GetYourGuide vs Viator: Which Tour Platform Is Better for Heraklion?
Both GetYourGuide and Viator offer tours in Heraklion — but which one has better prices, better selection, and better cancellation policies? We compare them head-to-head.
GetYourGuide vs Viator: Which Is Better for Heraklion Tours?
When booking tours in Heraklion, you’ll likely encounter two major platforms: GetYourGuide and Viator. Both offer similar services — booking tours, activities, and experiences — but they differ in important ways that can affect your travel experience.
Tour Selection
Viator has a larger inventory in Heraklion, with 60+ tours and activities listed. This includes niche experiences like cooking classes and private archaeological tours.
GetYourGuide has around 45 tours, but the curation is tighter. Every tour we’ve booked through GetYourGuide has been high quality, while some Viator listings felt like padding.
Winner: Viator — for sheer volume, though GetYourGuide’s curation is a plus.
Pricing
Both platforms take a commission from tour operators, and prices are often identical. However, we’ve noticed GetYourGuide is occasionally €2-5 cheaper on the same tours. Viator sometimes adds booking fees at checkout that aren’t shown upfront.
Winner: GetYourGuide — for transparent pricing.
Cancellation Policy
Both platforms offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. However, GetYourGuide is more consistent — every tour we’ve checked follows this policy. On Viator, some tours have stricter cancellation terms (48 hours or non-refundable), which aren’t always clearly displayed.
Winner: GetYourGuide — for consistent, traveler-friendly cancellation terms.
Mobile App
GetYourGuide’s app is one of the best travel apps we’ve used. Your tickets are available offline, the interface is clean, and booking is fast. Viator’s app is functional but less polished.
Winner: GetYourGuide
Our Recommendation
For booking tours in Heraklion, we recommend GetYourGuide as your primary platform. The combination of transparent pricing, consistent cancellation policies, and an excellent app makes it the better choice for most travelers.
That said, it’s worth checking Viator for tours that aren’t available on GetYourGuide, particularly niche or private experiences.
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Comparison Summary
| Category | GetYourGuide | Viator | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour selection in Heraklion | 45+ tours and activities available | 60+ tours and activities available | Viator |
| Pricing | Slightly lower prices on average, no hidden fees | Comparable prices, occasional booking fees | GetYourGuide |
| Cancellation policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, no questions asked | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, but some tours have stricter policies | GetYourGuide |
| Mobile app experience | Excellent app with offline access to tickets and vouchers | Good app but less intuitive interface | GetYourGuide |
| Customer reviews | Verified reviews from actual travelers, displayed prominently | Reviews available but less prominently displayed | GetYourGuide |
| Customer support | 24/7 support via chat, email, and phone | 24/7 support but slower response times | GetYourGuide |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GetYourGuide and Viator the same company? ▾
No. Viator is owned by TripAdvisor. GetYourGuide is an independent company based in Berlin. They are competitors in the tours and activities marketplace.
Can I book the same tour on both platforms? ▾
Often yes. Many tour operators list their tours on both platforms. It's worth checking both to compare prices and cancellation terms.