Heraklion and Knossos Palace Tour with free time in Rethymnon
Excursions & day trips

Heraklion and Knossos Palace Tour with free time in Rethymnon

4.3/5
Excellent
Based on 45 reviews
from
£75.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Printed ticket only
Duration: more than 8 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • You'll visit Knossos Palace, home to one of Europe's earliest civilizations
  • There's a visit to the resort of Rethymnon on the agenda, where you'll have some free time
  • A guided walking tour of the highlights Heraklion's history-steeped streets is on the agenda
  • You'll can check out the royal apartments and throne room at the Palace of Knossos
  • Your local guide will tell you all about Crete's history during this guided tour
What to expect

Thought to be the cradle of Europe's first civilization, the UNESCO-listed Palace of Knossos is one of the most important ancient sites in Crete. Let an expert bring history to life as you explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem. This trip also includes free time in the resorts of Rethymnon, plus a tour of the Cretan capital, Heraklion. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Minoans were very advanced, and the Palace of Knossos showcases architectural techniques such as multi-storey buildings and a sophisticated drainage system that were ahead of their time.'

You'll start the morning in Rethymnon's maze of colourful streets, where you can browse the shops, find a little cafe or head down to the harbour. Curving around the small bay, Rethymnon harbour is as pretty as it is old. The views of the Venetian-era Fortezza and out to sea are a delight. Next up is Crete's capital, Heraklion. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city's best bits, such as the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia. There'll be some free time to explore at your own pace, too.

Last but by no means least, the last stop of the day is a guided visit of the Palace of Knossos. Admire treasures like the throne room, royal apartments, and the fabulous frescoes. The ancient frescoes are particularly impressive, depicting scenes of everyday life, religious rituals, and mythical creatures. You'll also experience the Labyrinth, where legend has it, the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as the Minotaur lurked.

Read more
What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Admission fees
  • check Mobile app with city map, audiovisual cultural content and other points of interest
What to remember
  • Knossos App allows guests to see a 360º and 3D view of the archaeological site
  • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
  • Some entrance fees and optional extras are payable locally
  • Food and drinks not included
  • Bring your passport or official EU identification
Read more
Provider
TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA, with Tax Number 094469778 and Travel License Number 0261Ε60000126100
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.3/5

Based on 45 reviews from verified customers

44%
44%
9%
2%
0%

Review categories

Value for money

4.3/5

Staff

4.2/5

Service

4.2/5

Safety

4.2/5

  • M

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled with a group of friends

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Tour guide was superb so knowledgeable on her greek history. Enjoyed every moment.

  • Deb

    From United Kingdom - July 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Ilse

    From United States of America - July 2025

    25 - 34 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Scott johnston

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    The guide for the day, Samantha, was very knowledgeable and able to communicate the story of Cretes myths and legends very well. Only down side was le ...

  • Trisha

    From United States of America - June 2025

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Knossos was very hot and there could have been more opportunities for shaded sitting down at the palace . The guide Martha was extremely knowledgeable ...

  • Mieke

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Solo traveller

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    De gids Marta wist heel veel. Ze bleef ons boeien over de mythologie en geschiedenis van Rethmynon, Heraklion en Knossos. Vooral over Knossos wist ze ...

You might also like

Nat Geo Day Tour: Discover Cretan Farm Life
Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: Discover Cretan Farm Life

Small-scale, family-run farms are integral to the Mediterranean diet that Crete is so famous for. A local family will welcome you to their Mitato, a small farmhouse, where you'll be greeted with the genuine warmth of Cretan hospitality. Listen to the local farmer tell the intriguing tale of King Minoas who watched from his observatory, and alerted locals to incoming pirates. Greetings over, it's time for a hands-on bread-making lesson, learning the techniques for typical Cretan bread, made with wheat and barley flour. Then, witness their cheese-making skills using goat's milk from the farm. Next, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, helping out with daily farm tasks like feeding the goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and tending to the gardens. The adventure continues with a snail hunt over the mountainside, exclusive to National Geographic travellers, peeking under rocks, and among shrubs and flowers. As the day unfolds, your collected treasures, including snails, eggs, fruit, and vegetables, become the ingredients for lunch. Alongside the family, you'll prepare a feast of local delicacies, all made from the products of your day's work. Finish off the experience with a taste of Crete's spirit, Raki, and why not sing along to their traditional Cretan ‘Mantinades,' - traditional Cretan couplets that express sentiments about Cretan daily life.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion
Excursions & day trips

Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion

'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city centre. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

4x4 off-road tour of Crete’s mountains with taverna lunch
Activities

4x4 off-road tour of Crete’s mountains with taverna lunch

Get ready to go off-road on this adrenaline-pumping 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. Explore the more rural parts of Crete and the beautiful nature as you voyage through the mountains on this small group tour.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr, nl 

Heraklion and Knossos Palace Tour with free time in Rethymnon
Excursions & day trips

Heraklion and Knossos Palace Tour with free time in Rethymnon

Thought to be the cradle of Europe's first civilization, the UNESCO-listed Palace of Knossos is one of the most important ancient sites in Crete. Let an expert bring history to life as you explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem. This trip also includes free time in the resorts of Rethymnon, plus a tour of the Cretan capital, Heraklion. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Minoans were very advanced, and the Palace of Knossos showcases architectural techniques such as multi-storey buildings and a sophisticated drainage system that were ahead of their time.'You'll start the morning in Rethymnon's maze of colourful streets, where you can browse the shops, find a little cafe or head down to the harbour. Curving around the small bay, Rethymnon harbour is as pretty as it is old. The views of the Venetian-era Fortezza and out to sea are a delight. Next up is Crete's capital, Heraklion. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city's best bits, such as the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia. There'll be some free time to explore at your own pace, too.Last but by no means least, the last stop of the day is a guided visit of the Palace of Knossos. Admire treasures like the throne room, royal apartments, and the fabulous frescoes. The ancient frescoes are particularly impressive, depicting scenes of everyday life, religious rituals, and mythical creatures. You'll also experience the Labyrinth, where legend has it, the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as the Minotaur lurked.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Family tour to the mountains of Crete with Mythological Park
Activities

Family tour to the mountains of Crete with Mythological Park

This action-packed day brings the essence of Crete to life for all the family. Discover Greek mythology as you explore scenic mountain trails on an off-road adventure leading to the Lassithi plateau. There's a chance to have a go at making ceramics and a visit to the Mythological Park, too. Katerina, one of our expert local guides, enthusiastically says, ‘Lassithi plateau is a personal favourite on this tour. You'll be greeted by the sight of dozens of windmills that dot the landscape. They were built in the 19th century to grind grain, and are now a symbol of the region.'Kick off on a trail which climbs into the mountains to reach the first stop at the Aposelimi dam. From here we'll make our way to a viewpoint where we can see across the Lassithi plateau, a high, fertile plain that legend states was the birthplace of Zeus.Rumbling down to the plateau, we'll head to a ceramics workshop and olive oil producer. It's a fun stop for the kids who will have plenty of time to have a go at making their own pottery creations. Next up is the Mythological park, where you'll find out all about ancient Greek myths - the special lighting and sound effects alongside the audio tour make the park enjoyable for all ages. Round off the day with lunch in a taverna, before calling in at the village of Krassi, which is famous for a 2,000-year old plane tree and has a natural spring water source.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr, nl 

Full-day tour of Loutro Village with a typical Cretan lunch
Excursions & day trips

Full-day tour of Loutro Village with a typical Cretan lunch

Accessible only by boat, Loutro is an idyllic seaside village where you can completely disconnect. Journey from Sfakia to Loutro by boat for a day of exploration at your own pace, enjoying lunch at a local taverna and time to recline under the bright Cretan sun. Rena, one of our local guides, says, ‘Loutro is the hidden jewel of southern Crete, a magical place of unbelievable blue, light blue, almost green crystal-clear water – and with no sign of cars or traffic.'This exclusive excursion kickd of with a scenic drive to Sfakia, stopping along the way at Askifou plateau for a Greek coffee overlooking the majestic White Mountains. Then, you'll hop into a boat for the quick 20-minute mini-cruise to Loutro – a remote picturesque fishing village with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Here, you'll have plenty of free time to stroll along its cobbled streets, admiring whitewashed houses straight from a postcard. It's also a great opportunity to grab a souvenir and help the local economy.Plus, there's a lunch at a traditional family-owned seafront taverna overlooking the bay, savouring what Rena calls ‘the aromas of the south'. You'll enjoy tasting specialities from the region such as cheese pie, fried courgettes, Cretan salad and more, washed down with local wine. Afterwards, you can recline on the beach, take a dip in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea and watch the world go by. With no traffic, it's your chance to unwind in peaceful surroundings.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, pl 

