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456 Available Tour Excursions in Heraklion
In a small and friendly group of maximum 6 people, partake in a sensational visit of 2 wineries of Archanes to meet some winemakers of this historical wine region. Pass by Archanes region, the birthplace of cretan wines with a 4.000 years of history, an its various landscapes. Visit a new and dynamic winery. Join the winemaker for a tour on the vineyards, learning about vine growing and winemaking techniques. This will be followed by tasting 5 wines of local grapes varietals paired with local cheeses and other delicacies. Move then to one of the oldest bio organic winery of the region. There, after visiting the domain, you will taste 6 wines with cheeses and delicacies pairing under the guidance of the winemaker, enjoying the breathtaking view on the vineyards. Move then to Archanes , pretty traditional town, for food an amazing food and wine experience: 4 stages traditional cretan food paired with 5 selected premium wines from the island to create a sensational food pairing.
Price: $193.95
Duration: 8 hours
Private & Personalized : Choose Your 6 or 4-Hour Itinerary! Perfect for Cruise Stops & Island Stays! More than just stops: A Guided Cultural Journey! Between sites, enjoy narrated drives through Heraklion, nearby villages, and ever-changing landscapes. Learn how ancient Minoan roots, olive oil, wine, pottery, and faith shaped Crete — and still shape daily life today. 6-Hour Option: Knossos Palace + TWO of the following Unforgettable Experiences: Olive Mill | Winery | Pottery Workshop & Monastery | Archaeological Museum & City Stroll | Arolithos Traditional Village | Or a must-see spot of your choice! 4-Hour option: Knossos Palace + ONE Experience from the list above IMPORTANT: While there are several ports on Crete, this tour operates exclusively from Heraklion Port to guarantee on-time return for our guests. You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours Crete · Private Tour · Shore Excursion · From Heraklion Port · Day Trip · Noon · Afternoon · Evening · Wine Tour Tasting
Price: $72.88
Duration: 4-6 hours
Join this 6-hour excursion through the Cretan mountains and traditional villages that will delight you with local informations, tastings and traditional food, as well as a breathtaking sunset, accompanied with sparkling wine and fresh fruits.
Price: $98.74
Duration: 6 hours
Visit and learn about the Old Wind Mills and explore Lasithi Plateau , Visit a olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil production and we get to taste different kind of olive oil . Visit Zeus Cave ( OPTIONAL ) Enjoy the ride with our comfortable air conditioned vehicles while learning about local traditions, history and myths. Stop at a family restaurant up on the mountain to taste a few local dishes ( OPTIONAL) Dive into the Minoan civilization while exploring Knossos Palace .( OPTIONAL) Experience the Greek Myth with us and create memories that will last for ever. We can customize the tour on your wishes and needs so just let us know. We can pick you up from Heraklion region and port if you choose the small group tour or the private option.from Rethimno region, Agios Nikolaous and Elounda we can pick you up only if you book the Private option.
Price: $135.18
Duration: 8 hours
• Amazing Gorge • Iconic Beaches • Scenic Drive •Seamless • Memorable • Uncompromising Experience a perfect mix of Adventure and Sightseeing, fully customized to your pace and preferences for a truly Unforgettable day. Your Private Day Trip begins with a breathtaking drive through Crete’s diverse landscape to Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where we escort you to the waterfalls. Swimming is optional, waterproof phone cases are provided, and your belongings remain safely supervised during the water sections. After the gorge, you choose your beach experience: Preveli Beach, known for its river and palm forest, or Kalypso Beach, a secluded cove with deep, clear waters ideal for swimming. Then, we can pause for lunch at a cozy seaside or mountain taverna, enjoying delicious local flavors and warm hospitality. You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours. Shore Excursion • Cruise Friendly • Heraklion Port • Ports of Call Tours •Crete • From Heraklion, Rethymno, Elounda • Full Day Tour
Price: $109.32
Duration: 7-9 hours
If you love wine , olive oil , nature , old traditional villages , local history and culture then this is the tour that you are looking for . This is a private tour so only your group participate so you can explore Crete on your own way. We start our tour by visiting an olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil production from harvesting to pressing then of course taste some fresh olive oil . After that we go up on the mountain to visit a few old traditional villages and walk through the old narrow streets,visit the old wind mills Lasithi Plateau and see all the farms. Up on the mountain we stop at a family restaurant for lunch but it’s OPTIONAL. Next we will visit a winery so you can learn all about local grape varieties and wines then taste 5 or more different wines. We can pick you up from Heraklion port , Heraklion Region Malia , Hersonisos, Gouves , Anissara , Analipsi , Elounda , Rethimno, Agios Nikolaous port and region .
