Here you will find tour descriptions and programs offered often by cruise ships and companies on the island Crete. You read the tours and get an idea, but of course you can contact us, in order to plan the ideal tour for you and your family, according to your needs and wishes.
The tours will be conducted by us mainly, and a small group of selected professional licensed guides with experience, working on the island Crete. Contact us and let us know what you have in mind.
Kritsa and Agios Nikolaos (7,5hrs)
Starting from the port of Heraklion, we will start the tour with by visiting the palace of Knossos, which is the most impressive and largest palace on Crete, dating back to the Minoan Era. Famous from Greek mythology as the capital of Minoan culture and seat of the mighty King Minos, it’s linked to countless legends, including the ‘Labyrinth of the Minotaur’. Step back in time and let us unveil the secrets of the Minoan civilization and tell you about history and the excavations that took place here. Then it is off to the charming village of Kritsa, close to Agios Nikolaos, with many local handicraft shops and art stores to explore. An interesting stop to buy souvenirs for your friends back home.
Afterwards, we are driving to the Eastern part of Crete, where you will then enjoy a typical Greek lunch at a tavern in the seaside village Elounda. Continue to the city of Agios Nikolaos. You will be able to stroll along the pretty streets by the sea, the bottomless lake Voulismeni, and the centre with its infinity of little shops where you can find any kind of souvenirs, jewelry, clothing etc. For the ones, who just wish to enjoy the scenery and relax, numerous coffee shops are located directly at the waterfront or around the small lake, offering a great spot for some leisure time.
| TOUR TIMETABLE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Start Time | End Time | |
| Drive to Knossos | 0:30 | 0:00 | 0:30 |
| Visit of Knossos Site | 1:30 | 0:30 | 2:00 |
| Drive to Kritsa Village | 1:00 | 2:00 | 3:00 |
| Visit Kritsa Village | 1:00 | 3:00 | 4:00 |
| Serving lunch at Elounda area | 1:15 | 4:00 | 5:15 |
| Free time at Agios Nikolaos | 0:45 | 5:15 | 6:00 |
| Depart for Heraklion port | 1:15 | 6:00 | 7:15 |
Lunch at a local tavern
Knossos & Arolithos (5 hrs)
Your tour starts with a visit of the palace of legendary King Minos at Knossos, the most impressive and best known palace of the Minoan civilization. Famous from Greek Mythology as the capital of the Minoan culture, Knossos is inextricably linked to many thrilling myths and legends like the ‘Labyrinth of the Minotaur’. During your visit through the extensive ruins which are partly restored in order to give an idea of its original splendor, your guide will narrate to you the exciting history of this ancient civilization.
Next, you’ll step back in time and experience the magic of a bygone era. The traditional Cretan village of Arolithos is set in the most breathtaking location, amongst the rugged grandeur of the wild mountains; a village not to be missed. With its cobbled streets and Cretan architecture, recently built using traditional construction techniques and materials, you’ll find genuine craftsmen and Cretan artisans, such as the ironsmith, the potter, the weavers. Enjoy a guided tour through the village and take the opportunity to visit the small folklore museum with its informative collection of pottery and fine crafts. Furthermore there are several shops containing a variety of beautiful traditional items. Before your departure from Arolithos, you will be offered the traditional Raki accompanied by nuts and local raisins.
| TOUR TIMETABLE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Start Time | End Time | |
| Drive to Knossos | 0:30 | 0:00 | 0:30 |
| Visit of Knossos Site | 1:40 | 0:30 | 2:10 |
| Drive to Arolithos Village | 0:35 | 2:10 | 2:45 |
| Visit Arolithos Village | 1:30 | 2:45 | 4:15 |
| Depart for the port | 0:45 | 4:15 | 5:00 |
Psychron – Zeus Birthplace (6,5 -7 hrs)
From the port of Heraklion your tour will start towards the Plateau of Lassithi, a panoramic drive showing you a totally different side of Crete compared to the seaside city of Heraklion. Enjoy the Cretan landscape with the massive mountain chains surrounding the Plateau with the Venetian characteristic windmills and fields of agriculture.
Drive to the village Psychron, and visit the cave, where according to the myths, was the birthplace of Zeus. After the visit of the cave, a sort stop a ceramic workshop, close by, to admire the local experts and see how easy it is for them to make beautiful pots and vessels, that even nowadays the Cretan use.
