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A combined tour, to explore the palace of Phaistos in the south and the newly organized museum of Mesara at Ambelouzos village . Relaxing time after the two archaeological sites in the area of Matala for shopping or lunch.

Starting our day from Heraklion area , we will head south to reach the palace of Phaistos . Second largest Minoan site and residence of King Radamanthys according to the  myths, the site offers amazing views of the plain of Mesara. Radamanthys together with his brother Minos – Kind of Crete and Knossos, had a reputation as fair and objective rulers  among the whole Mediterranean  and according to Greek Mythology, they became two of the three Judges of the underworld. (third was Aiakos  –  the son of Zeus by Aegina, King of Mirmidons )

The advantage of the palace , which was excavated mainly by the Italian Archaeological School , is the two building phases ( main Minoan – Old and New Palaces ) along with the limited use of concrete – a different approach of the Italian archaeologists. The palace of Phaistos is not as crowded as Knossos and you will have a better understanding of the are and the building style of the Minoans .

On the slopes of the hill to the south of Phaistos stood the Minoan town. The area is still being excavated though and part of it can be seen from the main courtyard  of the Palace looking down.

There are many reasons why the  visitors  of the island Crete should choose to visit Phaistos in the south. With the Messara plain to the east and the Ida mountain to the north, Phaistos is situated in an interesting landscape probable the most beautiful compared to the other  Minoan Palaces. The Mesara museum, clearly a  highlight of the area will offer you the wealth of the finds and the archaeological sites in the near by area .

The palace of Phaistos is not so crowded, less groups visit the area and it will be easier to move around, getting the best photos, enjoying  your private tour. In addition the different approach of the Italian Archaeological Survey and the excavators, give a clear advantage to Phaistos. Parts of the old palace  remain visible and the Italian archaeologists did not use extensively concrete to rebuild the palace.

Let us guide you through the  two most important Minoan palaces, so that you will be able to form a more objective opinion about the Minoan architecture. In addition, you will enjoy the landscape of south Crete and understand the general area, where amazing artifacts were discovered (which you can nowadays enjoy at the museum of Heraklion )

Later after the guided tour , we will end up in the area of Matala for some relaxing time in the south . You can drink a coffee in the area , have lunch or snack , or even go shopping in the narrow pedestrianized streets.

Estimate the duration of the tour to a full day tour ( at least 8 hours ).

Explore Crete, with the team of Experts, book your experience now…

The tour is available  for  direct  booking, you can continue at the “BOOK YOUR TOUR”  and proceed to a booking .

You  have to use the note area to inform us about the number of participants in order to have the right transportation on the date of issue .  You are booking the tour by depositing an amount ( refundable according to the “ Terms and Conditions”.  The total cost is listed below :

Starting point of the tour  Heraklion ( any of the hotels in Heraklion area , port or airport of  Heraklion  and around ). If your hotel is not in Heraklion, please contact us, before booking to check  the distances.

We will provide plans of the archaeological sites and of course during the day the licensed guide will be available to answer all your questions.

IMPORTANT NOTICE : We might need to change which site will be visited first – in order to avoid the crowds or the heat. The temperature in the south is plus 2-3 Celsius ( compared to Heraklion for example)  , so do not forget hats and sunblock.

Cost  680 euro   up to 2 participants (every extra participant plus 60 euro up to 6 total in a mini van )

Inclusions:

• Guiding services for a professional licensed English speaking guide / chauffeur , present during the whole tour .
• Transportation with our company vehicle ( clima / A.C) – Chauffeur service  with a licensed guide
• Pick up from your hotel / accommodation in Heraklion and drop off  is included  (if the pick up / starting location is not Heraklion , please kindly inform us to check if there is additional cost or due to distance the tour is not possible to be done within a reasonable time frame )
• Bottle of water per person
• Liability insurance
• Maps and plans of the sites
• Company vehicles are a KIA Sportage SUV model of 2018 and a NISSAN NV 300 8 seats van

Exclusions:

• Entrance fees of the sites are not included ( We can arrange of course to skip the lines and avoid the crowds , so let us know if you wish us to arrange the tickets )
• Lunch is not included in the total cost
• Gratuities are not  included

A full day experience starting from Heraklion, to explore the region of Rethymnon and its highlights, with your certified licensed guide.

We drive along the coast, towards Rethymnon, passing by Fodele, Bali, Panormo. Our first stop will be the Eleytherna museum one of the recently organized museums of Crete . We will continue for the monastery of Arkadi and we will reach eventually the  city of Rethymnon, in order to walk around the old Venetian city and enjoy a coffee or lunch in  a traditional taverna in the old town. This tour offers the opportunity to explore the mountainous landscape of central Crete and explore the amazing highlights of the area.

