Knossos Palace & Heraklion Full-Day Tour from Chania Area
About This Experience
Chania is at the opposite end of Crete from Knossos, about two hours' drive each way, so this is a committed day of 9 to 11 hours. It is the most-reviewed shared day trip from the Chania area that takes in both the palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, rated 4.5 out of 5 by more than 300 travellers.
Pickup runs from 18 points around Chania, from Kolymvari in the west to Kalyves and Almyrida in the east, with a breakfast stop on the way. At Knossos you get about two hours with a licensed guide, then an hour at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where the original frescoes and finds from the palace are kept. The day ends with around two hours free in Heraklion before the coach heads back at about 3:30 pm.
Two practical points. Entry to Knossos and to the museum is not included: at official 2026 prices that is €20 each, paid in cash on the day, so bring euros (the listing still quotes an older €12 museum fare). And reviewers' main complaints are about time: an hour in the museum is short for a collection that size, and the neighbourhood pickups add to the morning.
Highlights
- Explore the Knossos Palace, the center of Minoan civilization
- Enjoy a guided tour by a professional licensed guide in English
- Visit the archaeological museum of Heraklion
- Stroll through the busy capital of Crete with 2 hours of free time
- See the 3,000-year-old king's throne
What's Included
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected locations in the Chania area
- ✓ Tour in Knossos Palace
- ✓ Roundtrip bus transfer and bus tickets to all locations
- ✓ Free time in Heraklion city
Not Included
- Knossos Palace (€20) and Heraklion Archaeological Museum (€20) entry, paid in cash on the day
- Personal expenses
- Guide is not included with the Private Day Trip to Knossos Palace option
What to Bring
- Cash
Good to Know & Caveats
- Entry tickets for Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum will need to be paid in cash on the day of your visit
- Departs the Chania area at around 7 AM; the return bus leaves Heraklion at around 3:30 PM
Not Suitable For
- Wheelchair users
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup from 18 locations in the Chania area, including Chania town, Halepa, Platanias, Agia Marina, Kolymvari, Kalyves and Almyrida.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.5/5 by 301 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
A really great trip, the guide was so knowledgeable! only gripe is that I don't think 2 hours (1.5 after walking and queuing) is enough time for the archeological museum, as there is so much to see, so that was a real shame.
— Danielle, Septemb
Had a really nice time! The guide was really informative and helpful. The transportation was also convenient, although I think a lot of time could have been saved during the drop offs if the pickup points were along major roads and not in neighborhoods.
— Carl Raymund, Septemb
Apostolis was a great driver & offered some great insights into Cretan life/culture and food. Really pleasant driver - we would highly recommend him.
— David, Septemb
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Chania to Knossos?
About two hours each way, plus pickups. The whole day runs 9 to 11 hours: departure around 7 am, back on the road from Heraklion at about 3:30 pm.
Are the entrance fees included?
No. Entry to the Palace of Knossos (€20) and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum (€20) is paid separately in cash on the day. EU citizens under 25 and non-EU children under 18 enter free with ID.
How long do you get at Knossos and the museum?
About two hours at the palace with a licensed guide and about one hour in the Archaeological Museum, followed by around two hours of free time in Heraklion.
Where does pickup run from?
From 18 locations in the Chania area, including Chania town, Halepa, Platanias, Agia Marina, Kolymvari, Kalyves and Almyrida. Your exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Is there a private option?
Yes, the listing offers a private day trip, but the guide is not included with that option. The shared coach tour is the one with the licensed guide at Knossos.
