Heraklion: Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour

Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, offers visitors an immersive sightseeing experience with the Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour. For just $13.33, travelers can explore the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems at their own pace. With buses running every 45 minutes, this tour provides a convenient and flexible way to discover Knossos Palace, the Archaeological Museum, and the serene Ammoudara Beach, among other noteworthy attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach enthusiast, or simply seeking to learn about the local culture, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Heraklion’s rich tapestry of sights and sounds.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Crete.

Good To Know

• This 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour provides access to Heraklion’s top attractions, including Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, Venetian Walls, and Ammoudara Beach.
• The tour features audio commentary in 8 languages and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a inclusive experience for all visitors.
• The flexible route with 8 distinct bus stops allows for customizable sightseeing, with buses running every 45 minutes from 9:15 AM to 5:30 PM.
• The tour package includes entrance fees to key attractions, and a full refund is available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour has a rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 219 reviews, with positive feedback on the ride and drivers, but suggestions for improved assertiveness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour is likely to sell out, offering visitors a 48-hour ticket validity from first activation for $13.33 per person.

The tour allows travelers to explore Heraklion’s landmarks at their own pace. Guests can cancel their reservations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option.

The open-top bus provides access to key sites like Knossos Palace, the Archaeological Museum, Venetian Walls, and Ammoudara Beach.

Audio commentary is available in 8 languages, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Tour Experience and Highlights

Explore Heraklion’s landmarks on an open bus tour, taking in the city’s iconic attractions.

The tour provides the opportunity to visit the renowned Knossos Palace, the renowned Archaeological Museum, the picturesque Venetian Walls, and the serene Ammoudara Beach.

Between stops, you can indulge in shopping, explore museums, and savor traditional Cretan cuisine in the old town.

The tour offers audio commentary in 8 languages, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.

Plus, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.

Key highlights:

• Visit Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, Venetian Walls, and Ammoudara Beach
• Explore shopping, museums, and traditional restaurants in the old town
• Audio guide available in 8 languages
• Wheelchair accessible

Route and Bus Stops

The Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour covers 8 distinct bus stops, allowing passengers to customize their sightseeing experience.

The tour begins at the Old Port Square, then visits the Historical Museum of Crete, Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Grave of Nikos Kazantzakis.

Next, it travels to the Venetian Walls, the Port Bus Station, and concludes at the Jesus Gate.

The buses operate on a 45-minute frequency from 9:15 AM to 5:30 PM during the summer, with the full loop taking around 60 minutes to complete.

This flexible route ensures travelers can hop on and off at their desired locations to explore Heraklion’s top landmarks.

Included Features

Included in the Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour is a 48-hour ticket, providing ample time for travelers to explore the city at their own pace.

The tour also includes audio commentary available in 8 languages, ensuring a multilingual experience. Headsets are provided, allowing passengers to enjoy the sightseeing.

Plus, a map with all bus stops is included, helping visitors navigate the route efficiently. The tour also covers entrance fees to key attractions, making it a convenient and inclusive package.

The included features of this Heraklion tour offer:

• 48-hour ticket validity
• Audio commentary in 8 languages
• Headsets for audio
• Map with bus stop locations
• Entrance fees to top attractions

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 219 reviews. The transportation rating is 3.9/5, while the value for money rating is 3.7/5. Positive comments praise the ride and drivers, though some suggest the drivers could be more assertive. Reviewers offer useful tips, especially for those staying in Ammoudara and visiting Knossos.

Metric	Rating
Overall	3.8/5
Transportation	3.9/5
Value for Money	3.7/5
Positive Comments	Ride, drivers
Tips	Ammoudara, Knossos

Exploring Heraklion’s Landmarks

Exploring Heraklion’s landmarks is the highlight of the Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour. Riders can visit iconic sites like the Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Venetian Walls.

The tour also includes stops at the Grave of Nikos Kazantzakis and Ammoudara Beach. Guests can immerse themselves in the city’s history and culture, with the option to hop off and explore further.

The tour provides:

• Audio commentary in 8 languages
• Headsets for easy listening
• A map highlighting all 8 bus stops
• Included entrances to top attractions

With a 60-minute full loop duration and buses running every 45 minutes, visitors can maximize their time and see Heraklion’s must-see landmarks.

Visiting Key Attractions

The Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour takes visitors to the city’s most iconic landmarks. These include the Knossos Palace, the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian Walls, and Ammoudara Beach. Passengers can hop on and off at any of the 8 stops, allowing them to explore each attraction at their own pace.

Attraction	Description
Knossos Palace	Discover the legendary Minoan palace, a fascinating glimpse into ancient Cretan history.
Archaeological Museum	Explore one of the finest collections of Minoan art and artifacts in the world.
Venetian Walls	Marvel at the impressive fortifications that have guarded the city for centuries.
Ammoudara Beach	Relax on the beautiful sandy beach, just a short bus ride from the city center.

The audio commentary, available in 8 languages, enhances the tour experience, providing insights into Heraklion’s rich cultural heritage.

Navigating the Tour Effectively

To make the most of the Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour, visitors should keep a few tips in mind.

The key is to plan your stops wisely, especially if you’re visiting Knossos Palace or staying in Ammoudara. The tour operates every 45 minutes, so be sure to time your visits to maximize your time.

Plus, the audio commentary is available in multiple languages, making it easy to follow along and learn about the city’s rich history and landmarks.

Finally, be mindful of the weather and dress appropriately, as the open-top bus provides excellent views but limited protection from the elements.

• Plan your stops strategically
• Time your visits to the 45-minute frequency
• Utilize the multi-language audio commentary
• Dress for the weather conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Operating Hours of the Bus Tour?

The bus tour operates on a 45-minute frequency from 09:15 to 17:30 during the summer. The full loop duration is 60 minutes, allowing guests to explore the city’s landmarks at their own pace.

How Often Do the Buses Run During the Tour?

The buses run on a 45-minute frequency from 09:15 to 17:30 during the summer season. The full loop duration is 60 minutes, allowing passengers to explore the highlights of the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Ticket Validity?

The tour offers a 48-hour ticket validity from the first activation, and there’s no option to extend the ticket further. Customers can, however, cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I Use the Ticket on Multiple Days?

Yes, the 48-hour ticket allows passengers to use the tour on multiple days. The ticket is valid for 48 hours from the first activation, so riders can hop on and off the buses over a 2-day period.

Are There Discounts Available for Certain Groups?

The tour offers discounts for certain groups, such as seniors, students, and children. These discounted tickets can be purchased at the point of sale. However, the exact discount amounts are not provided in the overview.

The Sum Up

The Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour in Heraklion offers a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city’s top attractions. With a 48-hour ticket at just $13.33, visitors can access iconic landmarks like Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum, while enjoying informative audio commentary and easy navigation. This tour is ideal for all travelers, including those with accessibility needs, making it a must-consider option for experiencing the beauty of Heraklion.

You can check availability for your dates here: