Day Trips from Crete to Heraklion

The mountainous, provincial road climbs the eastern slopes of Psiloritis and offers incredible views of Heraklion and the Cretan Sea. Soon we reach Krousonas and through a dirt road, which runs parallel to the homonymous gorge, to the plateau. The place is beautiful with thousands of pear and apple trees scattered all over. The dirt road will lead us tothe plateau of Nida, where we will visit IdaionAndron, the cave where Zeus was raised. From there, we will head to Anogia for a stop in a traditional kafenion. Our trip continues to Livadia and Psiloritis Chalet Retreat where we will have our cooking lesson – preparing traditional cheese and local specialties. Note: This is not a private tour. Other travellers may also participate.

This is a private tour. Experience Crete from a unique perspective on this all-day Land Rover safari, combining mythology, culture, and authentic local flavors. Begin with a hotel pick-up in Heraklion and enjoy a scenic off-road drive through the eastern slopes of Psiloritis, Livadi Plateau, and Nida Plateau, with stunning mountain views along the way. Visit the legendary Idaion Andron cave, where Zeus was rased, and explore the resilient mountain village of Anogia with a traditional Greek coffee. The highlight is a hands-on cheese-making class at Psiloritis Shalet, tasting fresh local dairy and regional delicacies. The day concludes with a comfortable return, leaving you with lasting memories of Crete’s landscapes, traditions, and myths.

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.

Embark on an unforgettable off-road adventure through southern Crete in a modern Land Rover 4x4, guided by an experienced local driver. Explore the historic Monastery of Odigitria and enjoy a coffee at a traditional Cretan village of the South, then traverse rugged mountain paths and olive groves toward the stunning Agiofaraggo Gorge. Enjoy a gentle hike through towering cliffs and caves, ending at the secluded Agiofaraggo Beach for swimming and relaxation. The journey continues to the vibrant village of Matala, where you can wander its colorful streets, browse unique shops, and savor authentic Cretan delicacies. Combining culture, nature, local flavors, and scenic off-road drives, this excursion offers a full day of exploration and discovery!

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!

Explore Knossos & Heraklion on a private tour, with personalized guide, photo stops, and rich history Explore the Knossos Palace: You’ll have the opportunity to explore the labyrinthine ruins of the Knossos Palace, the most important archaeological site of Minoan Crete and the oldest city in Europe, at your own pace, without the crowds typically found on larger group tour Historical Journey through Heraklion: As you visit Heraklion, you’ll experience a unique mix of ancient history and modern culture, discovering Venetian and Ottoman landmarks like the Koules Fortress and the Lion’s Fountain, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Photo Stops: Throughout the tour, including key locations like the Koules Fortress and the Knossos Palace, there will be ample opportunities to stop and take photographs, allowing you to capture the most beautiful and memorable moments.

Experience traditional Greek vineyards alongside a certified sommelier on this private excursion by SUV. Venture into the countryside and learn about the winemaking traditions of Crete, including a visit to a 500-year-old wine press. Your tour includes a wine tasting of 12 premium wines paired with local snacks and culminates with a delicious 3-course Cretan meal in the middle of the vineyards.

This tour is a special way to discover the countryside of Crete in a top buggy! You will experience the ultimate adventure, crossing gorges, in a breathtaking manner and being guided to places you have never been. It doesn't matter if you have never driven a buggy before as the vehicles are user-friendly, and everybody will get a detailed instruction and practice on the spot before we start our tour. What makes our tour unique is the fact that we will reach the most hidden spots on the island where we meet the friendly locals. Get on board on the two-seater buggy with your partner and cruise along the endless rural roads of Crete with its amazing landscape. We will wait for you!

Discover the mountains of Crete and explore off-road trails on a quad safari with a visit to a Byzantine monastery. Head and marvel to the Minoa Palace in Maliaat and drive through olive groves. See an ancient oak tree and a 16th-century monastery. Savor a traditional Greek lunch in a cozy tavern and tour an olive mill. Bask in the sun and cool off with a swim in the sea at the end. Then, and continue to the village of Sissi. Cross a forest and pass through olive groves on your way up to the mountains to stop for a memorable photo at an 800-year-old oak tree. Afterward, visit Vrahasi village and navigate its narrow streets as you head up a steep road to the Monastery of Agios Georgios Vrahasiotis. This monastery dates back to the 16th century. Next, go to the village of Latsida and eat a traditional local lunch in a tavern. Enjoy a tour here and then continue to Sissi to relax on the beach and swim. Finally, return to the starting point and then transfer back to your accommodation.

