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Minoan Luxuries: Ancient Palaces, Messara Wine Routes & Matala

10 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 10 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Heraklion, Greece

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8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

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.

What's Included

  • 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
  • Drinks and meals
  • Admission fees
  • Wine tasting expenses (if requested)
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Enjoy personal pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, villa, cruise or any other point of Crete island.NOTE: pick-up time is flexible and upon your final confirmation

OR
Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Heraklion Prefecture

Plunge into the guided tour of the land of old-world splendor of Minoan Crete with our brilliant local guide.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Agios Myron

Wander the picturesque village of Agios Myronas and step into the sacred cave of the Saint where still flows the holy water.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Gortyna

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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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Messara

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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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Palace of Faistos

Embrace the legendary Faistos Palace, the seat of King Rhadamanthus, where the Phaistos disc hieroglyphic script was excavated.
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Odigitria Monastery

Discover the Cretan sacred jewel of Odigitria monastery (Agiofarango) with a strong monastic tradition linked to the Apostle Paul.
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35 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Matala Beach

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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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Matala

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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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Hersonissos (Pass By)

A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
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Anissaras (Pass By)

A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
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Analipsi Beach (Pass By)

A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
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Gouves (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
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Heraklion (Pass By)

A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
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Agia Pelagia Beach (Pass By)

A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
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Fodele Beach (Pass By)

A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
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Bali (Pass By)

A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
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Kokkini Hani (Pass By)

A potential region of your personal pick up and drop off.
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Show 15 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Minoan Luxuries: Ancient Palaces, Messara Wine Routes & Matala?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-61532P22

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
10 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 10 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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10
4 stars
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3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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
  • 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
  • Private guide: We take much pride in having the best local guides of Crete!
  • Private expert guide in art, history, & archeology
  • Drinks and meals
  • Admission fees
  • Wine tasting expenses (if requested)

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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