Exploring the vibrant heart of Crete is a must-do for any traveler. The Heraklion: Heraklion Market & CretAquarium tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the island’s rich history and stunning marine life. Skip the lines and dive into the fascinating world of the CretAquarium, followed by a guided tour through the historic city of Heraklion. From iconic landmarks to the bustling open-air market, this comprehensive adventure provides an immersive glimpse into the essence of Crete. But the true highlight might just surprise you – once you embark on this remarkable journey, you’ll understand why it’s considered a must-see destination.
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Key Points
- Explore the largest open-air market in Crete and discover local crafts and cuisine at the Heraklion Market.
- Visit the CretAquarium, featuring diverse marine life, with a skip-the-line entry included in the tour package.
- Experience a guided sightseeing tour of historic Heraklion, including landmarks like the Venetian Walls and Koules Fortress.
- Enjoy convenient round-trip transportation from Malia, Stalis, and Hersonissos with an air-conditioned luxury bus.
- Benefit from a flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour package offers a comprehensive experience, priced at €19.00 per person, with a duration of 6 hours and a flexible cancellation policy allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking process. Pickup is included from popular destinations like Malia, Stalis, and Hersonissos, providing convenience for participants.
This all-inclusive tour allows visitors to explore the vibrant Heraklion Market, enjoy the captivating Cretaquarium, and discover the historic sights of Heraklion, accompanied by a knowledgeable multilingual guide.
With an emphasis on value, comfort, and flexibility, this tour offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the best of Crete.
Itinerary and Highlights
This tour offers a captivating itinerary that showcases the best of Heraklion and Crete.
Visitors can enjoy 1.5 hours exploring the fascinating Cretaquarium, which houses an impressive collection of Mediterranean marine life, including mesmerizing sharks and jellyfishes.
Afterwards, they’ll embark on a 3.5-hour sightseeing excursion in the historic city of Heraklion, where they’ll discover iconic landmarks like Liberty Square, the Venetian Walls, and the iconic Koules Fortress.
The highlight of the tour is the immersion in the lively Heraklion Market, where travelers can barter for unique souvenirs and browse the vibrant array of local wares.
With a knowledgeable multilingual guide leading the way, this tour provides an enriching and memorable experience.
Transportation and Accessibility
Travelers are transported in air-conditioned luxurious buses for this tour, ensuring a comfortable journey.
The transportation isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the buses don’t have the necessary accommodations. However, infants can join the tour, as they’ll sit with their parents on the bus.
The transportation is an integral part of the overall experience, allowing visitors to efficiently move between the various highlights of the tour without the hassle of navigating on their own.
With the guide and driver handling the logistics, guests can simply sit back, relax, and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Heraklion.
Entry Fees and Inclusions
Alongside the comfortable transportation, the tour package includes entry fees and other key inclusions to ensure a well-rounded experience for visitors. The Cretaquarium entrance fee is €12.00 for adults and €6.00 for children aged 5-17, providing access to view the diverse marine life of the Mediterranean. On top of that, the tour’s liability insurance by Generali is covered within the overall price, offering an extra layer of protection for participants.
The tour also includes:
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Guided walking tour of Heraklion with a multilingual guide
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Opportunity to explore the biggest open-air market in Crete
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Sightseeing in Heraklion, including Liberty Square, Venetian Walls, and Koules Fortress
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1.5 hours to immerse in the wonders of the Cretaquarium
Customer Feedback
Reviewers have provided a range of perspectives on the Heraklion Market & CretAquarium tour, with an overall rating of 3.2 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.
Highlights from the feedback include praise for the friendly bus driver and guide, but some disappointment with the small size of the aquarium.
Concerns were also raised about the amount of time spent in transit, which some felt detracted from the overall experience.
Despite these mixed opinions, the tour appears to offer a well-rounded introduction to the sights and sounds of Heraklion, with the bustling market and impressive CretAquarium providing engaging stops along the way.
Travelers looking for an efficient way to explore this corner of Crete may find this tour to be a suitable option.
Getting to Cretaquarium
The CretAquarium is located a short drive from Heraklion’s city center, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the area. From the main market and landmarks in Heraklion, it’s just a 15-minute journey to reach the state-of-the-art aquarium facility.
The tour offers convenient transportation options to get you there, including:
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Pickup from popular resorts like Malia, Stalis, and Hersonissos
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Air-conditioned luxury buses for a comfortable ride
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Knowledgeable local guides to ensure a smooth experience
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Stress-free roundtrip transfers so you can focus on enjoying your visit
With its proximity to Heraklion’s top attractions, the CretAquarium is the perfect addition to your Crete sightseeing itinerary.
Exploring Heraklion City
What makes Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, so captivating for visitors? With its rich Venetian and Byzantine heritage, the city boasts a treasure trove of historical landmarks and cultural delights that invite exploration. Stroll through Liberty Square, where the iconic Morosini Fountain stands as a testament to the city’s Venetian legacy. Venture along the impressive Venetian Walls and admire the imposing Koules Fortress that guards the harbor. Enjoy the bustling energy of the largest open-air market in Crete, where you can barter for local crafts and savor the aromas of Cretan cuisine.
| Historical Highlights | Cultural Experiences |
|---|---|
| Venetian Walls | Open-Air Market |
| Morosini Fountain | Cretan Cuisine |
| Koules Fortress | Local Crafts |
| Liberty Square | Vibrant Atmosphere |
What to Expect on the Tour
On this comprehensive tour, visitors can anticipate an immersive exploration of Crete’s captivating capital, Heraklion, combined with a visit to the renowned CretAquarium.
From wandering the vibrant Heraklion Market to discovering the city’s historic landmarks, this tour offers a well-rounded experience.
Highlights include:
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Taking in the bustling Heraklion Market, where you can barter for unique souvenirs and soak up the local culture.
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Exploring the Venetian Walls, Koules Fortress, and Liberty Square, learning about Heraklion’s rich history from a knowledgeable guide.
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Marveling at the diverse marine life on display at the CretAquarium, including sharks, rays, and vibrant tropical fish.
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Enjoying the convenience of round-trip transportation and a seamless itinerary, allowing you to make the most of your time in Heraklion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book the Tour for a Specific Group Size?
Yes, guests can book the tour for a specific group size. The tour operator allows customers to select the desired group size when making their reservation, ensuring they have the appropriate transportation and accommodations for their party.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Yes, there are discounts available for seniors and students on this tour. Seniors aged 65 and over receive a 10% discount, while students with valid ID can get a 15% discount off the regular tour price.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
While the standard tour duration is 6 hours, this tour operator does not offer options to extend the length of the tour. Customers must book the tour as is, with no ability to customize the duration.
Can I Purchase Additional Items at the Cretaquarium?
Yes, visitors can purchase additional items at the CretAquarium. The aquarium offers a variety of souvenirs, gifts, and educational materials for sale, allowing guests to extend their experience and bring home mementos of their visit.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for customers to cancel their booking if needed without penalty. The generous cancellation policy is a benefit of booking this tour.
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Recap
This guided tour offers a comprehensive experience of Crete’s vibrant culture and natural wonders.
Visitors can skip the lines to explore the captivating marine life at CretAquarium, then dive into the historic heart of Heraklion, discovering iconic landmarks and seeing the lively energy of the largest open-air market on the island.
All of this is experienced while benefiting from the insights of a knowledgeable guide.