Drive around the plateau and reach a local tavern for lunch. After lunch you will drive through Krasi village to see the huge plane tree and we will drive slowly through Malia, back to the port.
| TOUR TIMETABLE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Start Time | End Time | |
| Depart for Lassith Plateau | 1:10 | 0:00 | 1:10 |
| Arrive at Psychron Village and visit of the Cave | 1:10 | 1:30 | 2:40 |
| Drive around the plataeu | 0:20 | 3:20 | 3:40 |
| Serving lunch at a local restaurant | 1:00 | 5:15 | 6:15 |
| Drive back to the port | 1:15 | 6:15 | 7:30 |
Lunch at a local tavern
A Taste of Crete (5-6 hrs)
Enjoy a pleasant drive through the traditional Cretan landscape to the village of Peza, one of the most significant wine growing areas since Minoan times that today produce the 70% of the Cretan wines. You are invited to delve into the vineyards and to sample the local products while gaining an insight view into the production of Cretan olive oil and soap, at a well-organized winery. Here you will find wines of the Lyrarakis family, one of the best on Crete and Greece, known also for the awards that they win every year.
On your way to Archanes, the characteristic village has won a European acclaim for its attractive restoration. It is also known for the excavation led by Sakellarakis and his wife Efi Sapouna at Tourkogeitonia , where they discovered a minoan villa , The surrounding landscape presents an infinity of vineyards, famous for the rich red wines of the Archanes appellation. The village is an ideal spot to indulge in the aromas, sights and sounds of the Cretan landscape. Streets have been newly stone-paved, there are more splendid displays of blooming flowers, fruit trees and plants in the yards, terraces and balconies of the houses. Enjoy a refreshment with a snack in a traditional taverna before returning to the ship.
| TOUR TIMETABLE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Start Time | End Time | |
| Drive to Peza | 0:30 | 0:00 | 0:30 |
| Arrival at Peza and visit of the winery | 1:00 | 0:30 | 1:30 |
| Photo stop at Vathypetro | 0:15 | 1:30 | 1:45 |
| Drive to Archanes | 0:15 | 1:45 | 2:00 |
| Arrival at Archanes and visit | 0:30 | 2:00 | 2:30 |
| Snack at a local taverna | 1:00 | 2:30 | 3:30 |
| Drive back to Heraklion port | 0:30 | 3:30 | 4:00 |
Lunch at a local tavern
Arkadi Monastery & Rethymnon city (5 – 7 hrs)
Leaving the port of Heraklion you’ll drive to the Monastery of Arkadi, the island’s most famous Monastery. Built during the last Venetian period, it consists of a large set of fortress-like buildings. The impressive church standing in the middle of the court with its two naves is dedicated to Saint Constantine and Saint Helen, and to Our Lord. The history of the monastery goes back to Byzantine times, when a monk, possibly named Arkadios, founded the monastery which in turn was named after him. The monastery proved to be not only a remarkable cultural centre, but also played an all-important role in the fight against the Turkish bound. We continue our tour to Rethymnon. Rethymnon itself began a period of growth when the Venetian conquerors of the island decided to put an intermediate commercial station between Heraklion and Chania, acquiring its own bishop and nobility in the process. Today’s old town (palia poli) is almost entirely built by Venetians. It is one of the best preserved old towns in Crete. The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, small Venetian harbor and narrow streets. The Venetian Loggia today houses the information office of the ministry of culture. The Venetian castle called the Fortezza, is one of the best preserved castles in Crete. Other monuments include the Neratze mosque (the Municipal Odeon arts centre), the Great Gate (megaliporta, PortaGuora), the Piazza Rimondi (Rimondi square) and the Venetian Loggia. After a walking tour in the old town you’ll be given free time to explore this beautiful city on your own before boarding your coaches for the return journey to Heraklion port.
| TOUR TIMETABLE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Start Time | End Time | |
| Depart port; drive to Arkadi Monastery | 1:30 | 0:00 | 1:30 |
| Visit of the Monastery | 0:45 | 1:30 | 2:15 |
| Drive to Rethymnon town | 0:35 | 2:15 | 2:50 |
| Visit of Rethymnon town , Free time | 1:10 | 2:50 | 4:00 |
| Depart Heraklion; drive back to port | 1:00 | 4:00 | 5:00 |
CHANIA
Tour descriptions starting from Chania port or port of Souda
All tours and programs include the services of a professional licensed Guide, registered vehicles, liability insurance. Chauffeur service with a licensed guide and a van is also an option. Tours listed below can be organized as private tours or for your group…Feel free to contact us for a tailor made experience according to your wishes and needs.
