Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Heraklion Prefecture, Crete

May 31, 2021 Malia Yoakum

Heraklion (Greek: Περιφερειακή ενότητα Ηρακλείου) is one of the four regional units of Crete. The capital is the city of Heraklion.
Restaurants in Heraklion Prefecture

1. Spinalonga Island - Ag Nikolaus - Elounda Bay - Private Tour.

Explore Real Crete
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

This Tour gives you the opportunity to visit on your own way so many places in one day that if not with a local guide it would be impossible to visit and find.We visit Monasteries, Churches, Agios Nikolaus City, Spinalonga Island, Krasi village where the oldest Platanus tree in Crete it's found, we have a traditional Cretan Lunch in the traditional village of Mochos where we visit a few beautiful churches, and in the end if we have time we can visit the fishing village of Sisi where we go for a walk on the Palm Bay. ACACIA TOURS MHTE1039e60000115201

Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Liability insurance.

Exclusions: Boat ticket to Spinalonga. 10 Euro , Entrance fee at the Spinalonga (8 euro ) , Lunch

Reviewed By Cellabelle-27

This tour was highly recommended by a friend, and wow, totally exceeded all expectations! Eddie is a lovely, friendly, funny and knowledgeable guy... I seen and learned more about Crete in one day than I have in all the years going there! The tour included a visit to olive oil factory, cave of Zeus, lovely lunch with wine in the beautiful village of Mochlos, Lassithi plateau (stunning views) and finally wine tasting at the winery which was the perfect end to a perfect day ???? So if you want to see the real Crete and have a fantastic day out with a wonderful guide, book with Eddie... You will not regret it

2. Knossos Museum and Heraklion tour from Rethymno

MTM DMC Ltd - Greece
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

On this excursion you have the opportunity to visit the excavation sites of the Palace of Knossos, built in 2000 BC. Knossos was the prosperous Minoan Capital and the residence of King Minos. Some believe, that the intricate Palace with its many rooms was the mythical labyrinth. By discovering the site not too long ago, archaeologists found the first of all advanced civilizations in Europe. The tour is followed by a visit to the Museum of Heraklion, where you can see the largest collection of Minoan findings from Crete.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off , Local Guide , All taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Knossos entrance – 16 euro, children under 18 – free , Museum – 10 € , Food and drinks , Tips

Reviewed By 706kristinaf

We were 4 but the guide only had two on her paper so first they drive off and later they came back and realiser it was us they were waiting for. Everything else was super.

3. Guided Tour to Lasithi Plateau

Altino Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa and the Dictaean Cave followed by a visit to Psychro village meeting with a potter in action. Enjoy the panoramic views of Lasithi Plateau from Seli Ambelou and complete your tour to the picturesque village of Krasi, admiring the ancient plane tree.

Inclusions: Pickup and Drop off from hotels and designated meeting points, Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan, Guide

Exclusions: Food & Drink, Admission fee to Dikti Cave 6 EUR per adult - People up to the age of 25, from EU member states free, Admission fee to Kera 2 EUR per adult - People up to the age of 25, from EU member states free

Reviewed By Kallellak1819

All in all okay - but no „sailing-trip“ & there are changes due to COVID-19! Pick-up time by bus about 7:30 am, very early. It took us about 1,5 h to get to the first stopp. Lots of time in the bus, no sailing, just about 60-90 minutes on a vessel. Due to COVID-19 no swimming in Kolokýtha and no bbq on board but a little packed lunches for everyone and swimming later in elounda for about 2 h. About 1 h staying on spinalonga island.