Price: $305.62
Duration: 7 hours
Join us on this full day Private tour to see the real side of Crete , walk into the paths of the Greek Goods and through narrow streets in the old traditional villages where you feel like time has stopped long ago …..visit an olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil ,and of course taste some of them , drive around Lasithii Plateau up to an altitude around 900 m above sea level and learn about the old wind mills, and of course enjoy a Cretan traditional lunch at a family restaurant up on the mountain , ( Lunch is OPTIONAL)
Price: $135.18
Duration: 8 hours
Looking for an Escape? Leave your comfort zone and embrace nature to the fullest. The best place to start your eco-quest is the island of Dia, so prepare for a biotope adventure that will inundate you with twists and turns, splashes and sparks. On a sailing yacht, you have the opportunity to appreciate your downtime in an idyllic setting that offers relaxation, freedom, exhilaration, and plenty of fun, all in one experience at your own pace. Do you dare to change your point of view? let's live together this amazing experience! Instant Energy!
Price: $775.81
Duration: 5 hours
Private, carefully paced tour led by a local driver-host, linking Crete’s ancient past with everyday life today — from Minoan heritage and Greek mythology to mountain villages and family-run estates. TWO VERSIONS: Knossos Palace and/or Zeus Cave What you’ll experience • Knossos Palace – History and mythology in context, with free time to explore • Lassithi Plateau – Mythological tradition and rural life today • Zeus Cave – The mythological birthplace of Zeus • Olive mill & tasting – Crete’s “liquid gold” and its role in local life • Traditional villages – Architecture, landscapes, and daily rhythms • Monastery visit – Living spiritual heritage • Pottery workshop – Craft still practiced by local artisans • Cretan lunch (optional) – At a carefully chosen local tavern Your experience • Fully private, flexible, and unhurried, with stops adjusted for smooth pacing • Door-to-door pickup You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours. Crete day trip • Private shore • Cruise-friendly
Price: $96.39
Duration: 7-8 hours
Experience a Unique Sailing Adventure and savor our All-inclusive authentic Mediterranean menu, unlimited fragrant white wine, soft drinks and bottled water. The journey to the island lasts about an hour, offering tranquility, captivating sea views of the Cretan Sea, space for sunbathe on the comfortable and spacious deck and a chance to learn about eco-sailing and marine life. For those interested, our skilled skipper can guide you in sailing activities where you can take part in the sailing aspect of the journey. Upon arrival at Dia, we anchor at pristine wind protected coves with crystal- clear, turquoise waters, where you can enjoy swimming, use the diving equipment provided, or simply relax. Alternatively you can stay onboard and enjoy all the amenities that it has to offer. You can sunbathe on the deck, or socialize in the shaded cockpit, where you’ll find comfortable sofas with large, plush cushions.
Price: $76.41
Duration: 5 hours
Embark on this full day Private tour so we can explore south and north Crete ,Old villages ,Kourtaliotiko Gorge and waterfalls, Prevelis Beach. We will start our tour by enjoying a coffee with amazing views above Agia Pelagia .Next we will stop in Kourtaliotiko gorge and walk down to the waterfall , maybe swim in the cold water or actually swimming in the cold waters is a must. .After swimming it’s time to walk back up to our ride and head towards Prevelis Beach and Palm Forest . We can spend there an hour or 2 hours to swim then get back to our ride and stop at a local restaurant for lunch ( OPTIONAL) Now it’s time to head back to where we started.
Price: $440.80
Duration: 8 hours
Crete island is known for its traditions and culture heritage, historic places which begin from ancient times and come through centuries to modern ages. Our tour includes all these features of real Crete. While traveling with our guide you see the authentic traditional villages and beautiful town, medieval monastery and Venetian fortress, picturesque breathtaking views. Also while driving our experienced guide tells stories and historical facts about Greece and Crete. This tour at the end of the day makes you feel pleased and satisfied about having a good time!
