LASITHI - KNOSSOS
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Duration9 hours
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Group sizeUp to 62 guests
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LanguagesEnglish, German, French, Polish
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ConfirmationInstant
Highlights
- Visit the Monastery of Panagia Kera Kardiotissa
- Cross the Lasithi Plateau with its villages and windmills
- Choose between the Greek Mythology Park (wine and olive oil tasting) or the Cave of Zeus
- Watch a traditional potter at work
- Guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, centre of the Minoan civilization
What's included
- Transportation by modern, air-conditioned coach
- Licensed local guide in English, German, French or Polish (subject to availability)
- Entrance to the Greek Mythology Park (7€ value)
- Audio "Whispers" headset at the Palace of Knossos (2€ value)
Not included
- Kera Monastery entrance fee: 2€
- Cave of Zeus entrance fee: 15€ (optional, instead of the Mythology Park)
- Knossos Palace entrance fee: 20€
- Lunch, tips and personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned as included
About this experience
Description
Mountain scenery, living tradition and the greatest archaeological site of Crete in a single day. The scenic drive towards the heart of the island first stops at the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and still run by nuns. Locals call it "Little Lourdes" and many come here on pilgrimage.
The road then climbs to the Lasithi Plateau, a cool and fertile plain, possibly the crater of an ancient volcano, dotted with small villages and once famous for its thousands of windmills. Here you visit the Greek Mythology Park to learn about the myths and civilization of the ancient Greeks and to taste local wine and olive oil. Alternatively, instead of the park, you may visit the Dikteon Cave, the legendary birthplace of Zeus (entrance fee not included). Please note there is not enough time for both.
While crossing the plateau villages you stop at a traditional pottery workshop, a craft with more than 8,000 years of history, and then enjoy the sweeping views over the Pediada plain, with a short stop to taste local products. Lunch is optional at a village taverna.
The day ends at the Palace of Knossos. Your guide takes you 5,000 years back to the Minoans, the oldest civilization in Europe, through a site of 22,000 m² that once had five floors and 1,300 rooms, and brings to life the legend of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur.
Programme
- Pick-up from your nearest pick-up point
- Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
- Psychro village: Greek Mythology Park or Cave of Zeus (your choice)
- Traditional pottery workshop
- Optional lunch stop in a village of the plateau (or optional visit to the Lasithi windmills, extra charge on the spot)
- Palace of Knossos – guided tour
- Return, arriving approximately 17:30 – 18:30
Type of excursion: Full-Day / Culture – History – Greek Mythology
Duration: approximately 9 hours
Should take: Comfortable closed walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, camera, cash for entrance fees and extra expenses.
Children: 0 – 2 years free of charge, 3 – 9 years 50% discount.
Good to know: The route includes winding mountain roads, so it is not recommended for guests prone to travel sickness or with mobility difficulties. High-heeled shoes, pets, non-folding strollers and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Travel agency is not responsible for weather conditions and road traffic.
Pick Up Points & Times
Pick-up is available only from the points listed below. If your hotel is not on the list, please make your way to the nearest pick-up point a few minutes before the scheduled time.
- 07:00 – Agia Pelagia
- 07:10 – Lygaria
- 07:25 – Vanisko
- 07:25 – Shell
- 07:25 – Neptuno
- 07:25 – Candia Maris
- 07:25 – Creta Beach
- 07:25 – Agapi Beach
- 07:25 – Santa Marina
- 07:25 – Marirena
- 07:25 – Roxani
- 07:25 – Dolphin Bay
- 07:25 – Apollonia
- 07:25 – Akti Zeus
- 07:35 – Kykliko Koyle
- 07:50 – Minoan Palace
- 07:50 – Karteros Hotel
- 08:00 – Rinella Beach
- 08:00 – Themis Beach
- 08:00 – Hatzis Bus Stop
- 08:00 – Arina Sand
- 08:05 – Gournes Church
- 08:10 – Amirandes
- 08:10 – Iraklis Apts
- 08:10 – Island Beach Rd
- 08:10 – Diogenis
- 08:10 – Gouves Church
- 08:10 – Aphrodite Corner
- 08:10 – Marina Beach Road
- 08:10 – Gouves Water Park
- 08:10 – Lavris Hotel
- 08:10 – Kyvelia Bus Stop
- 08:20 – Analipsi Bus Stop
- 08:25 – Zorbas Village
- 08:25 – Anissa Bch
- 08:25 – Serita Beach
- 08:25 – Lyttos Bus Stop
- 08:25 – Caldera Corner
- 08:25 – Filoxenia/Elizium
- 08:25 – Golden Star
- 08:25 – Stella Village
- 08:25 – Europa Beach
- 08:30 – Manolis S/M / Galini
- 08:30 – Oceanis
- 08:30 – Laguna
- 08:30 – Lassithi Cross
- 08:35 – Village Heights
- 08:35 – Hersonissos Village
- 08:35 – Royal Mare
- 08:35 – Chrissi Ammoudia
- 08:40 – Albatros
- 08:40 – Creta Maris
- 08:45 – Pigadi Piscopiano
- 08:50 – Sunshine Village
- 08:50 – Belvedere Bus Stop
- 08:50 – Esperides
- 08:50 – Silva Beach
- 08:50 – Pela Maria
- 08:50 – Peiraios Bank
- 08:50 – National Bank
- 08:50 – Halkiadakis S/M
- 08:55 – Mochos Cross
- 08:55 – Stalis Bus Stop
- 08:55 – Blue Sea
- 08:55 – Nana Beach
- 08:55 – Arminda
- 08:55 – Mediterraneo
- 09:05 – Alexander Beach
- 09:05 – Cactus Royal
- 09:05 – I-Resort
- 09:15 – Malia Church
- 09:15 – Philipidis Super Market
- 09:15 – Triton Garden
- 09:15 – Malia Bay
- 09:15 – Carolina Mare
- 09:15 – Sirens Beach Entrance
- 09:15 – Mc Donald's
- 09:15 – Meropi
- 09:15 – Ikaros Beach
- 09:25 – Sissi Parking
Good to know
How do I book?
Pick your date and passengers, and pay online. You'll have a confirmation email and mobile ticket within minutes — no account needed.
Can I change my date?
Yes — email or call us and we'll move it for you.
Do I need cash on the day?
The booking is paid in full at checkout. Depending on the experience you may still want some cash on hand for site entrance fees, food and drinks, or to tip your guide or driver. Anything not included in the price is listed above.
Do I need to print anything?
No. Just show the confirmation email on your phone — that's your ticket.
Who do I contact on the day?
A direct number for your guide / driver is on your confirmation email — call them if anything changes. For anything else, contact us.
