Overview
Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time.
From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon.
Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of allure panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries.
In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo.
To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Private expert guide in art, history, & archeology
VIP skip-the-line access & assistance with purchasing admission tickets
Our assistance with the best restaurant recommendations & reservations
Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest
Private guide: We take much pride in having the best local guides of Crete!
Personal pick-up & drop-off (flexible pick-up time)
Our concierge support before & during your day trip
A chauffeured premium vehicle
Vehicle amenities: mineral water, Cretan fruits & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities
Drinks and meals
Admission fees
Wine tasting expenses (if requested)
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Personal pick-up and drop-off service from any defined point in your region of stay in Crete.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
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Heraklion Prefecture
45 min
Plunge into the guided tour of the land of old-world splendor of Minoan Crete with our brilliant local guide.
-
Agios Myron
45 min
Wander the picturesque village of Agios Myronas and step into the sacred cave of the Saint where still flows the holy water.
-
Gortyna
45 min
Stroll the Gortyna archaeological site famous for the great Gortyn Code in the Doric dialect that later became the Spartan Law.
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Messara
45 min
Wallow in the central Crete vineyard tour along the emerald expanse of Messara Valley and visit a boutique winery to taste luxuriant wine-tasting flavors.
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Palace of Faistos
25 min
Embrace the legendary Faistos Palace, the seat of King Rhadamanthus, where the Phaistos disc hieroglyphic script was excavated.
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Odigitria Monastery
35 min
Discover the Cretan sacred jewel of Odigitria monastery (Agiofarango) with a strong monastic tradition linked to the Apostle Paul.
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Matala Beach
2 hours
Delight in scenes of the spectacular sunset fading behind the iconic Matala Caves as you bathe in the azure waters of the Libyan Sea.
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Matala
1 hour
Taste delicious seafood dishes from the fresh local catch of the Matala village fishermen by indulging in the culinary significance of South Crete.
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Hersonissos
1 hour
A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
-
Anissaras
1 hour
A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
-
Analipsi Beach
1 hour
A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
-
1 hour
A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
-
Kokkini Hani
1 hour
A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
-
Heraklion
1 hour
A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
-
Agia Pelagia Beach
1 hour
A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
-
Fodele Beach
1 hour
A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
-
Bali
1 hour
A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Athens).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Minoan Luxuries: Ancient Palaces, Messara Wine Routes & Matala
Can I cancel Minoan Luxuries: Ancient Palaces, Messara Wine Routes & Matala for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 8 hours.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
Personal pick-up and drop-off service from any defined point in your region of stay in Crete. Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- Private expert guide in art, history, & archeology
- VIP skip-the-line access & assistance with purchasing admission tickets
- Our assistance with the best restaurant recommendations & reservations
- Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest
- Private guide: We take much pride in having the best local guides of Crete!
- Personal pick-up & drop-off (flexible pick-up time)
- Our concierge support before & during your day trip
- A chauffeured premium vehicle
What's not included?
- Drinks and meals
- Admission fees
- Wine tasting expenses (if requested)
Which places does it visit?
It visits Heraklion Prefecture, Agios Myron, Gortyna, Messara, Palace of Faistos, Odigitria Monastery, Matala Beach, Matala.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in German, Russian, Greek, English, French.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Operated by Crete Private & Luxury Tours by Snami Travel
