Overview
Join us on a captivating journey through the ancient wonders of Crete, starting with our departure from your hotel. Our first stop will be the archaeological site of Gortyna, approximately one hour away. Gortyna, once a thriving ancient city, now stands as a testament to the island's rich history.
Next, we'll embark on a short 20-minute journey to our second stop, Phaistos. Here, amidst the picturesque Cretan landscape, you'll discover the remains of the legendary Phaistos Palace.
Our final destination is the charming coastal village of Matala, which is just a short drive away. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious meal, explore the famed Hippie Caves, and unwind on the beaches of the Libyan Sea.
What's Included
- Beach umbrellas (on request).
- Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles.
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites
- Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver.
- Pick-up/drop-off at your hotel.
- Accompaniment by a professional guide.
- Personal expenses, drinks, lunch/dinner.
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides, and escorts.
Meeting and Pickup
Private pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, villa, cruise, or any other point in the region of Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno. Pick-up time is flexible and upon your final confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Archaeological Site of Gortyna
45 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Minoan Palace of Phaistos
45 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Matala
2 hours Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Health Notice: For the safety and well-being of all participants, please inform us in advance if any member of your group has severe allergies (such as bee stings or food allergies/intolerances) or any medical/health issues that we should be aware of. Rest assured that any information provided will be treated with the utmost discretion and used solely for safety purposes. Your privacy is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
- Health Insurance: While our company is covered by Professional Liability Insurance, we strongly recommend that each participant obtain health and travel insurance before embarking on their journey to Crete. This additional coverage ensures peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Important to have: Comfortable shoes, Comfortable clothes, Sunglasses, and Hat Money for souvenirs, drinks, lunch/dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-120185P40
Traveler Photos
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
- Beach umbrellas (on request).
- Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles.
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites.
- Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver.
- Pick-up/drop-off at your hotel.
- Accompaniment by a professional guide.
- Personal expenses, drinks, lunch/dinner.
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides, and escorts.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Health Notice: For the safety and well-being of all participants, please inform us in advance if any member of your group has severe allergies (such as bee stings or food allergies/intolerances) or any medical/health issues that we should be aware of. Rest assured that any information provided will be treated with the utmost discretion and used solely for safety purposes. Your privacy is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
- Health Insurance: While our company is covered by Professional Liability Insurance, we strongly recommend that each participant obtain health and travel insurance before embarking on their journey to Crete. This additional coverage ensures peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Beach umbrellas (on request).
- Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles.
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites
- Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver.
- Pick-up/drop-off at your hotel.
- Accompaniment by a professional guide.
- Personal expenses, drinks, lunch/dinner.
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides, and escorts.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Health Notice: For the safety and well-being of all participants, please inform us in advance if any member of your group has severe allergies (such as bee stings or food allergies/intolerances) or any medical/health issues that we should be aware of. Rest assured that any information provided will be treated with the utmost discretion and used solely for safety purposes. Your privacy is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
- Health Insurance: While our company is covered by Professional Liability Insurance, we strongly recommend that each participant obtain health and travel insurance before embarking on their journey to Crete. This additional coverage ensures peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Important to have: Comfortable shoes, Comfortable clothes, Sunglasses, and Hat Money for souvenirs, drinks, lunch/dinner.
