CRETE

MINOAN WINE TOURS & ICONIC MATALA PRIVATE TOUR

THE STORY
KEY MOMENTS
IN MOTION
THE JOURNEY
BEFORE YOU GO
FEEL THE EXPERIENCE

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minoan wine tours & iconic matala private tour

ANCIENT PALACES

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND FLAVOR IN THE HEART OF CRETE

Experience the splendor of Crete’s rich history and stunning landscapes on this exclusive private tour. Walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations as you explore the Bronze Age palaces, legendary ruins, and sacred monastic sites of South-Central Crete. Indulge in the island’s celebrated wines and fresh, authentic cuisine while marveling at the breathtaking beauty of the Libyan Sea and Matala’s iconic caves.

Embark on a thoughtfully curated adventure, traveling in comfort and style with a personal guide to uncover the cultural and natural treasures of Crete. From the historic plains of Messara to the enchanting Matala Beach, this day tour blends ancient mystique, exquisite tastes, and spectacular scenery into a truly unforgettable experience.

Quick info

6-8 HRS

ALL YEAR ROUND

FROM 580€

Highlights

Phaistos Palace

Explore the legendary archaeological site, where the secrets of Minoan civilization and the mysterious Phaistos Disk come alive.
Minoan Wine Tours

Visit boutique wineries nestled in the fertile Messara Valley, savoring premium Cretan wines and the stories of passionate winemakers.
Gortyna Archaeological Site

Step into the past at this Roman-era city, home to the famous Gortyn Code, a historic milestone in ancient Greek law.
Matala Beach & Caves

Relax at Matala’s golden beach, soak in its bohemian charm, and explore the iconic Neolithic caves carved into the cliffs.
Odigitria Monastery

Uncover the spiritual and historical significance of this monastic gem, perched in the rugged beauty of Agiofarango Gorge.

Itinerary

Begin your journey at the ancient city of Gortyna, where history and myth converge. Walk among the monumental ruins, including the Law Code of Gortyn, inscribed in stone and revered as one of the earliest legal texts in the world. Stroll through the remains of basilicas, amphitheaters, and ancient markets, soaking in the grandeur of a city that thrived under Roman rule.

Continue to the hilltop palace of Phaistos, a pinnacle of Minoan engineering and culture. Gaze across the Messara Valley, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, and learn about the palace’s significance from its ties to King Rhadamanthus to the enigmatic Phaistos Disk. This panoramic view offers a glimpse into the heart of Crete’s fertile land.

Visit a family-owned winery nestled in the lush Messara Valley. Walk through sunlit vineyards, discover the art of winemaking, and savor award-winning wines paired with local delicacies. Engage with the stories behind each glass, connecting to Crete’s deep-rooted winemaking heritage.

Journey into the sacred tranquility of Odigitria Monastery, a historic haven of asceticism and monastic life. Marvel at the monastery’s fortress-like architecture, view sacred relics, and hear the tales of Apostle Paul’s influence on the region. Nearby, the Agiofarango Gorge reveals a wild, untamed beauty, inviting moments of reflection in this spiritual sanctuary.

End your day at the legendary Matala Beach, where the golden sands and azure waters of the Libyan Sea welcome you. Explore the ancient Neolithic caves, once a home for Minoan sailors and later a haven for 1960s hippies. Enjoy a relaxed seaside dinner featuring the day’s fresh catch, from grilled octopus to local seafood delicacies, as the sun sets in a blaze of color over the horizon.

THINGS TO KNOW

PRICES

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INCLUSIONS

GROUP SIZE & VEHICLE TYPES

LANGUAGES

CANCELATION POLICY

WHAT TO EXPECT

This private tour offers a customizable itinerary tailored to your interests and pace. Your expert guide ensures a seamless and enriching experience, complete with luxurious transportation and insider access to Crete’s cultural and natural gems.

Don’t forget

Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a camera to capture Crete’s timeless beauty. Pack a swimsuit for a refreshing dip at Matala Beach and a light jacket for cooler evening breezes.

OUR TRAVEL

Executive Travel Director

Travel design is my language — a dialogue between art and precision. I see each itinerary not as a list of logistics, but as a cinematic sequence of emotion, rhythm, and discovery.

Ioannis Georgiadis

Head Travel Concierge & Lifestyle Manager

Luxury, for me, is not about excess — it’s about intuition. I anticipate what travelers need before they even ask, crafting moments that feel effortless, genuine, and deeply personal.

Antonis Kalamaridis

Founder & Owner

I founded Snami Travel with one belief — that true luxury lies in human connection. Every journey we design is a reflection of that simple truth: detail, emotion, and purpose woven into one seamless story.

Manolis Georgiadis

Travel Designer & Operations Lead

For me, designing travel is about intuition — understanding what guests feel before they even say it. I craft experiences that balance elegance with sincerity, because luxury must always feel human.

Dorothea Sinani

What they say

We had a fantastic day out in Crete on this tour. We did a private tour, and both our guide and our driver were outstanding. We saw beautiful sites, visited multiple towns, and we were even able to visit an olive oil factory that was closed for the season, but opened for us to see their factory and taste/purchase olive oil to take home. Fabulous day!

Becky S Published 05/10/2024 on Tripadvisor

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John Doe Published 20/10/2024 on Tripadvisor

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Will Smith Published 21/10/2024 on Tripadvisor

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