Location: Heraklion
Top Things to do in Heraklion
Top Restaurants in Heraklion
Countries
Things to do in Heraklion, Crete: The Best Private Tours
Heraklion (/hɪˈrækliən/; Greek: Ηράκλειο, Irákleio, pronounced [iˈraklio]) is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. It is the fourth largest city in Greece. According to the results of the 2011 census, the population of the city proper was 140,730 inhabitants, the municipality's was 173,993 while the Heraklion urban area has a population of 225,574 and it extends over an area of 684.3 km (264.2 sq mi).
Restaurants in Heraklion
1. Heraklion for Foodies Tour: Private Culinary Experience
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. Spinalonga Island - Ag Nikolaus - Elounda Bay - Private Tour.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
This Tour gives you the opportunity to visit on your own way so many places in one day that if not with a local guide it would be impossible to visit and find.We visit Monasteries, Churches, Agios Nikolaus City, Spinalonga Island, Krasi village where the oldest Platanus tree in Crete it's found, we have a traditional Cretan Lunch in the traditional village of Mochos where we visit a few beautiful churches, and in the end if we have time we can visit the fishing village of Sisi where we go for a walk on the Palm Bay. ACACIA TOURS MHTE1039e60000115201
Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Liability insurance.
Exclusions: Boat ticket to Spinalonga. 10 Euro , Entrance fee at the Spinalonga (8 euro ) , Lunch
Reviewed By Cellabelle-27
This tour was highly recommended by a friend, and wow, totally exceeded all expectations! Eddie is a lovely, friendly, funny and knowledgeable guy... I seen and learned more about Crete in one day than I have in all the years going there! The tour included a visit to olive oil factory, cave of Zeus, lovely lunch with wine in the beautiful village of Mochlos, Lassithi plateau (stunning views) and finally wine tasting at the winery which was the perfect end to a perfect day ???? So if you want to see the real Crete and have a fantastic day out with a wonderful guide, book with Eddie... You will not regret it
3. Private Full-Day Knosos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus from Heraklion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Experience this private tour that combines world-famous landmarks with jaw-dropping natural beauty. Enjoy maximum comfort and safety while being provided with everything you need to know about the island of Crete. Your local English speaking guide/driver will help you get the most out of your day and make sure you take some incredible photos for you to share with your friends and family.
Inclusions: V.I.P.- class air-conditioned vehicle, Fridge, Bottled water, Fully equipped First-Aid-Kit, Honey/Raki tasting
Exclusions: Drinks and meals, Entrance fees, Souvenirs and personal expenses
Reviewed By 324lenap
We took the tour on a hunch and did not regret it. Costas made the tour feel like a day trip with old friends . His knowledge of the local history and culture is amazing all wrapped in a natural sense of humour. The locations selected very carefully to reflect the best this place has to offer and the vehicle was comfortable and spotless The highlight was the homemade raki and honey. we can't recommend the service enough .
4. Crete Jeep Adventure with Tailor Made Itineraries - Chauffeured Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Experience the quintessential luxuries of Crete island with a local insider guide on a chauffeur-driven jeep tour basis with maximum comfort and privacy. More than just a classic mass-safari tour, this tailor-made private tour is designed for you to explore the island of Crete by following itineraries off-the-beaten-path and focusing on the Cretan stunning landscape, local lifestyle, unique gastronomy, and history. You will see, feel, savor, and discover with more depth the island's distinctive regions and identity. Remember, Crete is a fascinating and diverse island, but wherever you go, you’ll find friendly people, delicious food, and stunning melting sunsets. Ready to go?
Inclusions: Personal pick-up & drop-off with a flexibly adjusted pick-up time, Chauffeured premium vehicle at your disposal, Vehicle comforts: mineral water, fresh fruit & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities, Private knowledgeable local insider guide, Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest, Dine as locals do: restaurant & bar recommendations, Full support from your travel planner before & during your day trip
Exclusions: Drinks and meals , Admission fees (if applicable), Guiding services in archaeological sites (if requested), Wine tasting expenses (if requested)
Reviewed By DCO90
An incredible day with Alexander. We did a private tour and he took a genuine interest in our personalties to make our experience bespoke and perfect! Was truly a 5 star experience.