Price: $670.02
Duration: 8 hours
• Private experience • Flexible pace • Personalized routing Private full-day tour to Phaistos Palace and Matala Beach & Caves, combining South Crete’s archaeological heritage with relaxed coastal time by the Libyan Sea. The day begins at Phaistos Palace, overlooking the Messara Plain, with historical background provided outside the site and free time to explore independently. The tour continues to Matala Beach & Caves, known for their ancient use and later hippie-era cultural history. Free time is available for swimming, walking, or relaxing by the sea. One optional stop may be added, depending on interests, timing, and day flow: • Olive oil estate with tasting and lunch by Zaros Lake • Family-run winery with views • Seaside lunch by the Libyan Sea • Ancient Gortyn, former Roman capital • Kalyviani Monastery, a quiet spiritual stop You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours. Crete • Private day trip • Shore excursion • Cruise-friendly From Heraklion Port • Hersonissos
Price: $96.39
Duration: 7-8 hours
This is NOT a touristic tour, this is the experience for you if you want to interact with locals. Mark a special moment in your life or savor the moments created, while trying the best quality of Cretan pure virgin olive oil. You will learn about the olive oil production now and in the past. You will understand first-hand, that what makes Cretan olive oil stand out is not only its high quality and distinctive flavor but also the process of preserving its nutritional values on the production stage. Next stop is to a local winery, where you will try 5 different varieties of wine. The wine history on the island stretches back at least 3500 years! Next stop, in a Cretan “kazani” that you will learn about the traditional way of producing Cretan raki and through this process you will understand where past and future overlap. As the whole experience will cultivate your imagination, openness and awaken your senses, it will lead to a deep understanding of the Cretan values and customs.
Price: $175.15
Duration: 5-6 hours
Private experience • Flexible itinerary • Local insight Experience Crete’s history, culture, and local craftsmanship on this carefully curated private tour, led by a local host. • Walk through the charming Old Town of Rethymno, with its Venetian harbor, colorful alleys, and hidden churches. • Visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, a powerful symbol of Cretan freedom and resilience. • Continue to Margarites Pottery Village, where centuries-old ceramic traditions come alive in local workshops. Depending on your interests and time, we may enrich your experience with one additional stop, such as: • A traditional Olive Mill • Melidoni Cave • The Ancient Eleutherna Museum (Closed Tuesday) • A local Honey Museum • A local Winery Ideal for travelers who value authenticity, flexibility, and culture. You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours Shore Excursion • Cruise Friendly • Ports of Call Tours • Full Day Tour From Heraklion Port • Crete • Rethimno • Noon • Afternoon
Price: $96.39
Duration: 7-8 hours
This private tour is created for history, nature and culture lovers. You’ll visit and explore Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau and It's 16 traditional villages, old wind mills, a 2400 years old Plane tree, a pottery, will have a Greek coffee in a traditional caffe, an olive oil mill, where we'll taste different kind of local olive oils and of course you'll enjoy in a family tavern Cretan traditional lunch cooked with fresh local ingredients. The MUST of this private tour, is Knossos Palace. It was known as Knossos during the Minoan civilization, which was one of the most advanced and influential civilizations in the Mediterranean region around 4,000 years ago. The ruins of the ancient city of Knossos, including the famous Palace of Knossos, is the most visited site in Crete and second most visited site in Greece after Acropolis. Book this private tour today and you'll never regret it.
Price: $705.29
Duration: 7-8 hours
Foodie paradise! An eclectic gastronomic experience. To this day, street food continues to evolve as it borrows and lends elements from high gastronomy, becoming the true reflection of our modern culture. Souvlaki is our traditional national street food, but a new stream of street food eateries are disrupting with innovation, creativity, inspiration and the best of global influences! You’ll be surprised by the variety currently available on the street corners of Heraklion.A very unique tour. Prepare yourself for the ultimate gastronomic experience! We will visit the most upscale eateries, where everything we try is fresh, tasty and made with the best ingredients. Exquisite Quality & Flavors. When we say the BEST bites of each kind, we MEAN IT!
