Top Crete Archaeology Tours

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.

Instead of tying yourself to a large group tour with a rigid itinerary, take your time exploring the ancient Minoan capital of Knossos with this private audio tour. Visit the remarkable Palace of Knossos and many other highlights of this archeological site, including South Propylaeum and the West Magazines. Leave the guidebooks behind and learn about the culture and lifestyles of people living in Minoan Crete from your audio guide.

Learn the flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine during a private cooking class in a traditional village outside Heraklion. Prepare local specialties including dolmadakia and lamb with artichokes before sitting down to enjoy a homemade multi-course meal paired with local wine. The peaceful countryside setting adds an authentic backdrop to this hands-on culinary experience.

Follow the lead of this excursion on the way to Ierapetra by bus, accompanied by the morning sun. Soon after embarking in the boat, enjoy the trip in the Libyan sea on your way to Chrissi island where you will taste the natural beauty of a unique and protected by “Natura 2000” golden beach.

In olden times, people with leprosy were forced to live on Spinalonga, a fortress island in Mirabello Bay. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. You'll see Elounda, a resort that's popular with VIPs, visit Agios Nikolaos, known for its deep lake, and enjoy a barbecue lunch on Kolokithia Beach. Entrance fees and boat ticket (with barbecue) are at your expense.

Spend a day at Acqua Plus, the most popular water park on Crete. The park is divided into two sides, one for all ages and one for adults only. Facilities are clean, well-run, and safe, with multiple lifeguards on duty at all times. In addition to the many games, slides, and water rides inside the park, there is a beautiful garden in the center with Cretan flowers and trees, exotic flowers, weeping willows, palm trees, bougainvilleas,  French marigolds and more greenery, making for a nice escape form the heat and sun.

Set sail on a semi-private catamaran cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island for a day of sea, sun, and swimming. Your journey begins with a warm welcome featuring coffee and local pastries. Enjoy stunning coastal views, refreshing sea breezes, and unlimited drinks as we sail. Upon reaching Dia Island, anchor in a secluded bay to swim in crystal-clear waters before indulging in a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch onboard.

Getting to know the real Chania isn't always easy—but on this private, half-day tour, your guide will help you discover its local charms. Enjoy a cafe visit with a view; next, head to a winery for a sommelier-led indigenous wine tasting. Then it's on to Old Town Chania, where you'll go for a walking tour, visit a local restaurant, and enjoy a range of Cretan delicacies, from breads and cheeses to pastries and beyond.

Visit a olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil production and we get to taste different kind of olive oil . Visit the village of Mochos and Krasi and walk through the old narrow streets, Enjoy a coffee at the main square. Visit the Cave of Zeus ( OPTIONAL) Enjoy the ride with our comfortable air conditioned vehicles while learning about local traditions, history and myths. Visit a family pottery workshop ( OPTIONAL) Stop at a family restaurant up on the mountain to taste a few local dishes ( OPTIONAL) Dive into the Minoan civilization while exploring Knossos Palace .( OPTIONAL) Experience the Greek Myth with us and create memories that will last for ever. We can customize the tour on your wishes and needs so just let us know. We can pick you up from Heraklion port and Region . From Agios Nikolaos Port and Region, From Elounda , From Rethimno Region we can pick you up only if you book the PRIVATE OPTION.

Take a day out from Crete to visit Santorini on this day trip, which saves you the hassle of moving to different accommodation while showcasing the island's highlights. Admire this famous volcanic island, known for its sea-filled caldera (crater) and black cliffs, away from the crowds as you sail. Cover more sights in less time on a bus tour to visit Thira and Oia to admire the whitewashed houses perched high on the cliffs, with free time to explore both towns.

The best way to explore Crete is by boat, and this half-day cruise from Hersonissos visits St. George's Bay and the small towns of Malia and Stalis. Set sail aboard a traditional pirate ship, ideal for younger travelers; stop to swim and snorkel at the island’s beaches and bays; spot dolphins and sea turtles along the coast; and tuck into a delicious BBQ lunch on board.

