There are regular local busses going in that direction. The first stop would be Gortys and it takes 1,5 hr. than see the time schedule for to continue with the same line to Phaestos, here you can either wait to return to Heraklion or you can stay in Vori a nice village near Phaestos with the Folk art museum that was awarded by the E.U. The next day you visit the Monastery of Kaliviannis and than you return to Heraklion.
visit my site for more ideas.
Organized excursions to both sites are available at all travel agencies in Heraklion, they start in the early morning and return late afternoon, prices around 30 euro ex entrances but with archaeological guide, which is very good for understanding the sites.
Thanks for the precious info. I actually intend to do the two + Agia Triada. I understand there is a bus from Phaistos to Agia Triada and also a combined admission ticket for Phaistos+ Agia Triada. The guided tour sounds good and if I find a package for the three of them it's even better.
PS. reading again your post I want to ask if the guided excursions are by car, in other words what is included in the price: the guide only or transportation as well?
The excursions are by coach and ussually the site of Agia Triada is not included, most busses go for lunch break to Matala where the caves are. You could also hire a car, the road is very good, completely renewed. And than you are free to as much time as you want and maybe visit my other suggestions all in 1 day.
My stay on the island will be split into three legs:first leg iraklion(already reserved hotel-duration three days), secong leg, rethymnon(the same) and third leg, Chania(same reservation and time); now I was thinking of doing Anogia and possibly Zoniana cave from Rethymnon, one day, and Preveli monastery another day. and Agia Galini if I still have time.
I really don't know how I can get from Anogia to Zoniana, I belive i will find a car if there is no bus. This cave is closer to Anogia, but my interest was in the Idean Cave, I believe is far too far for one day trip.
I assume that the cave visit is guided or at least supervised.
I also visited your site.Thanks for info.
The cave of Zoniana is very nice and better accesable than Ideon Anthron. Here many people can only go a few meters inside. With Zoniana its more easy to walk inside.
Hire a car, because there are some nice villages on the road. Like Axos, Anogia, Melidoni ( also with caves) and Tylissos with Minoan excavations.
Welcome in Rethymno