Take a 1-day bus excursion from Rethymnon to Knossos. Visit the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, the city of Heraklion, and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 9 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English, German
Pickup included: Hotel pickup and drop off in Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros, and Georgioupoli

Highlights

Visit the archaeological museum of Herakion
Explore the Knossos Palace, the center of Minoan civilization
Enjoy a great day in the capital of Crete, Heraklion

Full description

Depart from Rethymnon at around 8:30 AM, heading eastwards along the north coast. Pass the city of Heraklion and continue towards the inland of Crete until you reach the tour's highlight – your visit to the Palace of Knossos. This is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, a cradle of European culture and the center of the Minoan civilization. You will be guided (for about 2 hours) through the fascinating story of the Minoan period and hear about both the Minotaur and Ariadne. Afterwards the bus brings you to the heart of the capital city of Crete – Heraklion. There you have the chance to visit the archaeological museum, where you can see and learn about the Minoan period while accompanied by your guide. Finally you will have two hours of free time to enjoy the busy and lively city of Heraklion, have Cretan lunch and drink raki. Time will pass before you know it, and at around 6:00 PM the bus will depart on its return journey to Rethymnon.

Includes

Bilingual guided tour in English and German
Bus tickets
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, and Atsipopoulo

Entrance fees for the Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum (16 Euros)

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You must fill out a travel information form
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
You are required to bring and wear a mask
All participants over 12 years old must present one of the following: proof of full vaccination, proof of first vaccination administered at least 22 days ago, proof of a Covid-19 infection in the past 6 months, or a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before the activity starts
You must present either proof of full vaccination, proof of a Covid-19 infection in the past 6 months, or a negative test taken no more than 24 hours before the activity starts

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 74 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.4/5
Transportation
4.4/5
Value for money
4/5
Safety
4.4/5

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Do some reading about Knossos before you go, it will will help you understand what has happened at the site in terms of the history of the excavation - fascinating! The guide is not able to give enough information in the time available for this. if you are an English speaker, you may struggle a bit with her heavy accent. Her German is excellent.

October 7, 2019

according to the description the order of programs during the tour is: knossos-heraklion archeological museum-heraklion free time, this would be the optimal order. in reality the order was: heraklion archeological museum-heraklion free time-knossos. this order was a huge mistake because although knossos is beautiful and breathtaking place, BUT NOT AT 2PM, because at that time the heat is unbearable.

August 11, 2019

Very punctual coach, he didn't come to pick us up at the hotel but in a very close point. We had to do the building first and then the museum but the guide changed the plans because he said that in the morning there were a lot of people at the building, so we went first to the museum with her who was just a guide in English. Very kind and helpful! Then we had 2 hours to go around the city! Afterwards we went to the palace and in fact there were not many people, most likely because it was 2.30 pm so full sun. Luckily there was wind and many shadow areas where she went to explain things to us. The return also on time.

July 29, 2019

From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Tour

From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Tour

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