Day Trip To Heraklion City Center & Market & CretAquarium

Exploring the vibrant city of Heraklion, Crete, offers a delightful day trip filled with cultural discoveries. From the lively city center to the bustling open-air market and the captivating CretAquarium, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, visitors can enjoy Crete’s rich heritage and marine wonders. What surprises await those who decide to embark on this enchanting journey?

Key Points

• A 7-hour day trip to explore the vibrant city center of Heraklion, Crete, including Liberty Square, the open-air market, Koules Fortress, and CretAquarium.
• Priced at 501 Czech koruna per person, with pickup from 11 locations across the region and available in English, French, and German.
• Highlights include ample free time at each attraction for exploration, and transportation via air-conditioned bus or coach.
• Includes pickup and drop-off, multilingual tour guides, and insurance coverage, but excludes individual expenses like lunch, drinks, and CretAquarium entrance fee.
• Overall experience rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the combination of market and city tour, and the refreshing experience at the CretAquarium.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This day trip offers an opportunity to explore the vibrant city center of Heraklion, the largest city on the island of Crete.

Priced from 501 Czech koruna per person, the 7-hour tour is available in English, French, and German. Pickup is provided from 11 locations across the region. Guests can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The itinerary highlights include wandering the main square, visiting the open-air market, and discovering the Koules Fortress and CretAquarium.

Wander the main square, visit the open-air market, and discover the Koules Fortress and CretAquarium on this Heraklion city tour.

Transportation is by air-conditioned bus, with ample free time at each attraction. Overall, customer reviews praise the tour’s value and combination of city sights and marine life.

Itinerary Highlights

The Heraklion day trip offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s vibrant center, starting with the main Liberty Square and bustling Daidalou street.

Next, guests will venture to Pateles, home to the largest open-air market in Crete, where they can discover countless local products and artisanal goods.

Afterward, the tour takes them to the iconic Koules Fortress, a Venetian landmark along the old port.

The journey culminates at the CretAquarium, where they’ll be captivated by over 250 marine species exhibited in 60 mesmerizing tanks.

Transportation Details

The tour employs an air-conditioned bus or coach to transport guests to and from the various destinations.

The bus ride to Heraklion city center takes approximately 40 minutes, allowing ample time for guests to admire the scenic countryside along the way.

After 75 minutes of free time to explore the city, the bus then shuttles guests to the CretAquarium, just a 10-minute drive away.

Guests have 75 minutes to enjoy the vibrant marine life exhibits before the bus returns them to their original pickup locations.

• Transportation by air-conditioned bus/coach

• 40-minute ride to Heraklion city center

• 10-minute transfer to CretAquarium

• Drop-off at same locations as pickup

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Travelers can expect pickup and drop-off from 11 convenient locations, as well as the guidance of professional multilingual tour guides.

Plus, the tour provides insurance coverage, offering peace of mind during the excursion.

However, the tour doesn’t include individual expenses, such as lunch, drinks, or the entrance fee to the CretAquarium.

Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, and a method of payment to fully experience the day’s activities.

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Customer Experience

Customers have rated the overall experience of this day trip to Heraklion City Center and Market a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 38 reviews.

Key highlights from the feedback include:

• Solid 4.4/5 rating for the transportation

• 4.2/5 value for money score

• Positive remarks on the combination of market and city tour

• Refreshing experience at the CretAquarium

While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, it’s recommended to come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, and some cash.

Exploring Heraklion City Center

What awaits visitors in Heraklion’s vibrant city center? The tour takes guests on a captivating exploration of the main square, Liberty Square, and the bustling Daidalou street.

Strolling through the heart of the city, they’ll witness the blend of ancient and modern architecture, with the iconic Venetian loggia and neoclassical buildings lining the streets.

Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere, browsing local shops and street vendors for authentic Cretan goods.

This city center tour offers a glimpse into the rich history and lively culture that make Heraklion a must-visit destination on Crete.

Discovering the Open-Air Market

After exploring the city center, the tour then takes visitors to the largest open-air market in Crete, located in the Pateles district.

Here, travelers can expect to find:

• Numerous vendor stalls offering an array of locally-sourced produce, artisanal goods, and traditional Cretan delicacies.

• A lively atmosphere filled with the sights, sounds, and aromas of a bustling marketplace.

• Opportunities to interact with friendly locals and take in the vibrant culture.

• The chance to purchase unique souvenirs and gifts to take home and cherish.

The market offers a truly authentic Cretan experience, allowing visitors to connect with the island’s rich heritage and traditions.

Visiting the CretAquarium

After exploring the vibrant open-air market, the tour takes visitors to the CretAquarium.

This modern aquarium showcases over 250 marine species in 60 tanks, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests can observe a variety of sea creatures, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and sea turtles.

The aquarium’s educational exhibits and interactive displays provide insights into marine ecosystems and conservation efforts. With 75 minutes to explore, visitors can wander through the captivating underwater world and learn about the importance of protecting our oceans.

Things To Know

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. It’s a shared group tour, so you can join even if you’re the only one booking on a particular date.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit individual preferences. Clients can work with the tour operator to adjust the duration, activities, and focus areas based on their interests and needs.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges During the Tour?

The tour includes pickup, drop-off, professional guides, and insurance coverage. However, the entrance fee to the CretAquarium, as well as any individual expenses like meals and drinks, are not included and will incur additional charges during the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks to the Aquarium?

Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks into the CretAquarium. The aquarium has a cafeteria on-site where guests can purchase refreshments. Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the aquarium for sanitation and safety reasons.

What Are the Best Times to Visit the Market to Avoid Crowds?

The best times to visit the market are typically in the morning or late afternoon when crowds are smaller. Midday is the busiest period, so visitors should plan accordingly to avoid the largest crowds.

Sum Up

Enjoy Crete’s rich history and vibrant culture on this enriching day trip to Heraklion. Explore the city’s bustling heart, discover the lively open-air market, and dive into the captivating world of the CretAquarium. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable adventure that showcases the best of this enchanting Greek island.

You can check availability for your dates here: