From Heraklion: Knossos and Lasithi Plateau Full-Day Tour

The ‘From Heraklion: Knossos and Lasithi Plateau Full-Day Tour’ offers a captivating exploration of Crete’s rich Minoan heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes. Priced at €101 per person, this comprehensive 7-hour excursion takes visitors on a journey through time, unveiling the mysteries of the iconic Palace of Knossos and the enchanting Lasithi Plateau. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide at the helm, participants can expect an immersive cultural experience, complete with visits to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and the awe-inspiring Dicteon Cave. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the island’s remarkable past and its enduring allure.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Heraklion explores the Minoan archaeological site of Knossos and the picturesque Lasithi Plateau, providing insights into Crete’s rich cultural heritage.

• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, and exploration of the iconic Palace of Knossos, a significant Minoan landmark.

• Visitors will also journey to the Lasithi Plateau, renowned for its natural beauty, and the Dicteon Cave, famous for its stalactites and mythological significance.

• The tour features a visit to the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, with its 14th-century Virgin Mary icon, and a stop in the traditional village of Tzermiado.

• The tour is priced at €101 per person, lasts 7 hours, and is conducted in English and German, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The ‘From Heraklion: Knossos and Lasithi Plateau Full-Day Tour‘ offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s historical and natural wonders, with a price tag of €101 per person and a duration of 7 hours.

Conducted in English and German, the tour provides a hassle-free experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, and allows participants to freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Visitors will explore the rich Minoan civilization at the Palace of Knossos, explore the picturesque Lasithi Plateau, and visit the Dicteon Cave, all while gaining insight from a knowledgeable, bilingual guide.

This full-day excursion promises an immersive and memorable journey through Crete’s captivating landscapes and cultural heritage.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour boasts a diverse itinerary that invites visitors to explore Crete’s rich historical sites and captivating natural wonders.

It commences with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where travelers can explore the captivating Minoan civilization. The journey then proceeds to the iconic Palace of Knossos, the center of this ancient culture, offering a glimpse into its grandeur and significance.

Along the way, the tour also stops at the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, featuring a remarkable 14th-century icon of the Virgin Mary.

Venturing into the natural realm, the tour takes visitors to the stunning Lasithi Plateau and the Dicteon Cave, renowned for its stalactites, stalagmites, and mythological significance as the birthplace of Zeus.

Historical Sites

Kicking off the tour, visitors explore the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts showcasing the captivating Minoan civilization.

Next, they venture to the iconic Palace of Knossos, the centerpiece of this ancient culture, offering a glimpse into its grandeur and historical significance.

Along the way, the tour also stops at the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, featuring a remarkable 14th-century icon of the Virgin Mary.

The historical sites on this tour provide an immersive experience into Crete’s rich past:

• Discover the architectural marvels and archaeological wonders of the Minoan Palace of Knossos.

• Uncover the treasures and artifacts preserved in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

• Appreciate the cultural and religious significance of the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery.

Natural Attractions

After exploring the captivating historical sites, the tour ventures into the natural wonders of Crete, offering visitors a chance to experience the breathtaking Lasithi Plateau and the legendary Dicteon Cave.

Situated 850 meters above sea level, the Lasithi Plateau enchants with its sweeping vistas and serene ambiance, showcasing the island’s rugged beauty.

Next, the tour takes guests to the Dicteon Cave, a natural wonder renowned for its intricate stalactites and stalagmites. This mythological site is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, adding an extra layer of wonder to the experience.

Immersing oneself in these natural attractions allows for a deeper appreciation of Crete’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

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Cultural Experience

The tour’s culture extends to the traditional village of Tzermiado, where visitors can discover the island’s time-honored architecture and natural splendor.

Local taverns offer the opportunity to savor authentic Cretan cuisine during the lunch break, providing a holistic experience of the region’s culinary heritage.

Exploring Tzermiado’s charming streets and meeting the friendly locals offers a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of Crete:

• Admiring the whitewashed buildings and cobblestone roads that exemplify the island’s distinctive architectural style

• Interacting with artisans showcasing their handcrafted goods, from pottery to textiles

• Experiencing the tranquility of the village’s natural surroundings, nestled amidst the dramatic Lasithi mountain range

Inclusions

This full-day tour from Heraklion includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from select locations, a bilingual guided experience, bus transportation, and entry fees to the key historical and natural attractions on the itinerary.

You’ll visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, explore the renowned Palace of Knossos, and stop at the historic Kera Kardiotissa Monastery.

The tour also takes you to the stunning Lasithi Plateau and the Dicteon Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

While lunch at local taverns is at your own expense, the tour covers all the necessary transportation and admission fees to ensure a hassle-free, immersive experience exploring Crete’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Important Information

When planning for the tour, guests should bring along snacks, water, and enough cash to cover the entry fees for the Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum, which total approximately €20.

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from select areas, a bilingual guided tour, bus tickets, and entrance fees to the Kera Monastery, Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, and Dicteon Cave.

However, it’s important to note:

• The pickup details may start earlier than the stated tour starting time.

• Entrance fees are free for children under 18 and discounted for adults over 65.

• Lunch at local taverns isn’t included and is at the guest’s own expense.

Customer Feedback

Based on the 14 reviews, customers have overall rated the tour 4 out of 5 stars, with high praise for the transportation (4.7/5) and solid value for money (4.3/5).

Reviewers consistently describe the tour’s content as interesting and the guides as knowledgeable, often highlighting it as a must-see experience when visiting Crete.

Visitors were impressed by the highlights like the Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, and Dicteon Cave, which provided an immersive look into Crete’s rich history and mythology.

While a few noted minor issues like pickup time, the majority of reviewers agreed the tour was an excellent way to discover the island’s ancient wonders and natural beauty in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Visit Other Sites Not Mentioned in the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary focuses on the key highlights, but travelers could potentially visit other sites not mentioned if they have additional time and transportation. However, this would likely require making separate arrangements outside the scope of the organized tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. Many travelers choose to pack snacks and water to consume during the day’s activities. This allows them to save money and have sustenance on hand as needed.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. Children under 18 are eligible for free entry to the attractions, while adults over 65 can receive discounted rates. The tour is suitable for all ages.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. Tours may typically accommodate a range of group sizes, often balancing logistics, personalized experiences, and efficient transportation. However, the specific group size for this particular tour is unclear.

Is It Possible to Customize or Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration and itinerary can’t be customized, as it’s a pre-set full-day tour. However, guests may be able to extend their time on the tour by adding optional activities or private transportation for an additional fee, subject to availability.

Recap

The ‘From Heraklion: Knossos and Lasithi Plateau Full-Day Tour’ offers an enriching exploration of Minoan history and Crete’s stunning natural landscapes.

Visitors can explore the Archaeological Museum, tour the iconic Palace of Knossos, and discover the picturesque Lasithi Plateau, all while gaining insights from a knowledgeable bilingual guide.

This comprehensive tour provides a must-see experience for those seeking to enjoy the wonders of Minoan civilization and Crete’s captivating natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: