This tour explores the Messara Plain in the south, showcasing beautiful scenery along the way. We’ll start by visiting Gortys, one of Greece’s largest archaeological sites, with a continuous history spanning 6,000 years. Key highlights include the church of St. Titus, the Odeon, and the famous Plane Tree. Next, we’ll proceed to Phaestos, a significant center of Minoan civilization and the wealthiest ancient city in southern Crete. Inhabited from the Neolithic period through the development of the Minoan palaces in the 15th century B.C., the palace at Phaestos is renowned for its impressive architecture and is considered the finest of all Minoan palaces. Our final stop is the coastal town of Matala, famous for its beautiful sandy beach and the caves carved into the rocks. You’ll have time to swim and enjoy lunch before we return to Heraklion.