- Duration: 8 hours
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Description
Combine some of the most unique panoramic views, visit traditional Cretan villages and find out all about the lifestyle of local people and their daily activities. Learn about the history and the traditions of the Island, meet the locals, explore the wildlife of Crete, embrace the renowned Cretan hospitality and taste the delicious Cretan cuisine.
Our day starts from Heraklion city heading to the south coast of Crete, passing through the traditional villages of the mainland (Avgeniki, Agia Varvara, Agioi Deka, Kapariana, Plouti, Moires) and areas with dense vegetation, fresh aromas, and unique views.
Our first stop will be at a well-known and decorated winery. We will meet the owner, who will welcome us to his establishments, giving us a tour of the winery and the cellar. A wine tasting of 5 indigenous wines accompanied by traditional rusks, olive paste, rusks and 3 types of local cheeses.
The amazing route and views continue until we reach the historic monastery of “Moni Odigitrias”. The Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegian Monastery of Odigitria is located on the mountain range of the Asterousia Mountains in the south of the prefecture of Heraklion, which are the "Mount Athos" of Crete. Asterousia was the cradle of Christianity and developed in this rich monastic and ascetic tradition centered on Agiofarago and Martsalo. It was founded in the 14th century and is related to the Kallergida family to which it belonged. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete since it is mentioned in a document of the Duke of Chandakas (Heraklion) in 1393. The monastery also includes a number of hermitages and chapels with remarkable frescoes. The unique view from the Cave will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain tops of Crete with the beautiful valley.
Our third stop will be at an undisclosed location (Beach), which only locals know about and can be reached with 4X4 vehicles. Enjoy the privacy of the beach as well as the clear waters of south Crete. A quick swim will be an idea to cool off from our trip before we head to the famous Hippy Beach of Matala.
Afterward, our amazing route continues and, on the way, up to our fourth stop, which is the world's famous Matala Beach. At lunchtime, you have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the South Cretan Sea in the former fishing village of Matala. Here you can have lunch and free time to walk around and discover all about Matala as well as take a walk to the world-famous caves on the rocks of the cliff.
This Excursion is offered for the North Coast of Heraklion prefecture including cities from Agia Pelagia to Malia Village). Any other departure points can be arranged upon request.
Itinerary
Zaharioudakis Winery
Technology and knowledge in enology easily create good wine. However, when your goal is the best quality, then the winning factor is for the wine to originate from the best vineyard. That is why the Zacharioudakis family happily invested in a Cretan organically cultivated vineyard that was planted on the hill Orthi Petra in South Crete, a location that can guarantee exceptional harvests.
Moni Odigitrias
The Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegian Monastery of Odigitria is located on the mountain range of the Asterousia Mountains in the south of the prefecture of Heraklion, which constitute the "Mount Athos" of Crete. Asterousia was the cradle of Christianity and a rich monastic and ascetic tradition developed in them, centered on Agiofarago and Martsalo.
It was founded in the 14th century and is related to the Kallergida family to which it belonged. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete since it is mentioned in a document of the Ducal Archive of Chandakas (Heraklion) in 1393. The monastery also includes a number of hermitages and chapels with remarkable frescoes.
This monastery also includes its former monastic center of Agioi Eftychian, where, according to tradition, Saints Eftychios, Eftychianos and Cassiani, their brothers, were buried. The Holy brothers Parthenios and Eumenios, the owners of the Holy Monastery of Koudouma, were also brothers of the Monastery.
Vathi Beach
Vathi is a spectacular beach located 79km and 17km southwest of Heraklion and the village Sivas, respectively. Situated very close to the southernmost point of Crete, Cape Lithino, and far away from urban centers, Vathi is an ideal destination for anyone seeking the ultimate relaxation. The beach is shaped at the exit of a small gorge, surrounded by long cliffs. The circular bight of the bay conceals it from the open sea, making Vathy a natural hideout; the legend says that pirates used it as their anchorage. The well-protected beach has almost always calm waters, although the surrounding beaches can be very wavy. The only wind that causes a storm in the area is from the southwest direction.
Matala Beach
Matala is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms an enclosed bay with a nice view of the island of Paximadia. There is a beautiful sandy beach, 300m long, with fine gravel and crystal-clear deep water. Moreover, the seabed is quite rocky in some places (especially in the central part of the beach) and waves are common, due to frequent west winds. Furthermore, there is a huge cave on the north part of the beach, from the top of which some people dive. The beach is very well organized with umbrellas, toilets, showers, lifeguards, first aid, beach volley courts, snack bars, water sports, excursion boats, a camping site, etc. Around Matala, you will find many options for accommodation, entertainment, and eating. Also, a large part of the beach is covered by tamarisk trees, where you can find shade. In the evenings, the bars on the beach are full of many people, both locals, and foreigners. Especially in June, the internationally renowned Matala Festival takes place.
What's included
- Visit a Winery
- Wine Tasting
- Goods & services tax
- Hotel Pick up and drop off
- Transportation with Jeep Safari 7 seaters 4X4 SUV
What's excluded
- Food & Drinks
- Tip or gratuity
- Lunch
What do I need to bring
- Bathing Suit
- Sunglasses
- A beautiful hat
- Sun cream protection
- Light Clothing
- Beach Towel
- Pity cash for personal expenses
- A Good Mood & A smile
Important information
Don’t forget your face masks, comfortable shoes, for example, trekking shoes or sandals, camera, sun protection, etc. During spring and autumn, we advise you to bring a jacket.
The trip is not recommended to people suffering from car sickness, having mobility or kinetic or back problems, pregnant women, or for children younger than 7 years old as we don't provide baby seats, or people taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg. Alcohol consumption is not allowed to minors under the age of 18 years old. Localtrips4U reserves the right to make minor changes in the program when considered necessary, for example, in case of unfavorable weather conditions. This can be done without any prior notice.
Adventure Tips
The trip is ideal for everyone who's looking for an experience beyond the ordinary, for example, youth groups, single or couple participants, families with older children, and companies.
The trip has guided stops every 30-40 minutes, for everyone's convenience.
When meals are included, Uncharted Escapes can arrange vegetarian alternatives, but the information is required upon reservation. This also counts for any kind of food allergies, in order to find suitable alternatives if possible.
Travelers Info: COVID-19
Being always concerned about our guest's and staff's well-being and having as a priority your health and safety, we remain committed to our premium standards, fully complied with all necessary measures set by the Government. Always ready to welcome you, we act with responsibility. We stay up to date following the guidelines set by The World Health Organisation and the National Public Health Organisation. We know that your holidays with family and friends are very important to you, so we are here to make sure you can relax, enjoy and dream the way you want to.
Categories
- BUS OR MINIVAN TOUR
- DAY TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS
- SIGHTSEEING
- SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTION
- SUN AND BEACH
Guided Language
- English
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