours of independent time to discover the vibrant city of Heraklion.

Situated along the northern coast of Crete, Heraklion serves as the island’s largest city and a hub of Cretan culture, boasting a captivating blend of ancient ruins, Venetian architecture, and bustling modern amenities.

Visitors can stroll through the bustling streets, admiring the iconic Venetian Loggia and the formidable Koules Fortress that guards the old harbor.

The lively Morosini Fountain and the Archaeological Museum, housing the renowned Minoan artifacts, offer glimpses into Heraklion’s rich history.

With ample time to explore at their own pace, travelers can enjoy the city’s unique charm and vibrant atmosphere.

Meeting Point and Start Time

The tour departs from the meeting point at Sofokli Venizelou in Rethymno, Greece, with a start time of 8:30 AM.

From this central location, travelers are transported to the Knossos Archaeological Site in air-conditioned vehicles. The tour provides hassle-free hotel pickup, with specific pickup points throughout the area. However, there’s no pickup available from the Grand Rimondi; instead, an alternative pickup is offered at the OPAP shop in Stavromenos.

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience. By starting the day at this convenient meeting point, guests can look forward to a full-day exploration of Knossos and Heraklion City.

Transportation and Pickup

For this tour, travelers are provided with hassle-free hotel pickup from specific locations throughout the area.

However, pickup isn’t available from the Grand Rimondi, and instead, an alternative pickup point is offered at the OPAP shop in Stavromenos.

The tour can accommodate a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience.

Guests will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey to the sites a pleasant and relaxing one.

The tour’s transportation arrangements aim to provide a seamless and convenient experience, allowing travelers to focus on exploring the historic wonders of Knossos and Heraklion City.

Additional Tour Details

This tour offers additional details and policies for travelers.

Infants must sit on laps, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price, though gratuities are optional.

Confirmation is received upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s start time. The maximum number of travelers on the tour is 50, which allows for a more personalized experience.

Some taller individuals have mentioned comfort issues with the smaller buses used for transportation.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have provided largely positive feedback on this tour, with many commenting on the convenience of the direct transportation and the ample free time allotted for independent exploration of the Knossos Archaeological Site and Heraklion City.

Some common highlights from traveler reviews include:

• Appreciation for the stress-free hotel pickup and drop-off service

• Enjoyment of the flexible schedule, allowing them to explore at their own pace

• Satisfaction with the value offered by the various ticket options, including the combination ticket

• Mixed feedback on the absence of a guide during the site visits, with some preferring more guidance

• Occasional mentions of comfort issues for taller individuals in the smaller transport vehicles

Booking and Cancellation

Booking this tour is straightforward, with confirmation received at the time of booking.

Customers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time without incurring any penalties. This flexible cancellation policy ensures that travelers can make changes to their plans without worrying about additional costs.

The operator of this tour understands the needs of their customers and wants to provide a hassle-free booking experience.

Regardless of when you book, you’ll receive all the necessary information about the tour, including the meeting point, pickup locations, and the day’s itinerary.

This attention to detail helps to set expectations and ensures a smooth start to the tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Infants are allowed but must sit on laps. There are no specific guidelines for children or senior travelers, as the tour is open to all ages.

Can We Purchase Additional Tickets for the Museum on the Day?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional tickets for the Heraklion Archaeological Museum on the day of the tour. The tour includes either a Knossos site ticket or a combination ticket that covers both Knossos and the museum.

Is There a Dress Code for the Archaeological Site?

There is no strict dress code for visiting the Knossos archaeological site. However, visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes, as the site involves extensive outdoor exploration. Covering up is generally recommended when visiting ancient ruins.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour information states that food and drinks are not included, suggesting participants are free to bring their own sustenance during the day.

What Happens if Our Hotel Is Not on the Pickup Route?

If your hotel is not on the pickup route, the tour provider offers an alternative pickup location. You can meet the group at the OPAP shop in Stavromenos, ensuring you don’t miss out on the tour’s activities and transportation.

Recap

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s rich history and culture.

Visitors can enjoy the ancient Minoan civilization at the renowned Knossos Archaeological Site, then discover Heraklion’s Venetian architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Convenient transportation and flexible schedules make this an ideal way to experience the highlights of Crete from the comfort of Rethymno.