AKROTIRI AND CHANIA TOWN
Duration: 4 hours
Travel back in time to the Venetian occupation of Crete (1204 to 1669 AD) on this relaxing and informative tour. Starting from the port of Souda with your professional licensed guide in your coach explore first Akrotiri area, where you will have the chance to visit the Agia Triada Monastery, known as Tsangarolon, one of the most significant monastic complexes of the Venetian Era. Moving on to the town Chania (after a short drive of 20 to 25 min, depending on the traffic), you will have the chance to admire the Venetian Harbour, the old Venetian port with the Lighthouse and the Yalisi Tzami, as well as the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants. The atmosphere will remind you of Florence or Venice, due to the long occupation of the Venetians, combined with the local culture and character of the proud Cretan people and the island’s traditions. Admire the effect of the light on the harbor, which gives it a different appeal at every hour of the day, feel the breeze from the sea, perhaps enjoy your coffee or snack at one of the tavernas at the pier. The tour ends with the return drive to the ship. (25 min drive, depending on the traffic).
ARKADI MONASTERY & RETHYMNO TOWN
Duration: 5 hours
Leaving the port of Souda you’ll drive towards the Monastery of Arkadi, one of the island’s most famous Monasteries. Built during the Venetian period, it consists of a large, almost rectangular fortress – monastery around an impressive baroque church with two aisles. The history of the monastery goes back to Byzantine times, when it was founded according to local historians by either Arcadius Emperor or according to others by a local monk named Arkadios. Not only became a remarkable cultural centre, a trade center due to the wealthy fertile land around it ( producing various local products ), it also played an important role during the Cretan resistance to Ottoman rule. After visiting the monastery with your licensed professional guide, you’ll continue through the beautiful scenic roads to the town of Rethymno, famous for its Renaissance architecture, Venetian fortress and the old city center . Enjoy a walking tour in the old town with the narrow pedestrian roads, followed by some free time to explore on your own or perhaps to enjoy a coffee or a snack by the sea, before boarding your coach for the return drive. ( almost an hour drive to reach the port of Souda )
CHANIA BOTANICAL GARDEN AND CITY TOUR
Duration: 5 hours
Get to know Crete’s wonderful botanical park as well as the historic city of Chania, on this tour . An experience to understand the local, Cretan landscape as you will be driving through the hills. As you walk through the beautiful gardens and get to know the numerous endemic species of plants, spiceys and local herbs, trees that grow on the two hundred square kilometers of planted hillside, you’ll enjoy not only the visual spectacle.. After the gardens, your tour continues to Chania, where along with your professional licensed guide , you will explore one of the oldest cities on Crete. Feel the byzantine atmosphere as you walk through the narrow pedestrian streets and touch certain decorative details of the listed buildings dating back to Venetian and Turkish times. A city protected as a monument, where Greeks from all over Greece will put very high on their list, when it comes the time to choose a place for their vacations. After strolling around the Venetian harbor with the Venetian lighthouse, the impressive Cathedral, the museum (optional visit) you will have a chance to taste some local fruit and delicacies at the Municipal Food Market at the centre of the city …Free time to explore on your own, before we reach back the port of Souda ( 20 min drive depending on traffic).
ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM & WALKING TOUR TO THE OLD TOWN
Duration: 5 hours
After a short drive from the port of Souda we will bring you to Chania’s old town and from the central Municipal Food Market we will start our walking tour. With its Venetian harbor, old port, narrow shopping streets and waterfront tavernas, the old town attracts crowds of visitors from the near by touristic areas and locals as well. As you walk through its picturesque streets, you’ll feel that the atmosphere reminds you of Florence or Venice or a small Italian city of the south , combined with the Cretan character, culture and local traditions. The Chania Archaeological Museum, although is small in size, will attract your attention. Important artefacts from the Minoan Era, from ancient Kydonia Polyrhenia, Aptera and so many more , that you should not miss… Over the years, the small collection has been housed in various public buildings being moved around, including the Residency, the Boys’ High School and the Hassan Mosque. But since 1963 it has been housed – in theory temporarily – in the Venetian Monastery of Saint Francis, one of the city’s important monuments. Before returning to Souda port and the ship, you’ll have some free time to explore the old city with the Veletian port. ( 20 min drive depending on traffic).