5. VIP Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace Full-Day Chauffeured Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Come with us on a journey along East Crete reveling in the endless luxuries of Lassithi Plateau that is basked in allure forests & fertile land dotted with iconic windmills. From the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle at your disposal, our knowledgeable local insider will ensure you experience the best of the whole itinerary. Discover quaint villages, local lifestyle, storied monuments, Byzantine Monasteries & Cretan art. Tuck into a culinary odyssey & savor genuine tastes loved by our legendary forefathers. It’s our job to hook you up with only the most authentic eateries. Amble in the footsteps of gods to the Cave of Zeus. Plunge into the mythical birthplace & sense the sanctity of this ancient site. When in Knossos Palace, luxuriate in the eternal magnificence of the Minoan ruins & frescoes. Succumb to the personalized service of a top history-archaeology guide & let us stimulate you with eclectic information by ensuring a stress-free pace in all archaeological areas.
Inclusions: Personal pick-up & drop-off with flexibly adjusted pick-up time, Chauffeured premium vehicle at your disposal, Vehicle comforts: mineral water, fresh fruit & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities, Private knowledgeable local insider guide , Private history-archaeology specialized guide, Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest, Dine as locals do: restaurant & bar recommendations, VIP skip-the-line accesses, Full support from your travel planner before & during your daytrip
Exclusions: Drinks and meals, Admission fees
Reviewed By DCO90
An incredible day with Alexander. We did a private tour and he took a genuine interest in our personalties to make our experience bespoke and perfect! Was truly a 5 star experience.
6. Ancient Palaces with Minoan Wine Routes & Iconic Matala Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time. From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon. Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of allure panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries. In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo. To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.
Inclusions: Personal pick-up & drop-off with a flexibly adjusted pick-up time, Chauffeured premium vehicle at your disposal, Vehicle comforts: mineral water, fresh fruit & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities, Private knowledgeable local insider guide, Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest, Dine as locals do: restaurant & bar recommendations, Full support from your travel planner before & during your day trip
Exclusions: Drinks and meals in taverns, Admission fees (if applicable), Gortyna guided tour (if requested), Wine tasting expenses (if requested)
Reviewed By watchmc
We had a great experience with the Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave tour. Alexander was our guide. He has a pleasant personality and is very knowledgeable regarding Crete history. During our visit of Knossos Palace we were guided by Maria who was also very pleasant and knowledgeable. The restaurant near Zeus cave suggested to us for lunch served tasty food combined with an amazing view. The communication with the agency was perfect and it was no issue to shift the date of the experience due to bad weather on the originally booked day (however, I expect this would be more difficult during the main season). The tour is certainly worth the money and especially in these times a private tour feels more comfortable compared to large group events. There was no discussion for Alexander and us to always wear our masks while in the car together which was much appreciated considering that not all drivers or waiters on Crete wear their masks all the time. In total this was a highly recommendable experience we would certainly book again during our next visit to Crete.
7. Private Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Lyrarakis Winery from Crete
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This is a fully private excursion from the beginning to the end. Our private Chauffeur and Certified Sommelier- Guide will be your new friends from the beginning of the day, that will take you to spots that you don't know. Our Philosophy and Goal is to offer every visitor a Genuine Experience by activating all five senses and trigger beautiful emotions. We will share with you all the secrets of the Cretan land, Gastronomy, Wine, History and Culture. Once we arrive at the winery you will get the chance to get to know the story of the winery. Then, our Certified Sommelier - Guide will take on and offer an exquisite Wine Tasting and Food and Wine Pairing of Authentic Local Cuisine based on the season and location. Whenever you feel ready we will drop you off at your hotel or accommodation or at the airport if requested.