About this activity

Discover the highlights of central Crete , region of Rethymnon  on a tour that covers the charming Venetian  old town of Rethymno, the monastery of Arkadi and the museum of Eleytherna

• Walk through the old town of Rethymno and see unique architecture and  impressive Venetian buildings.
• Fee time to enjoy the old town and have a coffee or lunch. Guided walking tour with a licensed guide
• Visit the Arkadi monastery – enjoy a guided walking tour with your licensed guide
• Enjoy a visit in the museum of Eleutherna – a hidden gem in the hills of Rethymnon

Margarites village

A short stop at Margarites village is a must – the village has a long history and tradition in pottery , the workshops are still active. We will enjoy a coffee  and continue for the museum of Eleytherna.

Arkadi monastery

The monastery with Venetian baroque architecture and influence .

The current catholicon (church) dates to the 16th century and is marked by the influence of the Renaissance. This influence is visible in the architecture, which mixes both Roman and baroque elements. As early as the 16th century, the monastery was a place for science and art and had a school and a rich library. Situated on a plateau, and surrounded by a thick and high wall, the monastery is also built like a fortress.

The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt in 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the abbot of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender.

We will visit the main church of the monastery, the cells of the monks , the storage room – that was used as a gun powder magazine during the rebellion . A small museum is also part of the monastery.

Eleytherna museum

The Museum of ancient Eleutherna – Homer in Crete, the first archaeological site museum in Crete, although smaller in size, is similar to those of Olympia, Delphi, and Vergina. The museum was created to house the results of the excavations carried out for thirty years in the ancient city of Eleutherna.
The originality of this museum is that the objects of the permanent exhibition will be updated periodically with new and older finds, so that the public’s interest is continuous and relates to the discoveries and expansion of the excavation work on the site.
The exhibition will be accompanied by original and modern audiovisual exhibits.

According to tradition, the city was named after Eleutheras, one of the Kouretes, who protected the infant Zeus by beating upon their bronze shields thus preventing his father Cronus from hearing his cries and devouring him.

Current archaeological evidence shows that, Eleutherna was one of Crete’s most important ancient cities, a capital city of the Geometric and Archaic periods – that is, the periods when the Homeric poems were disseminated and recorded in writing. The city minted its own coins in the fourth century BC. In the third century BC, Eleutherna fought against Rhodes and its ally Knossos. In 220 BC, when the Cretan cities fought against each other, Eleutherna sided with Knossos, but a siege forced it to break the alliance. In 68 BC, when the Roman general Metellus attacked Eleutherna, the city managed to resist for some time because of its fortified location, but was finally conquered through treason.

A guided tour with your licensed guide is a must.

Close by the archaeological sites and cemetery of  Orthi Petra ( A stop at the cemetery is not included in the tour – but if you have an interest in the burial customs we can make an extra stop / upon request .

City of Rethymno

The city of Rethymno is an ideal tourist destination for visitors who wish to explore the rich cultural heritage and the natural beauties of Crete. This well-organized and easy to walk around and explore city (because of the pedestrian streets), offers to visitors a variety of picturesque routes to follow and numerous historical monuments to visit. The old city of Rethymno still preserves its old urban structure to a great extent, formed during the Venetian period and later used by the Ottomans . We are lucky that the city was not flattened during the Second World War, although battles against the Germans took place in the area and the villages close by – as part of the Operation Mercury – The attack of the Germans to occupy Crete .

Rethymno combines rarely united features: the old town’s charm and history, with proximity to a long sandy beach (not as crowded or  touristic organized as Chersonissos or Malia – many visitors from European counties  choose this city because they want to feel the atmosphere, in a more relaxing way, enjoy a picturesque small town as it developed keeping the influence over the years of occupation.

Although it is the third largest town in Crete, visitors and tourists at Rethymnon don’t get the feeling that they are in a city, but more like in a large and crowded village, where locals walk around in a relaxing pace, drink their coffee by the port. Rethymnon it has a provincial air; it’s a place that moves slowly, a very romantic pace and preserves much of its Venetian and Turkish influence, formed amphitheatrically around the impressive fortress.

During our walking tour we will walk by the Venetrian Loggia , the Rimondi fountain the narrow streets will lead us to the Neratzes Mosque and we will have free time for lunch .

The total cost for the tour is 800 euro for up to 3 participants and 95 euro per extra participant ( up to 7 pax)  , including the transportation with our company vehicles , all entrance fees, coffee included, all taxes and VAT24%, the services of a professional licensed guide / archaeologist during the tour in the archaeological sites.

Inclusions:

Transportation with our company vehicles
Services of a professional licensed – certified guide / archaeologist.
All taxes and VAT 24 % – Invoice will be provided – Secure transaction via bank with your credit card
Bottle of water per person
Coffee stop en route to Rethymno
All tickets to the museum of Eleytherna and Arkadi monastery are included .

Not Included

Lunch or personal expenses

Delve in to the Minoan Era and taste the  local delicacies

This tour provides the opportunity to explore the palace of Knossos and then continue – after the guided tour of the palace to follow the Minoan path, close to Knossos palace and reach the sacred mountain of Youchtas

We will pick you up from your accommodation in Heraklion and drive towards Knossos palace – We will explore the palace and then continue towards the mountain Youchtas to admire the local landscape and after a  short drive we will stop to a  sophisticated, multi-purpose food-tasting and agritourism venue established by the Minoan Fruits group of companies. The setting-up of this venue embodies the vision of tradition, culture and local cuisine intertwined with respect for nature and environmental awareness. Modern and traditional activities are available on-site, including: tasting of authentic local products, live watching of the production, packaging and standardization process for fruits and vegetables, strolling through vineyards and olive groves, visits to the traditional Cretan farmhouse (‘’metόhi’’ in Greek), local food and drinks . During our time in the venue we will hear the history of the family that started the business, all the information about the process of making local traditional products, taste olive oil, snacks and hand made sweets.

The duration of the tour is approximately 6 hours and all snacks, tasting, food, drinks, transportation and local guide is included .

The tour is available for online booking three days per week, but can also be arranged upon request to match your needs. Ideally we propose, if one of the dates is not available, to contact us in order to search for the best alternative ( time and date ).

The service is provided with our company vehicles an SUV or a van for up to 7 pax.

Cost is 640 euro for 2 pax ( minimum 2 pax)  plus 95 euro per person up to 7 participants. For a larger group kindly contact us to make arrangements ( for a mini bus of larger vehicle).

The entrance fees of Knossos are not included – but let us know the exact number of participants and we will be able to purchase the tickets in advance – to avoid any lines

For guests that wish to explore more  and of course taste more, we can add a walking food tour of Heraklion or a wine tour and tasting in one of the amazing wineries of the area. ( cost will  be arranged upon request )

Inclusions : Transportation with our company vehicles, guiding services,  snacks, tasting of olive oil, all taxes and VAT 24%. The snack includes Greek salad, stuffed vine leaves with yogurt, pepper in vinegar , tzatziki, meat balls with tomato sauce and aromatic herbs and garlic, Cretan rusk, local sweets  as dessert, fruits and Raki .

Exclusions : Personal expenses and gratuities, Tickets of Knossos – please add the number of participants  ( additional information – age and country of origin) to prearrange the right tickets and have them ready on the date of issue . Remember that for any reduced tickets you are solely responsible to provide the proper documentation (ID or passport)

This tour can be organized as a full day tour (duration 12H ) starting from Heraklion. We propose though to choose this tour as a part of a round trip on Crete. More time available, means more fun and a complete experience. We can start early from your location (your hotel) and drive towards Sitia. On the way there we can stop for a coffee at the village Kavousi or Tourloti ( depending on traffic on the way). A sort stop at Sitia, and we will continue for Zakros. A short stop on the way back at Toplou monastery is a must .  The itinerary and the exact stops can be decided together with our guests – in order to enjoy the day and the experience.

Toplou

Moni Toplou is a monastery of the 15th-century located in a dry and barren area in the Lasithi regional unit. It is about 6 km north of the village of Palekastro and 85 km east of Agios Nikolaos. The monastery was originally called Panagia Akrotiriani (Virgin Mary of the Cape), after the nearby Sidero cape. Its current name literally means “with the cannonball”, thus called by the Turks for the cannon and cannonballs (Turkish: top) it had in its possession for defensive purposes.

Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian. It was founded around the mid-15th century, probably on the ruins of an earlier convent. The monastery was plundered by the knights of Malta in 1530 and shattered in 1612 by a strong earthquake.

Zakros The Archeaological site

The Palace of Zakros, the most isolated of all the Minoan Palaces, is located on the east coast of Crete, south of Palaikastro. Its position shelters it from the dangerously strong north winds that pass Cape Sidero on the northeast tip of Crete. It was the last of the major palaces to be discovered and is smaller than the other three at Knossos, Malia and Phaistos.

