Top Crete Archaeology Tours - page 2

Unlock the mysteries of ancient Crete on this unforgettable full-day tour departing from Chania! Visit two of the island’s most iconic destinations — the historic city of Heraklion and the world-famous Palace of Knossos — and experience a journey through myth, history, and vibrant modern life. Why Choose This Tour? ✔️ Comprehensive and well-paced — balancing guided experiences with free time to explore ✔️ Expert storytelling by professional licensed guides ✔️ Travel in comfort with our air-conditioned luxury buses ✔️ Ideal for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and curious travelers ✔️ Starting conveniently from Chania &Rethymnno — no need to worry about transport logistics! Follow the footsteps of ancient kings, explore one of the greatest civilizations in human history, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Crete’s capital city — all in one exciting day! Reserve your Knossos Palace & Heraklion Day Tour today and make history part of your journey!

Knossos palace is Crete’s most visited archaeological site. Discover the most well know myths about the Minotaur and the Labyrinth while walking through the history of the Minoan civilization. The first excavation of the site was conducted in 1878 by Minos Kalokerinos of Heraklion. This was followed by the long-term excavations 1900-1913 and 1922-1930) of the Englishman Sir Arthur Evans, who uncovered virtually the entire palace. While walking through the palace one can admire the Frescoes, pottery and the Throne room. This great civilization was destroyed at the explosion of the volcano of Santorini island. Come with us and our professional guide-archaelogist to learn about the history and the myths that surround this great palace.

See a side of Crete that many tourists miss with this private full-day tour to places off the tourist map. Head away from the island’s busy beaches to discover the real Crete, visiting an olive oil producer, traditional wind mills, and sleepy inland villages. The Cave of Zeus remains closed until the end of June. You have the option to enjoy a local lunch.

Go beyond Heraklion to visit the island of Spinalonga on a day trip by coach and boat. Offering an easy way to get from the city to the scenic Elounda Gulf area, this excursion covers transport direct from your hotel, a boat ride, and a barbecue lunch, along with ample free time to explore the island (entrance fee not included), Kolokitha Bay, Elounda, and postcard-perfect Agios Nikolaos.

Explore the rugged and wild side of Crete on the off-road adventure tour. Travel comfortably in a Land Rover high up into the Dikti mountain range. By going on an organized tour, you won’t have to worry about getting lost in unmarked rural areas and an experienced driver drives with confidence on the mountain roads. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious local Cretan lunch in a taverna is provided.

Enjoy a walking tour of the island of Spinalonga during a full-day excursion from Elounda to the island. Visit Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokytha, where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. Along the coast through the St. George Gorge to Elounda, a tranquil coastal resort At around 10:30, you will get on board to visit the bay and the beach of Kolokytha, a secluded haven that offers a respite from daily life. You can swim and eat a delicious BBQ on board. Then, you take the boat at around 12:45 to Spinalonga, across Mirabello bay. Spinalonga's history is complex. It was a natural barrier for Olous in Ancient Greek times, a Saracen pirate refuge, a Venetian fortification, and a Turkic settlement. You depart from Spinalonga at appr. 14:45 p.m. Transfer from/to port is not included.Clients go with get your guide code to the boat they don't need to have confirmation

Without a rental car, visiting Crete’s Palace of Knossos and capital of Heraklion in a day from Rethymnon means using cabs or local buses. This tour eliminates the hassles, with air-conditioned transport and an option to include a Knossos guide to ensure you cover the highlights and Minoan Crete’s history and legends. Plus, you get free time in Heraklion to visit its Archaeological Museum or shop and eat at leisure.

Escape the hum of bustling Crete and get into nature on this full-day trip to pristine Elafonisi, a small island famed for its beautiful pink sands. Soak up the Grecian sun as you explore this protected wildlife sanctuary, enjoying a walk on the sand or swim in the clear, azure waters. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Discover ancient Minoan history, Cretan farming culture, and magnificent island views on this full-day off-roading adventure from Heraklion. Travel in a rugged Land Rover along historic mountain trails, stopping along the way to visit the mythological Diction Cave, shepherds’ villages, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and an eco park where traditional ways of life are still practiced. Replenish your energy with an included lunch and taste of ‘raki’ liqueur at a local tavern.

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.

The whole family will enjoy this fun snorkeling activity, which is both relaxing and adventurous. With a small group of no more than ten travelers you'll be taken on a boat ride to two different snorkeling spots. Experience the difference at the open ocean and sheltered spots, both with an abundance of sea life. Snorkeling gear will be provided so you don't need to bring your own.

Visit Matala, on the southern coast of Crete, even if you don’t have a rental car, on this full-day tour. After pickup from designated locations around Crete, travel by air-conditioned bus through the Messara Plain to the former Roman burial site turned hippie enclave, where you will have free time to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, explore the caves, stroll the shops, or grab a meal.

Explore Crete’s mountains and countryside by Polaris ATV (all-terrain vehicle) on a 4-hour buggy expedition from Rethymno. Traveling on- and off-road, rumble up mountains and through gorges and shallow rivers to experience the island’s wild side. Pause for photos, visit medieval villages, look for wildlife, and stop for snacks, including coffee at a lakeside coffee house. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, with equipment, instructions, and central Rethymno or Rethymno hotel pickup included.

