Top Crete Bus Tours - page 5

The Battle of Crete in 1941 was the first mainly airborne invasion in military history and Crete’s landscape still bears its scars. Retrace it with an expert guide on this private door-to-door tour, which can be adapted to focus on specific units, individual nationalities, or other interests. A typical day includes the German and Commonwealth war cemeteries, the battlefields at Maleme and Galatas, Tavronitis Bridge, and the Alikanios Memorial.

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.

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.

Spend a day sailing on the glimmering waters around Crete on this leisurely cruise to Spinalonga Island. Climb aboard your boat and sail across Mirabello Bay as you make your way to “the island of tears” known as Spinalonga where you take a guided tour and then enjoy free time to explore. Then, head to Kolokytha where you enjoy a fresh lunch and plenty of time to swim and sunbathe.

Combine a visit to the only freshwater lake on Crete with tastings of local olive oil on this private tour. Travel by private vehicle to Lake Kournas, where you can swim or enjoy a pedalo ride. Then visit a family-owned olive oil factory to sample products and learn about their production. This tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours, offering a relaxed pace and personalized experience.

Take in picturesque views of the Imbros Gorge and a trek on an easy trail, suitable for all hiking levels, without worrying about losing your way when you go with a guide. The 5.5-mile (9-kilometer) walk includes the chance to stop for a refreshing swim in the cool waters of Southern Cretan villages. Enjoy hiking assistance, hotel transfers, and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable experience throughout.

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from designated areas around Chania via a luxurious bus and reach the starting point of your tour in Omalos Plateau around 7am. The panoramic view of the gorge from the plateau is a photophile's delight, so after short stop for pictures, you will begin descending the 600 wooden steps that will take you inside the Samaria gorge. There will always be a hiking escort to ensure everyone's safety and provide assistance if needed. The hike will conclude at Agia Roumeli, a beach at the end of the gorge, At around 17:00 you will board a boat to the picturesque village of Sougia, where you will start your trip back to the place where you were picked up from. Time-Table 05:20‐06:10 Pick up 07:15 First stop Omalos Plateau 07:45 Begin hike Xyloskalo 14:00 End hike at Agia Roumeli Village 16:30 Meet your guide at Agia Roumeli 17:00-17:30 Departure from Agia Roumeli to Sougia 20:00‐20:30 Arrival at your Hotel

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.

Starting early, heading west, we reach the port of Kissamos. Here we take our boat for approximately a 1 hour pleasant sail along the coastline. Arriving in the port of the ex­-pirate island of Gramvousa we hear how, during the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting passing boats thus giving the island its pirate reputation. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Venetian castle on top of a steep rock as this is one of the most impressive castles in Greece. There is plenty of time for swimming or lunch on board. Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon which brings to mind similar lagoons in the Caribbean. You will be disembarked at a distance of 50 meters from the shore according to the Law , as there will be no approach pier. Balos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Enjoy a fantastic swim and relax for approximately 3 hours before boarding for the return sail. An experience to remember a lifetime !

Maximize time in Crete with a full-day combination guided tour. Get picked up at your hotel and set out on a coach sightseeing tour focused on archaeology and culture. See popular landmarks including the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, Dikteon Cave, and the Palace of Knossos. Admire panoramic views from Seli Ambelou Lasithi Plateau, visit an olive oil factory, and go inside a ceramic workshop to see a potter at work.

See more of Crete on your vacation, and take a tour of island’s southern stretches with a private guide. Perfect if you have a day free but no transport, this excursion takes you through the Messara valley to visit the archaeological site of Gortyn and two Orthodox monasteries — sites that would be tricky to find alone. Time for swimming at Matala Beach and a coastal dinner complete the experience.

Skip the expense of car hire and relax with this convenient transfer service for scenic Gramvousa island. Your bus will collect you at one of a range of Chania locations, and drive you to the port of Kissamos. Here, pay for your prebooked tickets and a small municipality fee, board the boat, and explore the island. Catch the boat to Balos Lagoon before returning to Chania by bus.

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 is open except on Tuesdays. You have the option to enjoy a local lunch.

