Day Trips from Greece to Crete

Thrill-seek Kourtaliotiko Gorge! Dive into hidden forests, crystal pools, and a majestic waterfall. Our private 3-4 hour tour in a Mercedes Vito takes you off the beaten path. Experience the rush of the gorge river, safely guided. Book now and create unforgettable memories! Discover the wild Kourtaliotis Gorge on a private 3 or 4-hour trip with a Mercedes Vito. Stop for one or two or three hours to see the magnificent waterfalls and the springs of the Kourtaliotiko River. Explore hidden forests, natural pools, and magnificent waterfalls. Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Explore the hidden forest of the gorge, splash into natural pools, and witness the huge waterfall that falls into the canyon. The first part includes an amazing view of the great waterfall. The flow never stops from the mountains is simply amazing. Cool off with a small and safe jump into the water. There is a small church (Agios Nikolaos) in the gorge and a 40-meter-high waterfall.

Visit the Heraklion Archeological Museum, the second biggest in Greece, after the Museum of Athens. The tour begin with introduction of the oldest findings of Crete from 6000 BC, then of the highlight Minoan palaces of Knossos, Festos, Mallia and Zakros. The tour continues with objects from cemeteries, shrines, houses and ends with the Minoan frescoes of Knossos. After the museum tour, 5km to southeast off the city, visit the Knossos Palace which was built from 1700 to 1400 BC. Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high. Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization. Knossos Palace featured 1300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans and olives – often with gold hidden beneath.

Take this trip to find out and enjoy a breathtaking view. Begin with a guided tour to the traditional olive mill and learn all about the process of olive oil production. Grab the opportunity to taste one of the healthiest olive oils, straight from the source of production. Continue with a visit at the theme park of Greek mythology and the Minoan civilization! It is an approach with the utmost respect for the Minoan civilization, Greek mythology, and rural life in Crete 100 years ago. After your exploration, optionally make a stop to Lasithi plateau to find the ideal place to relax. The orthodox Panagias monastery, is worth a visit. Admire the mesmerizing architecture in the stone-built Byzantine church. Lastly, we are taking you to the picturesque and charming village of Krasi. This traditional village is famous for its old plane tree, 2000 years old! Relax and recharge with a view; we are finally having lunch at a picturesque traditional tavern, with some wine and local dishes.

Discover the Gorge of Imbros which is the second most popular gorge for walkers in Crete after the gorge of Samaria.The main reasons for this is that it is much easier to walk than Samaria. Secondly, the gorge of Imbros is easier to access and despite being much smaller in size than Samaria, there are some many spectacular sections.

Discover the highlights of South Crete on this full-day Land Rover safari adventure. Enjoy hotel or port pickup, then soak up the scenery as your driver navigates through the Cretan Mountains along the Minoan Route. Stop at an ancient Roman aqueduct, see Diction Cave, walk through Tripitis Gorge, and swim at Tripitis Beach.

The bus will pick you up promptly from your assigned location and take you to Sfakia which is located in southern Chania. From there you will enter the boat that will take you to Glyka Nera. Glyka Nera it's one the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Its name stems from the fresh water spring that bubbles up amongst the pebbles. It is a spectacular beach with crystal clear turquoise water and rugger cliffs. Here you will have 2 hours free time. You then board the boat which will take you to Loutro. Loutro is amphitheatrically built above the bay where you can soak up the beautiful surroundings. Here you will have 3 hours of free time to eat in one of the many exceptional restaurants or take a swim and relax along the beachside. Our bus will be waiting to take you back to Rethymno.

Indulge in a journey for the senses with our exclusive wine and olive oil tasting tour. Travel in total comfort throughout the experience, as all transfers are conducted in our VIP luxury, climate-controlled Mercedes vans. You'll be transported to the heart of Crete's agricultural heritage, beginning at a family-run estate to witness the production of "liquid gold," where an expert-led tasting reveals the nuanced aromas of premium extra virgin olive oils. The adventure continues at prestigious wineries to explore sun-drenched vineyards and cellars alongside a qualified sommelier.

Pedal through picturesque vineyards and olive groves on this e-bike tour from Heraklion to the charming village of Archanes. Along the way, take in stunning views of the northern coast before enjoying a traditional Cretan lunch at a local taverna. Afterward, visit a family-owned winery for a tour of the vineyards and cellar, followed by a tasting of exquisite Cretan wines. The return journey features a mostly downhill route, ensuring a relaxing ride back. - Duration: 6 hours with a distance of approximately 38 km (600m altitude gain & loss) - Perfect for foodies and wine lovers seeking authentic experiences - Includes lunch at a local taverna and a winery tour with tastings - Scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with pick-up available on request Please bring sunscreen and appropriate clothes & shoes for cycling. Load limit 105 kg / 230 lbs per e-bike. Rider's minimum height 150 cm / 5 feet.

Embark on an easy 5-mile (8-km) guided hike through the Imbros Gorge on this full-day trekking tour of Crete. Marvel at Crete’s unique topography as you explore the rocky ravine in the shadows of the White Mountains and pass the mountain villages of Vrisses, Askifou and Imbros. After refueling with a typical Cretan lunch (own expense), pay a visit to the 14th-century Venetian castle of Frangokastello, then cool off with a swim in the Libyan Sea.

Escape the typical group tour and experience Elafonisi your way. This is a fully private day, designed around you. We head straight to Elafonisi early, so you can enjoy the pink sand and turquoise lagoons before the crowds build up. You’ll have relaxed free time to swim, walk the shallow sandbar, and simply enjoy the open space. After the beach, the day becomes yours. Choose between the cliff-top Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, a traditional village, a honey tasting, or a visit to a family winery. No fixed schedule. No rush. Accessible options are available. The beach offers pathways, and our vehicle can accommodate a wheelchair upon request. This is not just transport. It’s a private, flexible, locally hosted experience in Crete.

