Highlights of Crete-Tour to Knossos Lasithi Rethymno&Chania

Key Points

• Two-day private tour with a maximum of 7 participants offers an intimate experience of Crete’s top sights.
• Visit famous sites including Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, Rethymno, and Chania.
• Includes transportation in a comfortable Mercedes Benz Van with an English-speaking driver guide.
• Taste authentic Cretan olive oils at a family-run mill and explore traditional pottery in Psychro village.
• Flexible pick-up options from major locations like Heraklion and surrounding areas; not suitable for wheelchair users or those in Chania.
• Price of $1,418 per group up to 7 makes this a personalized and comprehensive way to see Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Crete’s Cultural and Natural Highlights in Two Days

This private 2-day tour offers a detailed exploration of Crete’s most iconic landmarks and scenic spots. For a flat fee of $1,418 for up to 7 people, travelers enjoy exclusive transportation and personalized attention from an English-speaking driver guide. The tour covers famous archaeological sites, breathtaking landscapes, and charming towns, providing a well-rounded sample of Crete’s diverse appeal.

While the itinerary includes numerous stops, it balances sightseeing with cultural experiences, making it ideal for those who want an in-depth look without the hassle of self-driving. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it requires comfortable shoes and clothes, given the walking and outdoor nature of many visits.

Visiting the Iconic Knossos Palace

The tour’s highlight is the visit to Knossos Palace, one of the most-visited archaeological sites in Crete. As the center of the Minoan civilization, Knossos offers insights into one of Europe’s earliest advanced cultures. The guided exploration allows visitors to walk through the remarkable ruins and soak in stories about the palace’s history and legends.

Expect to spend approximately 1.5 hours at Knossos, where shopping and sightseeing opportunities are available nearby. The entrance fee of 15 euro per person is not included in the tour price. A licensed tour guide for Knossos is available at an optional additional cost of 100 euro per group.

Scenic Drive to Lasithi Plateau and Village Pottery

Before reaching the archaeological site, the tour takes a scenic drive through Crete’s countryside. Travelers pass olive groves and vineyards, with stunning views of the Dikti mountain range. This drive highlights the island’s diverse terrain and agricultural traditions.

The tour includes a visit to a family-run olive oil mill, where visitors can explore the production process from tree to bottle and sample various local olive oils. Afterwards, the journey continues to Psychro village on the Lasithi Plateau, where pottery workshops reveal ancient craft traditions dating back to the Minoan civilization.

Exploring Rethymno’s Venetian and Ottoman Heritage

On the second day, the tour visits Rethymno, a town celebrated for its well-preserved old town. Here, the narrow streets, Venetian mansions, and Ottoman-era buildings create a picturesque setting. The Fortezza fortress dominates the skyline, offering stunning views of the surroundings and housing a small archaeological museum.

The guided tour of Rethymno lasts about 1.5 hours, with options for free time to explore or enjoy local cafés. The town’s multicultural architecture and historical layers make it a captivating stop for history enthusiasts and architecture fans alike.

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Afternoon in Chania’s Historical Old Town

Following Rethymno, the tour heads to Chania, renowned for its Venetian harbor and stunning seafront. The Old Town features narrow streets, historic landmarks, and picturesque cafes, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxed wandering.

The guided walk through Chania lasts about 2.5 hours, giving visitors time to shop, sit at a café, or visit local landmarks. The town’s blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences makes it a highlight of any trip to Crete.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs from 9 pick-up locations, including major resorts and towns such as Heraklion, Malia, Rethimno, and Agios Nikolaos. The private transportation in a Mercedes Benz Van ensures comfort during the scenic drives across the island’s varied terrains.

The itinerary is flexible with scheduled breaks, photo stops, and free time, allowing travelers to soak in the landscape and culture at their own pace. The entire experience is designed for small groups, maintaining an intimate atmosphere.

Optional Add-Ons and Additional Costs

While the tour includes liability insurance and beverages like coffee, water, spirits, and wine, some expenses are not included. The entrance fee for Knossos and the licensed guide at the site are optional extras, with costs of 15 euro and 100 euro per group, respectively.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and outdoor exploration. Pets, smoking, unaccompanied minors, and food or drinks inside the vehicle are not allowed.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This private tour is perfect for those seeking a personalized experience of Crete’s archaeological sites, scenic landscapes, and historic towns. The small group setting fosters a relaxed atmosphere, making it suitable for couples, families, or small groups of friends. The comprehensive itinerary allows a deep dive into Crete’s culture and history, with an emphasis on authentic experiences like olive oil tasting and pottery workshops.

Highlights of the Crete-Knossos, Lasithi, Rethymno & Chania Tour

This tour offers a balanced combination of ancient sites, natural scenery, and local culture. The visits to Knossos, Rethymno, and Chania provide a rich understanding of Crete’s historical layers, while the Lasithi Plateau introduces lush landscapes and traditional craftsmanship.

The scenic drives through the island’s countryside and mountain peaks are a major plus, complemented by informative guides who share stories about Crete’s flora, fauna, and history. The olive oil tasting and pottery visits add authentic, hands-on elements that deepen the connection to local traditions.

While the tour is comprehensive, it requires good walking stamina and does not accommodate wheelchair users. Travelers should also budget for additional site entrance fees and optional guided tours at Knossos. For those wanting a personalized Crete experience with expert guidance, this 2-day private tour delivers on both.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes private transportation in a Mercedes Benz Van, pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking driver guide, liability insurance, and beverages such as coffee, water, spirits, and wine.

How much does the Knossos Palace entrance fee cost?
The entrance fee for Knossos Palace is 15 euro per person, payable separately.

Can I have a licensed guide at Knossos?
Yes, the licensed guide at Knossos can be booked for an extra 100 euro per group.

What stops are included on the second day?
On the second day, the tour visits Rethymno and Chania, including guided tours, sightseeing, and free time to explore these historic towns.

Where does the tour pick up from?
Pick-up options are available from 9 locations, such as Heraklion, Malia, Rethimno, and Agios Nikolaos.

Is this tour suitable for children or unaccompanied minors?
No, unaccompanied minors are not allowed on this tour.

What should I bring?
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, clothes, and any personal essentials. Pets, smoking, and food/drinks inside the vehicle are not permitted.

What is the group size?
The tour operates as a private group with a maximum of 7 participants.

Are there any restrictions for accessibility?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How long is each day’s sightseeing?
Each day includes a mix of sightseeing, breaks, and free time, with total durations on the itinerary ranging from 1 to 2.5 hours per site, and scenic drives in between.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes with drop-offs at your chosen location from the provided list, such as Heraklion, Rethymno, or Elounda.

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