Top Crete Cultural Tours

Spend a day at Acqua Plus, the most popular water park on Crete. The park is divided into two sides, one for all ages and one for adults only. Facilities are clean, well-run, and safe, with multiple lifeguards on duty at all times. In addition to the many games, slides, and water rides inside the park, there is a beautiful garden in the center with Cretan flowers and trees, exotic flowers, weeping willows, palm trees, bougainvilleas,  French marigolds and more greenery, making for a nice escape form the heat and sun.

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 !

With its sheer walls and tight passageways, the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most striking natural wonders. With this tour, all the logistics are taken care of so all you need do is complete the challenging 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike. Set off from Chania in early morning and arrive at the trailhead ahead of the crowds. After the guided hike, board a boat back to Chora Sfakion, then a bus back to Chania.

Travelers to Crete tend to stick to the well-worn paths between major towns and attractions, like Knossos and Rethymnon. This tour, operated using a four-wheeled all-terrain-vehicle, unlocks the Cretan backroads and off-road trails. See parts of Crete that most visitors to the island miss, steal a glimpse into local life away from the main tourist routes and learn how the storied past of the Melidoni Cave stretches back through time.

Learn the flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine during a private cooking class in a traditional village outside Heraklion. Prepare local specialties including dolmadakia and lamb with artichokes before sitting down to enjoy a homemade multi-course meal paired with local wine. The peaceful countryside setting adds an authentic backdrop to this hands-on culinary experience.

With traditional villages and plenty of warm Mediterranean sunshine, the Samaria Gorge is the longest of its kind in Europe—but it’s also a challenging and rewarding hike, considered by many to be among the toughest in Crete. This adventurous full-day combination bus and hiking tour from Chania takes you deep into the gorge itself, where large boulders lie beneath soaring limestone cliffs. Follow a 10-mile (16-km) route though the Samaria Gorge and experience the best of the Crete countryside with a guide.

The Greek islands boast a rich history dating back to the days of antiquity, but exploring independently means missing the hidden secrets they hold. On this private tour of Crete, delve into the island’s colorful past with your guide—with round-trip transport from your Crete hotel or the port included. Travel back 4,000 years at the Palace of Knossos, and learn of ancient civilizations at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

Staying on Crete doesn't mean you have to miss out on visiting Santorini, though it can be difficult to do independently. This day trip makes it easy to check out the famously beautiful Cyclades island, with round-trip coach and ferry transport from Crete, along with preplanned visits to Oia and Fira. Ample time for beach lazing and sightseeing is factored in.

Half a day on land is still plenty of time to pack in the best of Heraklion and its surroundings. Skip taxi lines and public transport for time-efficient transfers to Knossos Palace—once the home of the ancient Minoan civilization—complete with a guided tour. Next, explore the Old Town of Heraklion, before convenient drop-off back in port.

This excursion takes you to the west side& includes visits at the Towns of Rethymno & Chania , as well as to the Lake of Kournas . Going west on the northern axis of Crete ,our tour will take us to the beautyful town of Rethymno . A grafic Cretan Town , so characteristic and unique . We will have time to relax at the beautyful scenery at the old harbour of Rethymnon . Our next stop Chania is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania . It's Venetian walls and harbor , narrow streets , and old buildings from the Venetian and Ottoman period are mostly intact and take you directly to the past . Here you can also see the Croos-Shaped closed Market of the city and the Leather-Market street . Next and last stop will be the Lake of Kournas , where you can have your lunch . For those who want there is a possibility to exlore the lake by a petal-boat (Available for Rent) or just walk around the lake and swim before we take the road back to Heraklion .

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.

Most travelers think they’ve seen Chania after a quick stroll around the Venetian Harbor or a photo by the lighthouse. But what if I told you that the real Chania, the one filled with ancient whispers, Venetian elegance, and traces of many civilizations, hides just a few steps beyond the crowded streets? Many cruise passengers wander on their own and see only the surface. They miss the hidden alleys where history lingers, the Byzantine walls that still guard secrets, and the blend of cultures that shaped Crete’s most enchanting city. Without a local to guide you, it’s easy to leave Chania thinking you’ve seen it all, when you’ve only skimmed the top. That’s why this Walking Tour in Chania is your chance to truly connect with the city. Your guide adapts the experience to your pace and interests, leading you through timeless landmarks and tucked-away corners. In just a few hours, you’ll uncover the Chania that most travelers never get to know.

Get more out of your time in Crete, and discover the history of the Minoan civilization on a tour of Knossos Palace and the cultural center of Heraklion. You’ll get the lowdown on the exhibits of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and discover one of the locals’ favorite spots for coffee in a cozy city café. Note that entry fees are payable on the day.

Combine the highlights of the Lassithi Plateau with Knossos Palace on this full-day sightseeing tour. See the windmills of Lassithi, admire traditional pottery making at Psychro, explore Dictean Cave (said to be the birthplace of Zeus), view the traditional architecture at Tzermiado, and visit the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, before finishing the tour at Knossos Palace.

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.

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.

This is a private tour with a 7-seater van for a maximum 6 guests (price is for 6 persons). In this tour we will visit a winery and olive oil factory. They have high standards of production, marrying the old traditions with modern technology and processing. In each location we will spend around one hour touring the facilities and tasting. Tastings are 25 euro each and not included in price of tour. We will enjoy stunning views, visit a 5000 year old olive tree and eat in a local restaurant. Optionally we could do beer tasting, visit Gonia monastery, Maleme airfield and the WW2 military cemetery. Tour times in each location can be modified depending on the travellers starting time and the date. No tours on weekends or holidays. Locations can be visited 1st April to beginning of November.

A great tour for those on shore excursions, this walking tour of Crete’s capital city Heraklion takes you through the city’s rich history. Visit major sites and monuments like the Archiepiscopal Church of Saint Titus, the Venetian Loggia, Saint Menas Cathedral, the Central Market of Heraklion, Morosini Fountain, and Saint Mark’s Basilica. Your guide can answer any questions you may have.

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Chania with our immersive tour and learn about traditional arts and crafts! Begin the day with a traditional local breakfast and witness the art of phyllo-making. Take a leisurely stroll through Chania’s Old Town, guided by a local who will share stories of the city’s rich arts and crafts heritage. Visit a folklore atelier to explore Chania’s cultural traditions. Discover local workshops where skilled artisans revive ancient techniques. Sample renowned Cretan olive oil and thyme honey. Experience modern artistry that blends tradition with innovation. Perfect for those seeking an authentic cultural experience, this tour offers memorable encounters with local artisans. Great for families, too.

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

Maximize time in Crete with a half-day private tour of Chania and its surroundings. Get picked up at your hotel or chosen location in Chania and set out on a sightseeing tour focused on local history and heritage. See top landmarks including the Old Venetian Harbor, Lighthouse of Chania, Firkas Fortress, and Hassan Pascha Mosque. Get to know Chania's Old Town and the many cultures that influenced its character.

Check out Crete’s western sites on this day trip from Heraklion with your own private guide. You’ll explore with your own private guide, visiting picturesque villages such as Spili and Plakias, checking out sites like the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and the Holy Monastery of Preveli, and admiring Ottoman and Venetian architecture of Rethymno and Chania. Extra perks include coffee, and a hotel and raki liqueur tasting.

Explore the great outdoors without navigating or planning an itinerary on this private full-day tour from Rethimno. Visit the traditional village of Mochos, see a 2,400-year-old Writers’ Plane Tree at Krasi, and visit an ancient cave thought to be Zeus’ birthplace—Dikteon. The tour also reveals views of the Lasithi Plateau and the impressive Knossos Palace.

In olden times, people with leprosy were forced to live on Spinalonga, a fortress island in Mirabello Bay. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. You'll see Elounda, a resort that's popular with VIPs, visit Agios Nikolaos, known for its deep lake, and enjoy a barbecue lunch on Kolokithia Beach. Entrance fees and boat ticket (with barbecue) are at your expense.