Matala Hippie Beach

Our journey begins in the morning, as we depart from Heraklion and start our scenic drive along the southern coast of the island. Our comfortable air-conditioned bus will take us through breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, and stunning coastal vistas.

As we arrive in Matala, you will be amazed by the stunning natural beauty of this small village. Here we will enjoy the crystal waters, the warm sun and lunch by the sea, while later we can explore the prehistoric caves, carved on the steep rocks of the area.

Situated in a secluded bay, Matala is renowned for its incredible beaches, crystal clear waters, and towering cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop to the village. It is also famous for its unique history, as it was once a heaven for hippies in the 1960s and 70s, who were drawn to the bohemian atmosphere, natural beauty, and relaxed lifestyle of the village. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form of a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both the Minoans and the Romans used this place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s – 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs.

We stop at the world-famous beach of Matala, where you can swim, relax on the golden sand, or explore the impressive caves that were once home to the hippies. You can also visit the ancient Roman ruins that are scattered along the beach, including the remains of an amphitheater and a Roman bath.

After enjoying the beauty of Matala beach, we will take a stroll through the charming streets of the village. You will be captivated by the traditional architecture, the colorful houses, and the lively atmosphere of the village. You can explore the local shops, taste the delicious local cuisine, or simply soak up the relaxed vibe of the village.

As the day comes to a close, we will make our way back to Heraklion, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the day. Our bus excursion to Matala will leave you with a sense of awe at the natural beauty and rich history of Crete, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Sissi – Ammoudara

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Matala Caves

Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau

Venture to the stunning Lasithi plateau, nestled in the heart of the island, where you will marvel at the breathtaking scenery and traditional Cretan villages. Explore the famous Dikteon Cave, the birthplace of Zeus, and discover the myths and legends of ancient Greece. Continue your journey at the mythical Palace of Knossos, where you will walk through the ruins of the Minoan civilization and learn about its rich history. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and unforgettable sights, this excursion is a must-do for any traveler visiting Crete.

Our first stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, inhabited and run by nuns. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.

Then we head to Lasithi Plateau, which is situated 850 m. higher than the sea level. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau.

The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.

Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty, its traditional architecture and its breathtaking views. Here you can relax and enjoy your lunch in one of the local taverns.

Our last stop will be the palace of Knossos, the capital of the Minoan state, which was the first European civilization. Here you will have a guided tour and you will learn about King Minos, the Minotaur, the Labyrinth and other interesting mythologies. A must for Crete, one of the most amazing sights on the island!

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Agia Pelagia – Malia
Whispers

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Entrance to Cave of Zeus
Entrance to Knossos (person)(reductions available)
Entrance to Kera Monastery

Heraklion City Tour, Market & CretAquarium

A different excursion for those who want to experience the island’s everyday life!

We start with the CretAquarium. Here you are going to admire various marine species, from small fish and clams to big sharks and tuna, all of which are indigenous of the Mediterranean. After our tour, we can enjoy our coffee in the café of the building before we go to Heraklion.

After our visit in CretAquarium, we will visit the biggest open-air Market in Pateles where dozens of peddlers offer their merchandise in very good prices.

We continue with our stop at the Liberty Square in the center of Heraklion. From there, you have the opportunity to visit the capital town of Crete. The Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Rule have all left their marks on Heraklion. You can admire the imposing fortress of Koules at the harbor, the Venetian Walls that surround the old city, you can sit at one of the many restaurants or coffee shops in the Lions’ Square to enjoy your coffee or your lunch or if you wish to, you will be able to visit one of the many city museums, the Municipal Library and the Art Gallery or one of the numerous byzantine churches.

After this stop, we go back to our hotels.

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Fodele – Sissi.

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Entrance to CretAquarium (adult / child 5-17 years old)

Knossos Palace, Heraklion City Tour

The most famous landmark of Crete, Knossos, is the absolute “must” for everybody who decides to spend his or her vacation on our beautiful island. On one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, we find the center of one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world and through the excavations, the legends and the history of the place we learn about its settlers: the Minoan people, the rulers of the Mediterranean. With its small palace, the room of murals, the royal tombs and the royal mansion, Knossos is probably the most significant token of a civilization that left such marks in history that can never be erased. The intricate structure of the palace corridors gave it the name Labyrinth, where, according to the myth, the legendary Minotaur used to live. The marvelous architectural plan, the use of rare and luxurious materials, the advanced techniques of construction and drainage system and the massive size of the palace of Knossos make it, even today, the most amazing sight on Crete.

After our visit to Knossos Palace, we are going towards Patsides to visit the Minoan Farm, a place where you have the opportunity to try their products and wander their estate fully planted with Cretan herbs.

We return to the city for a stroll in the center of Heraklion, accompanied by our guide. Then, you will enjoy free time in the capital of Crete for shopping in its modern stores, enjoying your coffee or lunch in one of its many restaurants, visiting the Archaeological Museum or just exploring its superb medieval buildings.

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Sissi – Ammoudara
Whispers

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Entrance to Knossos (/person)(reductions available)

Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, Spinalonga, Elounda

We start our trip with a visit to an olive oil park where you can experience first-hand the standardization of extra virgin olive oil, table olives and olive paste. Here you will be able to taste the authentic Greek product, which is famous worldwide for its great taste and its nutritional value, as well as, other authentic Cretan products like “raki” and honey.

After our first stop, we reach the capital town of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. You can discover the pretty city on your own, stroll through the shops or relax in one of the countless cafes next to the picturesque bottomless lake of Voulismeni.

We continue our journey to Plaka, a small fishing village directly opposite Spinalonga. Here you will have plenty of free time to enjoy lunch or a refreshing swim. Moreover, from there you can take a 15-minute boat ride that takes you to the well-known island of Spinalonga.

The history and the culture of the island of Spinalonga became one with human tragedy in the course of time. It has been an important place throughout history for the ancient Greeks, as natural protection for the city of Olous, for the Saracens as a hiding place for their pirates, for the Venetians as a fortress, for the Turks as a settlement and for a long time the island served as a leper colony.

The last stop of the day is Elounda, a former fishing village, which today is recognized as a popular holiday resort with the most 5-stars hotels in Greece. Take plenty of time to stroll through the picturesque harbor and have a cup of coffee before heading back to your accommodation.

An amazing trip with many destinations that you definitely should not miss!

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Ammoudara -Malia.

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Entrance to Spinalonga (/person)(reductions available)
Boat Ticket (per adult, per child)