The Palace of Zakros probably acted as the Minoan gateway to the east and this view is supported by various movable finds on the site which had come from the Middle East. The Palace was surrounded by the town, of which only a part has so far been excavated.

We will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent palace and see the place where the artifacts were discovered.

The gorge of Zakros nearby: The entrance to the gorge of Zakros is located outside the village of Pano Zakros just 99 kilometers north-east of Agios Nikolaos and 39 km south-east also from Sitia.

Inclusions : Transportation with our company vehicles, guiding services,  coffee stop and lunch at a local taverna,  all taxes and VAT 24%. ( the lunch includes two starters, salad and main course – bottle of water), the cost of the ticket of Toplou monastery is included .

Exclusions : Personal expenses and gratuities, Tickets of Zakros palace – please add the number of participants , ( additional information – age and country of origin) to prearrange the right tickets and have them ready on the date of issue . Remember that for any reduced tickets you are solely responsible to provide the proper documentation (ID or passport)

– ROAD TOUR TO THE WEST –
THE SAMARIA QUEST PRIVATE EXPERIENCE

This is one of the most beautiful regions of Crete, located on the western part of the island, South of Chania. Due to the distance we recommend to choose your accommodation closest to the western part of Chania city and the surrounding touristy areas. This will save you time… Due to the mountainous landscape of the island and in order to cover the distances on Crete, it takes time.

We propose this tour, as we think it is worth enjoying what the Cretan nature has to offer ….And Yes we think that Samaria gorge tour is epic!!!

You start your private experience well organized, we propose to start early, in order to avoid the crowds. We will pick you up from your accommodation and drive towards Xyloskalo in the midst of the White Mountains, at an altitude of 1250m.

We will start our stretching exercises to warm up and we are ready…

It is not an easy walk through the park but it’s not impossible. It stretches down 16km from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli following the route carved by nature and the river over the centuries. The first 2-3km (from Xyloskalo starting point) are steep, as you will be walking down using the natural path curved by the river. (in some areas you will find a wooden side handrail – but if you have problems with your knees, might be a good idea to take something to hold on to)

There are informative signs along the way, you will not feel lost…

We will stop along the way for pictures and to refill our bottles with fresh water and we will reach the exit of the gorge, where we can find a nice small coffee shop to enjoy a beer or a coffee. From that point, we need another 2-3 km to reach the village Agia Roumeli, by the sea, where later the same day we will take the ferry to reach Chora Sfakion…

Depending on your accommodation we need at least couple of hours from Sfakia to reach back Chania or Rethymnon.

The tour/Round trip includes

• Transportation with our company car or van.
• snack, water and lunch during the day.
• all entrance fees and ferry tickets, fuel and parking costs.
• Professional licensed guides and driver.
• Liability insurance by Interamerican.
• All taxes and VAT 24 %, invoice will be provided by our travel agency

The tour does not include

• accommodation
• personal expenses

Please note:

• It takes time to hike through the Samaria gorge. Estimate 6 to 7 hours (in the gorge). It’s not a race, some experienced hikers do it in 4 hours, but keep in mind that we will be stopping for pictures and generally we will be enjoying nature…
• You have to be physically fit, if you have knee, hip or angle problems, avoid it. The tour as described is a private tour. Of course we will see people along the way walking through the gorge, or even at the entrance at Xyloskalo, but groups of people disperse pretty fast, depending on their pace and speed…

Explore Heraklion and taste the best of what the city has to offer. The tour is provided and organized in a way that you will taste the local food , street food delicacies and traditional Cretan cuisine in the best tavernas and restaurants of Heraklion city.

During our walking tour in the city of Heraklion we will stop in various places to taste the local food and we will visit two restaurants . We will also explain and guide you through the main highlights of the city and the must see places for nightlife in Heraklion .

Meeting point : to start the tour is Elefterias square / once you book we will provide accurate information – or if you choose the transportation arrangements we will pick you up from the location you will specify ( hotel or accommodation )

Salad

Cretan Rusk (double baked dehydrated bread), bread sticks

Cretan cheese ( anthotyros , aged graviera )

Cretan sausage

Smoked pork

Tomato croquets

Cretan pasta / or rice cooked traditionally

Herb pies

Local wine

Raki / distilled ripe fermented grapes

Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves – or zucchini flowers)

Lamb or pork cooked traditionally

Cretan desserts and local parties.

If some of the options  / products are not available due to the season , we will replace it with a seasonal traditional dish .

