Top Heraklion Archaeology Tours - page 4

Combine several landmarks in one sightseeing itinerary in Crete with this full-day boat and coach tour. After hotel pickup, cruise to the island of Spinalonga, home to a Venetian fortress. Learn about its history before returning to Elounda for lunch. Head to the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, where you enjoy free time for shopping or relaxing in local cafes, ending with a visit to an olive oil factory.

Start your day with a comfortable hotel pick-up and a scenic drive through picturesque villages and mountains of Crete, with stops for photos along the way. Visit the elegant town of Agios Nikolaos to stroll along the lake and marina or relax with sea views, continue with stunning sights of Elounda Bay and the Mirabello Gulf, and arrive in the village of Plaka to board a traditional boat to the historic island of Spinalonga, where you can explore the Venetian fortress and learn about its past as a leper colony. Conclude the day with a mountain drive through Fourni, enjoying panoramic views and authentic Cretan life and cuisine, before returning to your hotel with lasting memories of Crete’s history, landscapes, and hospitality.

Visit Elounda and ride a boat to Spinalonga Island on this day trip.  Travel to Elounda and cruise to Spinalonga in Mirabello Bay, where a Venetian fortress and old village once housed a leper colony. Explore the ruins where lepers were confined, and enjoy a swim and barbecue lunch. After docking back at Elounda, drive to Agios Nikolaos’ to see its harbor and reputedly bottomless lake. Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels included.

Discover the ancient wonders of Crete on a private, customizable journey through history and nature. Begin at Gortys, once the Roman capital of Crete, home to Europe’s oldest legal code and ruins from the Doric, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Continue to Phaistos, the second-largest Minoan palace, with panoramic views and the famous undeciphered Phaistos Disc. Then visit Agia Triada, the site of a Minoan Royal Villa and town, rich in archaeological significance. Enjoy a relaxing break in the seaside village of Matala, where you can swim in the clear Libyan Sea, explore cliffside caves once used by hippies, and have lunch at a local taverna. 100% Private & Customizable – Adjust the itinerary and time at each stop. Hotel Pickup & Drop-off – Professional English-speaking driver. End your day with a scenic ride back to Heraklion, filled with memories of Crete’s ancient heritage and coastal charm.

The most famous landmark of Crete, Knossos, is the absolute “must” for everybody who decides to spend his or her vacation on the beautiful island. On one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, we find the center of one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world and through the excavations, the legends and the history of the place we learn about its settlers: the Minoan people, the rulers of the Mediterranean. 10:00 Arrival in Knossos Palace 12:00 Departure from Knossos Palace 12:10 Arrivalin Patsides – Minoan Farm 13:00 Arrival in Heraklion 15:30 Departure from Heraklion

* Certified Guide for Knossos Palace is NOT INCLUDED * Embark on a half-day journey through Crete’s rich heritage and timeless flavors. Your tour begins at the iconic **Knossos Palace**, where myths come to life among the ruins of the mighty Minoan civilization—walk through ancient corridors, grand halls, and fresco-lined chambers that whisper tales of kings and labyrinths. Next, visit a traditional **olive grove farm** tucked away in the countryside. Stroll through age-old olive trees, learn the secrets of olive oil production from passionate locals, and savor a tasting of fresh, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil—liquid gold straight from the source. The day concludes at a **local winery** known for its indigenous grape varieties. Explore the vineyards and cellars, hear the winemaking stories passed down through generations, and enjoy a relaxed wine tasting session. This tour offers a taste of Crete’s land and legacy—without lunch, leaving your afternoon open for more adventures.

*** A CERTIFIED GUIDE AT KNOSSOS IS NOT INCLUDED *** What makes this tour unique is its seamless blend of history, flavor, and authenticity. Starting from Elounda or Agios Nikolaos, you’ll travel comfortably to the legendary Knossos Palace — the cradle of Minoan civilization. Using the official Knossos App and QR codes scattered across the site, you’ll explore at your own pace and uncover the myths of King Minos and the Minotaur. After the palace, a short scenic drive leads you to a family-run olive mill, where the owner himself guides you through his grove and mill, revealing the secrets behind Crete’s most precious treasure: extra virgin olive oil. You’ll walk among olive trees, watch the modern extraction process, and taste three distinct olive oils straight from the source. The day concludes with an unforgettable farm-to-table lunch at Peskesi, Heraklion’s most acclaimed restaurant, where traditional recipes and organic ingredients tell the island’s story in every bite.

Hop on an eco-bike for a locals' tour of historic Heraklion, minus any emissions. With a native Cretan as your guide, you'll visit Heraklion's lesser-known corners as you learn about the characters who have shaped the city that you see today. The sightseeing tour also visits some locally loved hangouts where regional snacks and drinks await.