Top Crete Historical Tours

Although Heraklion is the perfect base to see Crete’s cultural and architectural heritage, it’s not the only part of Crete that is worthy of a visit. On this full-day tour, discover two of the prettiest cities in Western Crete, Chania and Rethymno. Learn all about the diversity of Heraklion’s heritage, including its Venetian, Ottoman, Byzantine and ancient Greek influences.

Take a day out from Crete to visit Santorini on this day trip. Board a boat to this famous volcanic island, known for its sea-filled caldera (crater) and black cliffs. On arrival, enjoy a caldera cruise to admire the whitewashed houses perched high on the cliffs, and take an island tour to stroll along the clifftops and visit Thira and Oia. Boat transfers, transport on Santorini, and pickup and drop-off at selected Crete hotels included.

Explore with a guided group, the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa and the Dikteon Cave followed by a visit to Psychro village to meet a potter in action. Enjoy the panoramic views from Seli Ambelou Lasithi Plateau and complete your tour to the Minoan Palace of Knossos where civilization history began 4000 years ago.

Chania’s Old Town is being inhabited since the ancient ages of the Minoan Civilization from 5000BC. Since then it has always been a vivid place of prosperity and growth, influenced through the ages by the various cultures, Romans, Arabs, Jews, due to its geopolitical place in the Mediterranean Sea and those who invaded it particularly in the late years, such us the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks. We will stroll through the historic alleys and pinpoint the Byzantine and the Venetian/Ottoman Walls and Fortifications, then walk through the main streets and see the emergence of history from the Ancient Ages from the archeological excavations inside the Old Town to the Medieval and Recent Ages through the old buildings, the churches, the synagogues and the mosques. Also we will visit the Orthodox, the Muslim and the Jewish Quarter and how people lived together through times with peace or turbulence.

Make your dream come true in one of the most amazing destinations worldwide! Santorini is a small, circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km south-east from Greece's mainland. It is the most active volcanic center in the Aegean Arc, though what remains today is largely a caldera. The name Santorini was given to it by the Venetians in the 13th century and is a reference to Saint Irene. Before then it was called Kallisti, Strongili or Thera. Today, Santorini is the only inhabited Caldera (volcano cauldron) in the world. Unlike other islands in Greece, the towns and villages sit densely on top of the massive cliffs of the Caldera and from a distance appear like snow capping the towering mountain tops. The colored strata of the volcanic rock of these cliffs are spectacular in themselves: chocolate brown, rust red, yellow ochre, white and cream will never let you forget.

Exploring the locations of the Battle of Crete—an important World War II battle—without a guide could leave you with only a patchy take on this pivotal event. With this tour from Chania, learn about the battle at its key sites, hearing how Nazi forces took Crete from the Allies in 1941. Visit the Maleme airfield, monuments, and cemeteries, and discover secret shelters and sites you might miss alone.

The Knossos archeological site is an impressive collection of ruins dating back to the Bronze Age; with its immersive storytelling, this audio tour opens a portal back to that time. Once you’ve bought your ticket to the site, load up the app you’ve downloaded and follow your guide, aristocratic Yishharu, around the city’s highlights and hotspots. Explore the site at your own pace on this self-guided tour and open a new window into ancient Minoan life and culture with each new destination.

Sightsee around the scenic villages of Crete in the company of a local guide in a private luxury vehicle Choose an itinerary tailored to your interests and specifications Zero hassle! Your personal guide will arrange everything Visit the top wineries of the region to discover unique and hard-to-find wines Relax on some of the most beautiful beaches of Greece Visit archaeological sites that give an insight to a civilization lost since the remote antiquity. Sample Itinerary : The tour will start at the seaside traditional village of Armeni, and continue to the region of Alikambos, where we’ll walk in olive & citrus groves of unparalleled beauty, where the rows of fruit-bearing trees point toward the sea. Last, we’ll visit Limni Kourna, a gorgeous, untouched lake of great geological and ecological significance. After a walk by the the azure waters of the lake, you can visit the village of Kournas, the seat of the Cretan Revolution of 1866.