Tour of western Crete with winery and olive oil estate
Excursions & day trips

Tour of western Crete with winery and olive oil estate

From quality local produce to postcard-perfect beaches, western Crete has it all. This full day tour showcases the area's best bits, with wine tasting at Karavitakis Winery, sampling organic olive oil at the Biolea Estate and relaxing on Falassarna beach. Vasso, one of our expert local guides, says: ‘This is one of my favourite excursions, as it gives a good taste of many aspects of Cretan scenery, lifestyle and monuments. You get to visit an olive oil factory and a winery that produces some of the best wines in Crete'.The day starts with some viticulture on a guided tour of the family-run Karavitakis Winery. Delight your taste buds by sampling local wine and tasty snacks at the state-of-the-art visitor centre. Next, you'll head for lunch to a traditional Cretan restaurant by the sea, where food is prepared using locally sourced products. Plus, you'll have some time to relax on the blond sands of blissful Falassarna beach, which, says Vasso, ‘has been voted as one of the best beaches in Europe several times'.You'll then be taken to the Biolea Estate, a family-owned olive oil factory that specialises in the artisan production of organic olive oil. Find out everything you need to know about olive oil production, from how the olives are grown to how the oil is pressed and then bottled. What's more, your visit contributes to a local business and helps the wider island economy.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Western Crete tour with Agia Triada Monastery and Chania
Excursions & day trips

Western Crete tour with Agia Triada Monastery and Chania

This tour takes in the historic Agia Triada Monastery, a guided tour of Chania and time to unwind at Crete's only natural lake. Angeliki, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Agia Triada offers a glimpse into Crete's rich cultural heritage. It was built during the Venetian period and boasts an impressive array of frescoes and religious artefacts. The monastery is an oasis of tranquillity, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.'After exploring the monastery, you'll head up to the Hill of Prophet Elias, also known as Profitis Ilias, to soak up the insta-worthy views here. Then, you'll continue to Chania, one of Crete's most appealing port towns. Steeped in history and renowned for its atmospheric Venetian harbour, you'll explore its narrow streets on a guided tour. You'll also have the chance to shop along the famous ‘Leather Lane' and enjoy some free time to stroll around the harbour or delve further into the old town.To round off the tour, we'll visit Lake Kournas, a jewel of a freshwater lake surrounded by hills. The lake is home to a wide range of wildlife, including turtles and a variety of bird species. You'll have free time to explore, take a swim in the limpid waters, or enjoy a walk around the lake. Angeliki says, ‘Local myths claim that the lake is bottomless, but science has intervened and in fact it's only 22.5 metres deep.'

free cancellation
Available in:

en, pl 

Flavours of Crete 4x4 tour with monastery and winery visits
Activities

Flavours of Crete 4x4 tour with monastery and winery visits

The rugged mountaintops, sun-kissed plains and rustic villages of Crete are the stars of this 4x4 tour. Go off-road with visits to a winery, Halepa Monastery and an olive oil producer. Katerina, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘A winery owner in Panormos will welcome you before leading a tour and tasting experience. You also find out about Cretan olive oil – another staple of local cuisine. Your hosts will help you unravel the secrets behind why Cretans live longer than the average Greek.'First up, we'll hop into our 4x4s and head to a family-run winery in Panormos. Enjoy a guided visit and learn about indigenous Cretan grape varieties such as vidiano, vilana and kotsifali. These grapes are well-suited to the island's climate and soil, resulting in unique flavour profiles. After a tasting, we'll rumble through the traditional villages of Dafnedes, Apladiana and Agridia towards Garazo church. This place dates back to the 13th century. Panoramic mountaintop views make it a great place to snap some epic photos.The rest of the morning is spent driving by sprawling vineyards en route to visit a traditional olive mill. Learn all there is to know about the ancient versus modern harvesting and production of olive oil on the island, and try some for yourself. Finally, you'll experience Cretan hospitality with a meal of tasty local dishes in the village of Melidoni before heading back to Rethymnon.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Sunset safari 4x4 tour in Crete
Activities

Sunset safari 4x4 tour in Crete

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a Cretan sunset, but nothing quite beats a 4x4 safari into the White Mountains as day turns to night. You'll rumble down unchartered tracks to places few visitors go – stopping for plenty of photos along the way – and toast in the evening with a wine-tasting session in a winery.

free cancellation
Available in:

en