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JOURNEY TO ANTIQUITY IN SOUTHERN CRETE
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JOURNEY TO ANTIQUITY IN SOUTHERN CRETE
Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Journeys for Culture Lovers
Experience Seekers
About this experience
Highlights
- Glimpse the ancient glories of the Greco-Roman city of Gortina
- Visit one of the most important Minoan monuments, the Palace of Phaistos
- Your destination angel will bring alive the history of the archaeological sites
- Explore the famous Matala Hippie Caves and enjoy a swim
- Savour authentic Cretan tastes at a family run taverna in a traditional village
Description
Your exclusive private day trip will start with a memorable journey to the heart of South- Central Crete and one of the island’s most compelling archaeological marvels: the ancient city of Gortyna, referred to by Homer. Your destination angel will awaken the history and highlights of this important landmark to enhance your experience. Have you heard of the Gortyn Code? It’s the oldest and most complete known example of legal code in ancient Greece, preserved in the Greek parliament in Athens.
Next, it’s time to discover the stunning Phaistos Minoan Palace. You will be given an explanatory map with a suggested route to follow to take in the different courts, the queen’s apartment, the king’s megaron and the theatral area thought to have once served as one of the earliest theatres.
It was in this palace that the famed Phaistos Disc was found. One of archaeology’s greatest mysteries, it is now housed in the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Many attempts have been made to decipher this code but to this day, it remains uncracked. Arriving at Matala you will witness an exquisite seascape of the Libyan Sea, the village of Matala and the legendary caves. In antiquity, Matala was the port of the ancient city of Phaistos during the Minoan period, and then of the Gortynians during the Roman period.
These man-made caves were used by the Romans as tombs and are considered a significant archeological site. Back in 1965, the hippies arrived and resided in the caves as primitives, spurred on by the likes of Joni Mitchell (who immortalized the Matala Moon in her song Carey!). After exploring these storied caves you will have time to swim before we unwind over an authentic lunch in a rural village with true Cretan character, before heading back.
Experience Details
What is included
Your English speaking destination angel
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation by air conditioned vehicle
Entrance Fees
Drinks (wine, tripouro, bottled water)
Lunch
What is not included
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Beverage/drinks other the ones mentioned
Things you need to know
General Terms and Conditions
General Terms and Conditions
Before proceeding with the final booking, customer has to agree on applicable terms and conditions
Payment terms
Payment terms
For payment terms click here
Deadline for reservations
The latest deadline for submitting your booking request is 4 days before the desired date
Restrictions that might influence the operation
As per terms and conditions (extraordinary cancelations)
This experience is subject to weather conditions, (rain- strong winds)
Prepare for the experience
Know before you go
- It is important to know in advance if the guests have any food allergies/dietary requirements
- Good physical condition & sturdy and comfortable shoes are required
- Guests must be without heart, lungs or breathing health problems
Starting time
09:00 am
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection cream, hat and loose fitted clothing
NOT suitable
- Wheelchair users / People with mobility impairments
Meeting point
Your hotel, villa, yacht from any location / radius -15klm from Herakleion city centre