From Rethymno: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour
About This Experience
If you are based in Rethymno, Knossos is a 90-minute drive away and doing it independently means either a hire car or a slow intercity bus. This full-day trip removes that problem: hotel pickup, an air-conditioned coach, a certified guide, and a guided tour of the palace once you arrive — at the lowest entry price of any Knossos tour on this site.
The Palace of Knossos comes first. Your guide leads an English-language tour through the site, covering the architecture, the frescoes and the Minotaur and Labyrinth legend that attached itself to the ruins. Commentary on the coach is provided in English and German. From there the coach continues to Heraklion, where you have roughly four hours of free time — an unusually generous block that comfortably fits the Archaeological Museum, the old town and lunch.
Read the exclusions before you book. The tour price covers transport and guiding only: Knossos is €20, the Archaeological Museum is €20, the audio whisper system is €2, and food is your own. Bring cash. Bring your passport or ID card too — reduced admission applies to under-25s and over-65s, and you will be asked to prove it. The tour runs rain or shine.
Highlights
- Be transported back to Minoan times as you stroll through the Palace of Knossos
- Marvel at intricate frescoes and architecture at the Knossos palace complex
- Get a feel for the local culture in the narrow streets of Heraklion's Old Town
- Explore the port city of Heraklion at your own pace, stopping where you want
- Discover Minoan art, artifacts, and culture at Heraklion Archaeological Museum
What's Included
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off
- ✓ Transportation
- ✓ Special Guide
Not Included
- Museum entry ticket: €20
- Knossos Palace entry ticket: €20
- Whispers 2€
- Food and drinks
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Comfortable clothes
- Cash
Good to Know & Caveats
- We never use double-decker buses
- This tour will take place rain or shine
- It is 20€ for the Palace of Knossos and 20€ the museum
- Take your passport or ID card for any discounts ( -25 or 65+ years)
- There is no pick up from Georgioupolis, Kavros, Petres, Gerani
Not Suitable For
- People with mobility impairments
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in the Rethymno area — no pickup from Georgioupolis, Kavros, Petres or Gerani.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 304 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
The guide was very welcoming and explained the history of the island as we rode to our first destination. Her English was very good and clear to understand. The bus was very comfortable as the bus driver was playing classic Cretan music and the airconditioning worked well. The history of Crete is very interesting. The palace was really cool to see and we ate lunch there aswell. Then we left to go to Heraklion which is a very nice city. We did some sightseeing by going to the archaeological museum and it was super interesting to see all the old things that were found on Crete. We also shopped at some of the local shops but also big chain shops like Bershka, H&M and other shops are available there. Very good tour we had a lot of fun! You won’t regret booking with this company! Very professional.
— Yana, August
Amazing host and driver. The palace was fascinating and we arrived at the perfect time of the day.
— Alannah, August
This is a fabulous day out, especially if you're interested in history and culture. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and gave brilliant value for the cost of the tours. She helped to make Knossos feel truly magical. In fact, the drive there across the mountains and coastline was worth the tour fee on its own - Crete is a beautiful island! We strongly recommend this tour. Whilst you're in Heraklion, also check out the fort museum...!
— Samantha, July 29
Frequently Asked Questions
What is not included in the price?
Entrance fees and food. Knossos costs €20, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum €20, and the whisper audio system €2. Bring cash for all three.
Which areas are picked up?
Hotels in the Rethymno area. There is no pickup from Georgioupolis, Kavros, Petres or Gerani — check your hotel is on the route before booking.
Can I get a discount on the entrance fee?
Yes, if you qualify. Reduced admission applies to travellers under 25 and over 65, but you must show a passport or ID card at the ticket booth.
How much free time is there in Heraklion?
Around four hours. That is enough for the Archaeological Museum with time left for the old town, a meal or the harbour — the most generous free block of any Knossos day trip in this comparison.
Does the tour run in bad weather?
Yes. The operator runs it rain or shine, so bring a layer in shoulder season — Knossos is an open site with very little shelter.
