Rethymno & Palace of Knossos from Chania, Chania

Discover Crete's aristocratic seaside town of Rethymno, the island’s intellectual and cultural capital, and enjoy a tour of the ancient Palace of Knossos. With your private guide leading the way, you'll explore Rethymno's picturesque old town and enjoy a tour of the city's Venetian Fortezza. As you meander Rethymno's charming and cobbled Old Town, your guide will share stories of the city's history and culture.

On your way to the Venetian Fortezza, you'll pass important sites and monuments, like the Porta Guora, Neratze Mosque, and the 17th-century Rimondi Venetian Fountain. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. You can wander around the town's lively Venetian harbor, check out the 19th-century lighthouse, or take a sunset stroll along the sandy Rethymno Beach.

Your final stop is the 3,500-year-old Minoan Palace of Knossos, a sprawling maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, storerooms, and workshops. As the Minoan civilization's foundation, many believe that this Bronze Age site is Europe's oldest city. Your guide will help you understand the history and mythology of the Minoan civilization, including the famous stories about the labyrinth, the mythical Minotaur, and Theseus' trick that killed the beast with the help of Ariadne.