Even if you’re not normally a history buff, a visit to Heraklion is a must when in Rethymno. The area’s home to the Palace of Knossos, home of the legendary half-bull half-man Minotaur, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of Greece’s top museums. On this tour, which includes a guide but excludes entrance fees, you’ll visit both with time to explore Heraklion and enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.

Apostolis Panigirakis, a certified historian specializing in contemporary history leads you through the evacuation route that ANZAC Troops took on late MAY 1941, after their retreat: We follow the troops until we get to their main evacuation port in Sfakia. In the evacuation that the Allies took during the Battle of Crete, thousands of ANZACs were safely evacuated towards Alexandria. We understand and comprehend the difficulties of the evacuation during WW2. In a short while, we arrive at a one-of-a-kind private war museum, with rare historical finds from the era of the Battle of Crete. Our specialized historian explains the history of WW2 in Greece and Crete. and the operation Mercury, as we prepare to descend towards the treacherous terrain and mountains towards the beaches and ports of South Crete. Finally, we reach the port of Sfakia, which was the main evacuation port and we pay our respects to the ANZAC war 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.

Explore the area of Rethymno, which also played a vital role during the Battle of Crete, both in the battlefield sector & during the evacuation of the troops towards Alexandria. After a short while, we make a stop at Kourtaliotiko Gorge, a gorge of impeccable beauty, being used for the evacuation of the troops during the battle. Our historian tour guide explains hidden aspects of the Battle of Crete and WW2 in Greece. After a while, we reach our main goal the Monastery of Preveli and the Palm Grove of Preveli which was used as an evacuating spot for the Allies during WW2. We make our way towards the artefacts of the monastery, and we understand its strategic spot, as well as learn about unknown myths and traditions of the Battle of Crete. We continue having a lunch break in a tavern that treats us with traditional Cretan specialities and delicacies, before reaching the Australian War Memorial in the city of Rethymno, and the HILL A crucial to the Battle of Crete on Rethymno side.

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.

Begin with a comfortable transfer to Elafonisi, Crete’s southwestern gem, where turquoise waters meet pink-tinged sands. Your knowledgeable guide shares insights into the island’s rich history as you pass through quaint villages, olive groves, and coastal panoramas. At Elafonisi, immerse yourself in the tranquility of the beach, lounging under umbrellas or exploring the pink sand scenery. Then, visit the historic Chrisoskalitissa Monastery, perched on a cliff overlooking the Libyan Sea, where Byzantine frescoes and the legendary golden step await. Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch before concluding your journey with a leisurely transfer back, filled with cherished memories of this idyllic paradise.

Head away from the tourist trail to catch the sun slipping into the Cretan sea. This private evening tour starts with visits to Agios Nikolaos and Plaka, and passes the village of Vrouchas as the route climbs high in to the mountains. You’ll then catch the sunset at a high-altitude spot where sweeping views await. A traditional dinner is also included.

Go off the beaten path and discover pottery, flowers, and a traditional Cretan village on this small-group tour. Discover traditional pottery making techniques at Margarites; explore a hidden valley full of orchids, tulips, and other flowers; and stroll around the charming village of Spili. Hotel pickup from many areas of northeastern Crete is included for ease.

Explore the great outdoors in Greece with an exciting hiking excursion to Samaria National Park. Embark on a scenic and strenuous 16-kilometer hike starting at the top of the gorge and winding your way down towards the sea. Along the way, you can take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea, and you might even be able to spot rare kri-kri goats and other wildlife within the park. After the tour, enjoy a boat ride from the village of Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakia, where you'll meet your bus to return.

A unique experience exploring the hinterland, passing through traditional villages of wild beauty, and ending up at the tropical beach at Elafonisi. The experience begins by traversing the hinterland and the mountain from north to south. The route through the gorge of Topolio and the visit to the cave of Agia Sophia, the monastery of Chrysoskalitissa on the top of a rock overlooking the Libyan sea and the tropical beach at Elafonissi, which is a Natura 2000 protected area with rare bio-communities, with pink sand, clear blue waters, dunes with rare lilies create an unforgettable life experience. All the above in combination with conversations with local people and tasting local flavors close a great day with countless memories on the way back

Embark on a full-day 4x4 adventure through Crete’s stunning landscapes, charming villages, and hidden gems, complete with lunch and swimming. Visit highlights like the Venetian Lion Fountains in Spili, the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and the exotic Preveli Beach, where a palm-lined lagoon meets crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch with unlimited wine, all while exploring off-the-beaten-path locations with a guide.

Visit the former leper colony and Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island during this private tour. Sail to this rocky island, and explore the streets, houses, and ruined Venetian fortifications where lepers were confined from 1903 to 1957. Then, relax with a swim stop and barbecue lunch before cruising back to port. Return coach transport, the boat ride to Spinalonga, and select hotel pickup and drop-off in north-coast resorts included.

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 !

Our day begins at the central meeting points in the city of Chania. After approximately one hour of driving through the beautiful landscapes of the Cretan countryside, we will arrive at Margarites, a picturesque and traditional village well-known throughout Greece for its long-standing pottery tradition. Next, we’ll head to the famous Arkadi Monastery, one of Crete’s most important historical and religious landmarks. There, we will tour the monastery grounds, learn about its moving and heroic Our trip continues to the city of Rethymno, where we will have approximately three hours of free time. You can explore the well-preserved historic center, wander through Venetian alleyways, visit the Fortezza fortress, or simply relax and enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the many traditional or modern cafes and tavernas by the Venetian harbor. After a day full of rich experiences, we will begin our return journey, carrying with us unforgettable memories of Cretan history.