The 10 Best Walking Tours in Heraklion Prefecture, Crete

August 26, 2021 Rosalyn Ihle

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. Heraklion for Foodies Tour: Private Culinary Experience

Morosini Lions Fountain, Pl. El. Venizelou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece Greeking.me
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Get introduced to the produce of the Cretan land and the world-acclaimed Cretan cuisine, and taste for yourself a medley of traditional flavors on our Heraklion food tour! Stroll the magical streets of the city of Heraklion and discover offbeat local eateries while being enchanted by the unmatched ambiance of Crete! Taste puffy Cretan pastries, local varieties of cheese, traditional Cretan dishes, and luscious desserts, and get an authentic Cretan experience, just like a local!

Inclusions: A 4-hour private food tour in Heraklion, Services of a foodie expert guide, All food and drink tastings (more than enough for lunch), We CAN provide food substitutions for vegetarians, All taxes and VAT

Exclusions: Private transportation, Any additional orders or purchases

Reviewed By Katya K

My advice is, as soon as you arrive, book a tour with Greeking.me and get a solid foundation for your exploration of Athens for the week ahead. It seems that majority of tourists use Athens as a stopover on the way to the islands. As a result, they will see Acropolis and try gyros on Monastiraki square, while missing out on all the other treasures. We spent a whole week in Athens in October 2020 and this was not enough. There is so much to see in Athens museums and open air sites, you need at least a month to do this city justice. If you want to quickly determine which monuments you want to see up close and have an overall understanding of Athens history, an introductory tour in the first day or two on your holiday is a must. We booked Athens Higlights Evening Tour and our guide Penelope was an absolute delight. We spent more than 3 hours walking streets of Athens , absorbing history and ancient tales. Penelope was great at engaging my daughter, who is 9 and has Ancient Greece as part of her school curriculum this year, and making parallels with mythology. At each of the sites Penelope gave us detailed description of the history and background to the monument. She was able to show us on her iPad how some of the characters looked like , or how a certain temple or a building were used when they were first built. I thought iPad material was a great addition to a walking tour, especially for my daughter as it was much easier for her to imagine how things would have looked like when they were first built. We did not go inside any of the historical sites or buildings during the tour. However, with Penelope’s guidance we were able to determine which ones we wanted to visit during our stay in Athens and went there on other days. For example, Penelope pointed out a couple of churches, which she suggested we could visit during the day. We did come back to a couple of them later in a week, and I thought that Penelope’s recommendations were spot on. Overall, I could not think of better guide and a better organisation of the tour from Greeking. me. Booking process was straightforward and Greeking.me was always responsive on the emails. I thought the tour was a perfect start to our holiday in Athens and would definitely appeal to families with school aged kids.

2. Heraklion City Walk and Cretan Treat

Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete Kivotos of Aegean Athens Greece Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Our tour starts with a visit to the beautiful city of Heraklion. Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. It is one of the largest cities in Greece .The Venetians improved on the ditch of the city by building enormous fortifications, most of which are still in place, including a giant wall, in places up to 40 m thick, with 7 bastions, and a fortress of Koule Chandax was renamed Candia and became the seat of the Duke of Candia, and the Venetian administrative district of Crete became known as "regno di Candia". Main sightseeing’s of the tour : open-air market, the the Venetian Loggia, and the Cathedral of St Minas or the Church of St. Titus and the 25th August street which links the port, the Marina and the Castle of Koules with the heart of the city and a main open air market. We end up in Lion’s square where we taste bougatsa cheese pie along and Greek coffee.

Inclusions: Kerasma" Local Cretan Pastry with cinnamon & cream or cheese, English speaking escort, Snacks

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By nixamo

We were on a 7 day Med cruise from Athens, but wanted to spend more time in Greece after the cruise. Aphrodite arranged the hotels and rental cars along with some great travel advice. Great trip, rental car was delivered to the hotel and dropped at the airport hotel, never easier. Saw all the key sites especially the one you don't want to miss, Meteora.

3. Knossos Palace Greek Mythology

WeGuide.gr, Knossos 714 09, Greece Travel Crete Private Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Skip-the-ticket-line service ! Licensed tour guide (English or French) for a 90-minutes guided tour in a small group. Discover with us the Labyrinth and Palace of Knossos! Skip the long ticket line and with our expert Guides unraveling the Myths and Legends surrounding the site. Visit the Mythical Palace of Knossos of King Minos and Labyrinth home to the Minotaur Your expert tour Guide will be your personal Ariadne of Greek Mythology through this Amazing site during your visit. Safety measures in place: Up to 8 people only (masked); tour given via ‘Whispers’: an audio system that means you can hear with clarity your guide, without having to stand by their elbow.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Safety measures in place: Up to 8 people only (masked); tour given via ‘Whispers’: an audio system that means you can hear with clarity your guide, without having to stand by their elbow.

Exclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks, Transportation. Use your own way. Public bus available.

Reviewed By maritad895

This tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Crete last month. The tour guide Joanna has an obivious indepth knowledge of the history of Crete and the Minoan period. She not only brought Knossos to life with vivid clarity, (the art, the way of life) but could answer all our questions regarding the period. She made the tour both entertaining and educational. I would not hesitate to recommed Joanna as a tour quide and look forward to going on another tour with her when next I visit Crete.

4. Travel Crete - Visit Knossos palace (Shared Tour)

Knossos Palace ENTRY, Knossos 714 09, Greece Travel Crete Private Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Travel Crete and Visit Knossos palace the ancient capital of Minoan Crete. Explore the Minoan culture and civilization. The Minoans although the ancient sites as Knossos were excavated by the end of the eighteenth century still this ancient Bronze Age Civilization holds on to its secrets well tucked away as if in the labyrinth of Myths and history! This first civilization of Europe sprung here in Crete and has never stoped captivating us, alluring us with its high aesthetics and beauty. One wanders for how much longer must one wander through this amazing maze called Minoan culture and civilization.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By maritad895

This tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Crete last month. The tour guide Joanna has an obivious indepth knowledge of the history of Crete and the Minoan period. She not only brought Knossos to life with vivid clarity, (the art, the way of life) but could answer all our questions regarding the period. She made the tour both entertaining and educational. I would not hesitate to recommed Joanna as a tour quide and look forward to going on another tour with her when next I visit Crete.

5. Knossos Palace - Archaeological Museum -Heraklion Town

Moysidis Travel
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore magical sight you know from Greek legends and discover the secrets of Minoan civilization. Visit legendary labyrinth-palace home to Minos, son of Zeus. Knossos palace was built using all the architectural innovations available. It has hundreds of rooms storage areas, specialized workshops and spacious courts hosting ceremonies and feasts. Knossos Palace is considered the 8th world wonder and it’s well deserved. It is one of the most important artefacts of Minoan civilization. It was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake. However, the reconstruction in 20th century allows us to see now how it looked in its best days. *By request we can also stop at the biggest aquarium in Greece- "Cretaquarium". More than 250 kinds of fish and animals live here. And the best part of it is that they are being held under conditions that are extremely close to their natural habitat, hense very comfortable.

Inclusions: Pick-up at your hotel, Luxury Vehicle with a professional driver, Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles, Accompaniment by a professional guide, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Personal expenses, drinks, lunch / dinner, Entrance fees to museums ( 1€ p/p), archaeological sites (Knossos Palace 15€ p/p, Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts

Reviewed By Mashka_Schmooze

We got this tour as we like to travel on our own time schedule. To stop where we want and for how long as we want. Our tour guide Genadius was very thoughtful of bringing as beach mats and umbrellas. We never even though about them. He was very flexible, fun and reliable person. Always attending when you need him but giving you your personal space at the same time. He had great humour and told us many interesting facts about Greece. We spend whole day together and I didn't get tired of him even once.

6. Exploring Samaria Gorge

Tour-online
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Samaria Gorge is a unique place in Europe. It is 16 km long. Extraordinary rock formations, Indigenous rare plants, flower and bird species, Rough downward ground, Impressive and primitive view, Exquisite landscape that has been under no human intervention, Unique sensation of awe and infinite wonder for the untouched grandeur will always be engraved on our memory.

Inclusions: WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Entrance to Samaria gorge - 5 euro per person, Boat to Sfakia from Agia Roumeli 11 euro per person

Reviewed By Lynn C

This was a nice tour that combined different activities to make a full day of sights, swimming, eating, history of Spinalonga, shoppiing etc. We had great weather and visited beautiful places!

7. Heraklion Historic & Culinary Luxury Small Group Experience

Rocca a Mare Fortress, Heraklion 712 02, Greece Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour combines the historic section of Heraklion town with a culinary experience. You will visit the most important historic monuments of the town on a walking tour, while during your exploration, you will try the most renowned local delicacies such as the famous “Bougatsa” pastry, local “Loukoumades” donuts with honey, the traditional Greek coffee and herbal tea. Your tour will continue with the visit of Heraklion Open - Air Market, where you will have the chance to taste Cretan products and interact with local people. Last Experience of the day will be a unique Olive Oil and Wine Pairing in a private studio accompanied by a presentation of the two most important products of the island and exploring their significance to the Cretan diet. Your experience will be accompanied by a light Lunch.

Inclusions: Highly Experienced Licensed Tourist Guide, Olive oil and wine pairing with light lunch, including: Plate of Cretan Cheese Varieties, Plate of Cretan Cold Cuts, Olives, Bread and rusks, Cretan Salad, Different dips., Olive Oil & Wine Tasting

Exclusions: The entrance tickets to Heraklion Venetian Fortress (Koules), Your Local Snacks and town Delicacies, paid on the spot.