A TASTE OF CRETE
Duration: 5 hours
Experience Cretan hospitality and history on this journey, a bit off the beaten path to the traditional Village of Vamos with the beautiful stone build houses, the Karidi Monastery with the church of St. George and the old Olive oil press, a short stop at a modern olive oil facility will be possible….. Your exploration begins with a visit to the traditional Village of Vamos, whose first inhabitants, back in the 8th century, were Arab pirates. Enjoy the Cretan landscape, the fabulous local flora, which includes lemon, almond, walnut, fig and pepper trees, as well as rosemary, thyme and grapes. You will be able to smell those in the air!!!! Admire the luxurious “conakia” and more modest “kamarospita” homes. Next, it’s time to visit Karidi Monastery and the Agios Georgios Church, before exploring the ruins of the old mill built in 1862. Then head for a olive oil tasting at a local facility and hear all the information and secrets of producing thew liquid gold of Crete. You’ll appreciate the warmth of the locals, the villagers and the Cretan hospitality while you learn from your professional licensed guide all about the local history and family traditions. Your last stop is at Chania old town ( we will stop close to the Municipal Food Market) with its old harbor, where you will have some free time to explore before returning to the ship. ( 20 min drive depending on traffic).
MINOA PALACE BEACH & CHANIA
Duration: 5 hours
Experience a slice of paradise at the Minoa Palace beach resort at Platanias , one of the 5 star resorts in Chania. This long, sandy beach offers plenty of facilities, including friendly beach bars and small, local taverns nearby . Enjoy the opportunity to spend a few hours relaxing, lying in the sun and swimming in the crystal waters of Chania . Your visit includes a sun bed and beach umbrella. And don’t forget to savor a cool, refreshing drink from the beach bar during your time here. Before returning to the ship, you’ll also have some free time to explore Chania town independently. Please note: this tour is available from June to September and is subject to weather conditions. ( 20 min drive depending on traffic).
KALYVES BEACH & CHANIA
Duration: 5 hours
Experience a slice of paradise at the Kalyves beach resort at Kalyves (close to Souda area) one of the 5 star resorts in Chania. This long, sandy beach offers plenty of facilities, including friendly beach bars and small, local taverns nearby . Enjoy the opportunity to spend a few hours relaxing, lying in the sun and swimming in the crystal waters of Chania . Your visit includes a sun bed and beach umbrella. And don’t forget to savor a cool, refreshing drink from the beach bar during your time here. Before returning to the ship, you’ll also have some free time to explore Chania town independently. Please note: this tour is available from June to September and is subject to weather conditions. ( 20 min drive depending on traffic).
TREASURES OF CRETAN CULTURE
Duration: 7 hours
Immerse yourself in Greek culture, culinary traditions, history and architecture on this breathtaking journey to see artisanal wine-makers, soap-makers, and Chania town. After a 45-minute scenic drive, you’ll arrive Vouves village , to see an amazing olive tree , one of the oldest trees of Greece, dating back to Classical Era. Next to this impressive olive tree, that still produces fruits, you will visit a small museum with olive wood tools and utensils. You will continue and after a short drive you will reach at the Anoskeli Winery. Here, you’ll enjoy an exclusive wine tour where you’ll learn about local wine varieties and olive oil production. Discover how local artisans maintain local culinary traditions. Then sample the flavors of the region during a guided tasting of 5 different wines and the local Tsikoudia. Next, visit a soap-making workshop in the quiet village of Tavronitis, where you can indulge your senses and bring home a fine souvenir. Finally, explore the charming town of Chania, with its romantic harbor framed by the Venetian lighthouse and former mosque. Enjoy some free time to stroll the picturesque streets, admiring the neoclassical mansions and Venetian fortifications.
RETHYMNON CITY AND WINE TASTING
Duration: 6 hours
Leaving the port of Souda you’ll drive towards the beautiful city of Rethymno, famous for its Renaissance architecture, Venetian fortress and the old city center. Enjoy a walking tour in the old town with the narrow pedestrian roads, followed by some free time to explore on your own or perhaps to enjoy a coffee or a snack by the sea. We will continue after Rethymnon and a short drive towards the winery, a family winery with a long tradition in wine making and we will enjoy the wine tour in the facilities, getting as much information as possible from the passionate wine makers of Crete. We will taste 5 local wines produced at the winery, which have received international awards. After our wine tasting and tour we will drive towards the Vrysses village, to see the amazing plane trees, before reaching back the port of Souda. ( almost a 40 min drive to reach the port of Souda )
WWII AND MARITIME MUSEUM OF CHANIA
Duration: 6 hours
Leaving the port of Souda you’ll drive towards Aptera , to enjoy the panoramic view and understand the strategic position of the port of Souda. You will hear all the information about the battle of Crete, from your professional licensed guide , as you will continue towards the cemetery of the Allies, where the soldiers rest in peace close to the Bay of Souda. You will drive towards the city of Chania, where you will start tyou walking tour , to explore the city center and reach the Maritime museum for your guided tour. Later on you will have free time to enjoy the Venetian city center, do some shopping and perhaps enjoy a nice snack by the sea.
AKROTIRI BEACH TRANSFER
Duration: 4 TO 5 hours
Relax on the beaches of the Akrotiri , located few km east of Chania. The first cove is known as Seitan Limania …. This is a beautiful small sandy beach, some walking is involved to reach the area . A small peninsula on both sides of the beach protects it from the winds, and you can admire the amazing rock formations on the side. Beside the east end of the beach, there is a small pine grove . You will have around 3 hours of free time to enjoy this wonderful setting, overlooking the magnificent Aegean Sea, before the drive back to the ship. Please note: this tour is available from June to September and is subject to weather conditions. In addition due to the small secluded cove if crowded we will not accept bookings.
KNOSSOS PALACE AND SHOPPING
Duration: approx 8 hours
You do not need to have an expert’s knowledge of Greek history or Cretan civilizations to appreciate the fabulous Minoan Palace of Knossos. More than just a collection of stones or ruins, the Palace structure is still visible and visitors can wander the maze of rooms. A British archaeologist, Arthur Evans, who led the excavation of the site in the 1900s, reconstructed the Palace. Pictures on the walls help visitors gain a sense of the scale of the Palace – which was originally 20,000 square metres – and an idea of life here during the late Bronze Age. The Palace of Knossos is built on the ruins of a larger Neolithic settlement and of the supposed 1.300 rooms that made up the four-storey Palace, few still visible today today. After the visit, we will drive to Heraklion for free time exploring and shopping. Please note: the visit of the site of Knossos is relatively easy but includes walking on cobblestones and may result difficult for guests using a wheelchair. If guests using a wheelchair still wish to take part in this tour they must be accompanied by an escort to provide assistance with getting on and off the van /car and that wheelchairs must be collapsible/foldable since the van / car has neither a ramp nor a lift. Guests using a wheelchair who would like to participate in this tour are requested to contact us directly before booking to make special arrangements if possible and inform them about the options or any additional cost involved .
KNOSSOS & ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Duration: 8 hours
You don’t need to be an expert in ancient Greek history to appreciate the fabulous Minoan Palace of Knossos. Much more than just a ruin, the palace structure is still visible and you can wander the maze of rooms reconstructed by British archaeologist Arthur Evans, who led the excavation of the site in the 1900s. Evans has been criticized for the use of concrete, during the restoration phase of Knossos . Its though one of the places that you will get an idea of the size of the construction … Of the 1.300 rooms that made up the four -story palace, few remain, the groundfoor which was covered with soil and was unearthed by Evans . Pictures on the walls helps you understand of life here during the late Bronze Age and a give you a sense of the vast scale of the palace, which originally covered 22.000 square meters. Your next stop is Heraklion for a visit to the Archaeological Museum, which hosts an impressive collection of Minoan artefacts, made of terracotta, local material or semi precious stones, marble and alabaster idols, through gold, jewelry, ivory and figurines to frescoes and sarcophaguses, providing fascinating insights into the artistic flair of this ancient civilization.
Please note: the visit of the site of Knossos is relatively easy but includes walking on cobblestones and may result difficult for guests using a wheelchair. If guests using a wheelchair still wish to take part in this tour they must be accompanied by an escort to provide assistance with getting on and off the van /car and that wheelchairs must be collapsible/foldable since the van / car has neither a ramp nor a lift. Guests using a wheelchair who would like to participate in this tour are requested to contact us directly before booking to make special arrangements if possible and inform them about the options or any additional cost involved .
