Ursula B.United States
Good food. Good fun
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Private tour in Heraklion Elpida S
Taste Crete
5.0
(6) reviews
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
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-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Elpida S.
5.0
Guide rating
79
Reviews
Tours delivered
7 hrs
Avg. response time
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.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Elpida S.
Experience Heraklion city through its food history
Overview of your Heraklion tour
"Same land, same products", a phrase that epitomizes food history in Crete from the Minoan times to present. As a specialized archaeologist and passionate cook I'm the right person to help you explore past and present of Cretan cuisine! This experience covers all major monuments of Heraklion city center in an easy walking tour, while savouring identical Cretan products and recipes in a fascinating food voyage in the old market and town through several stops in characteristic spots that locals love! So, you will get to know Cretan diet, famous for its unique healthy recipes and you will taste, among others, the famous bougatsa and coffee, different types of honey, aromatic herbal tea, extra virgin olive oil, a variety of cheese, traditional pies and typical marriage sweets and of course our alcoholic beverage, raki, paired with identical cold dishes. We will always visit family-run shops that guarantee high quality and authentic products. Note: The tour is also suitable for cruise passengers.
Recent Reviews
Beth S.United States
We had an exceptional custom-made tour with Elpida that beautifully brought the Minoan Civilization and Heraklion city center to life. From the very beginning, it was clear that this was not a standard, cookie-cutter tour, Elpida thoughtfully tailored the experience to our interests, blending history, culture, and local life in a way that felt both engaging and personal. Her knowledge of the Minoan Civilization was impressive, but what truly set her apart was her storytelling. She connected ancient history to modern Crete effortlessly, making each stop meaningful and easy to appreciate. The highlight was the food tour element—truly a feast for the senses. We tasted incredible local dishes, learned about Cretan food traditions, and visited spots that felt authentic and loved by locals. Elpida’s tour is an absolute must!
Sarah S.United States
Fantastic tour! A must-do in Heraklion. Elpida was to meet us at 10:30. We then walked to Lion Fountain and a delicious local pastry cafe for pastry and coffee/local herbal tea. Elpida shared an excellent Heraklion history review while we were comfortably sitting. Then, we strolled through the market, stopping at an olive oil shop for tastings, a candy shop, a fruit market, and a cookie shop. Fortunately, these foods could be packaged and didn’t need to be eaten on the spot! All the while, Elpida pointed out interesting architecture and shared local customs and traditions. Then we moved to a local herbalists’ for tea and spices. Then a short walk through charming streets, picking up herb pies for later, to a restaurant for a delicious lunch with local Cretan favorites. We finished the tour about 3pm with food enough for a full dinner! Fantastic! Highly recommend this tour!
Margaret W.United States
Our tour guide, Elpida, was wonderful. It just so happened that there was a strike the morning of our tour. Elpida was in constant communication with us the day before, to adjust our schedule so that we did not miss anything. And we didn't! We had a delightful walking tour - short walks - to sample five local delicious specialties Then to the Archaeological Museum and finally the ruins of Knossos. Elpida thoughtfully modified and adjusted our tour to mitigate the extreme heat and ensure that we could really enjoy this spectacular site.
Lucia B.United States
We couldn't have asked for a better experience in Heraklion with Elpida! She is very knowledgeable and gave us a great introduction to Minoan culture at the museum followed by fabulous tastes of Greece at several local shops (which we never would have been able to find on our own), and the tastings did not disappoint! Elpida paced our private tour so we remained comfortable despite our old knees. Pleasant, friendly, and excellent communication from start to finish. Thank you for the wonderful memories!
Peter-Florian A.Switzerland
A really great (and tasty) tour with a very friendly guide, who has a wide knowledge and can transport it very easily. Very much recommended!
Your Heraklion tour itinerary
- We will start our tour at the heart of Heraklion Old Town, at the Lions' Square, from where we will explore all major monuments of the Venetian old town. - We will continue on foot towards the traditional market street, around which all the food tour stops are located. The distance between the several stops is estimated at 1-5 min. walk. -We will have several food tasting stops (sit in or take away, according to the shop) and we shall end at a traditional kafeneion for raki and cold dishes. - The tour ends in the city center so you will have the opportunity to spend the rest of your day downtown. The row of food stops may vary according to closing hours of every shop.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking tour. In case you need transportation to reach the meeting point and then to return to your hotel at the end of the tour, this can be arranged upon request with an extra cost.
What's included
Other: Food tour stops and product tasting
Private Guide
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses
Tickets
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Accommodation
Meeting location
Iraklio, 712 02, Greece
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Heraklion city center, Morozini Fountain (Lions' Square) or I can pick you up from your hotel, if this is in Heraklion city center.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Food And Drink
History
Tour reference number
473793
Languages
Greek
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Irákleion best suited for?
This private tour in Irákleion is perfect for food enthusiasts who want to explore the rich culinary history of Crete. It's also ideal for those interested in archaeology and local culture, as Elpida S., a specialized archaeologist and passionate cook, will guide you through the city's food history. The tour is suitable for families, including kids, and is wheelchair accessible, making it a great choice for travellers with mobility concerns.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Irákleion be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
Is this private tour in Irákleion suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.