4. Full-Day Knossos And Heraklion Tour From Chania

PLATANOS TOURS
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Enjoy a 1-day bus excursion from Chania to Knossos. Visit the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, the city of Heraklion and more.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, English guided tour in Knossos Palace, Roundtrip bus transfer to all locations, Free time in Heraklion city

Exclusions: Lunch, Entry ticket for the Knossos Palace €15 and if you want the Archaeological Museum €5 , Personal expenses

Reviewed By _U6147NF

Perfect services! Friendly staff ... Good prices! Totally recommend it Good after sales support when I had a problem

5. Matala - Agia Galini - Spili ( Small Group Tour)

Markidis Travel
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

For this excursion, you will be picked up from your hotel area by our airconditioned mini bus. The first stop is at the Spili village. You will have a chance to see a 100% traditional village with its well know lion-head fountains in the middle of the village. Walking along its cobbled streets you can explore the tourist shops which are full of traditional Cretan products. The next stop is at the amphitheatrically built village of AgiaGalini. Here will have 2,5 hrs to explore the village. The next stop is at Matala where you will have 3 hr of free time to enjoy the golden sandy beach. Matala is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its artificially carved caves that date all the way back to the Minoan period. These same caves were later occupied by a hippy commune in the late 60’s and 70’s. Many musicians have composed song about the beauty of Matala including Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens. The bus will then take you back to your hotel ending this amazing excursion.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By anchi100

One wished all travel agents were like Markidis. I did two trips with them: to Matala and the Real Crete and both were absolutely amazing. -very good communication both by email and in the office; -small groups which allows for more personalized service, flexibility, questions; -excellent crew; both the guide Barbara and the driver Kostas were very professional, fun and went extra mile to make these special days for us; -I can highly recommend both trips. You see a lot, you learn a lot and it’s a lot of fun! -the Real Crete tour is indeed very special; there are many great sites to explore and there is also time for food, music and dance in a local village taverna! Really amazing time. Thank you :)

6. Zeus Cave-Traditional-Villages-Old wind mills-Olive Oil Factory-Private Tour .

Explore Real Crete
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

This tour gives you the opportunity to explore the Real Crete away from the tourist resorts with amazing views, Lasithi Plateau the biggest one in Crete located at an altitude around 900 m above the sea level, visit old traditional villages where time seems to have stopped long ago , visit an olive oil factory where we learn how olive oil is made now and how used to be made with the old machines,enjoy a Cretan traditional meal, visit old wind mills and of course the Cave on the where Zeus was born .( I hope Zeus will be there when we visit him because last time I visited he had gone to the Olympus mountain). Acacia Tours MHTE 1039e60000115201

Inclusions: Private transportation, Coffee, water , juices .

Exclusions: Entrance fees at the Zeus Cave 6 euro , entrance fee at the Monastery 2 euro., Lunch

Reviewed By Cellabelle-27

This tour was highly recommended by a friend, and wow, totally exceeded all expectations! Eddie is a lovely, friendly, funny and knowledgeable guy... I seen and learned more about Crete in one day than I have in all the years going there! The tour included a visit to olive oil factory, cave of Zeus, lovely lunch with wine in the beautiful village of Mochlos, Lassithi plateau (stunning views) and finally wine tasting at the winery which was the perfect end to a perfect day ???? So if you want to see the real Crete and have a fantastic day out with a wonderful guide, book with Eddie... You will not regret it

7. Ecobike tour in historic Heraklion

Nik. Plastira 17, Iraklio 712 01, Greece Ecobike Crete
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Hi there! I'm Alex, a native Cretan guy. I'm a bicycle enthusiast who totally loves Heraklion City. We will explore the city with my ecobikes (pedal free) and will lead you away from the crowds to lesser-known corners of the city. We’ll share some of our favorite places to eat, dance, and hang out. It will be a great way to start your visit or even explore the best monuments around! -If you looking for something unique -You are in the right place!!!

Inclusions: water and greek tapas!

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Reviewed By L0ttiie

Had a fantastic afternoon with Alex whirling around Heraklion on our eco bike history tour with my 13 year old son! Alex is the most personable tour guide - nothing is too much trouble - you will see parts of Heraklion you wouldn’t see on foot. Our afternoon in Heraklion will be remembered for many years to come which included a visit to a lovely local park and the Cathedral. A great way to support a fantastic, local business. Don’t miss this, worth every Euro. Go Alex, you are fantastic and we thank you for your time, knowledge and wonderful hospitality ending with the last stop of the day - scrumptious refreshments in a local taverna.

