Top Heraklion Half-day Tours

Uncover the mysteries of the ancient Minoan civilization on this private, half-day tour of Heraklion highlights. Explore the magnificent Knossos Palace, home to King Minos and legends of the Minotaur, and visit a world-class archaeological museum featuring artifacts dating back to 5000 BC. See the contrast of ancient and modern Crete with some free time in the port town of Heraklion, and enjoy personalized attention from your guide along the way. Entrance fees to Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum at your expense.

Enjoy this 6-hour West Crete Tour at village Fodele, Rethimnon and Arkadi. Discover and learn the ancient history and medieval places.

Wandering around a city can be done either like a tourist or like a local. We offer the local version with a deeper info on the history and tradition of this city. Inside info you will not listen on other tours, walking slowly and discussing questions on monuments.

Crete’s rich gastronomic palette is greatly influenced by the history. Due to its location in the heart of the Mediterranean it is at the crossroads of rich and versatile cultures. Balanced local cuisine combines seasonal ingredients that reflect the diversity of the fertile land of Europe’s southernmost point. During this tour you will visit: GREEK COFFEE: In one of the oldest shops on Heraklion’s bazaar street, you will learn about the tradition of roasting, grinding, brewing and serving Greek coffee. TRADITIONAL BAKERY: Meet the unique features of Cretan baking and try some traditional products. CHEESE SHOP: Tasting of traditional cheese varieties. HEALING HERBS: We will tell you about the unique spices and medicinal herbs of Crete. WINE SHOP LIRARAKIS: A great opportunity to get acquainted with the producers of branded wine, learn the basics of wine-making and taste 5 different wines. TAVERN: Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in one of the traditional taverns.

At the desired time, an experienced English-speaking professional driver will pick you up from your accommodation in a private vehicle ready to immerse you into the Greek culture and lifestyle. If you are a history lover, get ready to travel back in time on this full-day tour. Knossos Palace is the biggest Minoan Palace of Crete. The archaeological museum is one of the most significant museums in Greece and its collections come mostly from central and eastern Crete and cover a span of 5.500 years. You will also have the chance to visit Koules Fortress that dominates the entrance to the Venetian Harbour of Heraklion. The Venetians called it "Sea Fortress", but today it is known by its Turkish name, Koules. Our drivers are not licensed to accompany you into the sights, but are very knowledgeable of the places visited and will provide all the necessary historical information and their local perspective. At the end of the tour, your driver will drop you off at your accommodation.

Embark your special vehicle and start your tour. During this tour you will be taken back 4,000 years to the time of the oldest civilization in Europe. The Minoan Palace of Knossos, centre of the Minoan Civilization, will leave you breathless as you wonder over the technology and facilities of that period. After this fascinating tour, you will board your special vehicle onto Heraklion, the capital town and business centre of Crete which is a colorful and lively place. Sightseeing tour along Heraklion’s city walls, the Venetian harbour, the Byzantine Saint Titus church and the Lions Square with the former Morosini fountain. In Heraklion you have the choice to either enjoy a guided tour through the extraordinary Archaeological Museum, viewing the unique items from the Minoan culture or spend free time in town to browse at the shops in the centre.

Explore the highlights of Heraklion with a local guide. This half-day tour is customizable and includes transportation for up to four people—a great way to see the city on your own schedule. Visit the Palace of Knossos, Nikos Kazantzakis’ grave, the Old Venetian Harbor, Central Market, and more. Your guide can also suggest activities according to your interests.

This two-part tour includes access to two of Crete’s popular attractions. First, visit the Palace of Knossos, an ancient labyrinth-like complex with more than 1,200 rooms surrounding an enormous courtyard. Then tour the Heraklion Archaeological Museum with its expansive collection of Minoan art. Since this is a private tour, you can explore each location at your own pace.

Tour at traditional village St. Barbara, Gortis, Festos, Agia Triada and Matala

Combine a visit to two of Cretan wineries and a delicious meze style meal at a lovely traditional tavern where you will enjoy both the local food and wine. Simultaneously you will learn all about the food and wine culture in Crete with tips on Greek gastronomy. This tour is ideal for foodies, adventure types, wine lovers and anyone who wants to try a complete gastronomic experience in Crete.

Tour at Lassithi plateau.

Experiencing Crete’s traditional rural lifestyle and villages independently is difficult without a hire car or the time to meet and chat with locals. This trip lays it all on for you: with a tour of various villages to uncover their daily life; a string of food tastings and cultural insights; and a home-cooked Cretan lunch conjured up by a local host. Rethymno and Heraklion hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Explore Greek history and culture in East Crete on this guided excursion. After a convenient pickup from select hotels, enjoy a transfer on a comfortable bus to Knossos, Europe’s “oldest city” that is home to the legendary palace of King Minos. Then, visit the Bronze Age ruins of Malia Palace and Agios Nikolas and stop by the villages of Krisa and Elounda.

Tour at traditional village Skalani and winery at Peza, Knossos, cathedral church of St. Minas and central market of Heraklion.

Enjoy good sailing, clear tropical waters, warm sun and snorkeling at Dia island. This sailing trip is the perfect way to experience the island from another perspective – the sea.