What really brought the great Minoan civilization to its knees? A spectacular earthquake from nearby Thera? Invading mainland hordes? The lost world of the Minoans has fascinated scholars for years. Come to Crete and explore the ruins of the palace at Knossos on a private Heraklion tour and perhaps you'll leave the island with your own theory.

Meet your local guide and set out in the morning to view Knossos. This Minoan palace is believed to be the fabled labyrinth of King Minos and his mythical Minotaur. Restored by 20th century archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, today the ruins boast colourful frescoes that allow you to imagine the palace as it stood thousands of years ago. In nearby Heraklion (Iraklio) you can visit the splendid Archaeological Museum, featuring the world's best collection of Minoan artefacts.

After your tour, relax with a glass of wine and plate of Greek metzes at a beachfront tavern - your guide can suggest the perfect place. Enjoy your private Heraklion tour!

Heraklion

Full Day Tour -Traditional Villages -Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Factory Old Wind Mills

This is my favorite tour in Crete because you get to see the real side of Crete, visit an olive oil factory , the old villages, old wind mills, Lasithi Plateau the biggest one in Crete, Zeus Cave where the king of all the Greek gods was born and stop at a family restaurant up on the mountain to enjoy a Cretan traditional lunch ( OPTIONAL)

I grow up in a village so I love nature and this tour gives me the opportunity to show you the old villages up on the mountain with amazing views, the cave of Zeus ( I hope he will be there this time because last time I was there I couldn't find him ), show you all the secrets of the Cretan Golden liquid…. . and of course taste a few different kinds of olive oil ……
I am more than willing to customize this tour on your wishes and needs.

Let's join me exploring Zeus Cave, traditional villages , old wind mills with outstanding views.

Knossos Palace and the Ottoman/Venetian Heraklion's past extended tour

Heraklion is one of the most interesting Greek cities. What I love mostly about Heraklion is the fact it combines the traces of ancient civilization with the presence of Ottomans and Venetians. As an archaeologist I will be able to take you back in time and experience the everyday life throughout the ages.
Starting from the minoan palace of Knossos, a place of architectural innovation and mythical personalities, we will appreciate the elaborate lifestyle of ancient Minoans
Afterwards, we will wander through the city of Herakion, a modern and vibrant city with its beautiful corners and architecture and dive into its Ottoman and Venetian past, which is still visible in the Koules fortress, the Lion square, the old market. Finally, we will visit the Historical museum of Crete, where we can explore all the artifacts from the Venetian, Ottoman and modern periods of the island, including painting by El Greco or we can dive further into the Minoan world with a visit of the archaeological museum of Heraklion

Join me discovering Heraklion throughout the ages

Palace of Knossos and Archeological Museum Heraklion city, extended day tour

We will visit Knossos, the largest and most famous of the Minoan palaces, the residence of the mythical King Minos and the monster Minotaur, a multi-acre complex of royal apartments, elaborate staircases, storage and craft areas, the first European theater, and a throne room with the original Bronze Age throne. Replicas of many frescoes grace the palace.

A walking tour of Heraklion, Crete's largest city, is a must on this tour. Crete's largest city abounds with buildings, monuments, and churches that bear witness to its centuries-old history, among them the Morozini Fountain, the Venetian Loggia, St. Titus Church, etc

After free time for lunch, we will visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, one of the greatest museums in the world. It hosts the unique Minoan art

Join me discovering the birthplace of the minoans and more

Crete in a Nutshell - Knossos Palace and Cretan Wine Tasting Full Day Tour

If you only have a few hours in Crete and you want to get the most out of it, this is just the perfect tour to combine history, traditions and nature!
Our day will start at the Palace of Knossos, a landmark of the Minoans, the first elaborate European civilization. Here the mythical king Minos kept in his Labyrinth the legendary bull-headed creature, Minotaur. Myths and reality related to this ancient world will be presented in a vivid narration, a real voyage back in time! Our quest will continue in the countryside, to taste one of the most beloved products of this land since the Minoan times, Cretan wine. A local winery expert will explain traditional and modern production methods, will present indigenous varieties and then we will taste the best Cretan wines!
The day will finish with a relaxing stroll and free time in the village of Archanes with its characteristic traditional square and beautiful architecture.

