Save money and time booking your own tours of Crete before you start your trip.
1. Ancient Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Photo of the palace of Knossos © deTraci Regula; licensed to About.com
If you visit Crete, the palace of Knossos is mandatory. It's fascinating, disturbing, and edifying all at the same time. The Archaeological Museum is compelling. While the full museum may not be open at your visit, the smaller temporary exhibit is filled with such choice objects, you won't mind.
2. Samaria Gorge - Full Day Hiking Tour
Photo of the Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete © deTraci Regula; licensed to About.com
This very full day tour - 16 hours - takes participants to the top of the Samaria Gorge, where they then walk to the bottom. It's not for everyone, but the reasonably fit will have no trouble with it. And if you do have trouble, there are evacuation donkeys. But do read my article on the Samaria Gorge so you're well prepared for this beautiful yet rugged area.
3. Day Trip to Santorini from Crete
Photo of the Greek island of Santorini © deTraci Regula; licensed to About.com
Want to squeeze in an extra Greek island on your trip? This day trip to Santorini from Crete is one way to do it - though Crete is so fascinating, it may be hard to leave it, even for a day.