Join us in a unique tour through the ages and explore the other side of the city. We will visit neighbourhoods like Topanas, Splantzia, Kolombo, and Kasteli, high spots to admire the panoramic view of the harbour, traditional Cretan taverns, and magnificent buildings. Also, we will visit the ancient ruins of the greatest Minoan city, Kydonia, and the high walls of the Venetian moats, called “Tafros”. The most important thing that you will learn from our tour is that in two hours you will tour and learn about five old civilizations, see their architecture, know about their culture, and hear the ancient spirit's history and tales! • Get around the city with ease: private transport provided for the tour. • Convenient round-trip transfer from your hotel in Chania region. • Great for shore excursions: port pick-up is available in Chania. • Get your photos online fast: Wi-Fi is available onboard your private vehicle.

Cruise passengers docking at Heraklion have limited time ashore, so this full-day excursion makes the most of it. Visit the Cave of Zeus and Knosos Palace, walk the cobblestoned streets of Krasi and tour an olive press, with a refreshing stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After your tour, return to your ship stress-free with guaranteed timely drop-off.

We begin our journey at Knossos Palace, the ancient kingdom of the mighty King Minos, where legends of the Minotaur and the labyrinth come to life! As you walk among ruins full of stories waiting to be discovered, you'll sense the spirit of an extraordinary civilization. After Knossos, we adjust the tour based on your mood. • Hungry for more history? Let's visit the Archaeological Museum! • Want to explore Crete’s vibrant capital, Heraklion? We'll take a pleasant walk through its lively city center. • Curious to explore a traditional village? Let's head to Archanes, known for its picturesque streets and charming architecture. It's also famous for its vineyards, making it the perfect spot for a local winery tour. Want to do something different? Just let us know in advance or on the spot, and we'll offer you all the options to match your desires so you can decide where to go next. One thing's for sure – we'll do our best to ensure you're satisfied throughout the entire itinerary!

Embark on a journey of discovery through historic Crete! Explore the magnificent Knossos Palace, marveling at the Minoan civilization. Visit one of the traditional villages, numerous in the area, to uncover its timeless charm and way of life. Experience the serene Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, a jewel of religious history. Engage in a hands-on ceramics workshop, crafting your piece of Cretan history. Then, enjoy a brief journey to a traditional tavern in the enchanting Lassithi Plateau. Savor authentic local cuisine and soak in the atmosphere of a classic Cretan tavern, creating unforgettable memories. Visit a local olive oil factory, where you’ll learn about the production process and sample some of the finest extra virgin olive oil Crete has to offer. This tour offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Uncover the rich history of Crete on this semi-private tour, designed for small groups of up to 6 guests. Begin at the ancient city of Aptera, where you can wander through fascinating ruins and admire the grand amphitheater while soaking in panoramic views of Souda Bay. Next, head to Chania's Old Town to explore its charming streets, vibrant markets, and the iconic Venetian Harbor. This intimate experience offers a blend of guided discovery and free time to relax and enjoy local taverns and shops. - Small-group tour (max 6 people) ensures a personalized experience. - Discover the ancient city of Aptera and its archaeological wonders. - Explore Chania’s picturesque Old Town and waterfront at your own pace. - Includes hotel pick-up/drop-off and comfortable air-conditioned transport.

Time Travel with Knossos: Dive into the captivating history of Knossos Palace, immersing yourself in the tales of ancient civilizations that once graced this extraordinary site. Pedal through history and nature on our comfortable ecobikes, minimizing your environmental impact while enjoying a unique adventure. Wander off the tourist trail and embrace the tranquility of Cretan landscapes, connecting with the island's serenity as you ride. Engage with welcoming villagers, creating meaningful connections that grant you insights into both ancient traditions and modern ways of life. Witness the seamless blend of past and present as you journey from archaeological wonders to charming villages, gaining a holistic understanding of Crete's rich narrative. Choose our Ebike Tour for an experience that transcends time and place. Book now to embark an unforgettable journey through eras and landscapes.

