Tours and Tickets to Experience Archanes

Escape the crowds and see the countryside of Crete on this adventurous safari tour with hotel pickup. Choose from a quad bike, buggy, or Jeep ATV. After a safety briefing and instruction on operation for beginners, jump on your vehicle and follow your guide around the countryside, past villages, olive groves, historic sites, and panoramic viewpoints.

Taste your way through some of Crete's top wines on this full-day, small-group tasting tour. Led by your guide, and with round-trip hotel transfers included, this tour makes it easy to head off the tourist trail and explore beyond Heraklion’s usual landmarks. Visit two top wineries, enjoy tastings with nibbles, and indulge in a 3-course meal at a gourmet restaurant.

Through this route you will discover the wild side of South Crete and will arrive at one of the best beaches of Crete with clear water Οur first stop is the village of Patsides where we will have the opportunity to know the way produced cretan honey will try traditional raki and local delicacies also we will admire the cretan Herbs and taste traditional flavors in jams and local delicacies! In the follow-through of a beautiful route We arrive at Archanes Traditional village where will have free time to know to admire the traditional architecture up close and to feel the hospitality After we will drive a amazing off road in asterousia and climb to an altitude of 850 meters Here begins to seem the wild side of South Crete and real landscapes are gorgeous and dreamy Crossing the beautiful gorge we find ourselves in one of the best beaches of Crete with clear waters Here enjoying an amazing meal and we get our swim

Skip the tourist food, and get a real taste of Crete with a tour that's created and led by locals. In a small group capped at just eight people, you'll visit two locations to sample olive oil and wine, and learn how to create some Cretan specialities with help from a local cook. Enjoy included lunch with wine and hotel transfers for a seamless experience.

Experience the epitome of personalized luxury as our expert local drivers guide you through the captivating landscapes of Central Crete. Begin your journey with an exclusive visit to the Palace of Knossos. Immerse yourself in the labyrinthine wonder of the palace ruins, appreciating the intersection of myth and history. Let our service arrange for a Private Archeologist, for an extra charge, to transport you to a bygone era, where every moment is a seamless blend of culture, history, and the unparalleled beauty of Crete. The adventure continues in the enchanting valley of Peza, where a renowned winery awaits to tantalize your taste buds with divine aromas and flavors of Cretan indigenous varieties. Next, explore the magical village of Ano Archanes, a place touched by royalty and known for its charming streets and local culinary treasures. Delight in a meal cooked with love and care, savoring the authenticity of Cretan cuisine.

Begin your journey at the Palace of Knossos, where Minoan myths and legends come to life. Explore the vibrant frescoes, the Throne Room, and the grand Central Court. Continue to a local winery nestled in the Cretan countryside, tasting exquisite wines from indigenous grapes like Vilana and Kotsifali. Learn about Crete’s olive oil production and sample premium extra virgin olive oil. End your day with a hearty meal at a traditional tavern, savoring local dishes, wine, and the warm Cretan hospitality.

Combine Cretan history and cuisine on a combo tour of Knossos Palace and tastings of local products. Tour the palace known in Greek mythology as the home of King Minos and the Minotaur, and then visit a local village to sample olive oil, wine raki, and more. Small group size limited to 12 keeps the experience more intimate.

This experience blends history, mythology, nature, and gastronomy in a single unforgettable day. You'll walk in the footsteps of the Minoans, stand beneath the sacred Mount Giouhtas where Zeus is said to rest, and taste Crete's rich agricultural heritage through private wine tastings and traditional cuisine. Led by a local expert, this tour offers exclusive access, authentic encounters, and deep cultural insight — far beyond the typical tourist path.

*** IT DOES NOT include tickets to the Knossos Archeological site or the cost of a Certified Guide to the Knossos Archeological Site. *** Experience the epitome of luxury and cultural immersion with our personalized chauffeured service in Crete. Our expert local drivers, well-versed in the region's history. Delve into the heart of Central Crete as we transport you to the enchanting Peza valley, a Minoan haven with olive groves and red soils. Indulge in a wine-tasting adventure at a local winery, savoring Cretan indigenous varieties with divine aromas. No visit is complete without exploring the magical village of Ano Archanes, a favorite of the current King of England Charles, where charming streets and old houses beckon. Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene, enjoying a carefully crafted meal in this enchanting locale. Our bespoke journey ensures you unravel the layers of Cretan history, culture, and gastronomy in the lap of luxury.