Visit Knossos Palace, a winery and Archanes traditional village

Chania, Rethymno, and the Arkadi Monastery

This tour starts from Heraklion and combines a relaxed scenic drive along the northern coast, with visits at a historical monastery as well as the two most picturesque towns on the island.

All Greeks regard Arkadi monastery as a bulwark and symbol of freedom. The site of the 1866 battle between Cretans and Ottoman Turks, the monastery was destroyed and only a few of its occupants escaped the massacre. But the brave and stubborn resistance exhibited by the martyrs of Arkadi, including the abbot of the monastery, proved the stimulus for widespread resistance throughout the island that attracted the attention of several foreign countries and finally resulted in the liberation of Crete.

Many consider Chania as the most beautiful city on Crete. We will stroll along the harbor area of the old port, admire its Venetian and Ottoman architecture, with its Naval Museum housed in the Venetian ship-sheds, wander through the narrow back streets, visit the famous Agora and leather market, and enjoy lunch

A full day private tour through the cities of Chania and Rethymno, and the Monastery of Arkadi

Spinalonga Island Full Day Tour from Heraklion.

If you want a full day trip exploring East Crete, Spinalonga Island, St Nicholas city , a few old traditional villages and visit an olive oil factory where we learn how olive oil is made with old and modern machinery then you have got nothing else to do but joining me for an adventure where I can show you my home island Crete (not Spinalonga ) and make most of our trip .

Spinalonga Island has a very interesting story: back in the beginning of the 20's century, more specifically 1903, it became a leper colony where people were sent there to be isolated from others until 1957 and it was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe.
We will stop at a family restaurant to enjoy lunch but it's OPTIONAL.

What I like most about this tour is that I get to show my travellers a place in my home island that has always amazed me, and we can discover together it's beautiful hidden gems.

I am more than willing to customize the tour on your wishes and needs by adding or skipping different places .

Join me discover this historical island,Elounda bay and St Nikolaus City

Mini cruise to the island of Spinalonga Full day tour

You will spend this day at the Gulf of Mirabello on the Cretan Riviera. In the morning we will drive to the beautiful village of Elounda. In the harbor of Elounda the boat is waiting for you and the sea trip begins across the blue, shining bay to the Island of Spinalonga.

This former leper colony includes preserved houses and churches, and a strong Venetian influence in the form of a fortress surrounding the village. With houses and churches that are more of less well preserved, see the proof of the Venetian occupation in the form of the fortress surrounding the abandoned village.
Swim in the crystal blue water.

After returning back to Elounda we will drive to the small, charming town of Agios Nicolaos, with its quaint Harbour and supposedly "bottomless lake"

Over view of the venetian bastion in Spinalonga

Join me experience this gem together with Agios Nikolaos charm

Mirabello Luxuries with Spinalonga Island & Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion

From extraordinary landscape and culture to its legendary food & village life, Mirabello majestically captures the soul of Crete as my favorite Cretan getaway.

Come with me on this idyllic retreat & succumb to a bespoke service while whisked around the Gulf by the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle at your disposal.

Spoil yourself with tailored details. Hop on a private boat to discover the island of Spinalonga. Bask in azure waters of secluded sandy coves tucked under cave-studded mountains. Hop off in the village of Plaka to indulge in the seafood tastes of delicious tavernas on the waterfront.

On the way to Agios Nikolaos, revel in luxurious panoramic scenes of Elounda's elite haven. Stroll the iconic town that oozes a chic vibe & soak up the splendor of the mythical lake as you unwind at the eclectic wine-cocktail bars.

By the end of the day, visit a family olive oil production estate & let our producers immerse you into their traditional & modern techniques of producing delectable olive oil.

Let's journey along the Mirabello Bay & explore Eastern Crete's highlights!

Amazing Southern Crete Day Trip from Heraklion

Enjoy a full day trip through olive tree fields among the biggest plain of Crete in Messara. See the second biggest Minoan palace of the Bronze age and swim in crystal clear waters by the Libyan sea. See the place where Zeus seduced Europa according to mythology and walk through an ancient Greek town scattered with the remains of the oldest written laws ever recorded in Greece! Be at the spotlight of an ancient theatre and take photos of one of the oldest basilicas of Crete among olive trees aged by time. Then wander through a small fish village of Matala where hippies took refuge in the caves nearby the beach.

Then dive into one of the longest beaches in southern Crete and dine like Kings and Queens in a traditional tavern laying upon a hill overlooking the Libyan sea with breathtaking views.

Discovering the Minoan Palace of Phaistos

Kommos Beach and natural reserve protected area

Kommos beach is under the scheme of Natura 2000 for its unique environment

Lunch nearby Kommos beach, Southern Crete, Libyan sea

Gortyna archeological site Basilica of Saint Titus

The ancient concert hall at the archeological site of Gortyna

Saint Titus at the archeological site of Gortyna

Phaistos Palace grand scale and theatre area

Phaistos main square of the Palace overlooking Messara plains

Archeological park of Gortyna. Some of the oldest olive trees in Crete still produce oil! Some of the them are thousands of years old!

Escape from city. Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Gortyna, Matala, Kommos beach Pride tour

Lato's Legacy: Agios Nikolaos, Archaeological Marvels & Villages

Our tour will start at the picturesque city of Agios Nikolaos, where we will learn the myths and the stories related to this beautiful city. Agios Nikolaos used to be in the ancient times the sea port of the city of Lato, one of the most important city states in Crete. Did you know it was also the birth place of Nearchos, who became later on an admiral of Alexander the Great. It is built on a saddle between two hills, at a site protected by possible attacks but also with a splendid view over a large area of the Mirambello Bay.
Next stop on our list will be the traditional village of Kritsa. Apart from the long history and traditions that accompany this village trough time you can enjoy a coffee or a refreshment under the shadow of an old sycamore
Next and last stop of this tour will be the village of Kroustas, a peaceful escape where you can enjoy a lunch savoring the simplicity of Cretan village life

Entrance tickets and lunch in a local taverna are included 

Experience the traffic in the island of Crete

A tour back in time and traditions

Explore South Crete full day tour from Heraklion .

All the main Cretan cities are located on the north side so if you want to get away from the big cities and away from the tourist destinations then exploring South Crete should be your first choice. It combines everything: old traditional villages, the wineyards , wineries and the valleys with olive groves everywhere.

Matala Caves, another stop in our tour, were used as Roman tombs 2000 years ago and a home for the hippies in the 70s. Isn't it amazing how they changed? I personally love history and I enjoy sharing it with you!

Visiting a biological winery for local wine tasting it's a must if you are a wine lover. In this family-run biological winery, which is located at 340 meters above the sea level, you will have the chance of tasting 5 different kinds of local wine. Biological wine is of course made without any chemicals and added sulfates, but let's learn more about this and local traditions during the tour

I am open to customize the tour on your wishes and needs by adding or skipping different plac

Join me discover enchanting villages, caves and wine tasting in an biological winery.

This tour gives you the opportunity to visit west crete, Rethimnon old town, Kournas lake , Chania old town.

Stopping at Agia Pelagia view point where we have a coffee and enjoy the panoramic view is a must then our second stop is at Fodele village where we visit an old small Byzantine church next to the house where El Greco was born .

Walk around the old town of Rethimno and the Venetian castle.
Visit Chania old town
Visit Kournas lake and enjoy a Cretan traditional lunch by the lake at a family restaurant.

I am more than willing to customize the tour on your wishes and needs by skipping or adding different places on our tour .

Join me to explore West Crete and enchanting villages.

West Crete - Chania + Rethimno old town.

East Crete Secrets: Off the Beaten Path Private Day Tour from Heraklion

There still exists a purity of experiences in this world, and you can find it here in East Crete.

Have the inside track unearthing gateways to an unseen world by the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle at disposal. Venture from village to village to see the island through the eyes of a local.

Let's get off the beaten track & follow archaic trails across the Minoan mountains embraced by ancient forests. From a perfect mountainside peak take in the bird's eye panoramas of the Libyan & Aegean Seas. This will leave you breathless & inspired to share. Then lose yourself in the deep veins of magnificent gorges that host wild beauty with a soft heart.

Somewhere between heaven & earth, discover a secret paradise of our forefathers nestled within an oasis of towering-aged trees & perennially flowing water. Revel in genuine tastes of Cretan cuisine with local cooking techniques on a wood oven or open fire.

Looking for stories that define people & culture, I want to give you access to Crete's best-kept secrets

Come with me to discover the secrets of East Crete. Feel & Taste What Only Locals Do.

Knossos Palace & Authentic Crete with Local Experiences from Heraklion

I have designed this unforgettable day trip to submerge you into an authentic way of life in one of the island's most beautiful regions while gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between history, stunning escapes, gastronomy, and the authentic Cretan local lifestyle.

We will also visit the world-famous Palace of Knossos, where my trusted art-historian guide will ensure skip-the-line access to all archaeological areas, key pieces of information, and extra-personalized attention.

Then, from the history and cultural experience, we will be immersed in another time wandering the unspoiled Cretan landscape along with authentic layers of flavors, wines, and village life of the island of Crete.

Enjoy personal pick-up and drop-off with a premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, like a true VIP.

A consummately curated journey of Crete. Flexible, luxurious, and authentic to the bone.

Best of Crete Sightseeing: Rethymno - Argiroupolis - Kournas Lake - Chania from Heraklion

Let's discover together Western Crete - an idyllic destination on the island that effortlessly captures the spirit of authentic Philoxenia ("Hospitality").

We will explore the Venetian city of Rethymno, the charming lake of Kournas, and the romantic town of Chania by enjoying maximum comfort and privacy with our logistics.

Visit to the village of Argyroupolis (Ancient Lappa city), where you will experience an authentic lunch at a cozy place surrounded by mountainous waterfalls, the smell of tasty grilled lamb on the spit (Cretan Antikristo), and friendly locals.

Last but not least, you will have the chance for a unique homemade wine tasting by Kournas Lake. Prepare to excite all your senses!

Join me on this private day tour & discover West Crete's nature and cuisine on a multi-stop trip!

Amazing Dikti Mountains and the Cave of Zeus on Private Basis

Come explore the back roads of Crete with us, as we take you on an unforgettable adventure!
Sprinkled with charming villages and working shepherds, these mystical lands will make you feel like you're back in ancient Greece. Visit one of the most famous Monasteries of Crete, with one of the most sacred items of Orthodoxy - the miraculous icon of Mary the Virgin. Let your guide travel you through time, myths, and legends of this amazing place and learn about the Icon that always returns back to the Monastery, although it has been stolen multiple times. Right after the Monastery, we get back to our vehicle and we move on higher levels. Our destination is the Plateau of Lassithi which lies at an altitude of 2800 ft. We'll cruise up the windy mountain roads of Dikti Range, driving through numerous villages and stopping wherever we want for a cup of coffee or just a walk. On the way back we will get to a family tavern where we "ll have the opportunity for a great lunch prepared in the traditional way.

Entrance Fees to the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, Cave of Zeus, Pottery workshop

Irakleion tours

Explore with 25 tours and 9 guides.

Edmond H.

$ 662 (USD)

Antonia P.

$ 401 (USD)

Vangelis A.

$ 569 (USD)

Elpida S.

$ 796 (USD)

Vangelis A.

$ 813 (USD)

Edmond H.

$ 720 (USD)

Vangelis A.

$ 813 (USD)

Alexander Y.

$ 1,103 (USD)

Panos T.

$ 1,394 (USD)

Mariella V.

$ 708 (USD)

Edmond H.

$ 674 (USD)

Edmond H.

$ 871 (USD)

Alexander Y.

$ 1,103 (USD)

Alexander Y.

$ 1,103 (USD)

Alexander Y.

$ 1,103 (USD)

Manos K.

$ 912 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Irakleion

Customize your tour