Heraklion is a city filled with history with much to see and do. Take a comfortable drive to the highlights of the city with a private guide and lots of time to explore the historic city.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Small group
- Limited to 8 participants
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 6 hours
- Starting time 9:00 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Driver
- English, Greek
- Booklets
- English, Greek
- Pickup included
- Airport pickup: The driver will be waiting for you right after baggage claim holding a sign with your name. Port pickup: The driver will be waiting for you at disembarkation holding a sign with your name. Hotel: Meet the driver at the reception of your hotel.
- Wheelchair accessible
Experience
Highlights
- Discover the roots of the European culture at the palace of Knossos
- Wander around the city of Heraklion filled with monuments and landmarks
- Feel the everyday lifestyle of the capital city in the lively Old Town
- Stroll around the numerous cozy cafés and taste traditional Greek cuisine
Full description
Your day will start with a visit to Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and home of the powerful and mythical King Minos. Wondering around its labyrinthine passages, you will time travel to an era 4,000 years ago and feel what life in the city was like in those days. Admire the monumental architecture, wall paintings, storage rooms, and workshops at the birthplace of European civilization.
Next, walk on the Fortifications of Heraklion, the best-preserved city walls in the Mediterranean, in order to have a panoramic view of the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek. Visit the Cathedral of St. Minas, the imposing church adorned with Byzantine wall paintings and the essence of incense.
Reaching the Old Town, meander its alleys and pedestrianized city center allowing you to stroll around undisturbed and explore the blending of traditional and modern lifestyles. In the heart of the Old Town, see the Morosini Lions Fountain, constructed during the Venetian era and the typical meeting point for locals. Surrounded by various shops ready to serve coffee, ice cream, and local delicacies, this is a place awake around the clock.
Right across is St. Mark's Basilica, host to the Municipal Art Gallery open to the public almost all day every day. On your way to the Old Venetian Harbour, you will see the Venetian Loggia, the city's town hall and a masterpiece of architecture. The best-known feature of Heraklion not to missed is the famous Koules Fortress which defended the city from its enemies in the 16th century.
Includes
- Pickup from airport, port, or hotel within 30km of Heraklion
- Bottled water
- Snack
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Wi-Fi onboard
- Private transport
- Fees and taxes
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, and galleries
- Tour guide at sites, museums, and galleries
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothes
Know before you go
- Entrance fees to the mentioned landmarks is not included
- It is possible to book your Knossos ticket ahead of time
- At the Cathedral of St. Minas you must cover your shoulders and knees and hats are not permitted