Crete package
Minoan Crete-Famous Matala Beach
2 days -1 night
Description
1st Day : Our day starts with a breakfast at Astoria Hotel & 1st visit to the archeological museum of Heraklion.The Herakleion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. It houses representative artifacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The singularly important Minoan collection contains unique examples of Minoan art, many of them true masterpieces. The Heraklion Museum is rightly considered as the museum of Minoan culture par excellence worldwide.Next Stop is the famous Beach with caves of Matala . The artificial caves in the cliff of the Matala bay were created in the Neolithic Age. Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period. In the year 220 BC. When Zeus seduced the princess Europa in the form of a white bull, he crossed the sea and brought her to the beach of Matala. There he changed into an eagle and flew her to Gortys where he had sex with her.
2nd Day : After a good breakfast at Astoria Hotel we drive south of the city of Heraklio, to the most famous Minoan palace of Knossos. The palace of Knossos was undoubtedly the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture. It appears as a maze of workrooms, living spaces, and storerooms close to a central square. An approximate graphic view of some aspects of Cretan life in the Bronze Age is provided by restorations of the palace's indoor and outdoor murals, as it is also by the decorative motifs of the pottery and the insignia on the seals and sealings.The Famous Cretan Wine & the Virgin Olive Oil will be the subject of our next stop at Minos Winery. The age-old practice of viniculture is still an integral part of Cretan life: we cordially invite you to continue your journey through fertile vineyards to the traditional village of Peza
Think of a spectacular multimedia show where Cretan history comes to life; A stately wine cellar with superb wines maturing in oak barrels; A guest hall where wines are enjoyed next to delicious plates of the local, yet renowned Mediterranean cuisine. And then, imagine all these inside a magnificent estate vineyard. This is the Minos Winery in Crete.Minos winery lies just outside the village of Peza, on the road towards the village of Myrtia, birthplace of the famous Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis. It is situated within the Arhanes vine-growing region, a district producing “Appellation d’ origine de Qualité Supérieure” wines.
The above rates include :
All legal taxes
Private Tours & Transfers as per schedule
Private Mini Bus/ or Bus
Fuel
Entrance fees to Archeological sites, Museum & Matala Caves
Wine & olive tasting fees (complimentary)
Breakfast upon arrival at Astoria Hotel
Official licensed guide
Road assistance
Accommodation at Hotel Astoria or similar hotel at same area.
The above rates do not include
Anything not mentioned above
