Private Guided Tour to Knossos Palace, Lassithi Plateau Zeus Cave

Crete is an island full of treasures, you need a lifetime to discover. This is going to be a very busy day and very excited. With the help of our Experienced Professional Licensed Tourist Guide, who will be with you during the whole tour. you take a good taste of Crete. We visit many different places. You will get in touch with the Cretan History, the famous Cretan Hospitality, the Culture, the Cretan Cuisine, the base of the Mediterranean Diet. This tour is very flexible, being a Strictly Private Tour. When we start the tour we discuss with the travellers whre to stop and how much time to spend on each place according to their interests. With this tour you take back home nice feelings, beautiful impressions for a lifetime and you look forward to come back This tour is suitable for visitors from the cruise ships also.

1. 1

   The Palace of Knossos

   2 hours

   THE MAGNIFICENT PALACE OF COLOURS Wander in the footsteps of the Minoans, Knossos Palace the oldest and most important monument on Crete, Greece and whole Europe. The building of the palace sets the pattern of organization in Crete, and Greece too. It implies a peaceful period of great wealth and prosperity and concentration of authorities both political and religious for first time. It was the center of administration of the entire island during Minoan times. Its position is such that allowed unprecedented growth and prosperity as witnessed by the plethora of storage magazines, workshops, and wall paintings. The elegant wall frescoes which decorated the halls speak of people who approached the subtleties of life and the splendor of nature with a joyous disposition. The palace radiates with joyous exuberance through the elaborate architectural planes and volumes that were clustered around the central courtyard. Our guide will make this visit an unforgetable experience.

2. 2

   Mochos

   30 min

   Going to the village of Mochos we see another face of Crete, the traditional villages. At this traditional village we stay for approximately 30 minutes to have a Greek coffee at a traditional kafenion and admire the old Venetian architecture while wandering around the alleys.

3. 3

   Krasi

   10 min

   Going to our next destination we start our second leg of climbing and get in touch with another face of Crete the harsh wild mountainous nature. Krasi is another traditional village we visit. The monumental plane tree and a sign of monumental architecture the fountain are the main points of interest. We take some pictures and we continue to our next destination.

4. 4

   Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

   30 min

   Our next stop is the monastery of Kera. Why visit this Christian Orthodox monastery? To learn the history of this more than 1000 years old monastery and its association with the revolutions to free Crete from the conquerors. Also the history of the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary is fascinating.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   At the end of our climbing we arrive at the entrance of the Lassithi Plateau. We stop for pictures of the mixed view with the wild mountains, the countryside and the sea in the background. On the other side lies the Lassithi Plateau. Also we learn the history of the venetian stone built windmills, that were used to grind the wheat that was cultivated in the plateau

6. 6

   Lassithi Plateau

   Pass by

   Driving towards our next destination through the Plateau we experience another face of Crete, the fertile land in an altitude of 3000 ft, surrounded by high mountains. We learn the history of the plateau and the important role it played from the old times.

7. 7

   Dikteon Cave

   1.5 hours

   The main "Birthplace of Zeus" is the Dikteon Cave in the Lasithi Plateau. The impressive Cave of Zeus, is located above the village of Psychro in the Lassithi Plateau, at an altitude of 1025 meters. It is generally considered worth visiting for its mix of mythology, impressive stalactites, and panoramic valley views. It is a significant archaeological site and a "must-do" in Crete for many. Αfter, a roughly 15–20 minute walk, in a steep, sometimes uneven path, requiring decent fitnesss, you get to the entrace. Inside is a large, impressive cavern, often described as a "cathedral of stalactites", offering a cool, dramatic interior. The cave, spans 2200 square meters and is adequately illuminated. The paths inside are well-maintained, with a total length of 250 meters. The famous “Dictaean Cave” mentioned in mythology, is where Zeus was born and raised by the Curetes of Dicte, with the care of the goat Amalthea and the nymph Melisse.

8. 8

   Family Pitarokilis

   30 min

   Ceramics workshop. You can see the traditional way of making pottery. You can also test your skills by making your own pottery.

9. 9

   Omalia Olive Press

   30 min

   On this olive mill, you will see the machines and how olive oil is extracted today and in the past. You will learn about the different types of olive oil and you will experience the difference between olive oils.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    1.5 hours

    Lunch break at the restaurant that they cook the traditional way on wood oven. All the ingredients they use are cultivated at their own farm.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Any Health problems have to be discussed

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.