Tours and Trips in Heraklion

Get to know Heraklion and stop to visit the Palace of Knossos just outside the city on this open-top hop-on hop-off tour. With your unlimited-use 1-day ticket, board the open-top, double-decker bus at any of 11 stops around the city. Then, with your free city map, hop off at the stops of interest to visit attractions such as the Minoan relics at Knossos and the harborside Venetian Castle. Otherwise, stay aboard and absorb the panoramic views of the sights as you learn about Heraklion's past from the onboard audio commentary.

Discover Heraklion’s hidden sights and culinary delights on a 4-hour walking tour. With a friendly local guide, dive into the heart of the Cretan capital to experience its landmarks, hidden gems and favorite foods. See sights such as St Titus Cathedral, walk atop the Venetian town walls, and discover hidden side streets and vibrant neighborhoods. Learn about Heraklion’s history, scout out tasty treats at a market, sip on Greek coffee and savor delicious 'meze' — small appetizers — at a taverna. Numbers are limited to 12 for a more personalized experience.

Visit Elounda and ride a boat to Spinalonga Island on this day trip.  Travel to Elounda and cruise to Spinalonga in Mirabello Bay, where a Venetian fortress and old village once housed a leper colony. Explore the ruins where lepers were confined, and enjoy a swim and barbecue lunch. After docking back at Elounda, drive to Agios Nikolaos' to see its harbor and reputedly bottomless lake. Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels included.

Rewind 4,000 years to Europe's oldest civilization on a 4-hour private tour from Heraklion. After pickup from Heraklion port, travel by private minivan to Knossos, home to the ruins of a Minoan city-state. Tour the archaeological site, seeing highlights such as the Throne Room and frescoes as you learn their history. Then, after seeing Heraklion's landmarks, choose to visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum or enjoy free time for shopping. Port pickup and drop-off included.

Explore enchanting Spinalonga Island off Crete's north coast on this full-day tour. Start with a visit to the colorful mainland village of Agios Nikolaos, and then travel to the portside at Elounda. Ride a boat to the rocky island, site of an old Venetian fortress and one-time leper village. After a walking tour of the preserved buildings and streets, finish with a barbecue lunch and time for a swim before the journey back.

Uncover Greek folklore and ancient Minoan legends with this private, 4-hour tour to Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos. Hear the famous myth of Theseus and the Minotaur during a guided tour of the Minoan palace, and see highlights such as the Grand Staircase, Central Court and Throne Room. Then, uncover 5,000 years of ancient history as you explore Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the city center with your private guide. Entrance fees are not included.

What better way to experience Heraklion city than eating your way through it? Whether you are a passionate foodie or a traveler going after unique experiences, this gastronomy tour will tease your senses! Get the chance to eat unique dishes and taste Cretan flavors in places that locals prefer away from the tourist traps.

Visit the former leper colony buildings and Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island on this 8-hour tour. Sail to this rocky island, and explore the streets, houses, and ruined Venetian fortifications where lepers were confined from 1903 to 1957. Then, relax with a swim stop and barbecue lunch (own expense) before cruising back to port. Return coach transport, the boat ride to Spinalonga, and select hotel pickup and drop-off in north-coast resorts included.

Want to experience village life in Crete? Spend a day away from the island beaches and discover the charms of the Greek island hamlets instead. The 6-hour day trip includes visits to the historical Agia Triada monastery with its vineyards and olive groves, plus a stop at Koules Fortress to see the Souda Gulf. Explore the charming village of Maheria, visit a ceramic studio, and finish with lunch at a family-run tavern in the mountain foothills.

Follow in the footsteps of long-ago Minoan kings on this 5-hour Knossos Crete tour. Travel by air-conditioned coach to the archaeological site of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, and tour the remains dating to the 2nd century BC. Explore what were the royal quarters, storerooms and central court of the palace, the power base of Europe's first civilization; and hear about the mythical Minotaur that roamed a labyrinth here as your guide explains the site's history. Finish with free time for lunch and a coach tour of Crete's capital, Heraklion.

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.