Private tour in Heraklion Marilina P

Full Day History Tour from Heraklion

5.0

(8) reviews

-
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

Marilina P.

4.9

Guide rating

109

Reviews

Tours delivered

27 hrs

Avg. response time

My name is Marilina and I was born on the island of Crete, Greece. I am an official Licensed Tourist Guide working on Crete, Holding a PGC in Prehellenic Religion and Arts- Mythology. For almost twenty years I have been working as an official licensed guide, having guided on Crete and on other Greek islands, on mainland Greece in the most important archaeological sites, in North Greece, in Peloponnese, and in the country's most important archaeological museums. Crete and its unique archaeological sites, historic monuments, traditional villages, and picturesque towns, beautiful nature, and ancient arts have always fascinated me. The island where European culture and history started, is indeed the place where I have always enjoyed living in and sharing with my guests. The archaeological treasures of my island are so many and so closely connected with many ancient myths. I invite you to reveal and enjoy their beauty in one of my guided tours! Another big part of myself has always been dedicated to the Arts and especially the Art of movement. My huge love for Dance and expressing myself through movement, forced me from an early age to explore several forms of dance such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary Dance, Musical, Kinesiology, Dance Theater, and Contact Improvisation, Authentic Movement, Latin-American Dances, Salsa, and Argentinean Tango. I consider the Arts an undivided part of my country's culture and I suggest the experiential exploration of several Ancient Greek Arts in my itineraries such as Music, Theater, Dance, Pottery, etc through experiential workshops. One more important component in my tours is the living traditions of my island, the traditional areas of Crete. I suggest the exploration of really authentic parts of Crete where you can experience our old, time-honored customs and traditions and go deeper into authentic Cretan living. Several experiential Events of Agriculture are also embodied in my itineraries which will make your Crete experience truly memorable. If you are looking for Alternative, Artistic, Experiential, and Tailor-made ways to visit Crete based on the combination of History, Archaeology, Natural living, Tradition, and ancient Arts you are very welcome in one of my private tours! I am an official Licensed Tourist Guide, graduate of the National Guides' School of Greece, Holding a PGC in Prehellenic Religion and Arts- Mythology. I have been working as an official licensed guide for almost twenty years , having cooperated with 25 different Greek and foreign Travel Agencies in my career so far, focusing always on incoming tourism. Many of my groups have been people with specific interest on History, Archaeology, Arts and Religion such as the Archaeological Society of Australia, The Plymouth Church of Minneapolis, the Sola Vita Arts Community of Florida, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. I have also undertaken Guiding for several International Congresses and Art festivals, such as for the 15th International Medical Symposium on Crete (2012) and the 1st and 2nd Contact Improvisation festival on Crete (2011, 2012). My guiding approach is deep and detailed and at the same time exciting and fun as a lot of interactive features are embodied in my tours.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Marilina P.

Overview of your Heraklion tour

The south coast of Crete has always fascinated me. The landscape is so beautifully different, the people more relaxed and the water always tropical blue. Let me guide you in the most important Minoan Palace of South Crete, the Palace of Phaistos, the residence of the mythic brother of Minos, Radamanthis. A unique "prehistoric city" which has been barely touched by the restorations and dates back to 17. 000 B. C. On our next stop we will explore the unique Minoan Royal Villa of Ag Triada, the site were amazing artifacts were excavated such as as the famous Ag Triada Sarcophagus and the Boxing Rhyton. For our lunch break, let me take you to my favorite beach town, Matala! This is a very artistic and cute small town, also beloved by the hippies back in the 60s. Our last exploration will be of the ex Roman capital of Crete, Gortys, where the oldest Roman theater was excavated, together with the oldest codified law system of Europe among other historic and mythological sites. Let's explore magical South!

Recent Reviews

Scott D.United States
October 2025

Excellent tour. Marilina is extremely knowledgeable about Greek, Cretan and Minoan history. Great tour of Knossos, and the Museum. She was able to set a pace which allowed us to see as much of the Palace and museum as we had time for. Highly Recommended!

Cameron V.United States
May 2023

Marilina's knowledge, love, and passion for the island and it's historical sites is infectious! As she was born and raised in Heraklion, we were able to experience Crete through the eyes of a Cretian - she took us to the best bakery and was very adaptable to our interests, snack breaks, etc. Traveling to numerous sites with her was like road-tripping with a VERY knowledgeable friend! Would highly recommend!!!

Quinn J.United States
April 2022

Marilina was an amazing guide and we highly recommend her. Her knowledge and passion for the history and archeology of the sites in Crete helped bring them to life for our entire family. She ensured that our time with her was as detailed as I needed it to be as a history buff, while ensuring it remained interesting and engaging for our teenage children. Her ability to answer and elaborate on a variety of our questions throughout the day was truly impressive and helped make Crete an unforgettable day.

Thomas R.United States
March 2020

We engaged Marlina P for a full day tour out of Heraklion. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made. She is lovely and appears to know just about everything about Crete, and Grecian history. In addition to Phaistos we visited two sites that are off the beaten path, Agia Triada and Gortyn. We cannot recommend her too highly.

Garry H.Canada
June 2019

We spent a wonderful day with Marilina and her driver, she was very knowledgeable with respect to history and all the historical sites we visited. Laurie & Garry

Del D.United States
November 2016

Marilina is a sweet person and fabulous guide. Can tell she really enjoys her work. Found her to be a natural teacher with so much knowledge. She's both organized and clear as she delves into Minoan history, myth and art. Marilina has an uncanny ability to show how these 3 aspects of Minoan culture make the Minoan people who they are today. She make's the Minoans come to life. Can't wait to go back to Crete to take her Minoan folklore tour. Had such fun both learning and laughing with Marilina.

Your Heraklion tour itinerary

- Pick up in Heraklion and drive for 1, 5 Hours - Visit the Minoan Palace of Phaistos: 2 Hours Tour - Visit the Minoan Royal Villa of Ag Triada: 1, 5 Hours Tour - Lunch stop in the small town of Matala - 1 hour visit to the Ex-Roman Capital of Crete: Town of Gortys - Drive time back to Heraklion: 1 Hour

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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minivan

A modern, fully air-conditioned Mercedes Minivan with professional driver.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Phaistos, Agia Triada, Gortys
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - Your (optional) lunch cost in Matala small town, paid locally.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Heraklion, Greece

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Food And Drink
Architecture
History
Tour reference number
158637
Languages
English
German
Greek
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Herákleion best suited for?

This private tour in Herákleion is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring ancient sites. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Marilina P. for deeper insights into the history and culture of Crete. With a light activity level, it's suitable for most travellers, including families and seniors.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Herákleion 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?

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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