What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

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

How long does this tour take?

Please check the tour page for the exact duration.

Where does this tour start?

Meeting point details will be provided in your booking confirmation.

Greece

Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region

★★★⯨☆ 3.9

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Overview

Great chance to visit the highlights of the Minoan civilisation in this full day tour and learn more about Cretan traditions, enjoy panoramic views of the scenic route in the mountains and visit a fantastic natural sight in the end.
• See the main attractions of the island and learn a lot of interesting information about the customs of the local population.
• Find out how mysterious myths about the Minotaur and the real story are intricately intertwined while visiting famous KNOSSOS PALACE.
• Get the experience of traveling on the beautiful mountain routes to the delightful LASSITHI PLATEAU and marvel at the miraculous icon in one of the most revered monasteries from the locals “KERA CARDIOTISA - Our Lady of Heart” or Panagia Vidiani Monastery, a nunnery dedicated to Virgin Mary.
At the end of the tour, you will have time to dine in the traditional Cretan tavern or visit a pottery workshop.

Gallery

Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region — photo 1

Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region — photo 2

Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region — photo 3

Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region — photo 4

Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region — photo 5

What's Included

✓ Included

Pick-up from your hotel (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel)
Transfer with air-conditioned bus
Certified tour-guide

✗ Not Included

Single entrance ticket to the Knossos palace (up to 25y.o. free)
Entrance to Kardiotissa Monastery (up to 18 y.o.free)

Itinerary

Stop 1

Get the experience of traveling on the beautiful mountain routes to the delightful Plateau of Lasithi, a spectacular panoramic plain set high in the mountains in the eastern region of Crete. The Lasithi Plateau stretches 11 km (6.8 mi) in the E-W direction and 6 km (3.7 mi) in the N-S direction. It is approximately 70 km (43 mi) east from Heraklion and lies at an average altitude of 840 m. The plateau is famous for its white-sailed windmills, (more accurately, wind-pumps), made to a local design, that have been used since the early XXth century to irrigate the land.

Stop 2

Monastery of Panagia Vidiani is an Orthodox monastery founded in the mid-19th century on the Lassithi plateau, amid small villages and cypress groves on the island of Crete. The Byzantine icon of Panagia Vidiani, which gives the monastery its name, is a place of worship and pilgrimage. The monastery is a living example of monastic institutions that played an important role in Cretan history—not only as a place of worship, but also as a refuge and support center for the local population and those who fought against invaders.

Stop 3

The Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa is located 50km southeast of Heraklion, in a wooded area of North Dikti Range, next to the road leading to the Plateau of Lassithi. This is a historic monastery, after which the nearby settlements of Kera and Ano Kera Kera have been named. The beautiful stone-built church of the monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary (celebrates on September 8). The present church is built in four phases. Originally there was a single aisled temple that was later expanded with two rooms and a smaller chapel. Typical are the old frescoes of the 14th century, quite damaged by time.

Stop 4

Knossos, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city. Visit the famous Palace of Knossos, where mysterious myths about the Minotaur and the real story are intricately intertwined.

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Good to Know

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
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
If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi
After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
Monday: English, German, French
Tuesday: English, German, French, Russian
Wednesday: English, German, French
Friday: English, German, French
Saturday: English, German, French

Known For:

Full-day Tours in Crete, Bus Tours in Crete, Day Trips in Crete, Nature and Wildlife Tours in Crete, Historical Tours in Crete, Archaeology Tours in Crete, Private and Luxury in Crete, Audio Guides in Crete

Special Instructions

After clarifying the pick-up point, we will send you an additional voucher that assigns a place in a bus for you. This additional voucher (mobile or printed) will be checked at time of bus entrance.