Knossos Palace & Heraklion & Rethymnon![]() A visit to Crete is not complete unless you have visited the magnificent Palace of Knossos - the legendary palace of King Minos. The Palace is 5 km south of Heraklion and dates back to 2000 BC. Excavated and partly restored by Sir Arthur Evans at the beginning of the century, Knossos gives a vivid picture of the prosperous and sophisticated capital of Minoan civilization. The intricate Palace is claimed by some to be the mythical labyrinth in which Theseus slew the Minotaur.
Time in Heraklion city to walk around or go through the Archaeological Museum where artifacts from Knossos and the surrounding area are held. On the return journey back to Chania, there is an hour stop in Rethymnon to have a wander around the old town and stretch the legs, grab an ice cream or coffee. Itinerary - The Knossos trip starts with an early pick up from the nearest point to your accommodation (between 06.00 -08.00) & proceed eastwards. -09.00 -Short stop for a coffee. - Approximate arrival is 10:00 - 10:30 at Knossos Palace/Temple. The guided tour on foot for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. - Departure for the Archaeological Museum 12:00 (optional) - 1 hour and 30 minutes free time at Heraklion city, if you go to the museum. Otherwise 3 1/2 hrs freetime. - Departure from Heraklion at approximately 15:00. - Arrival approx. 16.00-16.30 at the town of Rethymno for a coffee break. - Approx. 17:00 - 17.30 departure from Rethymno. - Arrival back to the pick-up point at approximately 18:00-19:00. It's a long day, but you will see the beautiful coastline and the stops along the way makes it interesting and not just a 'history trip'. |
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