Explore Santorini in just one day on this full-day tour from Crete. Travel by high-speed ferry from Heraklion to the famous volcanic island, then continue by bus to the towns of Oia and Fira, with commentary from your guide about Santorini and its history. Enjoy free time to explore on your own before returning to Crete.

Discover the authentic charm of Crete with your excursion! A unique journey through history, culture, and local traditions, featuring iconic landmarks, traditional villages, and unforgettable experiences. From historic monasteries and fascinating museums to pottery workshops, local flavors, and stunning caves, this tour offers the perfect taste of true Cretan life.

This tour starts with a drive along the north coast of Crete towards the east of the island. Your first visit will be to the small and lively town Agios Nikolaos where you can spend some free time at the lake, the harbor or the numerous little shops and bars. After that we drive to the village Elounda. From there we continue by boat to sail over to the island Spina Longa. There you can travel through the Venetian and Turkish periods, roam through the old houses and alleys and explore the fortress to arrive at a more recent and moving part of history: The first half of the 20th century when Spina Longa was the last Leper Colony of Europe. After your visit to Spina Longa you have 2 hours of free time to stroll through the small seaside village Elounda, have a refreshing swim or enjoy the local cuisine.

Discover the ancient Palace of Knossos and city of Heraklion while on this full-day tour. Accompanied by a professional guide, learn about the temple and Minoan palace of Knosses. Enjoy free time in Heraklion to explore the streets and tour the local museum before returning to your Rethimno accommodations.

This tour starts heading south through wild traditional Crete, bringing us to our first stop at the picturesque village of Agia Galini. There we have 1,5 hours for a coffee and a walk around the alleys of the village. Our next stop will be Matala, world-famous for its impressive neolithic caves along the bay, that used to be shelter for the hippie-commune in the 70’s. Three hours free time is enough as well to swim and relax at the sandy beach of this place. On our way back we have a foto-stop at an interesting village of Spili with its well known lion-head fountains. A little bit afterwards we make a one-hour break at a botanical garden. You can stroll around or chill out at a cafe there.

Visit Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, is located in Elounda from where we take the boat for Spinalonga island. Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe. Visit Agios Nikolaos and walk around the famous Lake Voulismeni

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.

Known for its pretty pink sand and clear aquamarine waters, Elafonisi is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Spend the day at this idyllic location, without having to worry about transport, with this day tour with transfers from the Heraklion, Malia, and Hersonissos area. Soak up the scenery on the way there and enjoy plenty of free time at the beach.

Enjoy your evening at a Cretan Village, experience how Cretan people entertain themselves and taste some traditional food and drinks during this lively excursion. Let the well-know Cretan hospitality, serve you, meet some great people, listen to their famous music and walk through the streets of the village to admire its local architecture and vibes.

Find yourself on two of Crete’s unspoiled beaches beneath the mountains, and let yourself relax in the peace and tranquility of the Kourtaliotis Gorge. Explore the coastline by boat and enjoy the calming, rolling waves and bright Cretian sunshine. Discover hidden gems at Damnoni Beach, and visit the picturesque old town of Rethymnon.

Explore the ancient land of the Lasithi Plateau and discover historic old towns and villages, Orthodox monasteries, and the grand stalactites and geological formations of the Cave of Zeus. See the Monastery of Vidiani and wander the small streets of Krasi. Then visit an olive mill and farm, where you can see how everything from olive oil to olive soap.

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.

Spend a day sailing on the glimmering waters around Crete on this leisurely cruise to Spinalonga Island. Climb aboard your boat and sail across Mirabello Bay as you make your way to “the island of tears” known as Spinalonga where you take a guided tour and then enjoy free time to explore. Then, head to Kolokytha where you enjoy a fresh lunch and plenty of time to swim and sunbathe.

Explore the beautiful island of Santornini on this guided group tour from Heraklion. All your transportation will be organized by your guide, starting from hotel pickup, to the speedboat to Santorini. You’ll have a bud tour around the island, where you’ll have plenty of stops where you can explore at your own pace. Options for extra excursions to the volcano are available, too.

Private guided tour by an experienced local guide. a journey to history, flavours and traditions of Crete. Travel in style in a luxury air conditioned mini van. Honey and raki tasting included . A tour that suits all interests. Let’s create some unforgettable memories. Amazing moments you wil remember for ever .Don’t miss it book now!