Top Crete Archaeology Tours

Check off Lassithi Plateau and several area highlights all in one day on this convenient tour. Instead of waiting around for taxis or dealing with fussy car rentals, enjoy hassle-free pickup from many areas of northern Crete. Travel in comfort between the sights, including Kera Kardiotissa Monastery and the Cave of Zeus, in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization, and a must-see site in Crete. Explore the landmark in the company of a guide, who can provide more insights than visiting on your own. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walk around central Heraklion and free time to explore afterwards on your own.

Visit the most popular attraction of the island of Crete, the famous archeological site of Knossos, the capital of King Minos! In this half day guided tour you will have the opportunity to learn about the Cretan history, as well as to explore the new town!

Spend the day exploring southern Crete with this full-day guided tour of Gortys (Gortyn) and Matala. After pickup from designated locations around Crete, travel by air-conditioned bus to the Gortys archeological park, the former Roman capital of Crete. Afterwards, head to the coast and Matala, where you will have four hours of free time to spend how want.

Visit the island of Spinalonga on this guided tour from Agios Nikolaos. Board your vessel and take in the sights as you make your way to the old Venetian fortress. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the premises, learning about the island’s historical and archaeological significance.

Unlock the mysteries of ancient Crete on this unforgettable full-day tour departing from Chania! Visit two of the island’s most iconic destinations — the historic city of Heraklion and the world-famous Palace of Knossos — and experience a journey through myth, history, and vibrant modern life. Why Choose This Tour? ✔️ Comprehensive and well-paced — balancing guided experiences with free time to explore ✔️ Expert storytelling by professional licensed guides ✔️ Travel in comfort with our air-conditioned luxury buses ✔️ Ideal for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and curious travelers ✔️ Starting conveniently from Chania &Rethymnno — no need to worry about transport logistics! Follow the footsteps of ancient kings, explore one of the greatest civilizations in human history, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Crete’s capital city — all in one exciting day! Reserve your Knossos Palace & Heraklion Day Tour today and make history part of your journey!

Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this private full-day tour of Crete, including Knossos, the Lasithi Plateau Windmills, and the Cave of Zeus. History enthusiasts will love learning about the island’s ancient history, while nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful views. As this private tour, you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of by your English-speaking driver-guide.

If you like to explore independently but would prefer not to risk self-driving Cretan roads or doing battle for parking in Chania, this trip with hotel transfers is perfect for you. As you travel from Rethymno to Chania, your tour leader will clue you in on the city’s history and explain everything there is to see. You have half a day to explore independently before returning to your hotel.

See more of Crete on your vacation, and take a tour of island’s southern stretches with a private guide. Perfect if you have a day free but no transport, this excursion takes you through the Messara valley to visit the archaeological site of Gortyn and two Orthodox monasteries — sites that would be tricky to find alone. Time for swimming at Matala Beach and a coastal dinner complete the experience.

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.

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.

Check out two different historical regions of Greece in this day tour that takes you to explore the Lassithi Plateau and the Knossos Palace in Heraklion, plus much more. This is a group tour, so you’ll be keeping costs down. Your guide and driver will take care of all the logistics for you, so you can enjoy your full day exploring the history and local culture of the area.

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.

Guided Tour of the Palace of Knossos — Where Myth Comes to Life Step into the heart of Minoan Crete and discover the legendary Palace of Knossos — the very place where history and mythology intertwine. Walk through the ancient corridors where Theseus once faced the Minotaur, admire the vivid frescoes that still whisper stories of gods and kings, and feel the spirit of the civilization that gave birth to Europe’s first great culture. Join us on a journey through time — to Knossos, where myth meets reality, where the ruins transform into living scenes — full of color, drama, and life. You’ll not only see Knossos, you’ll experience it — as the Minoans once did, thousands of years ago.

Private & Personalized: Choose Your 6- or 4-Hour Itinerary Perfect for Cruise Stops & Island Stays Guaranteed on-time return to your ship More than just stops — a Hosted Cultural Journey! 6-Hour Option: Choose Three (3) Authentic Experiences from the list below. 4-Hour Option: Choose Two (2) Authentic Experiences Knossos Palace | Olive Mill Tour & Tasting | Winery Tour & Tasting | Pottery Workshop & Monastery | Traditional Village | Archaeological Museum & City Stroll | Or a place on your wish list. Message us your picks in advance or choose on the day. Enjoy narrated drives through Heraklion, charming villages, and scenic landscapes between experiences. Discover authentic Cretan traditions, from pottery, wine, and olive oil to history and local culture — traditions that continue to shape life on the island today. Exclusively for cruise guests arriving at Heraklion Port (there are 3 cruise ports on Crete) Private Tour · Shore Excursion · Day Trip · Afternoon

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.

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.

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.

Step into Greek mythology and experience the breathtaking highlands of Crete on this exclusive, full-day private adventure. Journey to the spectacular Lassithi Plateau, famous for its iconic white-sailed windmills, scenic viewpoints, and authentic mountain villages. The crown jewel of your trip? A visit to the mystical Cave of Zeus (Dikteon Cave), wrapped in stunning stalactites and legendary history as the birthplace of the King of the Gods! Designed for maximum comfort and flexibility, this tour moves entirely at your pace. Enjoy personalized insights from your dedicated driver-guide, relax in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, and savor the true essence of Crete with exclusive local olive oil, traditional product tastings and a stop at a local tavern for lunch.

Crete rewards those willing to venture beyond the resorts, but navigating between palaces, mountain plateaus, and villages on your own takes planning. This small-group tour with a private option handles logistics with a luxury air-conditioned Mercedes Benz and a local guide. You'll cover Knossos Palace, the Lasithi Plateau's windmills, the Psychro Cave, and an olive oil factory where you can taste local products and snacks.

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.

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.

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.