Knossos Palace, Museum & Rethymno city Private Tour from Chania

1h 30m

Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization, lies 5 km southeast of Heraklion, in the valley of the river Kairatos. Crete’s most famous historical attraction, he site is considered to be the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island and is referred to as the oldest city in Europe. Knossos was first inhabited by a Neolithic settlement in the seventh century BC. It stayed inhabited for several thousands of years until it was finally abandoned in 1375 BC after its destruction, which marked the end of Minoan civilisation. In 1878, the first large-scale excavation was undertaken by the wealthy art-lover Minos Kalokairinos, while Crete was still under Turkish occupation. This was followed by the long-term excavations (1900-1913 and 1922-1930) of Sir Arthur Evans, who uncovered the whole surrounding area of Knossos.

1 hour

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the largest and most visited museums in Greece. It is also among the most important museums in Europe. It is home to artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history. The exhibitions cover a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Minoan collection contains unique examples of Minoan art, many of them true masterpieces. The Archaeological Museum is located in the centre of Heraklion and was built between 1937 and 1940 by the architect Patroklos Karantinos. It was built on a site previously occupied by the Roman Catholic monastery of Saint-Francis which was destroyed by earthquake in 1856. The colors and construction materials used in the building, are similar to certain Minoan wall-paintings.

1 hour

Rethymno is situated at the northern coast of Crete about in the middle between the two large cities Chania (58 km West) and Heraklion (79 km East). It is the only town on the island, which is built on a cape. There are two sides of Rethymno offering two styles of visit: the endless big beach and the old town with its mix of architecture and history. The large Venetian castle “Fortezza”, which dominates the city, countless orthodox and catholic churches, mosques, the old lighthouse, majestic mansions of Venetian architecture, arches and cobbled paths, which create a magical atmosphere, have inspired thousands of visitors to pause and take a picture.