Discover the charm of Rethymno’s Old Town with your local licensed guide! Begin at the Venetian Harbor (13th c.) and admire the 19th-century Egyptian Lighthouse. Stroll through cobbled alleys rich in Venetian and Ottoman heritage. See the Venetian Loggia, the Rimondi Fountain, and the Neratze Mosque. Visit a local music shop for a brief intro to Cretan music instruments and a traditional workshop where baklava and kataifi, filo pastry, are made. Stop at the small but historic Church of the Little Virgin Mary and hear an introduction to Orthodox traditions. Though we won’t enter the Fortezza, your guide will share its dramatic past of pirate raids and Ottoman sieges, infront of it's walls.. This tour blends history, culture, and the spirit of Crete in one unforgettable walk. NOTICE; Although your guide, Nicholas, speaks several languages, this tour is offered only in English, German, and Swedish.

A Certified Guide for Knossos Palace is NOT INCLUDED What sets this tour apart is its **soul**—not just the stops, but the *why* behind them. In just one carefully crafted day, you get a full bite of Crete: its sacred flavors, its living crafts, its wine-soaked hospitality, and its ancient myths. We don’t rush. We don’t overpack. We do it the old Cretan way—slow, generous, and real. You’ll taste olive oil from groves where the trees are older than some civilizations. You’ll meet a potter whose hands remember secrets passed down for generations. You’ll drink wines born from volcanic soil and eat a village lunch the way locals do on a Sunday. And finally, you’ll walk in the footsteps of kings and legends at Knossos. No staged folklore, no touristy fluff—just the Crete we love, shared with you the way it was always meant to be: with heart, time, and good company.

With an ancient history spanning millennia to the time of the Ancient Greeks and beyond, exploring Crete is a great choice for history lovers. Explore sites such as Aposelemis Dam and the Windmills of Lassithi Plateau on this full-day private tour. Learn the island’s history and culture before a visit to the Palace of Knossos: the largest site of Minoan antiquity on Crete.

*** A CERTIFIED GUIDE FOR KNOSSOS IS NOT INCLUDED *** Indulge in personalized service from our top local drivers with specialist knowledge in the comfort of a chauffeured luxury vehicle. Take in the stellar ruins and sumptuous frescoes of the Palace of Knossos, appreciating it in a way that few will have the opportunity to do. Immerse yourself in labyrinthine wonder as we transport you back to a time when myth and history were indistinguishable. Where there is culture, there is Olive Oil. Let us take you a few meters away from Knossos Palace, specifically to Skalani village. Here you will discover a Family-Owned Olive Mill in which you will taste Cretan indigenous varieties of Olive Oil with divine aromas and flavors. Enchanted by the Cretan land, its history, and its products, it is impossible not to visit the magical village of Ano Archanes with its beautiful streets and old houses. One of the few places visited by the current King of England, Charles.

In this Chania city private walking tour, our professional historian and licensed tour guide will guide you through Chania Town. History, smells, lovely sights, archaeology and hospitable people are all combined in this Chania walking tour of the 5 senses! Get a glimpse of the Venetian harbour, where our licensed guide will welcome you and guide you briefly about Chania's rich history, culture & attractions. Venetian Rule, Egyptian Era, Roman Rule, Ottoman Period and World War 2 history all come aboard right in front of your eyes on this Chania walking tour. Explore the Venetian fortifications, the houses of the Ottoman Period and the distinctive flair of antiquity. Historical Photos will help us better understand the past and present, before we explore the culinary wonders and traditional Cretan food!

Visiting the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in both the archaeological wonders and the mythological tales of ancient Crete. The site is easily accessible, and guided tours can enhance your experience by providing detailed historical context and storytelling. It includes a skip-the-line ticket for fast entry and a guided exploration of the Labyrinth of Knossos, known for its rich connection to Minoan civilization and mythology.

*** IT DOES NOT include tickets to the Knossos Archeological site or the cost of a Certified Guide to the Knossos Archeological Site. *** Experience the epitome of luxury and cultural immersion with our personalized chauffeured service in Crete. Our expert local drivers, well-versed in the region's history. Delve into the heart of Central Crete as we transport you to the enchanting Peza valley, a Minoan haven with olive groves and red soils. Indulge in a wine-tasting adventure at a local winery, savoring Cretan indigenous varieties with divine aromas. No visit is complete without exploring the magical village of Ano Archanes, a favorite of the current King of England Charles, where charming streets and old houses beckon. Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene, enjoying a carefully crafted meal in this enchanting locale. Our bespoke journey ensures you unravel the layers of Cretan history, culture, and gastronomy in the lap of luxury.