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'. |
*** THIS TRIP IS NO LONGER RUNNING SEE YOU IN MAY 2025***
-Price for Knossos Trip:
Adults: €42 Children (4 -12 years) :€21 Day of Knossos Trip: Sundays only Pick up time: 06.00 - 08.00 (depending on where- see the Pick up Points page ) If your accommodation is not on the route of the coach, we may be able to provide a pick up with an extra cost 3€ - 15€ for the extra distance to take you to the coach, depending on where your accommodation is located. Duration of Knossos Trip: -12 hours approx. Price includes: - Transfers on air-conditioned buses - Greek/English/German speaking guide - Whisper tour guiding system (earphones) which makes it easy to hear explanations from the guide when on tour. Excluded & Payable on the day -we must know at the time of booking, if you plan to go to the museum, as all tickets have to be bought by the company, prior to the day of the trip: - Entrance fee to Knossos - €15 for adults 26-64 years old. - Entrance fee to Museum - €12 Heraklion Museum (without a guide) Reduced tickets apply if (8€ Adult & 6€ Children) : - non-EU citizens ages 6-25 yrs - EU citizens 65+ years of age Applicable upon presentation of their passport for verification of their age and country of origin. Free Entrance fees if one of the following apply: - EU citizens up to 24 yrs old - non-EU citizens up to 5 yrs old Applicable upon presentation of their passport for verification of their age and country of origin. - Persons over 25 years, being in secondary education (evening schools, second-chance schools) and in vocational schools of the European Economic Area. Applicable upon presentation of attendance certifcate bearing evidence of its duration. - Meals and drinks - Personal expenses - Tips and gratuities What to wear/bring: -Comfortable walking shoes -Hat & lotion for protection from the sun (especially at Knossos) -Passports if you need to prove your age validity & citizenship if there is a reduction at the entrance. Please Note: - Short information will be given upon arrival in Heraklion to help to get around on your own. - Children under 4 years old are free of charge, but they must ride on adult’s lap on the coach. To book the Knossos Day Trip, you will need to book at least 1 day in advance to reserve your seat & make payment. |