Day trip

From Chania: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Full-Day Tour

4.0617285 out of 5 stars
4.1
4.0617285 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
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Day trip
From Chania: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Full-Day Tour
4.0617285 out of 5 stars
4.1
4.0617285 out of 5 stars
81 reviews

Discover Europe's oldest civilisation on a guided day trip to Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archeological Museum from Chania. Get free time to explore the ancient cities of Heraklion and Rethymno.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, German, Greek
Pickup included
• Pickup can be at a bus stop, hotel entrance, or the closest pickup point the tour bus can access • Please be at your specified pickup point at least 10 minutes before your pickup time • You will be notified about the exact place and time of your pickup through email • The bus will have a "IO tours - Knossos" sign on the front

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

N
Nina – United States

I learned and experienced a lot on this tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and solid. I enjoyed the palace and then seeing some related items at the museum. There was an adequate amount of time at each stop.

K
Kathy –

Our guide was excellent….very informed and had great stories about Greek history.

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    17 pickup location options:

    Pirgos Psilonerou, Platanias, Georgioupoli, Kamisiana, Yeoryioúpolis, Stalos, Maleme, Chania, Kalyves, Kato Galatas, Tavronitis, Gerani, Almyrida, Kolymvari, Souda, Agia Marina, Paralia Kourna

  • Bus/coach

    (1.5 hours)

  • Rethymno Regional Unit

    Break time (10 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (1.5 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Palace of Knossos

    Visit, Guided tour (1.5 hours)

    Extra fee

  • Bus/coach

    (20 minutes)

    Heraklion Archaeological Museum

    Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing (1 hour)

    Optional, Extra fee

  • Timeline stop icon

    Heraklion

    Break time, Visit, Walk (3 hours)

  • Bus/coach

    (1.5 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Rethymno Old Town

    Break time, Visit, Free time, Walk (1 hour)

  • Bus/coach

    (1 hour)

  • 17 drop-off locations:

    Kolymvari, Kamisiana, Gerani, Maleme, Tavronitis, Almyrida, Kalyves, Stalos, Georgioupoli, Souda, Yeoryioúpolis, Agia Marina, Kato Galatas, Chania, Pirgos Psilonerou, Paralia Kourna, Platanias

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Explore one of the oldest European civilizations on a full-day trip
  • Learn more about Cretan mythology and history from a local guide
  • Find out about the Minoan civilization as you tour Knossos Palace
  • Discover Heraklion town or opt to visit the Archaeological Museum
  • Take a stroll through the charming old Venetian town of Rethymno

Full description

Visit the most important Minoan palace on a full-day trip to Knossos Palace from Chania. Explore Heraklion city center with free time, or pay a visit to the Heraklion Archeological Museum. Stop in the picturesque city of Rethymno on your way back to Chania.

After pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point, head straight to Knossos Palace, the home of various Greek legends and myths such as the Labyrinth, Minotaur, Daedalus, and Icarus.

Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the palace with your guide. Learn about the Minoan civilization, and see what is believed to be the throne of the legendary King Minos.

At the end of your palace tour, continue toward the center of Heraklion and enjoy free time to explore once there. If you like, you can use part of your free time on a tour of the Heraklion Archeological Museum.

Once your time in Heraklion is up, reconvene with your guide and start the drive back. Along the way, stop for a break in Rethymno and enjoy more free time to stroll through the city’s streets. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned-bus transportation
  • Driver
  • Guide
  • Headsets to hear the tour guide clearly
  • Entry fees (€15 for Knossos Palace, optional €12 ticket for Heraklion Archeological Museum)
  • Food and drinks

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen

Know before you go

  • EU nationals under the age of 25 and non-EU nationals under the age of 5 can enter free of charge. Those aged 6-25 and over 65 who are not EU nationals are eligible for a 50% discount.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 81 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Value for money
    4.2/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
N
Nina – United StatesDecember 16, 2024 – Verified booking
I learned and experienced a lot on this tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and solid. I enjoyed the palace and then seeing some related items at the museum. There was an adequate amount of time at each stop.
K
Kathy – September 30, 2024 – Verified booking
Our guide was excellent….very informed and had great stories about Greek history.
A
Alexandra – MaltaSeptember 13, 2024 – Verified booking
It is a long trip but truly worth it. The guide was optimal and very informative. Interesting place to visit. Recommend this tour.

Product ID: 484148

Activity provider:Io Tours

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