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Rethymno Regional Unit Museums & exhibitions

Our most recommended Rethymno Regional Unit Museums & exhibitions

Chania/Rethymno: Knossos & Heraklion Archaeological Museum

1. Chania/Rethymno: Knossos & Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Following pick-up from your hotel in Rethymno, travel along the northern coast of Crete by comfortable bus. Make your way to the archaeological site of Knossos, where King Minos built his palace. Get a 2-hour guided tour of the monument, designed by Daedalus in such an intriguing way that no visitor was said to find their way out without the help of a guide! Journey through the incredible history of King Minos and the Minoan civilization, and hear about some of the legends of Crete at what was once the island's largest palace. Then, drive to the ancient city of Heraklion to take a guided tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Learn more about the island at what is considered to be one of the finest museums in the world dedicated to Minoan art with its many galleries of historic frescoes, jewelry, statues and more. Get some free time for coffee or lunch, and shop for souvenirs in the city center before the return journey to Rethymno. 

From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Tour

2. From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Tour

Journey back in time and visit the Minoan palace at Knossos on a day trip from Rethymnon. Learn more about the ancient civilization at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Depart from Rethymnon, head 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. Later, 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. Journey through the incredible history of King Minos and the Minoan civilization, and hear about some of the legends of Crete at what was once the island's largest palace. Hop off the bus and start your guided tour if you choose the guided tour option, or enjoy about two hours of free time through the detailed story of the Minoan period and hear about both the Minotaur and Ariadne.  Afterward, 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 (if choosing the Heraklion tour option). Have two hours of free time in Heraklion. Board the bus again at 6:00 PM the bus will depart on its return journey to Rethymnon.

Heraklion, Malia, & Agia Pelagia: Day Trip to Knossos Palace

3. Heraklion, Malia, & Agia Pelagia: Day Trip to Knossos Palace

The most famous landmark of Crete, Knossos, is the absolute “must” for everybody who decides to spend his or her vacation on our beautiful island. On one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, we find the center of one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world and through the excavations, the legends and the history of the place we learn about its settlers: the Minoan people, the rulers of the Mediterranean. With its small palace, the room of murals, the royal tombs and the royal mansion, Knossos is probably the most significant token of a civilization that left such marks in history that can never be erased. The intricate structure of the palace corridors gave it the name Labyrinth, where, according to the myth, the legendary Minotaur used to live. The marvelous architectural plan, the use of rare and luxurious materials, the advanced techniques of construction and drainage system and the massive size of the palace of Knossos make it, even today, the most amazing sight on Crete. We return to the city to visit the newly renovated Archaeological Museum, which exhibits traditional architecture and preserves exquisite and valuable ethnographic and historical material from the ancient period of Cretan history. A stroll in the city of Heraklion will end up a perfect day –shopping in its modern stores, enjoying our coffee or lunch in one of its many restaurants or just exploring its superb medieval buildings. 10:00 Arrival Knossos Palace 12:00 Departure from Knossos Palace 12:20 Arrival Heraklion – Visit to Archaeological Museum (optional) 15:30 Departure from Heraklion Duration: app. 7 hours Stay in Knossos: app. 2 hours Stay in Archeological Museum: app. 2 hours Stay in Heraklion: app. 1 hour

Rethymno: Explore Shepherd’s Hut and Cheese Making Process

4. Rethymno: Explore Shepherd’s Hut and Cheese Making Process

Combine some of the most unique panoramic views, visit a honey factory and taste, drive through traditional Cretan villages and find out all about the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd by exploring an original shepherd’s hut called ‘’Mitato’’ with a small group of 6-8 people in each vehicle. Learn about the history and the traditions of the Island, meet the locals, explore the wildlife of Crete, embrace the renowned Cretan hospitality and taste the delicious Cretan cheese and cuisine. Our day starts from Rethymnon city heading south east through coast line road until Melidoni Village and Apithano Honey factory where we make our first stop for a guided tour in the factoiry and tast some honey. After our morning stop and driving through the traditional villages of Milopotamos (Melidoni, Apladiana, Doxaro, Agridia Tsaxiana) and areas with dense vegetation, fresh aromas and unique views. The amazing route and views continue until we reach the historic Halepa Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars where we make our second stop. The unique view from the monastery will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain tops of Crete with the beautiful valley. Afterwards our amazing off-road route continues and on the way up to the shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” the panoramic views will take your breath away. If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. The road will lead us up to a traditional Shepherd’s hut where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd and the cheese making process. Leaving the shepherd’s hut and already working up our appetite we will soon arrive at a traditional Cretan tavern in Axos village, where we are going to introduce you to Cretan cuisine and heartfelt hospitality with plenty of local platters. Enough time will be provided after lunch for those who wish to enjoy a cup of coffee. On our way back we will follow an asphalt road that will lead us to the city of Rethymnon. Embark on semi private safari tour for up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle

From Chania: Knossos Palace, Museum, & Wine Private Day Trip

5. From Chania: Knossos Palace, Museum, & Wine Private Day Trip

Discover some of the highlights of Crete on a day tour from Chania. Travel in luxury in a private chauffeured vehicle. See the striking frescoes of Knossos Palace, explore Heraklion and its archaeological museum, and soak up the local wine and food culture with recommendations from your guide. After hotel pickup, travel to the Palace of Knossos. Use the luxury vehicle's free Wi-Fi, charge your phone, or tuck into snacks on the drive. On arrival, explore the ruins and frescoes of Knossos Palace with your local guide who specializes in history and archaeology. See where myths were born. Next, visit the heart of central Crete, a rich Minoan land of olive groves and wine-red earth. Visit boutique award-winning estates to sample Cretan vintages with divine flavors. Then, soak up the entire collection of unique artworks at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum at your own pace. In the evening, take a stroll through the fortified city of Heraklion. Get recommendations from your guide on where and what to eat and drink. Dazzle your senses with delicious aromas of garlic and basil pouring from superb restaurants with local cuisine. Finally, return to your hotel in Chania.

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What people are saying about Rethymno Regional Unit

very nice excursion this day to the Knossos palace, we were picked up 500m from our hotel, the bus was on time at 9:30 am, we were dropped off near the archaeological museum of Heraklion where we had 4 hours of free time to visit the museum and the city center then return by coach to knossos with 2 hours of free time for the visit, return to the starting point at 5:45 p.m. the English-speaking, German-speaking and French-speaking guide was very friendly and the explanations given in the bus were very clear. We bought the tickets for the museum and knossos as a combined museum ticket which allowed us to not have to queue at knossos. great day !

We had an unforgettable day! We learned a lot about the ancestors of Cretan people and how they lived. It was like a time travel. Just how we expected. :) I also recommend reading a brief summary of the island's history before the activity. It's more enjoyable when you already know the "big picture".

It was so easy to book the excursion. Everything went smoothly and as planned. The guide was professional and so easy to follow and understand. We enjoyed our day so much!

The entire trip was well arranged and the guide was excellent and had good knowledge of the places we visited. Great and lovely experience!

The guide who accompanied us was truly wonderful. Thank you