MATALA – PRIVATE TOUR TO SOUTH CRETE

Full Itinerary

You begin our Crete adventure tour with a wonderful scenic ride to the rolling hillsides of Crete’s countryside. In a tiny village, you’ll visit a courtyard of a house made famous through folklore where you sip the morning Greek coffee while hearing stories about life in 19th-century Crete by the house’s owner. As we continue our drive, you’ll see the authentic side of Crete, a side of the island that is not often visited by tourists.

Next, you’ll visit the Monastery of Arkadi, one of the island’s most famous landmarks and the most sacred symbol of Cretans’ struggle for Freedom. Explore this fortified monastery surrounded by striking natural beauty, enjoy its monumental architecture that will steal your heart and listen to revolutionary stories and numerous legends of proud-Cretan people. The time will be enough for taking a tour within its walls and admiring the refectory, the museum, an icon shop, as well as the religious edifices.

Continuing the tour, your next mission will be to discover Cretan rural life and experience local cuisine. Roll up your sleeves and participate in a hands-on cooking class in a charming traditional mountaintop village. Learn about local products and traditional cooking techniques and prepare your own Cretan-style mouthwatering lunch.

While your food is slowly cooked, explore this remote region more, having a village’s resident by your side. Discover a quaint Byzantine church from the 11th century and admire its well-preserved, outstanding mosaics and frescoes. Moreover, explore nearby nature and learn about the importance of Cretan herbs in locals’ everyday life as they still use them following centuries-old recipes, from medicine to cooking!

Then, in the heart of the Amari Valley you’ll discover an abandoned monastery, an amazing hidden gem that flourished during the medieval times but was turned into an agricultural school in the mid-20th century. Walk through the deserted rooms that were once full of life and reveal your explorer instincts!

As you are probably starving, you’ll catch our vehicle that will take you back to the village. Your lunch is well-prepared! Experience a three-course meal by tasting apart from your fresh-baked bread, other products from the family’s farm while enjoying breathtaking views to the region’s mountains.

Once you’ve filled your belly, you’ll venture for about half an hour through one of the most beautiful landscapes of Crete, a lush gorge with running waters. Capture here some of your best photos!

Before your tour comes to an end, finish your day off with some traditional Cretan sweets and raki, of course!

Don’t forget to ask your local guide for more hints and tips on how to get the best out of your trip to amazing Crete.

Language: English

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation, coffee, sweets, lunch, light dinner, fresh orange juice for children

Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide