Crete: Knossos Palace and Lassithi Plateau

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a captivating blend of ancient history and stunning natural landscapes. Travelers can explore the mythical past at the iconic Knossos Palace, believed to be the fabled labyrinth of King Minos. From there, the journey continues to the serene Lassithi Plateau, where traditional villages, windmills, and the birthplace of Zeus await. This comprehensive tour promises to immerse visitors in Crete’s vibrant culture and remarkable scenery, leaving them eager to uncover more of this enchanting Mediterranean gem.

Key Points

• The tour explores the historical and cultural highlights of Crete, including the iconic Knossos Palace and the scenic Lassithi Plateau.
• Visitors can experience traditional villages, windmills, and the Dikteon Cave, the birthplace of Zeus, during the 12-hour tour.
• The tour includes transportation, a guided visit to Knossos Palace, and a lunch stop in the village of Tzermiado.
• The tour is suitable for diverse participants, with options for French, English, and German language guides.
• The tour has an overall positive rating of 4/5 based on 60 reviews, highlighting the expertise of the guides and the enjoyable dining experiences.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 12-hour tour explores the historical and cultural highlights of Crete, including the renowned Knossos Palace and the picturesque Lassithi Plateau.

Starting from various pickup locations along the northern coast, the tour takes visitors on a journey through this enchanting island. They’ll discover traditional villages, iconic windmills, and the impressive Venetian drainage system of the Lassithi Plateau.

The tour also includes a visit to the Dikteon Cave, the mythological birthplace of Zeus, and a lunch stop in the charming town of Tzermiado.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the Lassithi Plateau, where travelers can explore traditional villages, observe the remaining windmills, and marvel at the impressive Venetian drainage system that has sustained the plateau’s agricultural riches for centuries. Next, the group will venture to the Dikteon Cave, the legendary birthplace of Zeus, accessible via a 300-meter uphill walk. Lunch is served in an authentic tavern in Tzermiado, providing a taste of local cuisine. The tour then stops at the Kera Monastery, known for its remarkable murals, where visitors can take photos and explore the grounds.

Itinerary Highlights
Lassithi Plateau	Explore traditional villages, windmills, and Venetian drainage system
Dikteon Cave	Visit the birthplace of Zeus via a 300-meter uphill walk
Tzermiado	Enjoy a 75-minute lunch break in an authentic tavern
Kera Monastery	Admire the remarkable murals and explore the grounds
Palace of Knossos	Guided tour through key areas like the Throne Room and Royal Chambers

Transportation Details

Visitors are transported in a modern, fully air-conditioned coach for the duration of the tour. The transportation arrangement is designed to prioritize the comfort and convenience of the tour attendees, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the day.

The pickup service ensures convenient access, with details provided the day before the tour. Guests are picked up from the main road outside their hotels and dropped off at the same locations, making the transportation seamless and efficient.

The comfortable coaches provide a pleasant and relaxing journey, allowing participants to sit back and enjoy the scenic landscapes of Crete.

Costs and Fees

Aside from the tour price, visitors can expect to pay separate entrance fees for key attractions like the Knossos Palace (€15), the Cave of Zeus (€6), and the Kera Monastery (€2).

While the tour price covers transportation and the guide’s services, meals aren’t included. It’s recommended to bring cash for these additional costs.

The total out-of-pocket expenses will depend on individual spending at the various sites and on lunch. However, the tour operator notes that the costs are reasonable and won’t significantly impact the overall budget.

Travelers should plan accordingly and be prepared to pay these entrance fees separately during the tour.

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Customer Experience and Reviews

Customers have largely praised the tour’s comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and seamless service, as reflected in its solid 4/5 overall rating based on 60 reviews.

The tour’s guides received an impressive 4.7/5 rating, with reviewers highlighting their expertise and passion for sharing the history and culture of Crete.

The transportation, rated 4.2/5, was commended for its modern, air-conditioned coaches and convenient pickup and drop-off locations.

The tour’s overall service and organization were praised, with ratings of 4.7/5 and 4/5 respectively.

Key customer feedback includes:

• Exceptional guide expertise and enthusiasm

• Comfortable and reliable transportation

• Flexibility with return transport compared to other companies

• Enjoyable local dining experiences

Important Information

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, cash, water, and a hat to fully enjoy the tour. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as it involves a 300-meter uphill walk to the Dikteon Cave. The tour operator will reach out with details regarding the pickup time and location the day before the tour. This ensures convenience and a smooth start to the day.

Important Details
What to Bring	Comfortable shoes, camera, cash, water, hat
Not Suitable For	Individuals with mobility impairments
Pickup Details	Tour operator will provide pickup time and location the day before
Entrance Fees	Knossos: €15, Cave of Zeus: €6, Kera Monastery: €2
Recommended	Cash for meals and entrance fees

Location and Duration

The tour takes place in Crete, Greece, and covers the iconic Knossos Palace and the scenic Lassithi Plateau. It lasts a total of 12 hours, providing ample time to explore these remarkable historical and natural attractions.

The tour covers a range of locations across the island, including:

• Knossos Palace, the legendary seat of the Minoan civilization

• Lassithi Plateau, known for its traditional villages and iconic windmills

• The Dikteon Cave, the mythical birthplace of Zeus

• The Kera Monastery, renowned for its remarkable murals

With a comprehensive itinerary and flexible transportation options, this tour offers a well-rounded experience of Crete’s most iconic sights and landmarks.

Cancellation Policy and Languages

According to the tour details, travelers can take advantage of a flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, the tour is available in multiple languages, including French, English, and German, catering to a diverse range of participants. This provides convenience and flexibility for those who may need to adjust their plans or prefer to explore the cultural highlights of Crete in their native tongue.

Whether you’re fluent in one of the offered languages or simply want to experience the tour with a knowledgeable guide, the tour’s language options ensure an enriching and accessible experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks on the Tour?

The tour allows participants to bring their own lunch or snacks. While meals are not included in the tour price, having personal provisions can provide flexibility and convenience during the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator does offer the option to extend the tour duration, though additional fees may apply. Guests interested in a longer experience can discuss this with the tour staff at the time of booking or pickup.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size, but it’s likely a small to medium-sized group. The operator provides transportation via a modern, air-conditioned coach, ensuring a comfortable experience for all participants.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Cave Visit?

For the cave visit, visitors should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight or headlamp. The tour includes a 300-meter uphill walk to the cave entrance, so appropriate footwear and lighting are recommended for the exploration.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for This Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer any discounts or special offers. However, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your plans change. The base tour price starts at €40 per person.

Recap

This comprehensive tour of Crete showcases the island’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.

Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Knossos, believed to be the mythical labyrinth, before discovering the lush Lassithi Plateau, dotted with traditional villages and windmills.

The tour also includes a visit to the birthplace of Zeus at Dikteon Cave and a delightful lunch in Tzermiado, immersing guests in Crete’s vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here: