Secrets of Crete Private Tours
Secrets of Crete Private Tours
Secrets of Crete Private Tours
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Secrets of Crete offers private guided tours for individual travellers, families or small groups. We organise finessed, customized tours considering your location, wishes and timing. The custom tours are designed to fit each visitor’s interests. The tour combines different aspects of the island to provide the most captivating insight, accompanied by private guidance and insider’s stories.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
59 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Leigh2000
4 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Great 2 hour private tour with Lina. I sent an email late at night and they were able to accommodate me the next afternoon for a private Spinalonga tour for 2. Lina was knowledgeable and passionate about the island and it’s history. Was definitely worth seeing and having a guide made a huge difference. We have found across the board it is significantly less expensive when booking direct with the tour company.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RMC
Inverness, UK10 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We contacted Secrets of Crete to arrange a day trip to Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Joseph was very helpful and over a few emails built a custom tour for us with a private guide and vehicle.
From our hotel near Heraklion, we were collected by our guide (the fantastic Emmanuel in his amazing vintage 1990 Mercedes S-Class). We drove to Agios Nikolaos and spent some time wandering the shops, town and had coffee by the bottomless lake. We then visited Elounda and had lunch at an amazing seafood restaurant, Taverna Despina. After lunch we took a fishing boat out to Spinalonga for a short hike around the old Venetian fort and leper colony.
Spinalonga is very interesting and a must-see if you are in the area. We would have spent much longer there but the temperature was unusually high when we visited and you couldn't spend too long out in open. I would suggest taking up to two hours to see the island in it's entirety.
Our itinerary also inlcuded a olive oil factory tour on the return journey but between the heat and the lateness of the day in returning from Spinalonga, we were happy to skip it.
Overall a brilliant day out, conveniently organised by Secrets of Crete, at an excellent price. The highlight of the trip was definitely our guide, Emmanuel. His local knowledge, sense of humour and organisational skills made the day.
From our hotel near Heraklion, we were collected by our guide (the fantastic Emmanuel in his amazing vintage 1990 Mercedes S-Class). We drove to Agios Nikolaos and spent some time wandering the shops, town and had coffee by the bottomless lake. We then visited Elounda and had lunch at an amazing seafood restaurant, Taverna Despina. After lunch we took a fishing boat out to Spinalonga for a short hike around the old Venetian fort and leper colony.
Spinalonga is very interesting and a must-see if you are in the area. We would have spent much longer there but the temperature was unusually high when we visited and you couldn't spend too long out in open. I would suggest taking up to two hours to see the island in it's entirety.
Our itinerary also inlcuded a olive oil factory tour on the return journey but between the heat and the lateness of the day in returning from Spinalonga, we were happy to skip it.
Overall a brilliant day out, conveniently organised by Secrets of Crete, at an excellent price. The highlight of the trip was definitely our guide, Emmanuel. His local knowledge, sense of humour and organisational skills made the day.
Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olga V
6 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
This was a truly private experience and we loved every minute of it! We were able to see the other side of Crete, off the beaten tourist path, while getting vast knowledge from our guide, Katarina. She was very attentive and answered all of our questions. We went on “Mystic and Rustic” tour, where we visited Roman tombs and 2nd AD century church, which is still operational today! We enjoyed delicious wine tasting and amazing lunch food from The Garden of Chrysanthi in the village Katalagari. The owner of this little restaurant is such a sweet lady and the food was better than any expensive restaurant. I would definitely recommend this company and the tour.
