Vibrant Crete Heraklion 4-H Half-Day Private Shore Excursion

This tour is special designed for those who want to experience the everyday life of the island. It is a perfect way to answer your question on Greece’s social, economic, and political life. Also, discover Venetian and Ottoman sites with a local guide.

Highlights of the Vibrant Crete Heraklion 4-H Half-Day Private Shore Excursion

• +/- 3,5 hours private shore excursion of Heraklion
• Visit the famous vineyards of Peza
• Combines Crete’s ancient and modern life
• Professional English-speaking tour driver
• Pickup / drop off at the cruise port

Description of the Heraklion Half-Day Private Shore Excursion

We start our private shore excursion from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion. We’ll drive south of Heraklion through the city to the famous wine-producing area of Peza. Relax and enjoy the drive through the breathtaking landscape of countryside and vineyards coming from the ancient Minoan times.

Our first stop will be in a modern winery. Here you will have the chance to see the updated modern methods of winemaking and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines.

The next inshore excursion is to visit the village of Archanes driving through rural villages. On the way we’ll have a short stop for photos at Vathypetro to view one of the oldest farmhouses in Crete, dating to the Minoan.

The tour continues through the island’s hilly countryside where olive groves and vineyards existed from as far back as 4.000 years BC. Arriving at the village of Archanes, which is situated 10km south of the Palace of Knossos, the quaint market town of Archanes has many restored sandstone houses dating from the Turkish period. At a tavern in the villages’ tree-shaded square, you can sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine, and have a chance to mingle with many of the locals themselves while listening to typical Greek live music.

Here you will have time at leisure to browse before the drive back to the cruise ship.

MORE SHORE EXCURSION IN CRETE HERE!

Tour Type

• Shore Excursion – Private tour
• Activity level: Moderate

Included in the tour

• Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
• Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
• If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
• When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
• Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
• Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
• Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
• Road tolls and all local taxes

Excluded from the tour

• Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
• Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
• Optional Gratuities
• Food and beverage
• Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver

Cancellation Policy

Read our cancellation policy

Additional info

• Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
• Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
• Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
• City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
• Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
• Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.

Persons with Disabilities

• Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
• In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.