General Info: This exclusive food tour of Heraklion offers you the chance of enjoying local delicacies and traditional local cuisine, in the best restaurants, tavernas and pastry shops of the city . It is a walking tour that takes you to the best places in Heraklion . At the end of the tour , you can stay and enjoy your drink and the nightlife of the city. The locations vary depending on the season, so is the exact menu offered.

The tour is available at noon ( for lunch ) upon request – contact us.

Important: You need to inform us about any restrictions , food allergies or intolerances to gluten, spices , herbs , etc

Cost : 150 euro per person (minimum 2 pax)

Included:

• Services of a professional licensed qualified guide
• Walking guided tour of the Heraklion city center
• Invoice will be provided by our travel agency
• Audio tour guide system
• VAT (24%) and all taxes
• All snacks and food offered during the tour .
• The tour takes place is selected restaurants and taverns, bakeries and pastry shops  in Heraklion where we sample food and variety of local delicacies and products .

Not included :

• Any extra drinks/ refreshments / wine / beer – if someone wishes to order.
• Transportation not included  (transportation can be arranged upon request though) – The meeting point is the central square of Heraklion – Eleyfterias Square .
• Personal expenses and gratuities

A private tour of the palace of Knossos with a detailed explanation provided by the team of Experts, licensed professional guides with years of experience.

A private tour of the palace of Knossos with a detailed explanation provided by the team of Experts, licensed professional guides with years of experience.

Visit the palace of legendary King Minos  and take the time to hear the interesting details of the construction , the Minoan art and the frescoes, the influence of Middle East in the Minoan culture, the social structure and the strict hierarchy.

This private tour, of the extended guided private tour of Knossos , is for experienced travelers , that wish to maximize the experience at Knossos. Adetailed  and thorough explanation of the Minoan civilization and the palace of Knossos at Kephala Hill.

Cost : The cost of the tour is 250 euro and refers to the cost of the guide for a private tour, for a group up to 5 participants . ( with all taxes and  24% VAT included)

Meet the guide: On site or add below the transportation arrangements according to your needs

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the Minoan civilization and the impressive palace of Knossos.

Book the services of a professional licensed guide of our team – you are booking the guide directly. We are a team of licensed guides with our own travel agency, so we can offer our services directly.

Meet your qualified guide at Knossos for a guided tour.

Duration : Estimate the  duration of the  guided tour of the palace of Knossos, to  2 hours and 10  min .

Group capacity: Maximum participants up to 5. For a larger group, please contact us at cretantourexperts@gmail.com

Skip the line entrance can be arranged, we can of course pre-buy the tickets for your party, please add the details ( number of participants and ages at the Note area  ) when you make your booking.

Where should we meet the guide? The professional licensed guide will meet you at the entrance of Knossos palace. We will be holding  a sign with VISITKNOSSOS ( our website logo) and the names of the participants . We will also inform you via email prior to the tour, about the mobile phone number of the guide.

When:  Available all year around, according to the opening hours of the site. ( We propose to avoid visiting the site from 10.00 to 13.00, due to the crowds and the heat)

What time should I be at Knossos? We propose to reach the palace of Knossos at least 15 min before the starting time of the tour

Who organizes the tour ? The tour is organized by Visit Knossos a website operated by Panos Kritikos and Ioanna Christofakaki, both professional licensed guides and  owners of the travel agency Tourist Guides Crete P.C – Tour Experts Boutique Travel .  The tour is offered directly to the guests / visitors of Crete and our services are not available through any of the online platforms ( such as Viator, Getyourguide, Toursbylocals etc).

I have a rental car, can I park close to Knossos? There are three parking lots available at the palace of Knossos, so it is  relatively easy to find empty space and park close to the main entrance .

Note : The cost of the entrance fee of the site of Knossos, is regulated by the Ministry, so we can not be held responsible for  any changes that may occur on the date of issue ( if the Ministry changes the cost of the entrance fee ) . This is the reason that the cost of the entrance fee is not included in the total cost.

If you intend to visit the museum of Heraklion later on ( on your own), we propose the combined ticket ( cost per person 20 euro) for both Knossos and the museum of Heraklion ( can be used in the next two days of the date of issue )

Included: 

• Services of a professional licensed qualified guide or an archaeologist qualified guide
• Invoice will be provided by our travel agency, ( transaction is through a secure website of the bank, the credit card receipt is the invoice)
• bottle of water per person
• Maps and plans of the site and Heraklion
• Audio tour guide system
• VAT (24%) and all taxes

Not included :

• Entrance tickets are not included  (but if you wish us to prebuy the tickets for you let us know at the “add note area” of the booking form)
• Transportation not included  (transportation can be arranged upon request though)