8. Private Full-Day Knosos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus from Heraklion

Stagakis Grand Prestige
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

Experience this private tour that combines world-famous landmarks with jaw-dropping natural beauty. Enjoy maximum comfort and safety while being provided with everything you need to know about the island of Crete. Your local English speaking guide/driver will help you get the most out of your day and make sure you take some incredible photos for you to share with your friends and family.

Inclusions: V.I.P.- class air-conditioned vehicle, Fridge, Bottled water, Fully equipped First-Aid-Kit, Honey/Raki tasting

Exclusions: Drinks and meals, Entrance fees, Souvenirs and personal expenses

Reviewed By 324lenap

We took the tour on a hunch and did not regret it. Costas made the tour feel like a day trip with old friends . His knowledge of the local history and culture is amazing all wrapped in a natural sense of humour. The locations selected very carefully to reflect the best this place has to offer and the vehicle was comfortable and spotless The highlight was the homemade raki and honey. we can't recommend the service enough .

9. Private Full-Day West Crete from Heraklion

Stagakis Grand Prestige
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Start with a coffee under the, centuries-old, plane trees at the picturesque village of Spili. Then, driving through the Kourtaliotiko gorge you can enjoy the incredible view, get a close look of the waterfall and even dip your feet in the cool water. Next is the Preveli Monastery which dates back to the 10th century. The monastery is associated with the struggles for Crete’s independence and, more recently, the WWII when the allies used it as a gateway to the Middle East. If you are in a mood for a swim, the next stop is definitely the village of Plakias. Next are the cities of Rethimno and Hania which both have an intriguing mixture of Venetian and Ottoman architecture and buildings with well-preserved elements of that.

Inclusions: V.I.P.- class, air-conditioned vehicle, Fridge, Bottled water, Fully equipped First-Aid-Kit, Honey/Raki tasting

Exclusions: Drinks and Meals, Entrance fees, Souvenirs and personal expenses

Reviewed By 324lenap

We took the tour on a hunch and did not regret it. Costas made the tour feel like a day trip with old friends . His knowledge of the local history and culture is amazing all wrapped in a natural sense of humour. The locations selected very carefully to reflect the best this place has to offer and the vehicle was comfortable and spotless The highlight was the homemade raki and honey. we can't recommend the service enough .

10. Private Full-Day Knossos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus from Elouda

Stagakis Grand Prestige
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Start at the traditional village of Mochos with its narrow alleys and colourful gardens, then continue to Krasi and visit the 2,400-year-old Writers' Plane Tree. Afterwards, the tour will ascend to the Diktaion Andron, an ancient cave believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Take in the incredible view of the Lasithi Plateau. Next, visit the Knosos Palace, where Zeus’s son Minos intertwined his name with the oldest civilization in Europe. Optionally, you can also visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Whenever you feel like it you can have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Private transportation, V.I.P. Class air-conditioned vehicle, Honey/Raki tasting

Exclusions: Drinks and Meals, Souvenirs and personal expenses, Tickets to Knosos and Museum (15€, 12€), Ticket to the cave of Zeus (6€), Heraklion Archaeological Museum 10 €

Reviewed By Nefeli L

Our vacation in Greece after staying in Athens for 2 days included Santorini and Crete. While we were in Santorini we met a couple (Chris and Heather) that had just left Crete and the first thing they told us was that we had to meet Kostas if we were planning on going on a tour. They gave us his number and when we got there we went on the Knossos - Lasithi tour of his. First of all, he spoke great English which made his storytelling even more enjoyable. Then the places we visited were amazing. My favourite part was the hike uphill to the cave. After Knossos (the last stop of our tour) Kostas took us to an amazing traditional restaurant which was the cherry on top of a great day.

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