Inclusions: Authentic Cretan Cuisine and Local Wines
Exclusions:
8. Private Full-Day Knossos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus from Elouda
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Start at the traditional village of Mochos with its narrow alleys and colourful gardens, then continue to Krasi and visit the 2,400-year-old Writers' Plane Tree. Afterwards, the tour will ascend to the Diktaion Andron, an ancient cave believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Take in the incredible view of the Lasithi Plateau. Next, visit the Knosos Palace, where Zeus’s son Minos intertwined his name with the oldest civilization in Europe. Optionally, you can also visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Whenever you feel like it you can have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Private transportation, V.I.P. Class air-conditioned vehicle, Honey/Raki tasting
Exclusions: Drinks and Meals, Souvenirs and personal expenses, Tickets to Knosos and Museum (15€, 12€), Ticket to the cave of Zeus (6€), Heraklion Archaeological Museum 10 €
Reviewed By Nefeli L
Our vacation in Greece after staying in Athens for 2 days included Santorini and Crete. While we were in Santorini we met a couple (Chris and Heather) that had just left Crete and the first thing they told us was that we had to meet Kostas if we were planning on going on a tour. They gave us his number and when we got there we went on the Knossos - Lasithi tour of his. First of all, he spoke great English which made his storytelling even more enjoyable. Then the places we visited were amazing. My favourite part was the hike uphill to the cave. After Knossos (the last stop of our tour) Kostas took us to an amazing traditional restaurant which was the cherry on top of a great day.
9. Zeus Cave-Traditional-Villages-Old wind mills-Olive Oil Factory-Private Tour .
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
This tour gives you the opportunity to explore the Real Crete away from the tourist resorts with amazing views, Lasithi Plateau the biggest one in Crete located at an altitude around 900 m above the sea level, visit old traditional villages where time seems to have stopped long ago , visit an olive oil factory where we learn how olive oil is made now and how used to be made with the old machines,enjoy a Cretan traditional meal, visit old wind mills and of course the Cave on the where Zeus was born .( I hope Zeus will be there when we visit him because last time I visited he had gone to the Olympus mountain). Acacia Tours MHTE 1039e60000115201
Inclusions: Private transportation, Coffee, water , juices .
Exclusions: Entrance fees at the Zeus Cave 6 euro , entrance fee at the Monastery 2 euro., Lunch
Reviewed By Cellabelle-27
This tour was highly recommended by a friend, and wow, totally exceeded all expectations! Eddie is a lovely, friendly, funny and knowledgeable guy... I seen and learned more about Crete in one day than I have in all the years going there! The tour included a visit to olive oil factory, cave of Zeus, lovely lunch with wine in the beautiful village of Mochlos, Lassithi plateau (stunning views) and finally wine tasting at the winery which was the perfect end to a perfect day ???? So if you want to see the real Crete and have a fantastic day out with a wonderful guide, book with Eddie... You will not regret it
10. Private Tour to South Crete: Ancient Gortyn, Monasteries and Matala Beach
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 6 reviews
An exciting journey from the North to the South! The route passes through the entire island capturing part of the Psiloritis massif. From the foot of the mountains stretches the delightful beauty of Messara valley, which has been the island's breadbasket for centuries. During the ride you will hear the information about the history of the island and the sights that you will visit. Then, you can enjoy a walk in the preserved part of the ancient Roman capital of Crete Gortis, which is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sights in Greece. Then you have the unique opportunity to visit 2 of the most ancient Orthodox monasteries on the island: Panagia Paliani and Kalyviani. Finishing the trip, you will have time to swim in the crystal clear waters of Matala beach and dine in one of the traditional taverns located along the coast. For pick-up from different location than listed, please, contact us.
Inclusions: Pick-up from your hotel/port, Transfer with air-conditioned bus, Information about the route and sights during the bus ride, Coffee and tasting of Greek snacks from the traditional bakery, Water
Exclusions: Provided free time to have a lunch/drink/coffee on your own., Entrance to Gortina: Adult 6€ / person, Child (up to 18 years - free of charge), Entrance fees to museums/sights, other individual expenses.
Reviewed By 973ralphk
We rented a car from that agency. The guy at the desk was very friendly and helpful. The price for the car was fair, so there is nothing to complain at all. Everything was smooth and easy. If you stay in that area, I recommend to rent the car or book a trip with Status MLB.
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