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alejandra P
Munich, Germany3 contributions
Oct 2020
We had a very interesting and informative day with Katerina. We saw this tour as an opportunity to learn in depth about the history of Crete and understand island from the perspective of a knowledgable local. The tour did not disappoint. Katerina picked us up in the morning and since the beginning she started telling us details and stories about the island. We visited Gortyn, Phaistos and the town of Matala. She was very happy to answer all our questions and was the perfect introduction to our week in Crete.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manoj S
Strasbourg, France1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Solo
With Joseph's as my guide, I embarked on an exciting week-long adventure across Crete in April this year. His enthusiasm for revealing undiscovered treasures took us to charming areas of this island that are often missed by visitors (read, tourists!). We meandered through historic, run-down churches that the caretaker had opened just for us. Rugged cliffside monasteries provided us with amazing views, and isolated communities greeted us warmly. Our feet trailed along remote beaches where blue waves lapped against golden sands and authentic taverns tempted us with their robust Cretan fare. The highlight of the trip was when Joseph took me to a quaint eatery tucked away literally in the middle of nowhere, a spot that left a lasting impression, amidst the wild beauty of the surrounding area.
A competent guide with extensive knowledge of Crete is the secret to seeing the heart and soul of this island. And Joseph is that secret!
A competent guide with extensive knowledge of Crete is the secret to seeing the heart and soul of this island. And Joseph is that secret!
Written July 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
erindoppelt
Chicago, IL9 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Joseph is the best! My husband and I had the most amazing day walking through the old city of Chania and learning about the Jewish history. He also took us to some beautiful bakeries and coffee shops that we frequently visited after our tour. Joseph also took us to an amazing lunch spot in the country filled with beautiful foods, wonderful conversation and flavor.
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel C
8 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We had the best day exploring the countryside of Crete with Katrina. From the planning with Joseph to the follow up and of course the tour, everything was amazing. We visited an olive oil farm and did the tasting, went to a winery for a private tasting with beautiful views, heard all about the history of the island and had meals of traditional Cretan foods. Thanks for making our day on the island so memorable
Written July 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric1849
Mount Sinai, NY8 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Joseph was a pure gem! His open communication made the booking easy. Our tour, mystic and rustic, had so many treats that were off the beaten path. We were two couples in our early 50s. We met many locals and made some terrific memories. I highly recommend Joseph! Not only was the tour a highlight of our Greece trip, but he helped guide us after the tour was over. He gave wonderful restaurant recommendations. When we arrived to the restaurants he recommended we were treated in such a warm and welcoming way. Please do not hesitate to hire him!!
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much. It was absolutely my pleasure meeting you. We had so much fun. I really look forward meeting you again
Written July 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
simbola
Southend-on-Sea, UK41 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
Having visited Spinalonga last April we found that there wasn't a lot of information on the island and as we were returning again this April we wanted to arrange a tour so that we could get the most out of our visit. We did not want to do a full day excursion or join a large group tour so I contacted Secrets of Crete who arranged a private tour for just the two of us. We were not sure which day we wanted to visit the island and were surprised that Joseph was able to arrange this for us at such short notice. We called in the morning and the tour was set for the same afternoon. As we were staying in Plaka we met the tour guide on the island. The tour lasted approximately one hour and the total cost was 90 Euros. The tour guide (I think her name was Elena) was very informative and we found that having a guide was very worthwhile. We would highly recommend this tour and Secrets of Crete if you are interested in the history of Spinalonga island. I would recommend booking this in advance as we were advised by Elena that during the high season the tours get booked up quickly and there may be a wait of a month or more. I would also recommend booking directly through Secrets of Crete as opposed to going through your hotel as we found the hotel to be more expensive.
Written May 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lance G
Glasgow, UK25 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Katerina was a superb guide for the day who made it interesting and exciting for us and our kids with visits to rural billages to taste teadditional Cretan foods and lovely surroundings
She took us to Knossos and brought the place alive with her descriptions of the history, mythology and character of the Palace
Definately a font of knowledge and a thouroughly excelent and worthwile day out
She took us to Knossos and brought the place alive with her descriptions of the history, mythology and character of the Palace
Definately a font of knowledge and a thouroughly excelent and worthwile day out
Written July 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Денис Р
Tel Aviv, Israel
Dear! If it possible to arrange guided tour in Heraklion ( Knossos) and may be some other places of interest close to Heraklion on 13 th or 14 th of June for group of 9 people( 4 adults and 5 kids aprox10 years old) will be happy to get some offers . Thank you in advance.
Written June 12, 2018
Hi, we are a family of 2 adults + 1kid (6years old) & looking for possibly 2 days private tour to explore the must-see/must-do/must eat while in Crete on June 1st & June 2nd. Please let me know a potential itineraries you would suggest, tour duration & cost. Thank you!
Written May 9, 2018
Hallo,wir,eine vierköpfige Familie, möchten gerne Kretas Geheimnisse😊 kennenlernen!
Wir sind zur Zeit auf der Insel und haben noch ein paar Tage Zeit!
Wäre eine Tour in den nächsten Tagen möglich?
Written October 16, 2016
Kann ich Ihnen auch nicht sagen. Ich weiss nicht ob Joseph Batis zur Zeit noch Touren anbietet. Sie müssen es einfach über seine Seite oder über Smartphone Kontakt versuchen.
Written October 17, 2016
Hi , we are going to visit Heroklion for three days from 14th July. Will you be able to organize a two-days trip for us? We are one adult and 2 teenages (13yrs old, and 10 yrs old) who loves Greek myths and history. Thanks
Annie
Written July 11, 2016
Good Afternoon,
We ( two of us) are educators and interested in visiting Knossos with a knowledgeable guide as we are both experienced travellers and well read in the classics and Minoan history. We have a car and can meet you at Knossos at 8AM (we are at Village Heights resort in Hersonissos) and would like to spend the morning. We are open to staying together with our guide for lunch at a local, authentic taverna.
We are flexible and can do this over the next three or four days. Feel free to contact me at or call me at 9178608639. It is a New York, USA number.
Written June 20, 2016
Joseph responded to us very quickly so hopefully your request will be resolved soon. Our tour was WONDERFUL! Secrets of Crete were extremely flexible so if you have certain experiences in mind I am sure they can fit them in for you.
Have a wonderful time in Crete!
Written June 21, 2016
Rob W
London, United Kingdom
Hi, we (a group of 4) will be arriving in Heraklion on 7th May 2016 (Carnival Vista) - Can you let me know what kind of a tour you could give us between 10am and 4pm that would include a chance to enjoy some local food, wine and see some unique views (away from the cruise ship buses). Many thanks, Rob
Written December 7, 2015
Melena C
Houston, Texas
Arriving in Crete 8.18.2015 on the Princess Emerald at 9:00 am departing at 6:00 pm. Can you tell me what type of exursions are available for this length of time and what type of pricing is charged for 2 adults. Do you pick up at the ship or do we come to you? Thank you! Mel Chase
Written July 5, 2015
Hello Melena and thank you for your inquiry.
For this date I am already booked, also from the same ship. But no worries. We are a small group of guides with the same approach and philosophy.
Given the limited time you have we recommend α tour to the village of Agios Thomas with its 38 churches (no stress, you will not have to visit all of them), it's fascinating legend of Persephone and the roman tombs.
You will then visit the monastery of Epanosifis, one of the richest and biggest in Crete. We recommend afterwards to visit the the winery of Paterianakis, one of the few domaines in Crete, run by 4 women producing organic wine from unknown local grape varieties.
Finally I promise you a super culinary experience in the private tavern of Chrisanthi in Katalagari.
The price of the tour is 320 euro including a comfortable minivan, petrol and guiding. Meals, drinks and the wine tasting (20 euro per person with 5 different wines and cheese) are not included.
Since we have many inquiries we would appreciate a quick reply.
We hope to have the opportunity to show you the secrets of Crete.
With kind regards
Joseph
Written July 8, 2015
July 20, 8am to 5pm. We are arriving on the Emerald Princess, party of 2 or party of 6 (we are traveling with 2 other couples, one mobility and energy is limited. Can you pick us up at the port? What would be the cost per person. Thank you.
Written April 3, 2015
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