Top Crete Culture - page 5

Knossos is Crete's largest and most impressive Bronze Age archaeological site, but exploring independently means you may miss its ancient secrets. On this tour, reach Knossos by air-conditioned coach with round-trip transport from your Chania hotel included, and explore the site as your guide shares its fascinating myths and legends. Learn of powerful rulers such as King Minos, and admire Minoan relics in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

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.

Visit Heraklion and Knossos Palace on this affordable, family-friendly guided day trip. Take a convenient all-day outing from Rethimno to learn about Greece’s fascinating history and view its ruins, murals, fountains, and monuments. Experience the Minoan temple and palace of Knosses, wander the ancient streets of the capital of Crete, stop into a local museum, and enjoy free time for a traditional Cretan lunch at your own expense.

Experience Crete from the sea with ease on this group boat tour. Cruise around Kolokytha Bay and the Bay of Mirabello and visit the island of Spinalonga. Take time to explore the island independently. Enjoy a midday break for a barbecue lunch with a glass of wine on board your boat.

Combine the best of a guided tour with independent travel on this full-day tour to Chania, Lake Kournas, and Rethymnon from the northeastern coast of Crete. Learn more about Chania and Rethymnon on a guided tour, then enjoy time to explore on your own. At Lake Kournas, enjoy included lunch items and a walk around the lake to take in the scenic views.

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 !

• An exciting journey along the north-eastern coast of Crete with a boat trip along the picturesque Mirabello bay. • Accompanied by a professional guide, you will stroll through the streets of the Venetian castle and learn about the interesting history of the fortified island of Spinalonga. • Continuing your voyage, the ship will moor in Colokita Bay, where you will have free time for lunch and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Mirabello Bay. • A walk through the snow-white town of AGIOS NIKOLAOS, with many souvenir shops and boutiques around the bottomless lake Vouliazmeni.

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.

Secure your entry to two of Crete's most popular attractions—Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum—with pre-booked e-tickets and self-guided audio tours. Explore at your own pace with offline text, narration, and museum maps available on your smartphone

Explore the ancient and historic places of Crete on this tour, and discover some of the most iconic Greek locations in the whole country. See the cave where Zeus was born, and stand underneath the 2,400-year-old Writer's Plane Tree. Visit Mochos and wander its winding alleyways, and dive into the colorful city of Agios Nikolaos. Swim in the sea off the coast of Plaka, or take a boat to Spinaloga.

This private tour is built around understanding Spinalonga within its mainland setting, connecting Agios Nikolaos and an authentic olive mill into one well-paced day designed for travelers who value understanding over rushing between sights. Choose whether to visit Spinalonga Island itself or enjoy time in Plaka while learning its history and setting. Continue to Agios Nikolaos for a relaxed walk around the lake and harbor, with free time to enjoy the local atmosphere or lunch by the water. Between main locations, travel through traditional villages and landscapes connected to the region’s daily life. When timing and interest allow, the day may also include a quiet monastery visit or a traditional Greek coffee stop. Hosted by a knowledgeable local driver, the experience remains fully private, flexible, and adapted to your interests — ideal for couples, families, and first-time visitors to Crete. Heraklion to Spinalonga Tour, Day trip from Heraklion to Spinalonga, East Crete

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.

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.

Discover the Plateau of Lassithi and several area highlights on this full-day guided tour. Enjoy pickup from many areas of north Crete and travel by air-conditioned vehicle. Visit the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, the explore Dictean Cave, said to be the birthplace of Zeus. Afterwards, visit Termiado, the capital of the Lassithi Plateau, with a stop at a pottery workshop.

A great excuse to explore the outdoors, this tour takes you on a full-day walking adventure through the Samaria Gorge from the Heraklion area. This 11-mile (18-kilometer) adventure starts at Xylo kalo and takes you to the Samaria Gorge, showcasing Cretan flora and fauna. Traverse through rocky terrain, visit the deserted village of Samaria, and see majestic Iron Gates before enjoying a meal at a tavern in Ayia Roumelis.

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.

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.

Visit two of Crete’s top historical sights—Knossos Palace (a Bronze Age archeological site) and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum—in one time-saving tour. See ancient ruins and artifacts along the way, all while your guide's expert commentary brings the stories behind the sights to life. Highlights include the original throne of Minos at Knossos Palace and rare examples of Minoan art at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Eat your way through Heraklion on this culinary walking tour. Accompanied by a guide, visit a family bakery and taste sweet pies and cookies. As you stop in at local shops, taste Cretan spices, olive oil, a wide variety of cheese, honey, souvlaki, and more. Wash down the sample with Greek coffee and the liquor raki.

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.

Get the most out of an evening in Chania with this combination of a small-group guided tour, a wine tasting session, and a three-course dinner with gourmet specialties. Save time searching online for the most photogenic sunset spots and go to a shortlist of secret places that only locals know about. As you watch the sunset, learn from a sommelier about local wines, and then feast on a 3-course feast of delicious organic dishes.

Get to know Crete’s historic capital without relying on expensive guidebooks or out-of-date blogs. On this compact sightseeing tour, explore the lively Heraklion city center with a guide to lead the way. Walk the city streets and see a range of important sites and inner-city landmarks. Learn about the city’s classical and recent history from your guide, and hear the myths and legends told about Heraklion in ancient times.

Enjoy a visit to Europe’s oldest city with a personal touch on this guided tour through the ruins of Knossos. This tour helps visitors to Knossos get the most out of their time in ‘the Labyrinth’; from skip-the-line access to commentary in English, French or Russian from a licensed guide, this tour brings the ruins of the city alive.