Heraklion · PHAISTOS & THE MINOAN PALACES
9 reviewed
The shortlist we’d hand a friend landing in Crete: the 9 phaistos & the minoan palaces tours that earn their place, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and how it compares to the next one down.
Crete quad safari with a monastery visit, olive mill tasting, village lunch, and an end-of-day beach swim for $93.
“It's a really professional organisation and everyone is very friendly.”
Land Rover safari retracing Minoan paths in Crete, mixing mythology stops, wildlife sightings, and a hearty lunch with wine.
“Stravos was amazing, he truly enhanced the trip and the pork was excellent. Will definitely recommend.”
A private day from Heraklion to Knossos, Titakis winery for a five-wine tasting, then Archanes for lunch and village time.
“Though our guide was a little difficult to find at first (our internet was poor so we didn’t get meeting spot updates, perhaps a name sign would be helpful), Yanni was amazing. We didn’t need the full time at Knossos (plus it was darn hot), Read more”
Private 8-hour Heraklion day trip with Knossos and museum skip-the-line help, Messara wine stops, and a Venetian harbor walk.
“The private tour is totally worth it. The guide and driver were both awesome. The guide gave us a great history lesson. She took time to explain everything and gave us ample time to absorb all the data. What an awesome day. Highly recommended”
A 5-hour Heraklion day trip with Knossos, a Peza winery tasting of 5 Cretan wines, and a traditional Archanes lunch.
“Our tour required flexibility because the palace unexpectedly closed half the day we were arriving. This company was on top of it; texted with me and we agreed to change the order, add a beach, take out the winery, add an olive oil tasting. The oil was the best we had tasted in the Greek islands so far. I was glad the tour company was able that last minute. The beach we got to relax at for a couple hours was in a beautiful resort area. We didnt want to leave. Then the meal in the village was truly authentic, service was great. Glad we picked this tour.”
Private day tour from Heraklion to Matala Caves and Beach, plus Ancient Gortyn and Phaistos. Self-guided stops.
“This tour was a perfect blend of everything! Thanks to Leonidas we were able to visit all of the locations of our interest, and have a great time.”
Matala Hippie Beach and Gortyn ruins in one day. Swim, explore caves, and tour major archaeological remains from Heraklion area.
“Ausflug war sehr gut und Personal war sehr net.”
South Crete day trip from Heraklion with guided Gortyn ruins, Orthodox monasteries, Matala caves, beach swim time, and dinner.
“The pickup point was not where it was meant to be and there was no information on what type vehicle to expect. From the email sent beforehand, there is a coach with a big arrow at the bus stop, we were picked up in a small minibus at another location which we would Read more”
A 2-hour Minoan Theater experience in Heraklion with dance, acrobatics, and Cretan treats, plus a mobile ticket.
“The performance at the Minoan Theater was great, and the manager who greeted us was very professional, engaged, and friendly. She met all the guests and explained everything thoroughly. Unfortunately, I regret paying extra for the food option: I didn't like it and it wasn't to my taste. It would have been better for me not to include it.”