Who has never seen the world famous pictures from a turquoise sea, dazzling white houses/churches with Aegean blue roofs on the top of the steep cliffs? A beautiful trip to one in the top most romantic islands in the world, SANTORINI. The perfect idea when you stay on Crete. A high speed boat (700 pers) brings you in only around 1h 45min to Santorini and after the excursion back. You experience the Greek atmosphere in the old capital Oia and the new capital Fira. OIA: The oldest village in Santorini. Stroll around its small alleys and stone built streets, filled with culture and tradition. The harmony of the colors of the sea and the sun, the wonderful view, bear the spirit of Hellenism and make Oia incomparable. FIRA: The capital of Santorini where you have free time to explore the picturesque traditional little alleys. Optional: visit the Volcano. They explain this option on the bus.

Explore the delights of the Knossos Heraklion Museum and learn where European civilization began during an easy day tour. After hotel pickup in an air-conditioned coach, explore the museum at your own pace, learning about the importance of the Minoan collection and much more. Also take a guided walk of Heraklion, where you can stop for lunch (own expense) or souvenir shopping.

This group tour takes you to two beautiful old towns-Chania and Rethymnon- plus a visit to Kournas Lake. You’ll keep costs down by booking this group tour, but you’ll still cover lots of ground and have time to explore the towns and Kournas Lake at your own pace. Make sure your cameras are ready to capture the Cretan landscape along the way.

Elafonisi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete—if not Greece and even Europe. But it’s on the other side of Crete from Rethymnon, a 3-hour car trip each way if everything goes smoothly. This tour takes care of the driving, picking travelers up in Rethymnon and its surrounds, and stopping for coffee in Topolia Gorge. Travelers have the chance to relax at the beach for about four hours.

Make the most of your limited time in Heraklion with this comprehensive day tour, designed to cover multiple dispersed attractions. Beginning with convenient hotel pickup, you'll journey to the scenic Lassithi Plateau, home to charming villages and historical landmarks like Kera Kardiotissa Monastery. Along the way, enjoy numerous photo-worthy stops, including the Palace of Knossos, Psychro with its handmade pottery, and a visit to the nearby Dikteon Cave (currently closed for maintenance).

Use your time in Chania to discover Crete's ancient history with a local guide. This small-group tour includes hotel pickup and visits to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, and Heraklion itself, offering an overview of the island's rich history and legends. Numbers are capped at 15 people for a more intimate experience. Entrance fees to Knossos and the Archaeological Museum are not included.

Experience the magic of Crete’s untouched southern coast with this unforgettable boat tour from Sfakia to the charming village of Loutro. Perfect for travelers seeking peace, natural beauty, and authentic island life, this tour offers a unique escape from crowded tourist spots. You’ll sail across crystal-clear waters, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, and step into Loutro—a car-free village frozen in time, where whitewashed houses meet the deep blue sea. Enjoy a refreshing swim, savor a delicious lunch at a waterfront taverna, and relax in an atmosphere of serenity. Whether you’re looking to unwind, connect with nature, or explore a hidden corner of Crete, this tour provides an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. Choose this experience to discover a side of Crete few get to see and create lasting memories in a breathtaking setting.

Learn about wine and olive oil in Crete on this half-day small-group tasting tour. Visit the Kanakis olive oil factory to discover production and sample oils. At Winery Dourakis, enjoy a vineyard tour and wine tasting with snacks. Finish with lunch in the scenic village of Vryses. Hotel pickup is included within the Rethymno district.

This tour stands out by visiting up to four traditional villages in Crete and offering lunch—a rare combination. After pickup from Chania, visit the Monastery of Metamorphosis in Varipetro. Explore the villages of Theriso and Zourva, stopping for lunch in a traditional family-run tavern. You can also opt to visit the village of Meskla and the small gorge there.

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 ancient land of the Lasithi Plateau and discover historic old towns and villages, Orthodox monasteries, and the grand stalactites and geological formations of the Cave of Zeus. See the Monastery of Vidiani and wander the small streets of Krasi. Then visit an olive mill and farm, where you can see how everything from olive oil to olive soap.