Top Crete Archaeology Tours

Discover the Bronze Age city of Knossos and take a sightseeing tour of Heraklion. Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization and is known to be Europe’s oldest city. Enjoy a guided tour of the labyrinthine palace and learn about its history. Then, visit Heraklion, the current capital of Crete, to discover its landmarks including the Lion’s Fountain.

Avoid the stress of navigating Crete’s mountainous roads or coordinating multiple cultural stops on your own. This private or small-group experience from Crete brings together the island’s highlights in one seamless day, from the ancient Palace of Knossos to traditional villages and the Lasithi Plateau. Along the way, enjoy an olive oil tasting and authentic local stops, all with comfortable door-to-door transport so you can focus on culture, history, and food without planning hassles.

Visit the island of Spinalonga on this guided tour from Agios Nikolaos. Board your vessel and take in the sights as you make your way to the old Venetian fortress. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the premises, learning about the island’s historical and archaeological significance.

Check out two different historical regions of Greece in this day tour that takes you to explore the Lassithi Plateau and the Knossos Palace in Heraklion, plus much more. This is a group tour, so you’ll be keeping costs down. Your guide and driver will take care of all the logistics for you, so you can enjoy your full day exploring the history and local culture of the area.

Explore Crete beyond Heraklion with a full-day sightseeing tour. Skip the hassle of driving and board an air-conditioned coach for a scenic tour. Visit several attractions including Knossos Palace and the Lassithi Plateau. Learn about Cretan traditions at Kera Kardiotissa Monastery or Panagia Vidiani Monastery, and complete the day with dining in an authentic Cretan tavern.

Check off Lassithi Plateau and several area highlights all in one day on this convenient tour. Instead of waiting around for taxis or dealing with fussy car rentals, enjoy hassle-free pickup from many areas of northern Crete. Travel in comfort between the sights, including Kera Kardiotissa Monastery and the Cave of Zeus, in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Private & Personalized: Choose Your 6- or 4-Hour Itinerary Perfect for Cruise Stops & Island Stays Guaranteed on-time return to your ship More than just stops — a guided cultural journey. 6-Hour Option: Choose Three (3) Authentic Experiences: Knossos Palace | Olive Mill Tour & Tasting | Winery Tour & Tasting | Pottery Workshop & Monastery | Archaeological Museum & City Stroll | Arolithos Traditional Village | Or a place on your wish list 4-Hour Option: Choose Two (2) Authentic Experiences from the list above Enjoy narrated drives through Heraklion, charming villages, and scenic landscapes between experiences. Discover authentic Cretan traditions, from pottery, wine, and olive oil to history and local culture, shaping life on the island today. Exclusively for cruise guests arriving at Heraklion Port (there are 3 cruise ports on Crete) Crete · Private Tour · Shore Excursion · From Heraklion Port · Day Trip · Noon · Afternoon · Evening

Visit the most popular attraction of the island of Crete, the famous archeological site of Knossos, the capital of King Minos! In this half day guided tour you will have the opportunity to learn about the Cretan history, as well as to explore the new town!

Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this private full-day tour of Crete, including Knossos, the Lasithi Plateau Windmills, and the Cave of Zeus. History enthusiasts will love learning about the island’s ancient history, while nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful views. As this private tour, you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of by your English-speaking driver-guide.

Visit three places in one day on this private tour which explores Knossos Palace, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Rethymno city. This is a private tour for you and your group, so no need to stick to a rigid schedule. You’ll have lunch and cold drinks provided, so you don’t need to bring these yourself. Just enjoy your day out with return transfers to Chania.

Crete rewards those willing to venture beyond the resorts, but navigating between palaces, mountain plateaus, and villages on your own takes planning. This small-group tour with a private option handles logistics with a luxury air-conditioned Mercedes Benz and a local guide. You'll cover Knossos Palace, the Lasithi Plateau's windmills, the Psychro Cave, and an olive oil factory where you can taste local products and snacks.

Don't lose time and money looking for a tour in Heraklion that is not going to offer to you, what this tour has to offer. In this small group tour, you'll visit and explore 16 Traditional Villages of Lasithi Plateau, Knossos Archaeological site and Palace, Wind Mills of Lasithi Plateau, a Pottery, an Olive oil mill, the stunning landscape of the area, Mochos village, the monumental Plane tree, olive groves and more. Explore 16 charming villages scattered across the plateau, such as Tzermiado, Psychro, and Agios Georgios. Each village has its unique character, with traditional Cretan architecture and friendly residents. A visit to the Lasithi Plateau and Knossos Palace, is a journey through a landscape rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring ancient myths, or simply enjoying the peaceful rural atmosphere, the Lasithi Plateau offers a memorable experience for all who venture into its captivating surroundings. Book this tour now and you'll never regret it.

Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization, and a must-see site in Crete. Explore the landmark in the company of a guide, who can provide more insights than visiting on your own. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walk around central Heraklion and free time to explore afterwards on your own.

The epicenter of Minoan civilization, the Palace of Knossos is Crete’s most important archaeological site—but at around a 3-hour drive from Chania, it’s a real schlep to self-drive. Skip the hassles of parking and Cretan traffic and relax on this convenient guided bus trip, with pickup and drop-off at many Chania area hotels. You’ll also visit Rethymno and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, though all entrance fees are at your expense.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our first stop on the scenic route to central Crete is the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Run by nuns and known as “Little Lourdes,” it attracts pilgrims seeking spiritual relief. We then head south to the Lassithi Plateau, possibly an ancient volcanic crater, home to nearly 10,000 windmills. This cool, fertile area features traditional villages and warm hospitality. Next, we visit the Greek Mythology Park to explore ancient Greek myths and civilization, with a tasting of local wine and olive oil. Alternatively, you may visit Dicti Cave, birthplace of Zeus (entrance fee not included). Crossing the Plateau villages, we stop at a traditional pottery workshop showcasing 8,000 years of ceramic art. Enjoy stunning views over Pediada Plain and taste local products before lunch in a local village. Finally, we explore the Palace of Knossos with an expert guide, discovering the 5,000-year-old Minoan civilization, the legendary labyrinth, and the Minotaur.

Learn all about Minoan civilization on this private tour, where your guide will tell you more than any guide book. You’ll have private luxury transport for the entire tour, so you’ll travel between Knossos Palace, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Heraklion town in comfort. Your guide will arrange all the logistics, so you just need to enjoy the tour.

Spend the day exploring southern Crete with this full-day guided tour of Gortys (Gortyn) and Matala. After pickup from designated locations around Crete, travel by air-conditioned bus to the Gortys archeological park, the former Roman capital of Crete. Afterwards, head to the coast and Matala, where you will have four hours of free time to spend how want.

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.

Skip the stress of planning logistics and check off the best of Crete in one seamless day on this small-group tour. Begin at Knossos Palace (entrance extra), once the center of Minoan civilization. From there, head into the countryside for a behind-the-scenes look at a local olive oil estate. Continue to a family-owned winery and raki distillery for tastings. Finish the day at a traditional village taverna to dine on a typical Cretan lunch.