* Embark on this full day small group or Private tour so we can show you the real side of Crete . * Walk through the narrow streets of the old traditional villages , enjoy an iced coffee , mountain tea …… * Visit an olive oil factory , learn all about olive oil production and taste a few different ones . * Enjoy the ride with our comfortable air conditioned vehicles. * Taste a glass of Raki and some local wine while learning about local traditions, history, mythology and culture. * Visit The picturesque village of Krasi and the monumental Platanus tree . * Explore Lasithii Plateau, the Old Wind Mills and enjoy amazing views from the mountains. * Tasting a few local dishes is a must while in Crete .( OPTIONAL) * Experience the Greek Hospitality and create memories that will last a life time. * Pick up and drop off from your hotel or Heraklion cruise port .

We begin our journey at Knossos Palace, the ancient kingdom of the mighty King Minos, where legends of the Minotaur and the labyrinth come to life! As you walk among ruins full of stories waiting to be discovered, you'll sense the spirit of an extraordinary civilization. After Knossos, we adjust the tour based on your mood. • Hungry for more history? Let's visit the Archaeological Museum! • Want to explore Crete’s vibrant capital, Heraklion? We'll take a pleasant walk through its lively city center. • Curious to explore a traditional village? Let's head to Archanes, known for its picturesque streets and charming architecture. It's also famous for its vineyards, making it the perfect spot for a local winery tour. Want to do something different? Just let us know in advance or on the spot, and we'll offer you all the options to match your desires so you can decide where to go next. One thing's for sure – we'll do our best to ensure you're satisfied throughout the entire itinerary!

Instead of tying yourself to a large group tour with a rigid itinerary, take your time exploring the ancient Minoan capital of Knossos with this private audio tour. Visit the remarkable Palace of Knossos and many other highlights of this archeological site, including South Propylaeum and the West Magazines. Leave the guidebooks behind and learn about the culture and lifestyles of people living in Minoan Crete from your audio guide.

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.

Take this trip to find out and enjoy a breathtaking view. Begin with a guided tour to the traditional olive mill and learn all about the process of olive oil production. Grab the opportunity to taste one of the healthiest olive oils, straight from the source of production. Continue with a visit at the theme park of Greek mythology and the Minoan civilization! It is an approach with the utmost respect for the Minoan civilization, Greek mythology, and rural life in Crete 100 years ago. After your exploration, optionally make a stop to Lasithi plateau to find the ideal place to relax. The orthodox Panagias monastery, is worth a visit. Admire the mesmerizing architecture in the stone-built Byzantine church. Lastly, we are taking you to the picturesque and charming village of Krasi. This traditional village is famous for its old plane tree, 2000 years old! Relax and recharge with a view; we are finally having lunch at a picturesque traditional tavern, with some wine and local dishes.

Enjoy some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches without the self-drive hassles on this guided small-group tour. Travel direct from your door to Kissamos, where you board a boat for Balos Beach and Lagoon, then savor the soft white sands. Next, ride a boat to Gramvousa Island (own expense), swim in the clear waters, and opt to hike to the 16th-century fortress. Your guide will drop you directly to your door.

With a minibus your Eye Travel guide shows you the Spinalonga island and other interesting places. Our first stop is in Agios Nikolaos where we have a fantastic view over the "Bottomless lake". You have some free time for a coffee, shopping and a stroll along the most eastern main city of Crete. After passing Elounda it is time for SPINALONGA, the last leper colony of Europe. A typical Cretan fishing boat brings you to the island, this takes no more than 10 minutes. On the island you make a tour. After finishing the trip on Spinalonga, a fishing boat brings you back to the small village of Plaka. Plaka is a tiny harbor, so the unique opportunity to eat fresh fish. After our lunch we are heading to an olive oil factory. You get a guided tour through the factory. All facts about olive oil, the pressing methods and grades of olive oil are explained. At the end of the tour you can taste different olive oils and other local products.

Discover the rugged landscapes of Crete's northern coast on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV or quad bike) adventure with transfers from Rethymno hotels. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal solo or tandem quad that can access tucked-away mountain reaches. You’ll need to be at least 18 and have held a license for one year to drive the quad.

Cruise passengers docking at Heraklion have limited time ashore, so this full-day excursion makes the most of it. Visit the Cave of Zeus and Knosos Palace, walk the cobblestoned streets of Krasi and tour an olive press, with a refreshing stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After your tour, return to your ship stress-free with guaranteed timely drop-off.

Even if you’re not normally a history buff, a visit to Heraklion is a must when in Rethymno. The area’s home to the Palace of Knossos, home of the legendary half-bull half-man Minotaur, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of Greece’s top museums. On this tour, which includes a guide but excludes entrance fees, you’ll visit both with time to explore Heraklion and enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.

During this private -guided tour you will experience and understand not only the way of living but also the evolution of a civilization that has been described as the first urban-palatial culture in Europe. The museum houses representative artefacts from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5. 500 years from the Neolithic times to Roman period where the sculptures of that time have stories and myths to narrate us.