Rethymno’s many artisan food producers present the perfect opportunity to explore the fresh, seasonal and often plant-based cuisine of Crete. Although poor quality fare is uncommon in Rethymno, if your time on Crete is limited you’ll want to focus in on the best Cretan food in town. This tour combines Rethymno’s culinary and historic heritage to provide you with an introduction as relaxed and simple as life here.

Skip-the-ticket-line service ! Licensed tour guide (English or French) for a 90-minutes guided tour in a small group. Discover with us the Labyrinth and Palace of Knossos! Skip the long ticket line and with our expert Guides unraveling the Myths and Legends surrounding the site. Visit the Mythical Palace of Knossos of King Minos and Labyrinth home to the Minotaur Your expert tour Guide will be your personal Ariadne of Greek Mythology through this Amazing site during your visit. Safety measures in place: Up to 8 people only (masked); tour given via ‘Whispers’: an audio system that means you can hear with clarity your guide, without having to stand by their elbow.

The first references of wine and olive oil in Crete date back to 5000BC during the Minoan civilization. 7000 years later, Cretans produce wine, beer and olive oil on the same land, with the only changes the enhancement of production through technology and the optimization of crops! In this tour we will visit a winery, a beer and an olive oil factory. All three have high standards of production, marrying the old traditions with modern technology and processing. In each location we will spend around one hour touring the facilities and tasting! We can be flexible and eat in a local restaurant, visit a 5.000 year old olive tree, nearby monastery, Maleme airfield and the WW2 military cemetery! Tour times in each location can be modified depending on the travelers' starting time and the date. Before confirming each tour, we have to double check that the tours will be available. Each location has 3-4 time slots available.

Enjoy a 1-day bus excursion from Chania to Knossos. Visit the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, the city of Heraklion and more.

This Private tour in Crete is a unique opportunity to feel the Cretan hospitality You will walk at the narrow streets of old town of Rethymno, at narrow alleys, kiosks (prominent wooden windows), amateur lyres, mantinadas, smell of fresh bread from wood ovens and tsikoudia flavor. In other words, one of the latest authentic magical tour in Crete. You will visit the Lake of Kourna, that the landscape is lovely and relaxing, whether you want to go for a walk in the countryside with unique natural beauty. You will have memorable photos here. Our next stop will be at the Arkadi Monastery, as it is the most historic monastery of Crete and it has been designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument. Finally, we will reach at the most traditional village in Crete, located in picturesque green rolling hills the village is well known for its pottery, called "Margarites". Being the most important center of ceramics industry in Crete this is the must-see. The duration of the tour is 8 hours

The Real Crete: On this excursion you will have the opportunity to see many places that represent the traditional lifestyle and some historical facts of Crete. The first stop is at Melidoni Cave which is a cave full of history and dates back to Neolithic Period based on tools and items found it the cave. The second stop is at the village of Margarites. Margarites is famous for its pottery that goes back many generations. The third stop is at the Museum of Eleftherna before you get to the Arkadi Monastery. The Arkadi Monastery is the oldest monastery in Crete. You then continue on the village of Apostoli. Here you will visit an old olive oil factory and see how the production of our olive oil is made. In this village you will also eat in a traditional tavern whilst enjoying the beautiful sound of live Creta music. The second last stop is at Saint Antonios Gorge for photos and finally the last stop which is the Dam known as "Fragma Potamon" which is the home of many animals and flowers.

For this excursion, you will be picked up from your hotel area by our airconditioned mini bus. The first stop is at the Spili village. You will have a chance to see a 100% traditional village with its well know lion-head fountains in the middle of the village. Walking along its cobbled streets you can explore the tourist shops which are full of traditional Cretan products. The next stop is at the amphitheatrically built village of AgiaGalini. Here will have 2,5 hrs to explore the village. The next stop is at Matala where you will have 3 hr of free time to enjoy the golden sandy beach. Matala is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its artificially carved caves that date all the way back to the Minoan period. These same caves were later occupied by a hippy commune in the late 60’s and 70’s. Many musicians have composed song about the beauty of Matala including Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens. The bus will then take you back to your hotel ending this amazing excursion.

