The Messara Plain is a vast and fertile expanse in southern Crete, known for its abundant produce. This driving tour weaves through this paradise, leading you to coastal treasures, and unraveling the ancient mythology and local customs of the area. Our tour begins at the archaeological site of Gortys, where Zeus supposedly made love to Europa under an olive tree. After viewing the oldest basilica in Crete, you’ll navigate towards the famous caves of Matala, where I’ll tell you how a flood led archaeologists to discover important artifacts in this ancient site. You’ll also hear how Matala, with its beautiful sandy beach, was a hippie village – until the church and the military junta drove the newcomers out. You’ll continue to the Minoan Palace of Phaistos and its Bronze Age archaeological site, after enjoying the stunning views over Kommos and Kalamaki beach. Before the tour ends in the town of Moires, you’ll have an opportunity to enrich your insights into this island at the Museum of Cretan Ethnology in the village of Vori. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to: • Visit the memorable Church of Agioi Deka, where ten Cretan Christians were martyred for refusing to participate in the temple’s dedication to the goddess Tyche • Admire the many artifacts in the Archaeological Museum of Messara, with its broadly admired exhibition passionately created by locals • Let your senses wander at the special 'Botano' Herb Shop in Litsaros, where you can purchase a multitude of local herbs and spices • Help the monks at the Monastery of Odigitrias by visiting their museum, a place with a proud history of involvement in resistance movements • Enjoy a coffee in the unique Pitsidia square and observe the attractive mix of architectural styles while enjoying its bohemian atmosphere • Get a view of the excavations of Agia Triada, and a vantage point over the military airstrip of Tympaki At the end of this tour, you’ll be given options to independently continue your adventures to Heraklion, Rethymnon, or Chania.