Crete: Heraklion Market & Creta Aquarium *Skip the Line

Crete’s vibrant Heraklion market and the captivating Creta Aquarium offer an enchanting blend of marine life and local culture. For just $20.62 per person, visitors can embark on an 80-minute exploration of the aquarium’s diverse species, followed by 3.5 hours of immersive discovery in Heraklion’s rich history and bustling markets. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour promises a memorable adventure. But what surprises await as travelers delve deeper into the enchanting world of Crete’s marine life and cultural heritage?

Key Points

• Explore the Heraklion Market and Creta Aquarium with a 6-hour tour that includes skip-the-line access to the aquarium.
• Tour price is $20.62 per person and includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a live English-speaking guide.
• Spend 80 minutes discovering marine life at the Creta Aquarium and 3.5 hours exploring the landmarks and shopping in Heraklion.
• Optional activities like street food tasting and visiting the arts and crafts market are available to enhance the cultural experience.
• The tour offers a flexible reservation policy with a pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers travelers the chance to experience the vibrant Heraklion Market and the captivating Creta Aquarium, priced at $20.62 per person.

With a duration of 6 hours, this comprehensive excursion allows guests to skip the lines at the aquarium and explore the diverse marine life of the Mediterranean, including sharks and jellyfish.

The tour also provides free time to wander through Heraklion, visiting landmarks like Liberty Square and Koules Fortress, as well as opportunities to indulge in local cuisine and browse the arts and crafts market.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with the added benefit of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour itinerary starts with a visit to the Cretaquarium, where guests can skip the line and spend approximately 80 minutes exploring the diverse marine species of the Mediterranean, including sharks and jellyfish. After the aquarium, the tour moves on to Heraklion, where visitors can explore Liberty Square, Koules Fortress, and enjoy free time for shopping and local cuisine, which takes up about 3.5 hours. Optional activities, such as street food tasting and visiting the arts & crafts market, are also available for those who wish to further enjoy the local culture.

Activity	Duration
Cretaquarium	80 minutes
Heraklion Exploration	3.5 hours
Street Food Tasting	Optional
Arts & Crafts Market	Optional
Free Time for Shopping and Local Cuisine	Included

Transportation and Pickup Details

For this tour, guests can be conveniently picked up from 13 different locations along the main road outside hotels in Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Heraklion, and Ammoudara.

Travelers will enjoy comfortable, air-conditioned bus transportation for a smooth journey to the tour’s highlights. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience.

With multiple convenient pickup points throughout the region, guests can easily access this exciting excursion exploring Crete’s Heraklion Market and the renowned Creta Aquarium.

Tour Inclusions and Requirements

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as comfortable, air-conditioned bus transportation.

Guests also receive the services of a knowledgeable live tour guide, who can provide commentary in English, German, French, and Russian.

Liability insurance is also included, ensuring a worry-free experience.

Admission to the Creta Aquarium costs €12 for adults and €6 for children aged 5-17.

Participants are advised to bring a camera and cash for any optional activities or purchases.

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

The tour’s inclusions and requirements are as follows:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Comfortable, air-conditioned bus

• Live tour guide in multiple languages

• Liability insurance

• Creta Aquarium entrance fees

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Based on the 33 reviews, customers generally rate this tour a respectable 3.8 out of 5 overall. They particularly praise the tour guide’s knowledge and the sufficient time allotted for exploring the activities. However, some participants noted the long bus ride as tiring.

Rating Metric	Score
Overall	3.8/5
Transportation	4.1/5
Value for Money	3.9/5

The positive feedback highlights the tour’s strengths, while the constructive criticism provides insights for potential improvements. This tour seems to offer a well-rounded experience for visitors to Crete’s Heraklion Market and Creta Aquarium.

Cretaquarium: Discover Marine Life

The Cretaquarium offers visitors an opportunity to discover a diverse array of marine life, including sharks and jellyfish, from the Mediterranean region. Guests can marvel at the impressive aquarium’s displays and get an up-close look at these fascinating creatures.

The aquarium’s exhibits feature:

• Sharks swimming gracefully through the water

• Vibrant jellyfish pulsing with mesmerizing movements

• Colorful schools of tropical fish darting between the coral reefs

• Endangered sea turtles resting in their habitat

• Enigmatic cephalopods like octopus and squid showcasing their camouflage abilities

With its educational signage and knowledgeable guides, the Cretaquarium provides an engaging and informative experience for visitors of all ages to appreciate the wonders of the Mediterranean’s marine ecosystems.

Exploring Heraklion: History and Culture

Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, enchants visitors with its captivating history and rich cultural heritage. Throughout its winding streets and bustling squares, one can discover a tapestry of ancient monuments, Venetian architecture, and lively local markets that offer a glimpse into Crete’s enduring traditions.

Explore the iconic Koules Fortress, a 16th-century Venetian structure guarding the harbor, and stroll through Liberty Square, where the iconic Morosini Fountain stands as a testament to the island’s diverse influences.

As you wander, savor the aromas of traditional Cretan cuisine and browse the stalls of the Heraklion Central Market, where locals have traded their wares for generations.

This vibrant city celebrates the timeless allure of Crete’s past while embracing its dynamic present.

Optional Activities and Experiences

Along With the main tour activities, travelers can optionally indulge in a street food tasting experience or explore the vibrant arts and crafts market, providing an immersive look into Crete’s culinary and artistic traditions.

These optional add-ons allow visitors to:

• Sample authentic Cretan delicacies like dakos, cheese pie, and loukoumades

• Browse handmade pottery, textiles, jewelry, and other locally-produced goods

• Interact with artisans and gain insights into traditional craftsmanship

• Support the local economy and bring home unique souvenirs

• Deepen their understanding of Crete’s rich cultural heritage

These optional experiences can be easily incorporated into the main tour, enhancing the overall exploration of Heraklion and the island’s diverse offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Tickets at the Tour Site?

Yes, customers can purchase tickets on-site at the tour location. The tour provider offers skip-the-line access to the Creta Aquarium, allowing visitors to bypass lengthy queues and enter the attraction directly.

Is a Guided Tour of the Heraklion Market Included?

The tour does not include a guided tour of the Heraklion Market. The itinerary states that visitors have free time to explore the market and enjoy the local cuisine on their own during the 3.5-hour Heraklion city visit.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The tour offers discounted admission for children aged 5-17, who pay €6 per ticket. However, there don’t appear to be any specific senior discounts mentioned in the tour details provided.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour operator does not provide any luggage storage services. Participants are responsible for managing their own belongings during the tour. They’ll need to keep any luggage with them throughout the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, there is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a set 6-hour experience that includes visiting the Creta Aquarium and exploring Heraklion. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, additional tour.

Recap

This tour offers a captivating blend of marine life and local culture in Crete.

Visitors can explore the diverse marine species at the Creta Aquarium and enjoy the vibrant history and markets of Heraklion, all with convenient transportation and optional experiences.

It’s an excellent opportunity to discover the enchanting essence of this Cretan city.

You can check if your dates are available here: