Description

Faistos

Since 1900, continuous archaeological excavations from the Italian Archaeological School, have brought to light the magnificent Minoan palace of Phaistos with its great royal courts, the great staircases, the theatre, the storerooms and the famous disk of Faistos.
The first palace was built at 2.000 B.C. This palace was destroyed at 1.700 B.C. by an earthquake. It was built again, more luxurious and magnificent and it was destroyed again, probably by another earthquake, at 1.400 B.C.
The location of the palace was carefully chosen, so as not only to absolutely control the valley of Messara, but to also offer a panoramic view of the surrounding area with the scattered villages, just like today, at the foot of the mountains Psiloritis and Asterousia.
The palace dominated and controlled the Messara valley and it was the centre of the city. It was the administrational and economical centre of the area. Goods not only for consumption but mainly for trade were kept in its huge storerooms.
The palace was surrounded by luxurious mansions and crowded urban communities. Along with the surrounding settlements covered an area of 18.000 sq. meters. A paved road leads to the ruins of the Royal Minoan villa of Agia Triada, 3 km west of Phaistos.


Gortys

Gortys is located at the Messara Valley, near the village of Agioi Deka, on the 46th km of the main road from Iraklion to Tibaki that traverses the island from north to the south.
Gortys is crossed by the river Litheos, today called Mitropolianos that dominates the valley of Messara.
One of the oldest and most important monuments of Christianity in Crete is the Basilica of Agios Titos, which was the seat of the first bishops of the Cretan Church.
In the centre of Gortys was the temple of Pythios Apollo, the most important pre-christianic temple of the city, built on the ruins of a Minoan settlement. The most important monuments of the ancient Gortys are the ruins of the acropolis and the odeum. The odeum of the ancient city was the place where parts of the great Law Code of Gortys was discovered. The Gortys Law was inscribed on stones. Four series of inscribed stones are preserved today, which constitute relics of great importance for the study of the epigraphy and Law of the time. The inscription is in a Dorian dialect and it was written at the end of the 6th century B.C.

Matala

Matala was the ancient port of Phaistos and Gortys and a former fishing community, which has developed into a modern holiday center. It is located 4 km southwest of the village of Pitsidia and 75 km from Heraklion. It is built on the coastline of the Messara bay inside a small and picturesque inlet. The turquoise blue sea, and the red disk of the sun which sets in the evening horizon create a hue of colours that evoke novel emotions.
The magnificent inlet of Matala features one of the best beaches in Crete. The artificial caves, carved into the north face of the coast, have been probably used as prehistoric dwellings and places of worship, while during the 1st-2nd century were used as tombs. These caves, in combination with the sandy beach, form a semicircle on both sides of which jut up towering rocks; they act as a magnet for many people.
During the 60's the caves were hosting a hippie commune. Today, the tomb-caves of Matala are protected by the Archaeological Service.

The "Koule" fortress on the Kastri hill is an attraction that should not be missed by the visitor. There is also a hewn-in-the-rock church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. It is more like a catacomb and was used by the early-Christians during the years of persecutions.

South of Matala there is a huge rock formation known as the rock of "Theosyni" that offers a panoramic view of the Messara Bay. The rock raises from the sea while at sea level it caves in deep to form a natural marine cave, named "Kouroupi". This cave provides shelter to wild pigeons and to the Mediterranean seal.
The beauty of the coast continues south of "Kouroupi", where following a path along the rock, you reach the enchanting "red sand" beach, a place for those who are young and daring. The spectacular red sand beach is known as "Ammoudia". This location is ideal for camping.

Included

* NOTE: !!! Our Guides are LICENSED and Members of the Union official Guides in Crete.

** NOTE: !!! Our Drivers are Professionals and English speaking.

INCLUDED
Vehicle, fuels, tolls (wherever exist), parking fee,
English-speaking driver, English or French-speaking guide, insurance covery of the passengers up to €500,000 in total, VAT and all taxes.

NOT INCLUDED
*Entrance fees in archaeological and historical sites, hotel accommodation wherever needed, beverages and meals.

If you are interested in booking this Private Tour please fill in these details that follow and you will be informed of the pricing details.