Top Heraklion Arts & Design

Immerse yourself in Crete's history with this small-group guided tour of the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Save time with skip-the-line entrance to both sites, exploring the palace's myths and rituals with a licensed guide. Then, discover original frescoes and artifacts at the museum, gaining a complete understanding of Minoan civilization in a seamless, expertly guided experience.

Experience an evening of dinner, drinks, and live entertainment at a Cretan village. Stroll around the village, then sit down to at the taverna for dinner, raki, and wine, while being entertained by local dancers in traditional costumer performing a variety of Cretan and Greek folk dances. Includes round-trip transfers between Sissi and Ammoudara.

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

Navigating Crete's historic attractions without a car can be tricky, but this small-group tour makes things a breeze. After pickup from your Heraklion hotel (or the port), journey to the ancient Knossos Palace—believed to be the mythical home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur—and explore its well-preserved ruins. Your next stop is the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, a popular Bronze Age museum with plenty of art, jewelry, and artefacts to see. Your English-speaking guide is happy to answer any questions you have along the way.

If you’re short on time and want to see as much of the Greek capital as possible, get a Fast-Track entrance ticket to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.  This popular attraction is often surrounded by a long line of visitors, but you can breeze past them with your Fast-Track entrance ticket purchased in advance. Fully experience the museum’s 27 galleries with your extra time.

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant evening in the traditional village of Karouzana, where the heart of Cretan culture beats. Stroll through charming narrow streets, embracing the warm hospitality of locals. As dusk falls, indulge in a sumptuous feast featuring local specialties, from rich cheeses to fresh meats, all drizzled in pure olive oil. Sip on local wines while the enchanting melodies of the Cretan lyra fill the air. Delight in captivating folk dances performed by locals, and even learn a few steps to dance alongside them, channeling your inner Zorba. This night promises laughter and lasting memories.

Take a journey back in time as you explore the archeological site of Knossos, where the ancient Minoan civilization once thrived. Hear the Greek myth of Theseus and the minotaur, and see ruins of what is thought to be Europe's oldest cities. Next, see historical artefacts up close at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which covers a chronological span of over 5,500 years.

What makes this tour truly stand apart is its balance — a seamless blend of Crete’s **mythic past**, **authentic countryside**, and **living traditions** that most visitors never get to see. It’s not a rushed sightseeing loop; it’s a private, slow-paced journey through layers of Cretan life, guided by locals who understand the island’s rhythm and character. You’ll walk through the **legendary ruins of Knossos**, tasting the air of Europe’s first civilization, then shift gears completely to a **family-run olive mill**, where real people share their craft, not a staged show. And when the road climbs to the **Lasithi Plateau**, you’ll see Crete at its most genuine — windmills, shepherds, and tavernas untouched by time. It’s a day that connects myth with meal, stone with soil, and history with hospitality — the kind of Crete you remember long after your flight home.