South Crete Magic

DETAILED TOUR TIMELINE

• Explore the Minoan Palace of Phaistos

  Υοur day will start with a visit of  the second biggest Minoan Palace of Crete, the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, the residence of the mythical brother of Minos, Radamanthis. A unique “prehistoric city” of 8.000 sq.m. spread over the three stepped terraces of the hill, dating back to 2. 000bc, which has been barely touched by archaeological restorations.  Around the palace arose once the extensive city of Phaistos, which continued to flourish until Hellenistic times (323-67 BC).

• Visit the unique Minoan Villa of Ag. Triada

  Υοur next stop will be the Minoan Royal Villa/ Country Mansion of Ag Triada where amasing Minoan and Mycenean prehistoric layers brought to light a big number of unique artifacts such as the famous Ag Triada sarcophagus and the boxing ryton, today in the Archaeology Museum of Heraklion.

• Enjoy Swimming and Lunch in the artistic town of Matala

  An optional lunch stop in the small town of Matala is recommended, a quite artistic area,  renowned for its natural caves and beautiful beach, especially beloved by the hippies back in the late ’60s.  

• Discover the Roman Capital of Crete, Town of Gortys

  Υοur final stop will be the old Roman capital of Crete, the town of Gortys. Gortys or Gortyn was the most powerful and prosperous city of Crete during the Hellenistic era, when it took hegemony of the island, dominating the entire valley of Messara. Under Roman Rule it became the capital of the joint Province of Creta et Cyrenaica. There, the oldest Roman theater on Crete was excavated together with the oldest codified law system of Europe among other unique historic and legendary monuments, such as the evergreen Plane tree of  Crete, unique in the world (Platanus Orientalis).

• Tour Inclusions

  An Official Licensed tourist Guide Your private Transportation on a Premium class vehicle A professional Driver

• Tour Exclusions

  Your entrance tickets to the Sites Your meal, paid locally