From Rethymno: Day Trip to KNOSSOS PALACE and HERAKLION CITY

Exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos and the vibrant city of Heraklion makes for an enriching day trip from Rethymno. This 8.5-hour itinerary offers a chance to explore the legendary history of the Minoan civilization, followed by ample time to discover Heraklion’s cultural gems. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique adventure, this convenient and well-priced excursion promises an unforgettable experience. With a guided tour of Knossos Palace and free time to explore Heraklion at your own pace, the journey awaits those eager to uncover the captivating stories that have echoed through the ages.

Contents hide

5 Key Sites in Heraklion

6 Inclusions

7 Important Information

8 Customer Feedback

9 The Sum Up

Good To Know

This day trip covers Knossos Palace and Heraklion city, with 1.5 hours at the Palace and 3.5 hours of free time in Heraklion.
The tour includes transportation via air-conditioned bus with pickup and drop-off from select locations in Rethymno.
Key attractions in Heraklion include the Archaeological Museum, Lion Square, and Koules Fortress.
The tour price is $25.14 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is suitable for history and culture enthusiasts, based on positive customer feedback.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

This day trip offers the opportunity to explore the renowned Knossos Palace and the vibrant city of Heraklion, all within an 8.5-hour itinerary.

Departing from Rethymno, the tour includes a 1.5-hour visit to the legendary Knossos Palace, followed by 3.5 hours of free time to discover the highlights of Heraklion, such as the Archaeological Museum, Lion Square, and Koules Fortress.

The trip is priced at $25.14 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Transportation is provided via air-conditioned bus, with pickup and drop-off from select locations in the Rethymno area.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Heraklion.

Itinerary Details

The day trip offers pickup locations from 8 different areas, including Pigianos Kampos, Skaleta, Bali, and Rethymno. Visitors will spend 1.5 hours exploring the historic Knossos Palace. Then, they’ll travel by bus/coach to Heraklion, just 20 minutes away, for 3.5 hours of free time to shop, sightsee, and dine. Key sites in Heraklion include the Archaeological Museum, Lion Square, Loggia, St. Titus Cathedral, and Koules Fortress. Finally, the bus/coach will return travelers to Rethymno, a 1.5-hour journey.

Itinerary Highlights
Pickup Locations	Pigianos Kampos	Skaleta	Bali	Rethymno
Knossos Palace Visit	1.5 hours	–	–	–
Travel to Heraklion	20 minutes	–	–	–
Free Time in Heraklion	3.5 hours	–	–	–
Return to Rethymno	1.5 hours	–	–	–

Pickup Locations

The day trip offers pickup locations from 8 different areas, including Pigianos Kampos, Skaleta, Bali, and Rethymno.

Travelers can choose from these convenient pickup points to begin their journey.

The tour will then transport participants by bus or coach to Knossos Palace, where they’ll spend 1.5 hours exploring the ancient ruins.

After the palace visit, the group will travel to Heraklion, the capital city, for 3.5 hours of free time to explore the Archaeological Museum, Lion Square, Loggia, St. Titus Cathedral, and Koules Fortress.

Key Sites in Heraklion

After exploring Knossos Palace, the day trip takes visitors to Heraklion, the capital city of Crete.

In Heraklion, there’s ample time to discover key sites, including:

The Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts.
Lion Square, a lively plaza surrounded by historic buildings.
The Loggia, a 16th-century Venetian-style building.
St. Titus Cathedral and the iconic Koules Fortress, which guards the old Venetian harbor.

With 3.5 hours of free time, travelers can shop, dine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient city before the return journey to Rethymno.

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Inclusions

This day trip package includes several key elements to enhance the overall experience. Visitors can expect the following inclusions:

Inclusions	Details
Tickets	Tour ticket and entry to Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum
Transportation	Air-conditioned bus for both locations
Pickup/Drop-off	From selected areas including Bali, Panormo, and Rethymno
Taxes and Insurance	All applicable taxes and insurance coverage included
Additional Charges	Pickup from Kavros and Georgioupolis incurs an extra fee

Plus, food and drinks are not permitted on the vehicle, and travelers must provide their hotel information during the reservation process. Pickup details will be communicated upon booking confirmation.

Here's some more things to do in Heraklion

Important Information

As part of this day trip, food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the vehicle.

Travelers are required to provide the hotel name, address, and contact number during the reservation process. This information will be used to coordinate the pickup details, which will be sent via message upon booking confirmation.

Plus, please note the following important information:

Pickup locations include Pigianos Kampos, Skaleta, Bali, and Rethymno, among others.
An additional charge applies for pickup from Kavros and Georgioupolis.
Taxes and insurance are included in the tour package.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided overall positive feedback for this day trip. Based on a single review, the tour has earned a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

A traveler from Sweden noted a positive experience during the excursion. The itinerary offers a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to explore the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace and spend free time discovering the highlights of Heraklion.

While the tour may not have garnered a significant number of reviews yet, the existing feedback suggests that this day trip from Rethymno is a worthwhile option for those interested in experiencing the history and culture of Crete.

The Sum Up

This enriching day trip from Rethymno offers the chance to explore the legendary Knossos Palace and vibrant Heraklion City. With a convenient pickup, guided tour of Knossos, and free time in Heraklion, it’s an excellent opportunity for history and culture enthusiasts. At $25.14 per person, the itinerary provides a great value for the experience.