Price: $116.37
Duration: 3 hours
A perfect alternative for people who find Samaria too early or too far. A good balance between hiking and walking. Even children love this adventurous hike. In 2000 we, Eye Travel, discovered a gorge near Hersonissos and started organising tours through this gorge guided by one of the Eye Travel team. This gorge is about 8 km long, takes around 3,5 hours and has some obstacles on the way down. You will see untouched nature, some birds of prey, vultures,... The real Cretan flora and fauna. You can book this tour exclusively with us, Eye Travel. See some of the pictures to get an impression. This tour is a must when you are on Crete ! Real nature. Rock formation. Discover your own limits.
Price: $128.13
Duration: 4 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: EUR
- Languages: Greek
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Timezone: Europe/Athens
- Population: Approximately 140,000
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is May to September for warm weather and festivals.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from EU countries do not require a visa to enter Heraklion. Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Greece visa-free for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Some nationalities may require a Schengen visa, which can be obtained in advance. Greece also offers e-visa options for certain countries. It is recommended to check specific requirements based on nationality before travel.
About Heraklion
Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, is a captivating blend of ancient history and modern life. Known for its rich archaeological heritage, it is home to the famous Palace of Knossos, a key site of Minoan civilization. The city offers a lively atmosphere with bustling markets, charming cafes, and a scenic old harbor. Visitors are drawn to Heraklion for its unique combination of cultural landmarks, beautiful Mediterranean coastline, and warm hospitality. The city serves as a gateway to exploring Crete’s diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to rugged mountains. Heraklion’s museums, traditional tavernas, and vibrant festivals provide an authentic taste of Cretan culture. Whether interested in history, gastronomy, or seaside relaxation, Heraklion offers a memorable experience for all types of travelers.
Heraklion Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Crete
- Duration Range: Custom Durations
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is May to September for warm weather and festivals. Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable shoes for walking. Respect local customs such as greeting with a friendly "Kalimera" (good morning). Stay vigilant in crowded tourist spots to avoid petty theft. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases and markets.
Average Tour Price: $65
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $200
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Palace of Knossos – The largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, showcasing the ancient Minoan civilization with impressive ruins and frescoes. 2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum – Houses one of the most significant collections of Minoan artifacts in the world. 3. Koules Fortress – A Venetian-era fortress overlooking the old harbor, offering panoramic views and historical exhibits. 4. Morosini Fountain – A beautiful Venetian fountain located in the city center, a popular meeting point. 5. Historical Museum of Crete – Displays the island’s history from Byzantine times through modern history with art and cultural exhibits.
Popular Activities
Visitors can explore ancient ruins, enjoy boat trips along the coast, and hike nearby trails such as those in the Psiloritis mountains. Cultural experiences include attending local festivals, visiting traditional villages, and sampling Cretan music and dance. Recreational options include swimming at nearby beaches, diving, and exploring local markets for crafts and food. Culinary tours and wine tasting are also popular activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Heraklion’s cuisine is rooted in traditional Cretan and Greek flavors, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients like olive oil, herbs, vegetables, and seafood. Signature dishes include dakos (Cretan salad with barley rusk), moussaka, lamb with herbs, and fresh grilled fish. Local cheeses such as graviera and mizithra are common. Dining customs are relaxed and social, often enjoyed in tavernas with family-style servings. Noteworthy restaurants include Peskesi for authentic Cretan cuisine and Paralia Seaside Restaurant for seafood with a view.
Getting Around
Heraklion is accessible via Heraklion International Airport with flights from major European cities. The city has a bus network connecting key areas and nearby towns. Taxis are readily available, and car rentals offer flexibility for exploring the island. Walking is convenient in the city center. Transportation costs are generally affordable, with buses being the cheapest option.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is May to September for warm weather and festivals. Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable shoes for walking. Respect local customs such as greeting with a friendly "Kalimera" (good morning). Stay vigilant in crowded tourist spots to avoid petty theft. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases and markets.
Culture & Customs
Heraklion’s culture is deeply influenced by its Greek and Cretan heritage, emphasizing hospitality, family, and tradition. Social customs include polite greetings and sharing food during meals. Important festivals include the Feast of Saint Titus and the Heraklion Wine Festival. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local traditions and elders. Public displays of affection are generally modest.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
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Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
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Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..