Phaistos

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at 08.30, we drive to Gortyna, the Roman capital of Crete and Cyrenaica and was first inhabited around 3200 BC. After the visit of Gortyna, we drive through valley of Mesara to visit the archaeological site of Phaistos and its palace, the most important center of the Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete. After our visit to Phaistos, we drive to Matala where you will enjoy some free time to swim in the crystal clear waters and optional lunch. Finally we arrive to Zaros, attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited. Late in the afternoon at 17:00, we return to Heraklion at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel.

Explore the highlights of southern Crete on a guided full-day trip from Heraklion. Enjoy a small-group tour of some of the region's most popular sights.  Meet your guide at your hotel and hop on the bus that will take you to your first stop, Phaistos. Along the way, take in scenic views of the Messara winegrowing region's mountains and vineyards. At Phaistos, explore the ruins of a medieval city and the second-largest palace in Crete. Learn more about the history of the complex from your guide and enjoy panoramic views of the Ida Mountains and the Lassithi Massif. Afterward, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea in the former fishing village of Matala and take a walk to the world-famous cliffside caves. Then, tuck into a delicious lunch with views over the bay. On the way back to Heraklion, stop at the monastery of Odigitria. Here, witness 2 tholos tombs and let yourself be enchanted by the monastery's charm before heading back to your hotel.

South trip is an interesting trip while you see a lot of villages like Agia Galini and Matala Agia Galini is a large village with nice beaches, bars and restaurants. Matala is next a very interesting and beautiful village with artificial caves, it was a fishing village and it was full of hippies, with clear waters flower drawings everywhere and quotes around the village. You can enjoy the fresh food while watching the caves. The whole trip takes 10 hours it starts at 8 in the morning and the come back is at 6 in the afternoon.

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.

Discover the remnants of centuries-old Christian monuments in central Crete. Take a private day trip from Agios Nikolaos or Elounda to dive into the rich religious history of the island. Follow the path walked by Apostle Paul thousands of years ago and admire imposing monasteries. Get picked up from your Agios Nikolaos/Elounda hotel or villa and take a journey to central Crete from north to south. Explore the land where Apostle Paul found fertile soils with lavish vineyards and olive groves stretching toward the horizon. Allow your guide to take you on a journey through history. Explore the village of Agios Myron and its holy cave, as well as the Pailani and Odigitria Monasteries. Meander through the Minoan wonders of the vast Messara Plain to take in magnificent views of Phaistos Palace. Finally, visit the village of Matala to unwind at the typical fish tavernas on the waterfront.

Discover the history and traditions of Chania on a private tour of the villages of Apokoronas and the Minoan and Roman ruins of Aptera Archaeological Site. Visit the ancient city of Aptera, relax in a picturesque village, visit a traditional Christian Orthodox Monastery, hop on a jaw-dropping Roman Theater and let the history flow through you inside a pristine Roman aqueduct! Start your tour with a photo stop at an elevated spot to understand the scale of Crete, the traditional villages of Apokoronas, the agricultural produce of the island, and Crete’s complex and turbulent past. Learn about the series of conquerors that existed in Crete throughout more than 3000 years of history. Progress to the ancient city of Aptera, which coexisted with the Minoans at the Palace of Knossos and Faistos. Follow your guide through the ancient remains of Aptera, including temples, a fully functional ancient theatre, cisterns, Roman baths, and aqueducts. Continue to a picturesque town by the riverside for a break. Relax under the shade of sycamore trees, overlooking the village and enjoying the companionship of ducks and geese. Bond with locals and understand the tranquil way of life in Cretan villages. Drive through the lovely villages of the Cretan mainland and the 7 villages of Apokoronas before visiting a traditional Christian Orthodox Monastery with an ancient olive oil mill. Learn about the connection of agriculture with Chania villages, the role that the religion still has on Greek and Cretan society and the role that played on the villages of Chania in the past to sustain the villages of the mainland, both physically and spiritually. Follow our professional licensed tour guide on a private tour that shows you the real Crete! End your tour with a drive through the backroads to one of the most astonishing views that you will encounter on your holidays in Chania.

• Get to know the history and traditions of local life in the southern part of the island of Crete: • During the Minoan civilization, Gortis was the richest and fastest growing city of Greece and is also famous for being the place where, in the 5th century BC. and, for the first time, a code of laws regulating life and relations between citizens was created and carved on stone. • Archaeological Site of Phaistos was one of the most important centres of Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete. It was inhabited from the Neolithic period until the foundation and development of the Minoan palaces in the 15th century B.C. • It does not get quite so crowded as Knossos and even in the summer it is possible to have the site almost to oneself. • Finishing the trip, you will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea and dine in one of the traditional taverns located along the coast Matala among the many souvenir shops.