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Minoan Luxuries: Ancient Palaces, Messara Wine Routes & Matala

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Summary
Experience Details
What You’ll Experience
Where to Meet
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Location
Agia
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Duration
10 hours
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Number of Guests
1 - 15 guests
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Language
English, French, German, Russian, Greek
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Other
Private Experience
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Digital Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Immerse in Minoan history in Crete. Visit ancient palaces, enjoy wine tours in Messara, and unwind in Matala. Explore vineyards, tranquil villages, and relax by the Libyan Sea.

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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

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 You Get

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

Good To Know

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available

What You’ll Experience

1

Chania Prefecture

Plunge into the guided tour of the land of old-world splendor of Minoan Crete with our brilliant local guide.
2 hoursAdmission Ticket Free
2

Agios Myron

Wander the picturesque village of Agios Myronas and step into the sacred cave of the Saint where still flows the holy water.
45 minutesAdmission Ticket Free
3

Gortyna

Stroll the Gortyna archaeological site famous for the great Gortyn Code in the Doric dialect that later became the Spartan Law.
45 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included
4

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.
45 minutesAdmission Ticket Free
5

Palace of Faistos

Embrace the legendary Faistos Palace, the seat of King Rhadamanthus, where the Phaistos disc hieroglyphic script was excavated.
25 minutesAdmission Ticket Free
6

Odigitria Monastery

Discover the Cretan sacred jewel of Odigitria monastery (Agiofarango) with a strong monastic tradition linked to the Apostle Paul.
35 minutesAdmission Ticket Free
7

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.
2 hoursAdmission Ticket Free
8

Matala

Taste delicious seafood dishes from the fresh local catch of the Matala village fishermen by indulging in the culinary significance of South Crete.
1 hourAdmission Ticket Free

Panormos (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.

Adelianos Kampos (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.

Rethymnon (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.

Georgioupolis (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.

Chania Town (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.

Agia Marina (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.

Platanias (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.

Start Time

Start Time / Opening Hours
View tour options
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Premium Sedan (3-Seater)
VIP Comfort Minibus (9-Seater)
Premium XL Minibus (15-Seater)
Premium Minivan (5-Seater)

Meeting & Pickup

Pickup Point
Select a 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
Search a point
Panormos in Rethymno
Panormos in Rethymno, Rethymno, Greece, GR
Adelianos Kampos
Adelianos Kampos, Rethimno, Greece, GR, 741 50
Rethimno
Rethimno, Rethymno, Greece, GR
Georgioupoli
Georgioupoli, Chania, Greece, GR
Agia Marina
Agia Marina, Chania, Greece, GR
Platanias
Platanias, Chania, Greece, GR, 730 14
Chania
Chania, Greece, GR
End Point

This experience ends at the meeting point.

Cancellation Policy

For experiences with opening hours, the cancellation deadline is 24 hours before the earliest opening time on the scheduled date.

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from  $1,095.50 
Book Now
Please note that the time is in Eastern European Time.
Free cancellation (24 hours notice)
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INSTANT CONFIRMATION
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Earliest available date: May 22, 2025
from  $1,095.50  per group
Book Now
Please note that the time is in Eastern European Time.
Free cancellation (24 hours notice)
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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