From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala With Lunch

Set out on an 8-hour journey from Heraklion to South Crete for a day of historical exploration and scenic beauty. Visit the ancient ruins of Phaistos, explore the cliffside caves of Matala, enjoy a traditional lunch by the sea, and discover the monastery of Odigitria. With a licensed tour guide, lunch, drinks, and entrance fees included, the trip promises a mix of history and culinary delights. Swim in the Libyan Sea, admire panoramic views of the Ida Mountains, and revel in the experience of South Crete. Every moment holds the promise of adventure and discovery.

Tour Details

During the 8-hour excursion, travelers can enjoy the captivating journey of the ‘From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch’ tour. This experience includes exploring Phaistos with a knowledgeable guide, enjoying a traditional lunch by the sea, and indulging in the panoramic vistas of the Ida Mountains. Priced from £64.73 per person, the tour features hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed tour guide, Phaistos entrance fee, audio guide, lunch, and drinks.

Highlights of the tour include swimming in the Libyan Sea, visiting the monastery of Odigitria, and exploring tholos tombs. Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. Lunch isn’t available for children under 2 years old.

Tour Highlights

Enjoy the captivating tour highlights of ‘From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch’ as you explore Phaistos with a knowledgeable guide, indulge in a traditional lunch by the sea, and admire panoramic views of the Ida Mountains.

Discover the ancient ruins of Phaistos while learning about its rich history from a licensed tour guide. Afterward, savor a delicious traditional lunch by the beautiful seaside, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Then, feast your eyes on the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Ida Mountains, offering a picturesque backdrop to your journey. Don’t miss the chance to swim in the Libyan Sea and visit the serene monastery of Odigitria, adding depth to your exploration of South Crete.

Itinerary

As visitors explore the captivating highlights of ‘From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch,’ the itinerary begins with a fascinating visit to Phaistos, where ancient ruins and historical insights await discovery. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the rich history of Phaistos while exploring the intriguing ruins of this Minoan palace.

Following the visit to Phaistos, the journey continues to Matala, where guests can enjoy a refreshing swim and explore the famous cliffside caves. A delectable traditional lunch with stunning views over the bay is included in the itinerary, offering a delightful culinary experience.

The tour also includes a stop at the monastery of Odigitria, where visitors can marvel at the ancient tholos tombs before returning to Heraklion.

Important Information

Visitors are reminded to bring essential items such as a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen for the ‘From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch’ tour.

It’s important to have identification, as well-fitted shoes for exploring, swimwear for enjoying the Libyan Sea, a towel for drying off, and sunscreen to protect against the sun’s rays.

Remember that lunch isn’t available for children under 2 years old on the tour. Being prepared with these items will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the day.

Customer Reviews

Explore the experiences of travelers on the ‘From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch’ tour through their insightful reviews.

1. ‘Great Cultural Experience’: One reviewer praised the informative guided tour of Phaistos and the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the site.

2. ‘Scenic Lunch Spot’: Many visitors enjoyed the traditional lunch by the sea, highlighting the picturesque views over the bay as a highlight of the tour.

3. ‘Disappointed by Group Size’: Some guests expressed disappointment at the larger group size than expected, impacting the personalized experience advertised.

4. ‘Professional Guide and Driver’: Despite some concerns, reviewers commended the excellence of the tour guide and the safe driving skills of the bus driver, ensuring a smooth journey throughout the day.

Price and Inclusions

Travelers on the ‘From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch’ tour can embark on this full-day experience starting from £64.73 per person, inclusive of various amenities and activities. The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed tour guide, entrance fee to Phaistos, an audio guide, a delicious lunch, and drinks.

This comprehensive package ensures convenience and a stress-free exploration of South Crete’s highlights. With the cost of the tour, visitors gain access to historical insights, culinary delights, and breathtaking views of the Ida Mountains and the Libyan Sea. The inclusion of lunch by the sea adds a delightful culinary experience to the day’s adventures, making it a well-rounded and value-for-money excursion.

Features

Embark on the ‘From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch’ tour to discover an array of exciting features enhancing your exploration of South Crete’s captivating sites and experiences.

• Free Cancellation: Enjoy the flexibility of canceling up to 24 hours in advance.

• Live Tour Guide (German): Benefit from a knowledgeable guide providing insights in German.

• Audio Guide Included (German): Dive deeper into the history and culture with the audio guide.

• Convenient Pickup: Start your adventure stress-free with a hotel pickup, making the journey seamless.

These features ensure a well-rounded and immersive experience, allowing you to explore the wonders of South Crete without any logistical worries.

Directions

For visitors planning to explore the ‘South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch’ tour, clear directions to the key destinations ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Starting from Heraklion, travelers will head south towards Phaistos, where the ancient ruins await exploration. From there, the journey continues to the picturesque village of Matala, known for its cliffside caves and the inviting waters of the Libyan Sea for a refreshing swim.

Lunch will be served with stunning views over the bay, offering a moment of relaxation and indulgence. The final stop on the itinerary is the monastery of Odigitria, where visitors can marvel at the tholos tombs before heading back to Heraklion.

Following these directions will guarantee a memorable day filled with history, natural beauty, and cultural insights.

Common questions

Are Entrance Fees to Phaistos and the Monastery of Odigitria Included in the Tour Price?

Entrance fees to Phaistos and the monastery of Odigitria are included in the tour price. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of these historical sites without worrying about additional fees, enhancing their experience in South Crete.

Is Transportation to and From the Tour Starting Point in Heraklion Provided?

Yes, transportation to and from the tour starting point in Heraklion is included. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off as part of the package, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience throughout the day.

Are There Vegetarian or Vegan Meal Options Available for Lunch?

Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available for lunch on the tour. Participants can enjoy a traditional meal by the sea catered to their dietary preferences. The tour ensures a satisfying culinary experience for all guests.

Is Snorkeling Equipment Provided for Swimming in the Libyan Sea?

Snorkeling equipment is not provided for swimming in the Libyan Sea. Visitors should bring their own gear for this activity. It’s recommended to pack snorkels, masks, and fins to fully enjoy the underwater experience.

Can Children Under 2 Years Old Still Join the Tour Without the Lunch Option?

Children under 2 years old can still join the tour without the lunch option. They need to be accompanied by an adult, and it’s advised to pack snacks for the little ones. This allows families with young children to enjoy the experience together.

Last Words

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the historic wonders of Crete with the ‘From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala With Lunch’ tour.

From ancient ruins to breathtaking views, this excursion offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

With affordable pricing, inclusive features, and positive customer reviews, this 8-hour adventure is a must-do for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of South Crete.