Minoan Luxuries: Ancient Palaces, Messara Wineries & Matala

Discover the captivating allure of Minoan Luxuries, a journey that transports you through ancient palaces, picturesque wineries, and the stunning shores of Matala. Uncover the secrets of the Minoan civilization as you explore the revered ruins of Gortyn and the magnificent Palace of Phaistos. Indulge in exquisite wine tastings at family-owned vineyards nestled in the scenic Messara Valley, and bask in the crystal-clear waters and rich seafood traditions of the iconic Matala Beach. This thrilling adventure promises to immerse you in the captivating essence of Crete’s Minoan heritage and contemporary delights.

Key Points

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Crete with visits to ancient Minoan palaces, sacred caves, and boutique wineries in the Messara Valley.
Discover the archaeological wonders of Gortyn and Phaistos, including the enigmatic Phaistos Disc, while learning about the Minoan civilization.
Indulge in a personalized day tour with luxurious amenities, including a premium chauffeured vehicle, concierge support, and VIP access to attractions.
Relax at the iconic Matala Beach, known for its turquoise waters and seafood, after a day of immersing in Crete’s history and natural beauty.
Enjoy a tailored experience with the help of a multilingual guide, flexible scheduling, and additional services like restaurant recommendations and wine tastings.

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private day tour from Elounda or Agios Nikolaos costs from $358.17 per person and lasts 8 hours.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

Guests can expect personalized pickup and drop-off, and flexible scheduling confirmed upon booking.

They’ll travel in a premium chauffeured vehicle equipped with amenities like mineral water, Cretan fruits and snacks, Wi-Fi, and USB sockets.

Concierge support, restaurant recommendations, skip-the-line access, and wine tasting are also available as additional services.

With a focus on authenticity and customization, this tour promises an immersive exploration of Crete’s Minoan heritage and natural wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights several captivating destinations, starting with a visit to the village of Saint Myronas and his sacred Cave.

Guests will then explore the archaeological site of Gortyn, known for the Gortyn Code written in Doric script.

Next, they’ll discover the Festos Palace, the site where the enigmatic Phaistos Disc was excavated.

The tour also includes a visit to boutique wineries in the Messara Valley, where guests can savor the region’s renowned vintages.

The final stop is the picturesque Matala Beach, renowned for its turquoise waters and delectable seafood.

Throughout the day, travelers will have access to insider opportunities and tailored experiences based on their personal interests.

Transportation and Pickup

Personal pick-up and drop-off from hotels, villas, cruises, or any location on Crete is provided, with a flexible pick-up time confirmed upon booking.

Travelers will travel in a premium chauffeured vehicle throughout the tour. The transportation amenities include:

Mineral water to stay hydrated.
Cretan fruits and snacks to enjoy on the go.
Wi-Fi and USB sockets to stay connected.
Hygiene amenities for added comfort.

With this personalized transportation, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive to the tour’s destinations, allowing them to make the most of their time on this luxurious Minoan adventure.

Guide and Amenities

A live tour guide is available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Russian, and Greek, providing guests with personalized attention and insights throughout the journey.

The vehicle is equipped with modern amenities such as mineral water, Cretan fruits and snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets, and hygiene essentials, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience.

The tour also offers access to insider opportunities and tailored experiences based on personal interests, allowing guests to delve deeper into the region’s rich history and culture.

With concierge support before and during the trip, guests can also receive assistance with restaurant recommendations, reservations, and VIP skip-the-line access to various attractions.

Additional Services

Along With the comprehensive tour package, the provider offers concierge support before and during the trip to ensure a seamless and tailored experience for guests. This includes:

Assistance with restaurant recommendations and reservations to help guests discover the local culinary scene.
VIP skip-the-line access and help with admission tickets to popular archaeological sites and attractions.
Wine tasting expenses available upon request to enhance the Messara Valley winery visit.
Dedicated support to address any questions or requests that may arise during the tour, allowing guests to fully enjoy the rich Minoan history and culture.

Exploring the Village and Cave

The tour begins with a visit to the picturesque village of Saint Myronas, where guests explore the sacred Cave associated with the village’s namesake. This ancient cave is believed to have been a site of worship and ritual for the Minoan civilization.

Visitors can marvel at the cave’s impressive geological formations and learn about its historical and spiritual significance. After the cave, guests have the opportunity to wander through the charming streets of Saint Myronas, taking in the traditional architecture and getting a glimpse into the local Cretan way of life.

This opening stop sets the stage for a day of immersing in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Crete.

Discovering Gortyn and Phaistos

Next, the tour explores the ancient ruins of Gortyn, a site renowned for the discovery of the Gortyn Code, one of the most significant ancient legal documents found in Crete. Visitors can wander through the remnants of this once-thriving Minoan city, marveling at the impressive scale and architectural sophistication of the archaeological site.

From Gortyn, the tour proceeds to the palace of Phaistos, a remarkably well-preserved Minoan palatial complex that was the site of the famous Phaistos Disc, an enigmatic artifact that continues to captivate scholars and visitors alike.

The highlights of this part of the tour include:

Exploring the ruins of Gortyn and learning about the Gortyn Code.
Discovering the Palace of Phaistos and its impressive Minoan architecture.
Seeing the mysterious Phaistos Disc, a fascinating ancient artifact.
Gaining a deeper understanding of Crete’s rich Minoan heritage.

Relaxing at Messara Wineries and Matala Beach

Minoan Luxuries: Ancient Palaces, Messara Wineries & Matala

After exploring the ancient ruins of Gortyn and Phaistos, the tour transitions to the picturesque Messara Valley, where visitors can savor the region’s renowned wines at boutique wineries.

Nestled between olive groves and rolling hills, these family-owned establishments offer a chance to explore Crete’s winemaking heritage. Guests can sample aromatic varieties, learn about traditional methods, and even customize their own blends.

Following the wine tastings, the tour continues to the iconic Matala Beach, known for its striking turquoise waters and vibrant seaside ambiance.

Travelers can unwind on the golden sands, indulge in fresh seafood, or venture into the renowned Matala Caves, a former hippie hangout with a storied past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

Yes, the tour is customizable to fit your interests. The private day tour allows you to tailor the itinerary based on your preferences. You can discuss your interests with the tour guide to create a personalized experience.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Clothing for the Tour?

You don’t need any special equipment or clothing for the tour. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. The tour provides access to insider opportunities and tailored experiences based on personal interests.

How Many People Can Be Accommodated in the Chauffeured Vehicle?

The chauffeured vehicle can accommodate up to 4 people comfortably. It provides a premium and flexible transportation option for the private day tour, allowing guests to travel together in a spacious and well-equipped vehicle.

Is Photography Allowed at the Archaeological Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the archaeological sites. However, visitors are advised to follow site-specific rules and respect any restrictions or limitations in place to preserve the integrity of the historic locations.

Can the Tour Be Extended or Shortened Based on My Preferences?

The tour can be customized based on the traveler’s preferences. The itinerary is flexible, and the duration can be extended or shortened as desired. Customers can communicate their preferences to the tour provider prior to the tour.