Private tour in Heraklion Elpida S
5.0
(55) reviews
5 hours
1
5 hours
1
Elpida S.
5.0
Guide rating
72
Reviews
Tours delivered
7 hrs
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Hello! I am Elpida. I was born and bred in Crete, where I still reside and work. I am a licensed tourist guide and archaeologist. I have been working as a tourist guide since 2016, collaborating with various local and international agencies, offering group or private tours all over Crete. As I studied Archaeology and History of Art at the University of Crete I had the opportunity to get a thorough knowledge of Minoan Civilization, that has always been my passion. Later on I continued my studies at the University College London, for an MA in Archaeology and Management of Archaeological Sites and I completed my research interests with an MSc at the Polytechnic School of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, specializing in Protection and Restoration of Monuments, where I discovered my "second academic love", Venetian fortresses! Working for many years as a field archaeologist, I have had the luck to excavate various types of archaeological sites in Crete, dated to all its important historical periods. All these wonderful experiences and understanding of Cretan archaeology I shall be happy to share with my guests and help them feel 'archaeologists for a day' if they are keen on it! A vivid narration and the use of extra visual material on a tablet will help you enjoy and discover Cretan history in a relaxed way. Having lived almost all my life in Crete, both up the mountains in a traditional village and by the sea, in its capital city, Heraklion, Cretan traditions and way of life are actually part of myself. Talking of tradition, food offering is part of our mentality! It is considered unforgivable to let a visitor leave one's house without offering at least a shot of the local alcoholic beverage, raki, with some appetizers!!! So, the plan is to show you how it really feels to live in Crete and inspire you my love for the island, by presenting local traditions and customs and by experiencing local food and beverages almost in every tour! I hope that through my offered tours visitors all over the world shall explore Crete with all their senses, will gain sufficient information to appreciate its history and will build wonderful memories to get back home! Welcome to Crete! I am a licensed tourist guide by the Greek Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Association of Tourist Guides of Crete and Santorini. I am an archaeologist, graduate of the University of Crete, holding an MA from the University College London on Aegean Archaeology and an MSc from the Polytechnic School of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University, specializing on Protection and Restoration of Monuments. I am not a driver. Private transportation can be arranged upon request.
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This is a wonderful half-day tour for archaeology fans! Let's discover together the dawn of European Civilization and explore the Minoans in their homeland, Crete. The rise of the Minoans dates back in the 3rd millennium BC and within 2000 years time-span they offered to humanity incredible pieces of art. The mighty kingdom of the Minoans was controlled through the impressive 'palaces', the largest and most luxurious of all being Knossos, related to incredible myths like Minotaur, the Labyrinth and Ariadne's thread! As an archaeologist specialized in Minoan world and art, having participated in excavations of Minoan sites, I'll be happy to present you the beauty of this civilization in a full tour of Knossos Palace & Heraklion Archaeological Museum. As a modern citizen I would also guide you through the aromas and tastes of traditional Greek bougatsa, the beloved pastry, that we all enjoy eating at the heart of Heraklion city, at Lions' square. Note: The tour is also suitable for cruise passengers.
Elpida was a joy to be with! She brought the Minoan civilization come alive for each of our 3-generation group. With both facts and anecdotal stories we hardly noticed the time passing, and were quite disappointed when the tour came to an end.
We traveled with 3 teenagers and I was a bit concerned that it would be difficult for them to spend the entire day ( we are staying in Chania, so for us it was a long trip to make to see Knossos) seeing sites and museum. Elpida made it SO interesting , she is so knowledgable, friendly and overall pleasant to communicate with. She showed us Heraklion , we visited Knossos ( make sure you grab water with you, as you will spend time outside and take passports for kids, if you are getting free tickets for kids under the age of 18) Elpida told us very interesting stories, showed us historical evidence and unique objects. Definitely worth visiting museum ( such beautiful ancient paintings, jewelry and many more), don’t skip it, Elpida makes this tour very interesting because she brings extra pictures to show you so even if you don’t have imagination, you can see and truly appreciate the historic place. It is always a chance to book a good tour guide and I feel truly lucky to book it with Elpida. She is phenomenal. Highly recommend!!!
Elpida provided us a wonderful tour that included a very detailed tour of the Heraklion Archealogical Museum, a walking tour of downtown Heraklion and a great walking tour of the Knossos Palace. Highlights of the tour included the chance to take a break at her favorite cafe the that opened in 1922 and in a spur of the moment decision took us to here favorite tea shop to by some local herbal tea for our son.
We had a great day with Elpida touring Knossos Palace, the Archaeological Museum and the city of Heraklion. Elpida has a wonderful manner and way of bringing the Palace to life. She is so knowledgeable and was able to provide us with an extensive amount of information, but also did a great job setting the pace. She was a pleasure to be with and we truly enjoyed learning more about the Cretan way of life. I would highly recommend any tour with Elpida!
Our family travels the world and we use this website to find our guides. Our guide Elpida was the absolute pinnacle of guides we have experienced. She was beyond incredible with our children and her knowledge and passion is top tier. I would highly recommend anyone considering a guide to use elpida.
Elpida was an excellent guide. She wisely had us tour the Heraklion Archeological Museum prior to visiting Knossos Palace so we would have an idea about the Bronze Age cultures. She was very well versed in the subject matter.
-We will start the tour at Knossos Palace, 5 km to the south of Heraklion city center. -We will reach Heraklion city center (approximately 15 min. drive) and start the guided tour at the Archaeological Museum. -We will go on foot to the Lions' square, in the heart of Heraklion city, which is a 10 min. walk from the Museum. -We will enjoy the bougatsa in a traditional pastry place, like locals do! Note: Upon request the itinerary can change and start from the city center. In this case, meeting point is the entrance of the Archaeological Museum. After the Museum tour we will have the bougatsa stop and then transportation and visit of Knossos Palace.
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Knossos Palace is only 5 km south of Heraklion city center, so it is easy to get there by taxi. Otherwise you can use a rental car. Upon request private transportation can be arranged with an extra cost.
Knossos, 714 09, Greece
1. Heraklion port-passengers' terminal 2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum, city center 3. Knossos Palace Entrance 4. Hotel lobby if it is in Heraklion city center
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5 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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