Reviewed By mmsfcal

I actually had a private tour with Marilina and it was one of the best tours I've had anywhere in the world. She is a brilliant woman with a sterling pedigree that includes degrees in Pre-Historic Religion and Arts-Mythology. She is no mere tour guide, she is a master of Greek history and she makes it come vividly alive as she time-travels you back to antiquity and forward to modern Greece bridging the distance in a way that will fascinate and enlighten you beyond anything you expected. If you are at all considering Marilina's tours, consider no more....BOOK IT! You will be so grateful you did. I will never forget the day I spent with her and the knowledge and images she planted in my mind. They will live and bloom there always. You are the best of the best Marilina! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

8. Olive Oil Tasting Tour

Koronekes®, No street name, Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece Koronekes
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 105 reviews

From the tree to the bottle, you will find out everything about extra virgin olive oil. How are the olives harvested? How is the olive oil produced? What is the difference between First Cold Pressed and Cold Extraction? What should an extra virgin olive oil taste like? Discover our naturally flavoured oils with fruits and herbs from our Estate.

Inclusions: During the tasting, we will, of course, offer you some water!

Exclusions:

Reviewed By holeinone44

This should be on EVERYONE's list - it was such an interesting way to spend a few hours - the family is just lovely! We loved this visit!

9. Labyrinth of Knossos (Shared Tour with Entry Tickets)

Knossos Palace ENTRY, Knossos 714 09, Greece KnossosGuides
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Join our small group (up to 8 pax) Walking tour at Knossos palace with a Licensed Tourist Guide. Get the chance to pre-Buy on-line your entrance ticket and Skip-The-Line, entry. Discover with us the Labyrinth and Palace of Knossos! Skip the long ticket line, upon arrival you meet your own exclusive guide and given your tickets. We Guide you with our expert guides to Knossos unraveling the Myths and Legends surrounding the site. Home to the Minotaur, the oldest throne of Europe, a sophisticated structure, elegant wall paintings that inspired art Nuevo centuries later, huge clay earns, advance draining systems, quarters sunk into the earth is t here the Minotaur lurked? Together with your guide you will see the oldest civilization unfold before your eyes and you will be able to get the best out of your visit of this magnificent structure.

Inclusions: Join our small group (up to 8 pax) Walking tour at Knossos palace with a Licensed Tourist Guide., Get the chance to pre-Buy on-line your entrance ticket and Skip-The-Line, entry., Entrance Tickets, Safety measures in place: Up to 8 people only (masked); tour given via ‘Whispers’: an audio system that means you can hear with clarity your guide, without having to stand by their elbow.

Exclusions: Transportation, Food/Drinks

Reviewed By Geoffrey S

What an outstanding guide. Cheerful, articulate, very knowledgeable, funny, did a wonderful job of sorting out myth from fact. Cleverly avoided the crowds in her route and knew how to maximize the time and space. I arrived knowing a lot but learned so much more! i would use We Guide again!

10. Knossos Palace Guided Walking Tour

WeGuide.gr, Knossos 714 09, Greece WeGuide
Excellent
88%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.8 based on 27 reviews

Guided Walking Tour for the Palace of Knossos (90 minutes) • The price does NOT include the entrance tickets! • The tour is executed with the assistance of your private professional guide ( English or French speaking). • The customer uses its own vehicle to arrive at the site of Knossos. • Meeting point: Main Entrance to the Palace of Knossos, in front of the Ticket Office. • Our operator is holding a sign with a " WeGuide.gr - Meeting Point" logo. • The guided tour begins at : Please check Starting time per period Visit the Mythical Palace of Knossos of King Minos and Labyrinth, home to the Minotaur. Discover the advanced and sophisticated 4000 year old Civilization of Crete. Meet the Minoans, see the Palace of Knossos with splendid wall paintings, with your Licensed Tour Guide. During summer visit Knossos, escaping the crowds and not when it's so hot! Enjoy your visit of Knossos avoiding the blistering heat and sun at its best time 17:00 o'clock (5:00pm) with us!

Inclusions: LIVE Tour Guide Knossos ( ENG or FRA ), NOT included entrance fees, transfers, and any personal expenses! Only the Guided Tour.

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Entrance Ticket of Knossos palace

Reviewed By poliviosk

Thanks to Akrivi we had a fantastic time visiting both the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Knossos palace. Akrivi waved together the history and mythology, explained in detail all aspects of Minoan civilization and made us to travel back in time, to learn and appreciate the achievements of Minoans, the first Mediterranean civilization.It is totally worth to book both tours together , otherwise you will be missing the complete picture.Especially if you are a small group/family you should not miss this tour; it is not just a tour it is time travel !

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.