South Trip Special This excursion begins with the traditional village of Spili. Here you will have enough time to explore the village and have a look at the Venetian fountain ‘kefalovrissi’ with 19 lion heads. Passing through the extravagant scenery of the Kroutaliotiko Gorge you reach the Preveli Monastery. After Preveli Monastery the next stop is the Palm Beach of Preveli. From the top you will see one of the most breathtaking views of the blue waters combined with the lagoon and palm forest. You then continue to walk down the steps where you will end up on the best and palm forest. Here you will have about 2 hours of free time to soak it all in before continuing to Damnoni. The boat will take you from Preveli to Damnoni where you will have a break for lunch or refreshments. Damnoni is also an amazingly beautiful place and has an organized beach. When this incredible excursion ends you will be taken back to your Hotel area.

Cover much more ground than you can on foot when you take a guided bike tour through Chania. This comprehensive tour is an ideal choice for your first day in the city, or if you only have a short time to visit. Bike at a relaxing pace and discover the beauty of the city. Cycle through the Old City and Harbor, seeing the Egyptian Lighthouse, Jewish Synagogue, Temple of Aghios Rokkos, and more.

Discover the more hidden and unexplored part of Chania on this unique segway tour. This fun-filled experience takes you to incredible Splantzia: away from the crowded streets of the harbor. Explore narrow alleys, historic Turkish monuments, churches and gaze over stunning views from the Eastern Venetian harbor. Glide beyond the Venetian walls to discover sandy Kum Kapi beach, surrounded by cafes and bars.

Immerse yourself in Crete's culture with this journey from Patsos. Throughout the course of your day, you'll visit the pottery village of Margarites Gorge and the Eastern Orthodox Monastery of Arkadi before heading over to the beautiful St. Anthony Gorge for a bit of hiking. You'll then stop for a traditional tavern lunch before heading back.

On this tour you will have the chance to explore the Cretan genuine culture and customs. We will start by visiting, a not so known, monastery of the region of Mylopotapos. After 10 min drive we will meet Andreas, a Cretan shepherd. We will discuss about his daily habits and taste his homemade raki with some "meze". Learn the specific procedure of Cretan beekeeping interactively by providing special uniforms and trying honey straight from the honeycomb. Feel the hospitality of Mr. Andreas, but also his wife Ms. Eleni by having a traditional Cretan homemade lunch in their house. On the way to Apladiana, you will pass through orange trees, so you can cut an orange with your bare hands and enjoy its freshness! Walk through Apladiana, where our guide will explain all the small details about Cretan weddings. It is an original experience for a life time!

You start our day visiting the most important archaeological site on Crete and the second most visited archaeological site of the country, the Minoan palace of Knossos, the mythical Labyrinth of Homer. Concentrating on the prehistoric era of the island, revealing its unique historic course and penetrating into its ancient prehistoric cult, arts and ritual practices, you will be visiting an amazing area of 22,000sq meters. Your journey into prehistoric times is being completed with visiting the biggest prehistoric collection of artifacts in Greece, the archaeological museum of Heraklion, where you can see at close range all treasures from all Minoan palaces and other Minoan areas excavated on Crete. This tour can be delivered with a minimum number of 10 guests.

Join us for a day that will introduce you to authentic Crete… Join us for an unforgettable trip that will offer you unique experiences, views and tastes! Feel the magic of kournas lake, enjoy the springs of Argiroupolis, have a Coffee stop with us, discover narrow paths, become one with the White Mountains, get the experience of Miriokefala monastery, visit with us the Castle of Frangokastello, taste the local cuisine and of course have a taste of Cretan wines at a Winery !

Venture into the mountains of Crete and explore a smaller island on this guided tour, which also includes a thrilling speedboat ride. First, drive into a mountainous region surrounding Crete in a safe and secure 4x4 vehicle. Pass through valleys, villages, and tour an olive oil factory along the way. Coming back, take in picturesque views of the Gulf of Mirabello and the island you're about to visit. At the village of Plaka, board a speedboat for the short ride to Spinalonga, which once served as a leper colony. Take a short tour of the island before heading back to Crete.

This Tour gives you the opportunity to Explore South Crete , away from big cities and tourist areas . We get the chance to visit a family organic winery , old traditional villages and Matala beach and caves . ACACIA TOUR MHTE1039e60000115201