We arrive on a cruise ship on October 4 and would like to see Knossos and Heraklion and everything in between. What would be an inexpensive way to do this. We get in at 9 and leave at 6. I don't like big bus tours.
Mary
Posted by
585 posts
Buses leave from the cruise ship terminal every 30 mins. Takes about half an hour and costs a couple of Euro. I’d suggest going to Knossos first before it gets too hot and then back to Heraklion for lunch and then head to the archaeological museum. Take note of the incredibly fine gold jewelry on display - incredible craftsmanship on items thousands of years old. My favourite is the bee pendant. Also some beautiful bronze bulls heads. Unfortunately whenI was there four years ago the museum gift shop was not very inspiring but I did see some lovely replicas of the jewelry at a shop just over the road from the museum. The city itself is not particularly interesting although there are some remnants of its Venetian past. The last time I was there I walked back to the cruise terminal from the centre of town, it was brutal in the heat, about 30c (100f) in October!. I’d recommend splurging for a taxi.
Posted by
11156 posts
The Archeological Museum is well worth your time.
Posted by
Oregon
230 posts
At Knossos buy your entry ticket, then hire a guide. It may take time for the guide to accumulate their requisite number of tourists. There is no interpretive signage at the site. We had time for an ice cream while we waited. The tour takes about an hour. Then we spent another hour plus on our own. It will be very crowded, as the cruise ship tours will beat you there.
The Knossos roadside eateries are over priced cheap eats. Take bus 2 to get back to Heraklion. Get off at Eleftherias Square. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a block North of the square.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1372 posts
You can arrange for a taxi or private transfer company to meet you at the cruise ship terminal. Get off the ship as soon as you can hopefully you can get there before the organized ship tours arrive. We didn't bother with a guided tour ( I hate guides, just my phobia) Its easy to wander around the site. It can still be hot in October so its best to do early morning. Get back to central Heraklion before noon. The central area has a number of Venetian era buildings and don't miss the fortress at the entrance to the port.
Here are some images.
Heraklion https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157655935354556