Heraklion City Tour – Aquarium

Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, offers visitors a captivating city tour that showcases its rich history and cultural treasures. Among the highlights is an optional visit to the Cretaquarium, a remarkable marine life exhibition. Guests can dive into the wonders of the Mediterranean sea, exploring captivating exhibits and encountering a diverse array of aquatic creatures. From the mesmerizing jellyfish display to the immersive underwater tunnel, this addition to the tour promises an unforgettable experience. With affordable admission fees, the Cretaquarium provides an opportunity to connect with the beauty and mysteries of the ocean, leaving visitors eager to…

Key Points

1. The Heraklion City Tour includes an optional visit to the Cretaquarium, which showcases diverse Mediterranean marine life, including a shark lagoon and touch pools.
2. The Cretaquarium features a mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit and an underwater tunnel for an immersive experience, with admission fees of 10€ for adults and 6€ for ages 5-17.
3. The full-day Heraklion sightseeing tour covers historical highlights like the Old Venetian Harbor, Koules fortress, Lions Square, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
4. The tour provides air-conditioned transportation with onboard WiFi, and offers flexibility with optional visits to the Cretaquarium or a nearby beach.
5. The tour has a maximum capacity of 44 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience, and is wheelchair accessible with the option for infants to join on parents’ laps.

Tour Overview

The full-day sightseeing tour of Heraklion, Greece, provides visitors with a rundown of the city’s rich history and top attractions.

Travelers will visit the charming Old Venetian Harbor, the iconic Koules fortress, the bustling Lions Square, and the acclaimed Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Along the way, they’ll learn about Heraklion’s fascinating past under Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian rule.

Guests can also choose to visit the Cretaquarium or spend time at the beach, adding flexibility to the itinerary.

With air-conditioned transportation and WiFi, the tour ensures a comfortable and informative exploration of this historic Cretan city.

Pickup and Transportation

Travelers can opt to get picked up from various locations across Crete for this Heraklion city tour.

The air-conditioned vehicle used for transportation features onboard WiFi, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey. With a maximum capacity of 44 travelers per tour, the group size remains intimate, allowing for a personalized experience.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants can join the tour, sitting on their parents’ laps. The proximity to public transportation makes it easy for guests to reach the starting point of the excursion.

Heraklion’s Historical Highlights

Heraklion’s history unfolds as the tour explores the city’s iconic landmarks.

The first stop is the Old Venetian Harbor, a picturesque waterfront lined with charming cafes and shops.

Next, visitors marvel at the Koules, a well-preserved Venetian fortress that once guarded the harbor.

The tour then moves to the Lions Square, a central plaza named after the Venetian lion statues that adorn it.

The highlight of the day is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts, including the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco.

Throughout the tour, the guide shares insights into Heraklion’s rich past, from its Byzantine roots to its periods under Ottoman and Venetian rule.

Exploring the Old Venetian Harbor

As the tour commences, visitors are immediately captivated by the Old Venetian Harbor. This historic port, dating back to the 13th century, stands as a testament to Heraklion’s vibrant past.

Visitors can admire the iconic Koules fortress, also known as the Rocca al Mare, which guarded the harbor’s entrance during the Venetian rule.

Strolling along the harbor’s promenade, they’ll discover charming cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering a glimpse into the city’s lively present.

The harbor’s timeless allure, combined with the stunning views of the Cretan Sea, make it a must-visit destination on the Heraklion city tour.

Exploring this captivating hub of history and culture is an unforgettable experience.

The Koules Fortress

The Koules Fortress, also known as the Rocca al Mare, stands as a commanding presence at the entrance of Heraklion’s Old Venetian Harbor. This iconic structure, built in the early 16th century, has witnessed the city’s tumultuous history under Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek rule. Visitors can explore the fortress’s imposing walls, bastions, and courtyard, gaining a glimpse into the strategic importance of this formidable landmark. As they wander through its corridors, they’ll be captivated by the sweeping views of the harbor and the Aegean Sea beyond.

Feature	Description
Construction	Begun in 1523, completed in 1540
Purpose	Defensive fortress guarding the harbor entrance
Architectural Style	Venetian military architecture
Dimensions	25 meters high, 30 meters wide
Significance	Iconic symbol of Heraklion’s rich history

Lions Square and Beyond

After exploring the Koules Fortress, visitors can make their way to Lions Square, the vibrant heart of Heraklion.

This historic plaza is named after the Venetian-style lions that guard the surrounding buildings. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture, including the Church of Saint Titus and the Morosini Fountain.

The square is also a hub for local life, with cafes, shops, and street performers entertaining the crowds.

From here, the tour continues to other notable sights, such as:

• The Basilica of Saint Mark, a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture
• The Loggia, a former meeting place for the Venetian nobility
• The Municipal Market, a lively indoor market selling local produce and handicrafts

Visiting the Archaeological Museum

From the lively square, the tour leads visitors to one of Heraklion’s must-see attractions – the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

This impressive museum houses an unparalleled collection of Minoan artifacts, including the famous Phaistos Disc and the stunning Minoan frescoes.

Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive galleries, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of ancient Crete.

The museum’s knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, bringing the Minoan civilization to life.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the island’s past, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the remarkable legacy of this ancient Mediterranean cradle of civilization.

Optional Cretaquarium Experience

For those interested in marine life, the tour also offers an optional visit to the impressive Cretaquarium.

This state-of-the-art facility showcases a diverse collection of aquatic species found in the Mediterranean Sea.

Visitors can explore:

• Shark lagoon and touch pools
• Jellyfish exhibit with mesmerizing displays
• Underwater tunnel for an immersive experience

The Cretaquarium admission fee is 10€ for adults and 6€ for ages 5-17.

This optional add-on provides a unique opportunity to learn about the region’s rich marine ecosystems and complement the historical exploration of Heraklion.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour allows passengers to bring their own food and drinks. However, it’s recommended to consume them outside the vehicle to avoid any potential messes or disruptions during the tour.

Is the Tour Available in Any Other Languages Besides English, French, and German?

Besides English, French, and German, the tour is not available in any other languages. The tour provides language options for English, French, and German-speaking travelers to enjoy the sightseeing experience in Heraklion, Greece.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets for the Attractions in Advance?

The tour doesn’t require pre-purchased tickets for the attractions. Visitors can pay for admission fees at the sites during the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the local provider for any updates or guidelines before the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention an option to extend its duration, but travelers can likely arrange this with the local provider upon booking or by contacting them in advance. It’s best to check with the provider for available extensions.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour provider offers discounted tickets for seniors and students at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. However, there’s no mention of any other discounts on the overall tour price.

The Sum Up

The Heraklion City Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s rich history and natural wonders. The optional visit to the Cretaquarium provides a unique opportunity to discover the captivating marine life of the Mediterranean. With affordable admission fees, this addition to the tour ensures a well-rounded and memorable exploration of Heraklion’s cultural and natural treasures.