Private tour in Heraklion Alexander Y

Ancient Palaces with Minoan Wine Routes & Iconic Matala Beach from Heraklion

5.0

(1) review

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Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Alexander Y.

4.9

Guide rating

81

Reviews

Tours delivered

13 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello, My name is Alexander. I truly love Crete and the island's unique privilege for a rich quality of living! Especially, I am inspired by the Cretan local lifestyle, unique gastronomy, authentic culture, rich history, unspoiled nature, and stunning escapes. Not to mention the vivid feeling that the sea is everywhere, even if it's not visible! Crete is a glorious island with myriads of places to explore and a plethora of things to experience. An island to discover a sense of escapism that many forget it does so well. A place to disappear for an hour, a day, or even a week, only to re-emerge with a subtle bronze to your skin and calmness of being. Since I've started my guiding profession on Crete Island (almost 25-years ago) very soon I realized that my purpose was greater. My ultimate focus is to engage my travelers with the island of Crete to a greater extent. Connect them with history, art, and most of all with the local people and their authentic Cretan lifestyle, which is deeply family-oriented and rooted in traditions. All in all, to give them access to Crete's best-kept hidden gems and pure heavens. So, why I am chasing such personalization and tailor-made approach in my private tours and shore excursions? Simply because, I feel sad when travelers are coming home with the same stories, from the same places as their friends. An absolute absence of novelty in the travel segment! We all are looking to find our own idyllic personalized way of travel. Whether it is about a honeymoon, family break, cruise journey, unique adventure, business trip, cultural immersion, LGBT traveling, or experience-hunting millennials - we always try to find a home away from home! To this day, I literally have never followed a fixed itinerary. Every tour that I have conducted is customized on the expectations and dreams of my travelers down to the tiniest detail - this is the art of tailored travel. That's the iconic tailor-made Crete! Consequently, travel for me is to live, and for this reason, the goal is to change travel, but also travel to change us! I am a professional travel planner for private tour & shore excursion services on Crete Island. For the last 25 years, I am in collaboration with ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), cruise companies, luxury travel agencies, DMCs, and tour operators. In addition, I am a co-owner and manager of a premium vehicle fleet that consists of Mercedes-Benz black vehicles - Minibus 9-seats VIP Class, Modern 6-seats Vehicle, limo 3-seats. This infrastructure gives me flexibility and confidence with my bookings by providing my travelers with the highest quality of service. All of my private tours and shore excursions are professionally organized in terms of guiding and transportation services without any restrictions.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Alexander Y.

Overview of your Heraklion tour

Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time. By the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle & my local expertise revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon. Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of allure panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Homeric Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries. In the late afternoon, tuck in the care-free bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea and unwind in the charming village irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo. To me, travel means putting fire in your soul by giving you the best stories.

Your Heraklion tour itinerary

•Journey to South-Central Crete the land of old-world splendor & spoil yourself with a bespoke service •Wander the picturesque village of Agios Myron & step in his sacred Cave where healing water still gushes from within the rock •Stroll through the archaic Palace of Gortyna famous for the Great Inscription of Gortyn that later became the Spartan Law •Wallow in the golden expanse of Messara Plain & visit a boutique winery to submerge into luxuriant Cretan wine flavors •Embrace the legendary Phaistos palace, the seat of Rhadamanthus, where Festos Disc the secret hieroglyphic script was excavated •Discover the Cretan sacred jewel of Odigitria-Agiofarango Monastery with a strong monastic tradition linked to Apostle Paul •Dive into the azure waves of the Libyan Sea & delight in scenes of spectacular sunset fading in its grandeur next to the iconic caves of Matala •Savor scrumptious seafood dishes from the fresh catch of the local fishermen by indulging in the culinary significance of South Crete

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation

- For up to 3 people, I can arrange a smaller premium vehicle. Contact me to receive a quote. - For up to 9 people, I can arrange a Mercedes-Benz minibus 9-seats. Contact me to receive a quote. Note: My transportation is managed by a reputable travel company in Crete that specializes in private & luxury transportation services with premium vehicles and professional drivers.

What's included
Other: - Personal pick-up and drop-off with a flexible start time - VIP skip-the-line accesses - Mineral water, fresh fruits, and nuts of Crete island - Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene vehicle amenities
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - Admission fees (if applicable) - Wine tasting expenses (if requested) - Gortyna guided tour (if requested)
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Layover
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
767462
Languages
Greek
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Heraklion best suited for?

This private tour in Heraklion is perfect for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of south-central Crete. It's ideal for those interested in ancient palaces, Minoan wine routes, and iconic beaches. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible. With a moderate activity level, it caters to those who enjoy a mix of exploration and relaxation.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Heraklion be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

Is this private tour in Heraklion suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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