Top Crete Culture

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.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, located in the heart of Crete's capital city, is among the most visited museums in Greece. Secure your admission with this pre-booked ticket and discover the impressive collection of archeological treasures with a self-led audio guide. Explore the museum's world-class collection of Minoan artifacts found all over Crete.

Step back in time and learn about Crete’s Minoan history on this private tour of Heraklion city and Knossos. Visit the archaeological site of Knossos to see the ruins of the great palace, temples, villas, and sanctuaries. Then, explore Heraklion’s Venetian walls, fortress, St. Minas Cathedral, and more with a private guide for a personalized experience.

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.

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.

Farms are at the heart of the Cretan way of life and food alike. Enjoy an up-close encounter with a local family on their organic farm when you book this small-group cooking class. Get hands-on with activities such as goat milking and cheese making and tour an olive grove and a vineyard. Then prepare a typical Cretan lunch and enjoy it with wine, raki liquor, traditional music—and great conversation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We promise to provide you with a memorable trip in Crete. With the mountains or the sea as your backdrop and the thrilling sensation of riding together, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go horseback riding with one of the stunning horses that is available.

Venture away from the busy streets of Chania and spend a day exploring traditional Cretan villages on this full-day excursion. With a private guide, discover what makes Crete special as you learn about its ancient history, warm hospitality, and delicious gastronomy, and see its beautiful landscapes. Round out your day with a traditional Cretan lunch at a family-run taverna and a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

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.

If you like to explore independently but prefer to avoid self-drive, this western Crete tour is ideal. Cover ground you couldn’t hope to cover on public transport and save yourself more than four hours’ driving when you book this convenient trip to historic Rethymno, Venetian Chania and Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake. A guide accompanies your bus but you’re free to discover each stop at your own pace.

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

Explore the stunning Elafonissi Beach and visit the Chrissoskalitisa Monastery on a scenic tour from the North to the Southwest of Crete. The icing on the cake is FREE wine tasting on the way back.

Eat and drink like a local on this Chania shore excursion, which celebrates local craft beer and food. In a small group, sample local beers and taste traditional Cretan dishes as your guide leads you on a relaxed walk around Chania's Venetian Harbour. Try local honey, olive oil, liqueurs, and nut butters at a deli, enjoy classic dishes at a restaurant, and taste Cretan and Greek craft beer samples at a pub.

Skip the line at the Palace of Knossos and choose to explore with a guide on this tour. Collect your ticket at the entrance of the palace and avoid the long wait to go inside. If you wish, join your small group and learn about the labyrinthine Palace of Knossos from your guide. Hear stories about the Minotaur wander the ancient ruins.

Explore a side of Crete's mountainous, dramatic countryside that many other visitors overlook—and make your sightseeing seamless—on this full-day tour. After pickup from your area hotel, head off the tourist trail when you take a motorboat to unspoiled Spinalonga Island. Next, discover the Milatos Cave, visit a local producer to sample premium olive oil, and admire spectacular views of the region's valleys, villages, and coastline in between.

Maximize time at one of Crete’s top archaeological sites with this walking tour including skip-the-line admission. Join a group for a sightseeing tour of the Palace of Knossos and learn about the myths and legends surrounding the site. See elegant wall paintings, hear stories about advanced construction techniques, and admire the architecture during a visit to this ancient palace.