Top Crete Overnight Tours

See the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Palace of Knossos more intimately on a small-group walking tour, and learn more than you would wandering around alone. Explore the palace without the rush and bustle of larger sightseeing tours, and catch all the commentary about ancient Knossos and Minoan Crete. The tour includes a skip-the-line ticket for quicker entry, plus an optional guided visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to complete the Minoan experience.

Get your Crete vacation off to the perfect start as you discover the town of Chania and Cretans’ favorite activity, eating, with a private guide. Sample signatures including Greek coffee, local cheese, raki, Crete’s answer to grappa, and bougatsa, a custard pie with phyllo pastry, then enjoy lunch. You’ll also tour the city highlights, including the lighthouse, the mosque and the Old Venetian Harbor.

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.

Explore the Cretan coastline from a standup paddleboard on this guided tour around beautiful Marathi Bay. After a short instruction and safety lesson, head out into the bay, exploring smaller islets, diving spots, and a small cave system along the way. Stop from time to time to swim with the marine life or catch your breath on the beach. This tour is good for all ages and experience levels, a great way to enjoy time with friends and family on the water.

What Makes This Tour Special Go beyond simply seeing the museum's famous masterpieces and discover the people, beliefs and everyday life behind them. With your licensed local guide, each object becomes part of the larger story of Crete — from the first farming communities to the rise of the Minoan palaces, maritime trade, religion, writing and the arrival of Mycenaean Greek administration. The experience is private and flexible rather than based on a fixed script. Your questions and interests help shape the tour, allowing us to explore more deeply the subjects that fascinate you most. After discovering the Minoan world inside the museum, continue through historic Heraklion and see how the story of the city developed through the centuries. One private tour, connecting archaeology, history, local culture and more than 5,000 years of Cretan life.

Spinalonga, an island once used to isolate people suffering from leprosy, has become more popular since Victoria Hislop's novel The Island reimagined it. Visit this historic island, plus the Agios Nikolaos resort town with Lake Voulismeni, and Elounda, known for luxury hotels and beaches, on this guided day trip. Admission to Spinalonga is not included.

The Samaria Gorge is one of Crete's most beautiful natural landmarks, but it's also a challenging hike. Make exploring simpler, all thanks to this full-day tour. Round-trip transit from your hotel takes the hassle out of getting there (entry fee and boat ride own expense), and you can traverse the gorge in safety with a professional mountain guide. Along the way, admire the rugged White Mountains and soak up the scenery.

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.

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.

Treat your senses to the ancient flavors of Crete on a wine tour from Chania. Travel through the mountains of the Kissamos region and traditional Cretan villages to reach two family-run wineries, where you’ll taste regional wines and olive oils. You'll also stand before one of the world’s oldest olive trees on this relaxed wine tour of northwestern Crete.

Discover the enchanting island of Santorini on this comprehensive 2-day trip from Heraklion. Begin your adventure aboard a SEAJETS boat, arriving in the picturesque village of Oia, famous for its stunning views of the caldera and iconic blue and white architecture. Spend time exploring the charming streets before heading to Fira, Santorini's lively capital, where you can shop and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Optional excursions to the volcanic landscape and hot springs are available for a unique experience. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at a 4-star hotel and round-trip transportation to maximize your adventure. - Round-trip boat tickets to Santorini from Heraklion included - Guided tours of Oia and Fira in multiple languages - Enjoy 1 night at a 4 star hotel with private transfers - Optional volcano excursion available for an additional charge

Santorini is often described as a “must‑visit destination” because there is truly nowhere else in the world quite like it. This jewel of the Aegean is made up of five islands – Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni – together forming one of the most remarkable volcanic landscapes on Earth. The archipelago is part of an active volcanic system whose submerged crater shapes the island’s dramatic caldera. This extraordinary geological backdrop, combined with the iconic white‑washed buildings set against the deep blue sea and sky, creates the striking contrast that makes Santorini instantly recognizable and utterly unforgettable. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Caldera: Santorini’s caldera was formed by one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in history. Oia Village: Oia is the most picturesque village in Santorini. Volcanic beaches: Discover Santorini’s seaside treasures and enjoy deep blue waters and beaches with white, red or black sand or volcanic pebbles.

In this 2 days private tour, you’ll explore the highlights of Crete Island. Join us on a journey back in time as we explore the quaint villages of Lasithi Plateau that have preserved their authenticity and way of life. At the 4th generation olive oil mill, you’ll have the chance to explore every step of the production process, from tree to bottle. Explore one of the most significant archaeological sites in Crete, Knossos Palace. The palace of Knossos was the center of the Minoan civilization. Chania is a picturesque town on the northwest coast of Crete, known for its rich history, Venetian architecture, and charming old town. The town blends various cultural influences, including Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek, creating a unique atmosphere. Rethymno has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was originally built during the Minoan period and has since been inhabited by various civilizations, including the Mycenaeans, Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.

Immerse yourself in the Aegean Sea with this 3-hour guided snorkeling trip from Chania. All equipment is provided. Swim in the crystal blue waters in Almyrida Chania and explore reefs, caves and see the Elephant Cave of Crete.

Enjoy some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches without the self-drive hassles on this guided small-group tour. Travel direct from your door to Kissamos, where you board a boat for Balos Beach and Lagoon, then savor the soft white sands. Next, ride a boat to Gramvousa Island (own expense), swim in the clear waters, and opt to hike to the 16th-century fortress. Your guide will drop you directly to your door.

2-Day Lasithi Plateau Experience for adults only – Live Like a Local, Taste, Discover & enjoy the Authentic Heart of Crete. Escape to the tranquil Lasithi Plateau, nestled in the Dikti Mountains, where tradition and breathtaking landscapes meet. Explore historic landmarks, indulge in local flavors, and immerse yourself in Crete’s warm hospitality.

Discover ancient Minoan history, Cretan farming culture, and magnificent island views on this full-day off-roading adventure from Heraklion. Travel in a rugged Land Rover along historic mountain trails, stopping along the way to visit the mythological Diction Cave, shepherds’ villages, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and an eco park where traditional ways of life are still practiced. Replenish your energy with an included lunch and taste of ‘raki’ liqueur at a local tavern.

Although Heraklion is the perfect base to see Crete’s cultural and architectural heritage, it’s not the only part of Crete that is worthy of a visit. On this full-day tour, discover two of the prettiest cities in Western Crete—Chania and Rethymno—and immerse yourself in some of the island's loveliest scenery. Admire the White Mountains, visit Lake Kournas, and learn all about local history and culture as you explore.

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.