rent a car or hire a guide for port of Aghios Nicolaos, Crete

[gopat]

We will be in this port from 8am to 6pm in the beginning of November. I want to visit Knossos and the Heraklion Archeological Museum and see some of the countryside. Thinking about renting a car for the day and doing it ourselves. Are there car rental agencies near the port? Does anyone have a great guide they recommend?

[iancal]

There are some car rental offices in town.

 

We rented a car for a week in Crete. No issues...in fact we found the drivers to be very good.

 

Keep in mind that you will probably end up with a standard transmission. I would book it ahead of time. Walk-ins typically get hosed on the rates.

[pembrokegail]

I had made an online reservation with Lefteris Nikiforakis ( more than a year before our visit) for a 5-6 hour tour of Crete. He was waiting for us ,with his new Mercedes car, when we got off the tender. We had 8 people--so Lefteris arranged to have another taxi follow us------I believe the other driver was George.We left to Knossos right away in order to miss the crowds--Lefteris had some special treats for us before we began our ride. He is a wealth of information about anything concerning Crete--history, culture,horticulture,agriculture, politics, music and food!!!!!!!!! He would stop by the roadside to pick some fresh herbs in order for use to smell and appreciate the nature of the island. He arranged for a guide in Knossos ( which was very helpful). the sight is amazing!!!!!!! When we met him at the car he had cold water and so more bakery treats for us!!!!!!!!. He then continued our tour with stops at the various important sights --some were historical--others were just to point out the fabulous vistas-some were off the beaten path-- a roadside stand to taste olives, olive oil with bread and feta cheese,wines & honey--but that was part of the adventure. We ended with a stop at a roadside taverna for some tastes of Cretean foods. We had the most wonderful,watermelon, honeydew, tomato & cucumber salad with feta cheese & olive oil, yougurt & thyme honey and last we had a drink of their national drink Raki-it was great!!!!!!!!!!!

This was definitely the highlight of our cruise--all the other tours in the other Greek ports did not compare to Lefteris. His charm and wit is makes him the best!!!!!!!