Share this tour
Offered languages
- German
- English
- French
Our first stop on the scenic route to central Crete is the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Run by nuns and known as “Little Lourdes,” it attracts pilgrims seeking spiritual relief. We then head south to the Lassithi Plateau, possibly an ancient volcanic crater, home to nearly 10,000 windmills. This cool, fertile area features traditional villages and warm hospitality.
Next, we visit the Greek Mythology Park to explore ancient Greek myths and civilization, with a tasting of local wine and olive oil. Alternatively, you may visit Dicti Cave, birthplace of Zeus (entrance fee not included).
Crossing the Plateau villages, we stop at a traditional pottery workshop showcasing 8,000 years of ceramic art. Enjoy stunning views over Pediada Plain and taste local products before lunch in a local village.
Finally, we explore the Palace of Knossos with an expert guide, discovering the 5,000-year-old Minoan civilization, the legendary labyrinth, and the Minotaur.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is available from the main road, partly from the exit of hotels from Sissi , Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Karteros(Pick-up from Heraklion City and Ammoudara is available upon request.) The activity provider will contact you 24 hours before the excursion with a detailed description of your pickup point and time. If you don’t receive the mail, please check your spam/junk folders.
Itinerary
-
1Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
After 1 hour we are ready for the first stop on the scenic route towards central Crete is the Monastery of “Kera Kardiotissa”. It is dedicated to Virgin Mary; it is run by nuns and is locally known as Little Lourdes, with people making pilgrimages to pray for relief from their sins.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2Lassithi Plateau
Then we drive south and reach the Plateau of Lassithi, which may have been the crater of an ancient volcano. It numbers nearly ten thousand windmills. The Plateau is a wonderfully cool and fertile area where you will see small towns and a very warm welcome. After the lunch break in one of the local villages in Lassithi, we will visit the Dicti Cave where Zeus, the father of Greek Gods, was born. While crossing the villages of the Plateau, we pay a short visit at a traditional potter’s factory, seeing an ancient ceramic art, which completes today more than 8.000 years of history. Leaving the Plateau we will see the views down to Pediada Plain which are truly magnificent.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
3Greek Mythology Thematic Park
Enter an old era and be enchanted by the great stories and myths greek mythology has to offer .
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
4Lassithi Plateau
A short visit to a potters work-space , learning about this ancient and local art of 5.000 years .
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5The Palace of Knossos
Last but not least after we will visit the most famous and popular of all the attractions in Crete, the Palace of Knossos. Join your expert guide on a journey back of 5000 years into myths and legends and learn secrets of the oldest civilisation in Europe, the Minoan. Enjoy a guided tour of the historical site that covers an area of 22.000m2 on 5 floors with 1.300 rooms, hear all about the legendary labyrinth and the Minotaur (the half-human monster). This day brings history and legend back to life and is a must see on any visit to Crete.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
