Private shore excursions from €320/couple. We specialise in cruise passenger tours from Crete’s three main ports: Heraklion, Chania (Souda), and Rethymno. Our guides know exactly how long each route takes, and we guarantee return to your ship before departure — or your money back.
Shore Excursion Options by Port
| Tour | Port | Duration | Price (couple) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knossos Palace & Heraklion | Heraklion | 4–5 hours | from €320 |
| Chania Old Town Walk | Souda / Chania | 3–4 hours | from €280 |
| Heraklion Full-Day (Knossos + Village + Beach) | Heraklion | 7–8 hours | from €480 |
| Souda Full-Day (Chania + Balos by Jeep) | Souda | 7–8 hours | from €520 |
| Samaria Gorge Adventure | Souda / Chania | All day | from €560 |
| Spinalonga & Elounda | Heraklion | 5–6 hours | from €400 |
Heraklion Port Shore Excursions
Heraklion is the largest port in Crete and the gateway to several of the island’s most important sites. The port terminal is a 10-minute walk from the city centre and 5 minutes from where your guide will meet you.
Knossos Palace & Heraklion Half-Day (4–5 hours): The most popular shore excursion in Crete. Your guide meets you at the port exit and drives to Knossos Palace (20 minutes). Spend 90 minutes with a proper guided tour of the Minoan palace — throne room, Queen’s chambers, dramatic frescoes. Return via the old town: walk the Venetian harbour wall, visit the Archaeological Museum (time permitting), and shop the covered market before return. Plenty of time even with a 13:00 ship departure.
Spinalonga & Elounda (5–6 hours): Drive east along the coast (45 minutes) to the resort of Elounda, then take a small boat to Spinalonga Island — the last operating leper colony in Europe, inhabited until 1957. A striking combination of Venetian fortress and human story. Lunch at an Elounda fish taverna before return to Heraklion port.
Chania & Souda Port Shore Excursions
Ships dock at Souda Bay, 7 km from Chania city centre. Your private guide collects you at the port gate and transfers you directly — no shared bus, no waiting.
Chania Old Town Walking Tour (3–4 hours): The Venetian lighthouse, the covered market (still the beating heart of Cretan commerce), the leather-workers' street, the Byzantine and Archaeological museums, and a coffee in the harbour square. Ideal for ships with shorter port stops.
Chania + Balos Lagoon (7–8 hours): After 90 minutes in Chania, drive to the Balos peninsula via the dramatic ridge road. Descend to the lagoon — a shallow turquoise pool backed by pink-tinged sand, with Gramvousa island fortress above. Return to Souda by 18:00 for most ships.
Our Ship Guarantee
We track your ship in real time. If your port schedule changes — delayed arrival, shortened stop — we adapt the itinerary immediately. We have never missed a ship departure in 7 years. If we are late (our fault), we pay your transport to the next port. In practice this guarantee has never been activated — but it should give you confidence to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my ship arrives late?
We monitor all incoming ships via AIS tracking. If your ship is delayed, your guide adjusts their pickup time accordingly. You are never waiting at the port for a guide who arrived on the original schedule — we adapt to you.
How do I book a shore excursion?
Send us your ship name, arrival date, and departure time (check your cruise itinerary). We will confirm your tour by email within 4 hours. Payment by credit card or PayPal in advance, or cash on the day.
What is the maximum group size?
Our standard private vehicles accommodate up to 7 passengers comfortably. For groups of 8–20, we arrange a private minibus. For larger cruise groups (20+), contact us for group pricing — we work with corporate and travel agent bookings.
Can I book the day before arrival?
Yes — contact us as soon as you know your Crete port schedule. Last-minute bookings (including same-day) are possible, but we cannot guarantee availability in peak season (July–August).