Heraklion Tour the Masterpieces of Minoan Civilization

Heraklion Private Tours the Masterpieces of Minoan Civilization

Tour from Heraklion

  • Explore Knossos Archaeological Site - the heart of the Minoan kingdom, one of the most fascinating ancient cities in the world, the top archeological site of Crete  - as you enjoy the storytelling of our expert guide.
  • Get all your answers about how the olive oil is produced at the boutique organic Olive Oil Farm. We explain how an olive oil should smell and feel. Taste the season’s produce and learn how to pick the best quality olive oil OR
  • Smooth the dense, Minoan-soaked experience by tasting the local wine varieties of Crete and take a sneak peek some at some of the secrets of the winemaking at renowned, family-owned winery in the heart of Crete's winemaking region. ​
  • Catch a glimpse of a traditional village life in Archanes, named as one of the most picturesque in Crete, and enjoy a delicious lunch or the well-brewed Greek coffee in traditional kafenion.
  • God Zeus surely knew what he is doing by choosing sacred Mount Juktas as his final resting place. So did Minoans when erecting here their fist ever peak sanctuary. Learn about some of the secret, wild rituals of Minoans, while enjoying a breathtaking view over North coast of Crete and lighting a candle in a small chapel on the mountaintop.
  • Alternatively we can offer to delve through the Archaeological Museum - the world's greatest showcase of Minoan artefacts (1ha) OR to Visit the Minoan complex at Vathipetro.

This day tour comprises the highlight of Minoan civilization led by our expert guide, the best wine experience of Crete (or Olive Oil, alternatively), delicious food and panoramic view - get your camera ready!

The re-built Knossos Archaeological site was at the heart of Minoan civilisation while the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion has collected the exquisite finds and selected assortment of Minoan masterpieces from across the island.

Crete is home to wonderful wine varieties. Exotic-sounding vilana, kostifali, vidiano are only some of the Cretan indigenous grapes. Wine making in Crete can be traced down to antiquity and Cretan winemakers have managed to produce excellent, award-winning wines. On of them – the renowned family-owned winery where we will enjoy the winetasting.The lunch in a small, traditional, family-owner taverns home-grown and freshly prepared delicacies is a must and not an exception during our tours. Here is the opportunity to get the taste of truly authentic Cretan dishes.

The sacred Mount Yuchtas was the first Minoan peak sanctuary and the final resting place of the greatest God of Greek Antiquity- Zeus. Enjoy the breathtaking view over the North coast of Crete and collect your own wild herbs. Catch a glimpse of a traditional village life in Archanes - wonder its narrow pathways where a life takes place hidden from the public eye; village's main square, where the Cretans gather around the glass of raki (local spirit) and play with their komboloi, are the social centres of the island.

It is a full day tour (6 - 8 hours), either from Heraklion (about 1 ha driving time, roundtrip), Agios Nikolaos area (2.5 ha driving time, roundtrip) or Rethymno area  (2.5 ha driving time, roundtrip).

Learn the early mythology of King Minos and the Minoans, and feel the ruins of ancient cities come to life in the company of our guides - all of whom are experts. Please email us for pricing.

Book Heraklion Tour The Masterpieces of Minoan Civilization

Testimonials:

“Wonderful tour of the Villages of Crete, Greece by Joseph Batis”Joseph Batis truly showed us the secrets of Crete, Greece. We went to villages and were a part of the daily life of Crete, visited small museums with vibrant histories, had an unexpected surprise stop where we attended a greek celebration on holy spirit day..

You WILL learn secrets of Crete! How many ways can you prepare Greek Coffee? Are dark olives and green olives different varieties? Why is the sea called Aegean? You will find out these and 100's more amazing facts if you hire Secrets of Crete...

יוסי מסיורים בכרתים ויוון, הוא מדריך.... מקצוען, בעל יידע נרחב איש לבבי וסימפטי, טיילנו בשנה שעברה... היה פשוט מדהים כיף... כיף... כיף... ממליץ בחום למי שמגיע לכרתים ויוון להשתמש בשרותיו המעולים. תודה יוסי על הסיורים ,האוכל, הטברנות, היה תענוג גדול ! ! ! מאתנו: אורי אילש, אלי גנט, יגאל גרינשטיין, נטלי גרינשטיין, אור גרינשטיין

“Fantastic and memorable day with Joseph”Joseph is a pleasure to spend time with. He is educated, knowledgeable, extremely well-traveled, articulate in at least 5 languages, personable and also has a lovely sense of humor. Most importantly he has an honest love of Crete that comes through his tours.

CMWNJ, USA

"Secrets of Crete" provides a fascinating Private Tour My husband and I had the good fortune to have spent the day with Joseph Batis, who has tours exploring some of the lesser known parts of Crete, Greece. In our correspondence with him prior to the day we had available, he customized the itinerary to fit our specific requests.

Visitors from Maryland

"Great way to discover Crete off the beaten track" Joseph from Secrets of Crete organised a brilliant tour in the mountains of central Crete today, going off the beaten track to very atmospheric small roads and old villages where we saw no other tourists, only locals.

Ingrid, France

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