Although Crete is full of olive wood trees there are only a few olive wood working workshops in the whole area. In our workshop you will experience how a piece of firewood is turned into a toy, a utilitarian object or a piece of art.

Step Into Myth & Flavor – Discover the Real Crete. Explore the legendary Palace of Knossos, home of King Minos and the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, with skip-the-line access and a small-group experience for a personal touch. Then, venture off the beaten path to uncover Crete’s hidden gems—sacred sites, stunning landscapes, and rich local traditions. Savor the island’s authentic flavors with tastings of olive oil, wine, raki, and fresh products from the “Garden of Zeus.” Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Crete with all five senses.

This tour was created for nature and wine lovers. Would you like to learn all about locally produced products such as Wine, Olive oil, and Famous Raki? This tour has been created just for you. Be open to tasting local wines, and exploring rural Crete this tour it's for you. We visit one family winery in the Heraklion area where we take a tour of the cellar of the winery, learn how different wines are made, and then taste up to 5 different indigenous varieties. We will visit a family-run olive mill, having an olive grove tour, olive mill tour, and olive oil tasting. Finally, we will drive to a small village and to an undisclosed location, not open to the public, and learn all about Raki Distillation. At the end of the tour, we will get on our 4WD SUV and head to the mountain top at 850 meters to observe the Cretan fields from the top and the beautiful colors created on Mother Earth.

Self-driving on a wine tour is never the best idea. An expert is your designated driver on this intimate door-to-door tour of the Heraklion Valley, so you can relax and enjoy the tastings to the fullest. You'll explore two wineries (Lyrarakis and Paterianakis), meet the winemakers, and taste their wines, then enjoy an authentic Cretan lunch with wine and raki at a taverna in pretty Archanes village.

Discover the Wines of Crete: Lyrarakis & Titakis Wineries with Lunch in Archanes Join a small-group half-day tour through Crete’s celebrated Peza Valley and visit two of its most iconic family-run wineries—Lyrarakis and Titakis. Taste 10 premium wines made from rare indigenous grape varieties, explore vineyards and cellars, and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions. Finish your experience with a full-course Cretan lunch in the charming village of Archanes. Ideal for wine lovers, foodies, and curious travelers looking for an authentic taste of Crete beyond the beaches. ✅ Small group (max 7) ✅ Guided wine tastings at both wineries ✅ Traditional Cretan lunch included ✅ Round-trip transfers from Heraklion Prefecture

Time Travel with Knossos: Dive into the captivating history of Knossos Palace, immersing yourself in the tales of ancient civilizations that once graced this extraordinary site. Pedal through history and nature on our comfortable ecobikes, minimizing your environmental impact while enjoying a unique adventure. Wander off the tourist trail and embrace the tranquility of Cretan landscapes, connecting with the island's serenity as you ride. Engage with welcoming villagers, creating meaningful connections that grant you insights into both ancient traditions and modern ways of life. Witness the seamless blend of past and present as you journey from archaeological wonders to charming villages, gaining a holistic understanding of Crete's rich narrative. Choose our Ebike Tour for an experience that transcends time and place. Book now to embark an unforgettable journey through eras and landscapes.

This private day trip stands out by visiting Knossos, a local winery, and the village of Archanes—a rare combination. Tour the Knossos Archeological Site with a guide, gaining insight into the history of the former heart of the Minoan Civilization, taste local wines at a family-owned winery, and have lunch of Cretan dishes in a traditional tavern before returning to your accommodations.

A Certified Guide for Knossos Palace is NOT INCLUDED What sets this tour apart is its **soul**—not just the stops, but the *why* behind them. In just one carefully crafted day, you get a full bite of Crete: its sacred flavors, its living crafts, its wine-soaked hospitality, and its ancient myths. We don’t rush. We don’t overpack. We do it the old Cretan way—slow, generous, and real. You’ll taste olive oil from groves where the trees are older than some civilizations. You’ll meet a potter whose hands remember secrets passed down for generations. You’ll drink wines born from volcanic soil and eat a village lunch the way locals do on a Sunday. And finally, you’ll walk in the footsteps of kings and legends at Knossos. No staged folklore, no touristy fluff—just the Crete we love, shared with you the way it was always meant to be: with heart, time, and good company.

