Knossos & Heraklion Archaeological Museum: From Rethymnon

Set out on a captivating journey through the annals of ancient Minoan civilization with a day tour from Rethymnon to the renowned Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This comprehensive excursion offers an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the intricate architectural marvels of Knossos and unveiling the treasures housed within the Heraklion Museum. With convenient pickup locations, comfortable transportation, and a pocket-friendly price tag, this tour promises to transport you back in time, leaving you eager to uncover the secrets that lie beyond the surface.

Key Points

• Explore the Minoan palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum on an 8-9 hour guided tour starting from Rethymnon.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation by comfortable bus and entrance tickets to both sites.
• Discover the history, architecture, and cultural heritage of the Minoan civilization during the guided tour of Knossos.
• The Heraklion Archaeological Museum showcases an extensive collection of Minoan artifacts, frescoes, and the famous Phaistos Disc.
• The tour offers flexible reservation and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with multiple pickup locations across the Rethymnon region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the renowned Minoan palace at Knossos and the acclaimed Heraklion Archaeological Museum, immersing them in the captivating history of the ancient Cretan civilization.

The excursion lasts 8-9 hours and is priced from €22 per person, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can conveniently reserve their spot without immediate payment, allowing them to plan their trip with flexibility.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation by comfortable bus, as well as the necessary entrance tickets. It is led by knowledgeable English and French-speaking guides, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Itinerary Details

The tour departs from multiple locations across Crete, including Bali, Stavromenos, Pigianos Kampos, Rethimno, Skaleta, Sfakaki, Adelianos Kampos, and Latsima, offering convenient pickup options for participants. Guests are transported in comfortable buses, with the journey from the pickup points to Knossos taking approximately 80 minutes each way. The itinerary includes two main stops: a 2-hour guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, and free time in Heraklion for shopping and dining.

Pickup Locations	Duration	Main Stops
Bali, Stavromenos, Pigianos Kampos	8-9 hours	Knossos Palace (2-hour guided tour)
Rethimno, Skaleta, Sfakaki, Adelianos Kampos, Latsima	80 minutes each way	Heraklion (free time for shopping and dining)

Highlights of Knossos Palace

Visitors can explore the storied history of King Minos and the Minoan civilization during the guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, which was designed by the legendary architect Daedalus.

The palace is known for its intricate layout, featuring a labyrinth of corridors, chambers, and ceremonial areas. Highlights include the impressive Throne Room, adorned with frescoes depicting the Minoan ruler, and the lustral basin, used for purification rituals.

Visitors can also marvel at the iconic Bull-Leaping Fresco, showcasing the Minoan sport of bull-leaping.

The tour offers a captivating glimpse into the advanced architectural and social structure of the Minoan society, providing a deeper understanding of this ancient and influential Mediterranean civilization.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

One of the finest museums dedicated to Minoan art, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and treasures that offer a captivating glimpse into the advanced civilization that once thrived in Crete.

Visitors can explore galleries showcasing historic frescoes, intricate jewelry, and exquisite statues that bring the Minoan culture to life.

The museum’s highlights include:

• Stunning Minoan gold jewelry, including the famous Phaistos Disc

• Well-preserved frescoes from the Palace of Knossos

• The iconic Snake Goddess figurine, a symbol of Minoan religious practices

• Impressive stone carvings and sculptures that demonstrate the Minoans’ artistic prowess

With its comprehensive exhibits, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum provides an invaluable window into the remarkable achievements of the Minoan people.

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Included in the Tour

According to the information provided, this tour includes several key components.

It offers hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring convenient transportation to and from the sites. Plus, the tour provides comfortable bus or coach transportation, with an approximate travel time of 80 minutes each way between the pickup locations and the main stops.

The tour also includes entrance tickets priced at €20 per person, granting access to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

On top of that, the tour is led by English and French-speaking guides, providing valuable insights and historical context throughout the experience.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Minoan civilization and its rich cultural heritage.

Pickup Locations

The tour offers multiple pickup locations throughout the region, including Bali, Stavromenos, Pigianos Kampos, Rethimno, Skaleta, Sfakaki, Adelianos Kampos, and Latsima. This allows visitors from various areas in the Rethymnon region to conveniently join the excursion.

The pickup locations provide a hassle-free start to the day, with comfortable transportation by bus taking guests to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The wide range of options ensures that travelers can select the most suitable pickup point based on their location, making the tour accessible and seamless.

Key pickup locations include:

• Bali

• Stavromenos

• Pigianos Kampos

• Rethimno

Tour Duration and Price

The tour lasts 8 to 9 hours and costs from €22.00 per person, providing a comprehensive exploration of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book your spot without immediate payment and receive a full refund if plans change.

The tour includes comfortable transportation by bus, with pickup available from 8 different locations in the Rethymnon area.

At the Palace of Knossos, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour to uncover the history of King Minos and the Minoan civilization.

The excursion also allows free time in Heraklion for shopping and dining.

Cancellation and Booking Policy

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can easily modify their plans without penalty and receive a full refund.

Booking the tour also doesn’t require immediate payment, allowing visitors to reserve their spot and pay later.

This flexible cancellation and booking policy makes the Knossos & Heraklion Archaeological Museum tour an attractive option for those who need to adjust their itinerary or want to secure their spot without the immediate financial commitment.

The tour’s key booking and cancellation details include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour

• Full refund for cancelled bookings

• No need to pay immediately when reserving your spot

• Option to book now and pay later

These convenient policies provide travelers with peace of mind and flexibility when planning their Cretan adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food and Refreshment Included in the Tour Price?

No, food and refreshments are not included in the tour price. The tour only covers hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, entrance fees, and a guided tour. Any meals or snacks during the tour must be purchased separately by the participants.

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

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the bus. However, the tour price does not include meals, so you will need to plan and provide their own sustenance during the excursion.

Are There Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

Yes, there are typically restroom breaks during tours of this length. The tour itinerary includes transportation time, which allows for rest stops where passengers can use the facilities. Restroom access is an important consideration for tours of 8-9 hours.

Can I Explore Knossos Palace on My Own?

Yes, visitors can explore Knossos Palace on their own during the tour. The guided tour provides an overview, but guests are free to wander the palace and its ruins at their own pace after the guided portion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can request an extended tour with more time at the Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum for an additional cost, though this must be arranged in advance with the tour operator.

Recap

This day tour from Rethymnon provides a comprehensive exploration of Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, offering insights into the captivating Minoan civilization.

With convenient pickup locations, comfortable transportation, and an affordable price, it’s an enriching experience that allows visitors to explore ancient history and culture at their own pace.

You can check if your dates are available here: