From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion With Free Time

Exploring the ancient world of Crete is a captivating journey, and the "From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion With Free Time" tour offers just that. Travelers can explore the rich Minoan history at the iconic Palace of Knossos, then enjoy the vibrant city of Heraklion, where they’ll have ample time to discover local markets, savor authentic cuisine, and even visit the renowned Archaeological Museum. With convenient transportation and the freedom to explore at their own pace, this tour promises an unforgettable day of cultural discovery. But what secrets and surprises await those who embark on this Cretan adventure?

Key Points

• This full-day tour departs from Rethymno and visits the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos and the city of Heraklion, allowing for independent exploration.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and optional guided visits, with 2 hours allocated for exploring Knossos and 4 hours of free time in Heraklion.
• Visitors can gain insights into the archaeology, architecture, and local culture of these significant historical sites in Greece.
• While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it may accommodate some mobility challenges, and specific requirements should be discussed with the provider.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing flexibility and peace of mind for travelers.

Tour Overview

The Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of two of Greece’s most significant historical sites.

Based in Chania, the tour takes travelers to the Palace of Knossos and the city of Heraklion, allowing them to discover the ancient Minoan civilization and the vibrant modern city.

With an average rating of 4.0 from 21 reviews, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation, optional guided visits at Knossos, and four hours of free time in Heraklion for independent exploration.

Whether you’re interested in archaeology, architecture, or simply soaking up the local culture, this full-day experience promises an enriching and memorable journey through Greek history and heritage.

Itinerary and Inclusions

The Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Tour takes visitors on a comprehensive journey through two of Greece’s most significant historical sites. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from specified areas, as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. While a guide is available in English, German, and French (Monday to Thursday), entry fees to Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum are at the visitor’s own expense.

Destinations	Duration
Palace of Knossos	2 hours of free time
Heraklion	4 hours of free time for shopping, dining, or visiting the Archaeological Museum

The tour provides ample opportunities for exploration and discovery, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich history and culture of these ancient Greek sites.

Knossos Palace Experience

During the tour, visitors embark on a journey to the iconic Palace of Knossos, the centerpiece of the ancient Minoan civilization.

They’ll have 2 hours to explore this remarkable archaeological site, which dates back to the 15th century BC. Visitors can choose to hire a local guide to delve deeper into the palace’s rich history and uncover the secrets of this ancient society.

The site features intricate frescoes, elaborate architecture, and the legendary Minotaur’s labyrinth.

With ample free time, travelers can enjoy the grandeur of Knossos, gaining a better understanding of this captivating chapter of Greek history.

Heraklion Free Time

After exploring the captivating Palace of Knossos, travelers embark on the next part of their journey – the vibrant city of Heraklion.

With four hours of free time, visitors can enjoy the local culture, browse the bustling markets for souvenirs, and indulge in the tantalizing cuisine.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is a must-visit, housing an impressive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization.

Whether you choose to wander the charming streets, sample traditional Greek dishes, or delve deeper into the city’s rich history, Heraklion offers a well-rounded experience to complement the Knossos tour.

Transportation and Pick-up

To ensure a seamless start to the tour, the operator provides hotel pick-up and drop-off services from specified areas around Chania.

These include Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Rethymno town, Stavromenos, Sfakaki, and Atsipopoulo.

Travelers will be picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle, making their journey comfortable.

The pick-up details are provided via email, ensuring everyone knows exactly where and when to be ready.

However, it’s important to note that the pick-up points are limited to central locations, so those staying outside these areas may need to make their own way to the designated meeting spot.

Accessibility Considerations

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the nature of the ancient sites and the transportation involved poses some limitations.

Visitors with mobility challenges may find navigating the uneven terrain and stairs at Knossos Palace and other historical sites challenging.

Plus, the tour relies on an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, which may not accommodate all mobility needs.

Infants are permitted but must sit on laps during the journey.

While the tour company aims to be inclusive, certain physical constraints exist that travelers should consider before booking.

It’s advised to reach out to the provider if you have any specific accessibility requirements.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy for this full-day Knossos and Heraklion tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

This gives you the flexibility to change your plans if needed without any penalties. The tour operator understands that unexpected events can arise, so they’ve implemented this hassle-free cancellation policy to provide you with peace of mind.

Whether you need to adjust your schedule or simply can’t make the tour, you can cancel your booking up until a day before and receive a full refund.

This policy ensures you can book this excursion confidently, knowing you have the option to cancel if necessary.

Customer Feedback

Travelers generally appreciated the organization and informative guides leading the full-day Knossos and Heraklion tour.

Many praised the ample free time in Heraklion, allowing them to explore the city’s attractions at their own pace.

However, some visitors were disappointed with the pick-up points, which they found inconvenient.

A few also felt the tour lacked guided tours at the archaeological sites, leaving them to navigate the ruins on their own.

Plus, some travelers weren’t fully satisfied with the authenticity of Knossos, citing the extensive renovations that have been done to the site in recent years.

Since You Asked

Is There an Option to Visit Any Additional Sites?

The tour doesn’t seem to include any additional sites beyond Knossos and Heraklion. The focus is on providing free time for travelers to explore these two main destinations at their own pace.

How Much Free Time Is Provided During the Tour?

The tour provides 2 hours of free time at Knossos and 4 hours of free time in Heraklion. This allows travelers to explore the sites independently or visit the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion at their own pace.

Can the Group Size Be Customized for Private Tours?

The tour doesn’t offer private customized group sizes. It’s a standard group tour with set pick-up locations and inclusions. However, you can request a private tour for your group if that’s your preference.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, it’s still a good value, with round-trip transportation, free time in Heraklion, and the option to hire a guide at Knossos Palace.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Free Time?

The tour doesn’t include meals, but travelers with dietary restrictions can likely find accommodating restaurants or cafes during the 4 hours of free time in Heraklion. It’s best to research options ahead of time.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an excellent opportunity to take in the rich Minoan history at Knossos and discover the lively city of Heraklion at one’s own pace. With comfortable transportation and the freedom to explore, travelers can make the most of this full-day excursion, delving into the captivating past and vibrant present of this remarkable region.