Top Crete Archaeology Tours

Discover the Bronze Age city of Knossos and take a sightseeing tour of Heraklion. Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization and is known to be Europe’s oldest city. Enjoy a guided tour of the labyrinthine palace and learn about its history. Then, visit Heraklion, the current capital of Crete, to discover its landmarks including the Lion’s Fountain.

Visit the island of Spinalonga on this guided tour from Agios Nikolaos. Board your vessel and take in the sights as you make your way to the old Venetian fortress. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the premises, learning about the island’s historical and archaeological significance.

This full day tour will take you to the historic Palace of Knossos, before culminating at the Heraklion city and the opprtunity to visit the Archeological museum by your own , which is full of Minoan exhibits. You will also get a glimpse the juxtaposition between ancient and modern Crete by spending some time in the city of Heraklion!

Uncover the real Crete with this special experience that takes you deep into the heart of the island's culture and heritage. Our journey is an immersive adventure that lets you see Crete from an insider's perspective, something that you won't easily find elsewhere. We start by visiting the Aposelemis Dam, then we head to Panagia Kera Monastery to learn about its history and art. The Windmills of Lassithi Plateau show you a different side of the island, and the Cave of Zeus takes you to a place of myth and legend. The 2,400-year-old Platanus Tree in Krassi connects you to nature's ancient beauty, and the Omiaia Olive Press offers a taste of Crete's culinary heritage. We finish the journey with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, the largest Minoan site. We've chosen each stop carefully, offering you a chance to dive into history, culture, nature, and local food. It's this mix of unique locations, insider knowledge, and genuine connections that make our adventure stand out from the rest.

Explore the rugged and wild side of Crete on the off-road adventure tour. Travel comfortably in a Land Rover high up into the Dikti mountain range. By going on an organized tour, you won’t have to worry about getting lost in unmarked rural areas and an experienced driver drives with confidence on the mountain roads. Highlights include reaching Lassithi Plateau and exploring Zeus Cave. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious local Cretan lunch in a taverna is provided.

Although Heraklion is the perfect base to see Crete’s cultural and architectural heritage, it’s not the only part of Crete that is worthy of a visit. On this full-day tour, discover two of the prettiest cities in Western Crete, Chania and Rethymno. Learn all about the diversity of Heraklion’s heritage, including its Venetian, Ottoman, Byzantine and ancient Greek influences.

Visit the family home of a local Cretan for an evening of cooking, eating, and cultural exchange. Begin your visit in the vegetable gardens, where you harvest ingredients to use in your recipes. Learn traditional dishes from your hosts, hear the stories behind each, and taste local cheeses. Enjoy views of the Aegean Sea and the mountains, then sit down to a meal you helped prepare, paired with local wine.

Experience the ultimate in relaxation and convenience with our luxury bus tours in the Chania region. Say goodbye to the stress of navigating winding roads and hello to the comfort of our plush seating and air-conditioned interiors. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you don't miss a beat, providing insider insights and local expertise every step of the way. Dive into the pristine waters of Elafonissi and let us take care of the rest. Book your unforgettable journey today and discover the beauty of Crete with LOCALS!

Step aboard the 'Mikros Naftilos' for a private cruise to the islands of Gramvousa and the Balos Lagoon. With a well-established local operator as your skipper, you'll relax on a carefully planned route that showcases the area's coastal highlights. Enjoy a lunch of regional dishes and unlimited drinks as you cruise, and stop for cool-down dips in the sea along the way.

Go to hidden-away corners of Crete few travelers get to see with this guided all-terrain vehicle tour. Follow your guide off-road to quiet tracks far from the traffic and crowded resorts. Explore the near-abandoned ghost village of Achlada, where only a few locals still live, and Fodele, the birthplace of El Greco.

Escape the hum of bustling Crete and get into nature on this full-day tour of pristine Elafonisi, a small island famed for its beautiful pink sands. Soak up the Grecian sun as you explore this protected wildlife sanctuary, enjoying a walk on the sand, or swim in the clear, azure waters of Elafonisi's paradise-like beach just a stone’s throw from the southwest corner of Crete.

Spend the day exploring Crete with a local driver/guide. See the windmills of Lasithi Plateau, the Cave of Diktaion Andron, the birthplace of Zeus, and a platanus tree that is, according to locals, the oldest tree on the island. You’ll also explore Mochos and Krasi villages. Tour with a group no larger than 15, or upgrade for a private adventure: Lunch and entry fees are at your own expense.

Cruise from Crete to Dia Island aboard a luxury boat, for a lazy day of sea, sun, and swimming. While the capable crew take care of the boat, you’ll kick back on deck with freshly prepared Greek food and drinks, or just have fun in the water; snorkel gear, fishing rods, a stand-up paddleboard, and even an inflatable unicorn are among the toys for grown-ups and kids alike.

The whole family will enjoy this fun snorkeling activity, which is both relaxing and adventurous. With a small group of no more than ten travelers you'll be taken on a boat ride to two different snorkeling spots. Experience the difference at the open ocean and sheltered spots, both with an abundance of sea life. Snorkeling gear will be provided so you don't need to bring your own.

You will have the opportunity to Spend a full day exploring the authentic Crete and its mountainous villages, to become a part of its thousands years of history as well by having the chance to see from close up, all these significant sites and spectacular views, such as Knossos palace , Zeus's birth place and tour around these traditional villages. Additionally you have the option to eat as a local,with the traditional way of cooking, at a beautiful local restaurant.

Discover the rugged landscapes of Crete's northern coast on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV or quad bike) adventure with transfers from Rethymno hotels. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal solo or tandem quad that can access tucked-away mountain reaches. You’ll need to be at least 18 and have held a license for one year to drive the quad.

Spend a day at Acqua Plus, the most popular water park on Crete. The park is divided into two sides, one for all ages and one for adults only. Facilities are clean, well-run, and safe, with multiple lifeguards on duty at all times. In addition to the many games, slides, and water rides inside the park, there is a beautiful garden in the center with Cretan flowers and trees, exotic flowers, weeping willows, palm trees, bougainvilleas,  French marigolds and more greenery, making for a nice escape form the heat and sun.

Get an authentic taste of Heraklion without the carbon cost of a vehicle or the strain of having to pedal hard in the heat on this guided half-day e-bike tour of the city’s downtown. You’ll cycle along the seaside, take a trip to the shops, taste traditional pastries, Greek coffee, and taverna classics, and explore highlights like the Old Venetian Harbor. Provided Wi-Fi means you can share as you go.

Discover ancient Minoan history, Cretan farming culture, and magnificent island views on this full-day off-roading adventure from Heraklion. Travel in a rugged Land Rover along historic mountain trails, stopping along the way to visit the mythological Diction Cave, shepherds’ villages, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and an eco park where traditional ways of life are still practiced. Replenish your energy with an included lunch and taste of ‘raki’ liqueur at a local tavern.

Maximize time in Crete with a half-day private tour of Chania. Get picked up at your hotel or the location of your choosing in Chania and set out on a sightseeing tour focused on local history and heritage. See top landmarks including the Old Venetian Harbor, Lighthouse of Chania, Firkas Fortress, and Hassan Pascha Mosque. Get to know Chania's Old Town and the many cultures that influenced its character.

The best way to explore Crete is by boat and this half-day cruise from Hersonissos visits St. George's Bay and the small towns of Malia and Stalis. Set sail aboard a traditional pirate ship; stop to swim and snorkel at the island’s beaches and bays; spot dolphins and sea turtles along the coast; and tuck into a delicious BBQ lunch on-board.

Getting to know the real Chania is difficult without a guide to show you behind the tourist sights. This small-group tour delivers: introducing you to its foods, customs, people, and wines in ways only a local can. Stroll around Chania’s lanes, churches, and monuments; meet townsfolk, visit authentic spots, and taste traditional cretan products as "koulouri", “kalitsounia”, “graviera”, “mizithra”, “Cretan salad”, “local olives”, “boureki”, “pastitsio”, fresh tomatoes, local Cretan honey and wine.. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included. Your Lunch time/food tasting, will take place at a restaurant.

The Knossos archeological site is an impressive collection of ruins dating back to the Bronze Age; with its immersive storytelling, this audio tour opens a portal back to that time. Once you’ve bought your ticket to the site, load up the app you’ve downloaded and follow your guide, aristocratic Yishharu, around the city’s highlights and hotspots. Explore the site at your own pace on this self-guided tour and open a new window into ancient Minoan life and culture with each new destination.