Private Tour
Minoan Luxuries: Ancient Palaces, Messara Wine Routes & Matala
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
Agios Myron
Wander the picturesque village of Agios Myronas and step into the sacred cave of the Saint where still flows the holy water.
What‘s Included
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
Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest
Private guide: We take much pride in having the best local guides of Crete!
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
Drinks and meals
Admission fees
Wine tasting expenses (if requested)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Premium Minivan (5-Seater)
Luxury Small Private Group
Minivan/Minibus VIP Class
Pickup included
Premium Sedan (3-Seater)
Luxury Private Tour
Premium Vehicle/SUV Class
Pickup included
VIP Comfort Minibus (9-Seater)
Luxury Small Private Group
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Pickup included
Premium XL Minibus (15-Seater)
Personalized Private Group
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Pickup included
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour to Southern Crete
LHABtrombone,,Jul 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was great. Our driver was Stefanos and our guide was Ireni. Both were excellent. Ireni was very knowledgeable and able to discuss the archeological and religious sites in detail. The sites were interesting. The wine tasting was excellent. Overall, a great day. We'd travel with them again and highly recommend the company.
Crete tour
397lisianeh,,Jul 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole tour was a very pleasant experience! Our guide Alexander (@crete.tour) adjusted the tour according to our interests and to minimize the high temperatures during our stay in Crete. We recommend the tour and the guide.
If you are visiting Crete book this tour!
annpO7979KY,,Jun 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our private tour was outstanding! Stavroula and Hector are a great team- we learned so much about the history/culture of Crete and traveled in safety and comfort. By the end of our day trip it felt as if we were with long time friends or family. My friend and I now would like to visit Crete again and spend a week or two.
Hippie paradise
Gabi M,,Aug 11, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really back in time, that's how it felt for us immediately, all the paintings and small shops finished it for us. The beach was very beautiful, and in the distance you saw a small island. Along the rocks where people jumped off we snorkeled. At the end of the village you have the most beautiful view with several bars and restaurants
Five stars for the whole experience
benmU1763QD,,May 31, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the private tour with a private guide and driver and we weren't disappointed. Whilst it is pricey, if you want to learn more about the history of Crete and visit sites that you wouldn't normally see or hear about then this is definitely worth considering. Irini was full of fascinating facts and information and there was no question she couldn't answer. In terms of places we visited, we drove to Agios Minos, Gortys and Phaistos palaces, a working nunnery and finished with lunch in Matala. The car was an immaculate Mercedes with air conditioning (definitely needed in 30 degree heat) and the driver Dimitrios was brilliant (and hilarious). He claims he can't speak good English but don't be fooled as he can certainly speak much better English than he gives himself credit for. Both he and Irini made the day super special and we won't forget the effort they made in making it such a wonderful experience for both of us.
Perfekt day on Crete
Erpel1,,Apr 15, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent a wonderful day with Nektarios - he knew so much about Greece, Greek history as well as mythology, took us to great viewing spots. Very interesting day to get to know Crete. Thanks a lot!
Highly Recommend
DoesntHaveOne,,Sep 25, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked a private tour and it was a fabulous day. Alexander tailored the tour to my interests ensuring I saw everything I wanted to see and he stopped at some great locations for wonderful photo ops. Tasted some great wines while enjoying a beautiful view and the highlight of the trip was getting to revisit the 1960s in Matala. What a cool town! Thanks for Alexander and Ioannis for an unforgettable day!!
Great wine and sights!!
168mauricew,,Jul 20, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow ! This was a super fun tour. The Boutari Winery is gorgeous- and the wines are great. All 6 wines we tasted were delicious- we bought several to take home with us . Seeing the ancient palaces and cities was so interesting and our tour guide Marinela was full of knowledge about everything we saw. She was delightful, bright and a joy to be around . Matala Beach with lunch overlooking the sea is trip not to be missed in Crete. The day on this tour was one of our best days in Crete - I highly recommend this tour. In addition to Marinela being amazing our driver Dimitrios was excellent- we felt safe and comfortable with him. I want to thank Snami Travel for arranging this private tour for my family - the vip treatment we received was top notch . Looking forward to more adventures with Snami Travel on our next visit!!
Highly recommended
sallamab2021,,Jul 11, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an eventful tour. Highly recommended Maria our guide did an amazing job planning the day .Highly knowledgeable and accommodating.
5 star experience.
DCO90,,Oct 30, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible day with Alexander. We did a private tour and he took a genuine interest in our personalties to make our experience bespoke and perfect! Was truly a 5 star experience.
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