Day 1: Heraklion to Archanes and Kyparissos Hop on your e-bike and set off towards the enchanting village of Archanes, nestled amidst olive groves and vineyards. Explore the cobblestone streets of Archanes, known for its traditional architecture and lively atmosphere. Continue our journey towards the picturesque village of Kyparissos Day 2: Choudetsi, Kounavoi, and Knossos Palace On the second day of our e-bike tour, venture into the heart of Crete's countryside, where hidden treasures await. Start our day with a visit to the village of Choudetsi, known for its vibrant music scene and cultural heritage. Continue our journey to Kounavoi, a village steeped in history and tradition. Discover the stories of ancient civilizations as we pedal through the scenic countryside, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Conclude our tour with a visit to the legendary Knossos Palace, the crown jewel of Minoan civilization.

Embark on a memorable journey through Crete, combining history, local flavors, and breathtaking landscapes. Start with a visit to the ancient Palace of Knossos, where the mysteries of the Minoan civilization come to life. Next, explore an organic olive oil estate, where you'll see the traditional First Cold Pressed method in action and taste exceptional extra virgin olive oils, including unique infusions with lemon, orange, and basil, all grown on the estate. Continue to a scenic winery nestled among vineyards and mountains, where you'll taste local Cretan wines such as Dafni, Kotsifali, and Vidiano, and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions. Finally, unwind in the picturesque village of Archanes, known for its charm and history. Enjoy a traditional homemade Cretan lunch, made with fresh, local ingredients. Book your spot now for a day of history, culture, and authentic Cretan flavors you’ll never forget!

In this tour you get in touch with the Cretan History, the famous Cretan Hospitality, the Cretan Culture and the Cretan Cuisine, which is the base of the Mediterranean Diet. With the help of our Experienced Professional Licensed Tourist Guide, who will be with you during the whole tour, you will travel back in time, as far as the 7th Millenium BC. First stop is at the Palace of Knossos. Then we visit an olive mill where you will have the experience of tasting the Cretan olive oil. Driving through the vineyards and the olive groves we will go to a pottery shop. Next stop is at a winery, where you can taste some of the best organic wines on Crete. Finally in the picturesque village of Archanes, you can enjoy a Greek coffee at a traditional kafeneion or a traditional Cretan meal at a very nice taverna. The maximum distance between each stop is approximately twenty minutes driving. With this tour you take home pleasant feelings, beautiful impressions and you look forward to come back.

*** A CERTIFIED GUIDE FOR KNOSSOS IS NOT INCLUDED *** Indulge in personalized service from our top local drivers with specialist knowledge in the comfort of a chauffeured luxury vehicle. Take in the stellar ruins and sumptuous frescoes of the Palace of Knossos, appreciating it in a way that few will have the opportunity to do. Immerse yourself in labyrinthine wonder as we transport you back to a time when myth and history were indistinguishable. Where there is culture, there is Olive Oil. Let us take you a few meters away from Knossos Palace, specifically to Skalani village. Here you will discover a Family-Owned Olive Mill in which you will taste Cretan indigenous varieties of Olive Oil with divine aromas and flavors. Enchanted by the Cretan land, its history, and its products, it is impossible not to visit the magical village of Ano Archanes with its beautiful streets and old houses. One of the few places visited by the current King of England, Charles.

Immerse yourself in the ancient marvels of the Palace of Knossos with a knowledgeable guide, uncovering its captivating myths and legends, from the labyrinth to the tale of Daedalus and Icarus. Experience the essence of Crete with a visit to a family-operated winery, where you'll sample acclaimed Cretan wines. Delight in a mouthwatering mezze-style lunch at a traditional tavern, savoring the authentic flavors of the region. Discover the charm of village life in Archanes as your local guide shares insights into its rich history and cultural heritage. Indulge in the local gastronomy with a delectable meze platter, paired perfectly with raki or wine, offering a true taste of Crete.

The Heraklion region is the heart of Crete’s winemaking tradition, boasting some of the island’s most celebrated estates. Join your private guide—a certified wine expert—for an exclusive visit to two exceptional wineries: Titakis Winery and Lyrarakis Winery. At Titakis Winery, explore the vineyards and cellars before savoring a tasting of 5 native Cretan varieties. Then, continue to Lyrarakis Winery, a pioneer in reviving rare indigenous grapes, where you’ll sample 5 premium wines showcasing the island’s unique terroir. To complete this culinary journey, enjoy a gourmet lunch at a hillside restaurant with panoramic valley views. Savor authentic Cretan dishes prepared by a local chef, paired with fine local wines. Along the way, stop at scenic gems of northern Crete, including breathtaking coastal views as you travel from Elounda to Heraklion. This private tour ensures an intimate experience, with ample time for questions, personalized attention, and unforgettable memories.