Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, offers an enticing tour that blends the island’s captivating marine life and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can start their journey at the impressive Cretaquarium, where they’ll marvel at the diverse Mediterranean species. From there, the tour transports them to Heraklion’s bustling open-air market, a hub of local commerce and artistry. As they explore the city’s historic sites, like the iconic Venetian Walls and Koules fortress, travelers will gain a deeper understanding of Crete’s fascinating past. This comprehensive experience promises to enchant both families and solo adventurers alike.
Good To Know
- This 7-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Heraklion, including visits to the Cretaquarium and the city’s vibrant open-air market.
- The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, and a live guide who provides insights into the city’s cultural heritage.
- Highlights of the tour include seeing diverse marine life at the Cretaquarium and exploring historical landmarks like Koules fortress and the Venetian Walls.
- The tour is priced at £21.04 per person, with options for adults, children, and infants, and offers a flexible booking policy.
- Customers have rated the tour positively, with couples and families particularly appreciating the educational and family-friendly aspects of the experience.
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Tour Overview
The Heraklion City – Market & Cretaquarium Tour is priced from £21.04 per person and lasts for 7 hours, with the tour guide providing commentary in English.
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or a nearby location. Highlights include exploring the Cretaquarium and its diverse marine life, as well as wandering through Heraklion’s bustling open-air market and historic city center.
Visitors can stop at Liberty Square to see the influences of the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian eras. Plus, sightseeing includes the Koules fortress, Venetian Walls, museums, and churches.
The tour provides an air-conditioned bus, entrance fees to the Cretaquarium, and a live guide.
Cretaquarium Highlights
Visitors to the Cretaquarium can explore various marine species indigenous to the Mediterranean. The aquarium features small fish, clams, sharks, and tuna, giving guests a glimpse into the diverse underwater world of the region. After the tour, visitors can enjoy coffee at the on-site café, providing a relaxing break from the exploration.
| Marine Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Small Fish | Variety of small fish native to the Mediterranean |
| Clams | Various types of clams found in the region |
| Sharks | Sharks that inhabit the Mediterranean waters |
| Tuna | Tuna species indigenous to the Mediterranean |
| Diverse Ecosystem | Showcase of the Mediterranean’s rich marine life |
Exploring Heraklion City
As part of the city tour, guests have the chance to enjoy the vibrant marketplace of Heraklion, browsing the stalls of the biggest open-air market in Pateles.
With competitive prices, the market offers a diverse selection of local goods and produce.
Afterward, the tour takes visitors to Liberty Square, the center of Heraklion, where they can explore historical influences from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian eras.
Sightseeing includes the impressive fortress of Koules, the iconic Venetian Walls, and numerous museums and churches that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.
This comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the fascinating history and lively atmosphere of Heraklion.
Transportation and Guides
Provided with air-conditioned bus transportation, the tour takes guests on a comprehensive journey through Heraklion. A live tour guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and historical anecdotes throughout the day.
The tour includes:
- Convenient hotel or nearby pick-up and drop-off
- Entrance fee to the renowned Cretaquarium
- Exploration of Heraklion’s bustling open-air market
- Visits to iconic landmarks like the Venetian Walls and Koules Fortress
- Free time to enjoy coffee at the Cretaquarium café
With these inclusions, the Heraklion City – Market & Cretaquarium Tour offers an engaging and well-rounded experience for visitors to discover the cultural and natural wonders of this captivating Cretan city.
Pricing and Inclusions
The Heraklion City – Market & Cretaquarium Tour is priced from £21.04 per person, offering excellent value for the comprehensive package.
The tour includes air-conditioned bus transportation and a live tour guide, providing a hassle-free experience. Entrance fees to the Cretaquarium are also covered, with adults paying €12.00 and children aged 5-17 paying €6.00.
Participants can choose from a range of options, including adults, children aged 4-11, and infants aged 3 and younger.
The tour also features a flexible booking policy, allowing for easy cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking and Availability
Booking the Heraklion City – Market & Cretaquarium Tour is a hassle-free process, as customers don’t need to make any upfront payment.
Simply reserve the tour, and payment can be made later. Availability can be checked for specific dates and start times.
This tour accommodates various traveler types, including:
- Adults (Age 12-99)
- Children (Age 4-11)
- Infants (Age 3 and younger)
With a live tour guide and air-conditioned bus transportation, this 7-hour excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of Heraklion’s market, historical sites, and the renowned Cretaquarium.
Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.
Customer Feedback
Commonly, the Heraklion City – Market & Cretaquarium Tour receives a strong 4/5 rating from its customers. Travelers often praise the comprehensive itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to explore Heraklion’s vibrant market and the renowned Cretaquarium.
| Traveler Type | Rating |
|---|---|
| Couples | 4.5/5 |
| Groups | 4/5 |
| Solo Travelers | 4/5 |
Families particularly enjoy the family-friendly activities and the opportunity for children to learn about marine life. The tour offers an engaging and well-rounded experience for visitors to Heraklion.
Tour Itinerary
Typically, the Heraklion City – Market & Cretaquarium Tour takes visitors on a comprehensive journey through the vibrant city of Heraklion.
The tour begins with a visit to the Cretaquarium, where guests can explore a variety of marine species indigenous to the Mediterranean.
Afterward, the tour ventures into the heart of the city, visiting the largest open-air market in Pateles and Liberty Square, where historical influences from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian eras can be observed.
The tour also includes sightseeing of the fortress of Koules, Venetian Walls, and several museums and churches, providing a well-rounded exploration of Heraklion’s rich cultural heritage.
- Cretaquarium exploration
- Heraklion city market visit
- Liberty Square sightseeing
- Fortress of Koules and Venetian Walls
- Museum and church visits
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lunch Included in the Tour?
Lunch is not included in the tour. The tour provides transportation, entrance to the Cretaquarium, and guided sightseeing in Heraklion city, but it doesn’t cover the cost of any meals during the tour.
How Many Hours Are Allocated for the Cretaquarium Visit?
The tour itinerary does not specify a set duration for the Cretaquarium visit. It simply states that there’s an "opportunity to enjoy coffee at the café after the visit," suggesting the visit itself is unspecified in length.
Does the Tour Provide Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t specifically mention any discounts for seniors or students. The entrance fee to Cretaquarium is €12.00 per adult and €6.00 for ages 5-17, but there’s no indication of reduced prices for other age groups.
Can I Opt-Out of the Cretaquarium Visit if I Prefer?
Yes, travelers can opt-out of the Cretaquarium visit if they prefer. The tour itinerary allows flexibility, so participants can choose to only explore the Heraklion market and city sights without the aquarium component.
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Cretaquarium?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the Cretaquarium. Visitors can take pictures of the various marine species on display, though they may need to be mindful of not using flash to avoid disturbing the animals.
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The Sum Up
The Heraklion City – Market & Cretaquarium Tour offers an enriching experience, blending cultural exploration and marine life discovery. Visitors can marvel at the diverse Mediterranean species at the Cretaquarium before seeing the vibrant open-air market of Heraklion. The tour also highlights the city’s historic sites, making it a well-rounded experience for families and solo travelers alike.