Description
Knossos Palace – Lasithi Plateau – Zeus Cave (Diktaion Andron) – Kera Monastery
This tour will give travelers the opportunity to explore many places at the Plateau of Lassithi such as the historical Cave of Zeus, the Monastery of Kera, and the traditional village of Krasi. Participants will also attend a workshop and learn more about the making of the famous Ceramics ageing back to the Minoan Civilization, as well as how local drinks (wine and raki) and olive oil are produced by the locals. The day will continue in a traditional Cretan tavern where people will enjoy a delicious lunch which will be prepared for our group. Our day will end with a guided tour at the word wide famous Archaeological Site of Knossos, the capital of ancient Minoan civilization, the first in Europe.
Pick-up’s from:
Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos (port), Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion (port), Amoudara (Gazi, Heraklion). [Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel]
Operating Days:
Every Tuesday
Languages:
English, French, German, Russian: All days
Tour includes:
✔ Air-conditioned transportation with pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel or a nearby location
✔ Professional Driver
✔ The assistance of a tour escort throughout the tour
✔ Ceramic Workshop visit
✔ Local taxes are included in the tour package to avoid any additional charges
✔ Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ to ensure your safety and security during the tour
Extra Fees (not included in the price)
Extras payable on the spot: Entrance to Knossos Site: 15€, Entrance to Zeus cave: 6€, Kera: 2€, Lunch in Traditional Tavern (optional)
Tour highlights:
• Get the most out of Lasithi Region
• Visit the Village of Krasi with its water springs and home of the biggest tree in Crete and enjoy time in nature
• Visit the Historical Monasteries of Kera & Vidiani
• Explore the birthplace of Zeus at the Dikteon Cave
• Attend a Ceramic Workshop and create your own pot
• Discover the Minoan Palace of Knossos and learn more about the most famous archaeological site in Crete
Essentials to have with you:
• Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Water
Direction:
Central Crete
Duration:
10 hours approximately – 140 Km
Overview:
Our journey starts by going towards the centre of the island, where we visit the lovely Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, which was named after a miraculous icon of Virgin Mary. In an idyllic landscape, the monastery, run currently by nuns, is known for its artistic and its historical importance, as well as its remarkable murals.
Moving on inland and driving up to the Lasithi Plateau, we have the chance to admire the remaining famous windmills, the ditches, the “linies” as they are known, the Venetian drainage system of the plateau that turned the arid area into the most important grain-growing region of Crete and of course the small traditional villages that still keep the scent of another era. The most famous of all is the village of Psychro, where we can admire the primaeval traditional art of pottery-making by the remaining craftsmen and of course we have the opportunity to visit a very significant place for religious worship of the Minoan era, the cave of Psychro, mostly known as Dictean Cave. A cave of exceptional beauty, it is considered as the place where Zeus, the father of the Olympians Gods, was born.
Our next stop is Tzermiado, a village that stands out not only for its natural beauty and its breathtaking view but also for its traditional architecture. Here we can use our cameras to immortalize the exquisite landscape, get a rest or enjoy our lunch in one of the numerous authentic taverns in the area.
It is impossible for someone to come to Crete on vacation and not visit its landmark, Knossos. For the island of Crete, Knossos has the same significance as the Acropolis for Athens. The most famous and the most impressive palace of the Minoan era, the biggest and the greatest of the decision-making centers of the Minoan Crete. Our tour in the majestic site travels us back to the past, getting us to know the Neolithic settlement, the new imposing palace, the four wings of the building with the ceremony chambers, the public warehouses, the Throne Room, the Corridor of Procession with the amazing murals, the Propylaea with the famous Double Horns of Consecration, the Royal Chambers, the servants’ dormitories, the storehouses of the palace, the various workshops, the Reservoir Basin, even a stone-built theatre. We are about to hear great myths, relating to the Palace of Knossos, such as the myth of the Labyrinth and the story of Daedalus and Icarus. We are going to walk on Sir Arthur Evans’ steps and we may feel a bit of the excitement and pride he felt when he discovered this exceptional symbol of the Minoan architecture, which even nowadays transfixes everybody with its grandeur.
Age Definition:
Adults: Over 12 years old (Full fare)
Children: 4-12 years old (50% discount)
Infants: 0-3 years old (Free of charge)
Booking Guiding Lines:
► Your Tour Language: Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date
► Your Pick-up Point: Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, on the table below
PRICING
This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, Knossos Palace, Zeus Cave, Kera Tours. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 12 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 4 and 12 years old (50% discount + extra’s if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 4 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).
PICK-UP TABLE
Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here’s a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:
Knossos Palace Lasithi Excursions pick-up list |
|
| Pick up place | Pick up time |
| Sissi | 08:45 |
| Nikos hotel – Filipidis S/M | 08:35 |
| Malia church | 08:30 |
| Malia Bay – Malia Park – Sirens | 08:35 |
| Drossia – Kernos Beach – Ikaros Village | 08:30 |
| Alexander-Ariadni | 08:25 |
| Cactus-Aktia | 08:25 |
| Mochos Cross | 08:20 |
| Stalis bus stop – Blue sea | 08:20 |
| Nana B/S – Mediterraneo | 08:15 |
| Belvedere – Eri bus stop | 08:15 |
| Silva Beach – Pela Maria | 08:10 |
| National Bank – Chalkiadakis S/M | 08:10 |
| Piscopiano well (pigadi) | 08:10 |
| Mathioudakis – Creta Maris | 08:05 |
| Hersonissos Village | 08:05 |
| Knossos Royal – Royal Mare – Annabelle | 08:00 |
| Cretan Village – Laguna – Chrissi Amoudia | 07:55 |
| Serita – Zorbas – Anissa – Bella – Lytos | 07:50 |
| Analipsi Beach Road | 07:45 |
| Analipsi Bus stop | 07:45 |
| Amirantes B/S | 07:40 |
| Gouves Beach Road | 07:40 |
| Gouves Cross – Lavris | 07:35 |
| Gournes Church | 07:30 |
| Rinela – Hatzis | 07:30 |
| Knossos beach – Arina | 07:20 |
| Karteros – Amnissos | 07:10 |
| Astoria Hotel – Galaxy Hotel | 07:00 |
| Heraklion port – old bus station roundabout (Entrance OLI) | 07:00 |
| Giofyros (Meliriton) | 06:55 |
| Amoudara | 06:50 |
LET US HELP! Please don’t hesitate to contact us, in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!
CANCELLATION
1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund!
2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.
IMPORTANT INFO
► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organizer tour operator).
► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.
► COVID-19: All passengers are required to wear masks at all times when in boats and busses or in indoor areas.
For further information or bookings please call at telephone No. (+30) 2810341560
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This excursion is eligible for the Summer 2023 Special Offer Discount!
You don’t need to do any further action! Discount will be calculated automatically, as you book…
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