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Offered languages
- English
Discover Crete’s ancient heritage and southern coast on a private tour from Heraklion to Gortys, Phaistos, and Matala. Travel comfortably with your English-speaking driver/guide and enjoy a flexible itinerary at your own pace. Begin at Ancient Gortys, once a powerful city and Roman capital of Crete, where you can explore remarkable ruins and the Basilica of St. Titus. Continue to Phaistos, one of the island’s most important Minoan palace sites and the place where the mysterious Phaistos Disc was discovered. Finish in Matala, a picturesque coastal village famous for its rock-cut caves and hippie heritage. Enjoy free time to explore, have lunch, relax on the beach, or swim in the Libyan Sea before returning comfortably to Heraklion.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your Welcome Pickups driver will be waiting for you at the selected pickup location and time.
Before your ride, you’ll receive your driver’s details — including their name, phone number, and car information — so you can easily recognize them.
Your driver will arrive on time and be ready to assist you and any special requests before starting your journey.
Please note that our sightseeing tours does not automatically include airport pickup or drop-off. If you wish to start or end your tour at the airport, simply select the option with airport pickup included when booking if available.
Kindly share any special requirements, such as traveling with a service animal or needing extra assistance, when booking your ride. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.
Itinerary
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1Heraklion
Your Welcome driver will pick you up from your hotel in Heraklion at a time of your convenience to start your trip.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2Gortys
Gortys or Gortyna is a municipality and an archaeological site on the Mediterranean island of Crete, 45 km away from the modern capital Heraklion.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
3Archaeological Site of Phaistos
Phaistos was one of the most important palatial centres of Minoan civilization and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
4Matala
Matala Beach in Crete is a legendary beach offering unique scenery, famous from the 1960's and later.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- For 1–4 people: A comfortable sedan will be assigned to your group.
- For 5-8 people: A spacious minivan will be assigned to your group.
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- For 1–4 people: A comfortable sedan will be assigned to your group.
- For 5-8 people: A spacious minivan will be assigned to your group.
- For 9-12 people: A private minibus will be assigned to your group.
- Throughout your ride, our drivers serve as informal local guides—sharing stories, history, and local tips at every stop. Please note that drivers are not permitted to enter museums or archaeological areas, but they’ll ensure you make the most of your visit with suggestions and background information before you explore on your own.
- Some stops on your itinerary may be closed on the date of travel due to public holidays, maintenance or special events. We recommend verifying opening hours on the attraction’s official website or contacting us before your tour. If a stop is unexpectedly closed, we will try to offer a suitable alternative.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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