The Lasithi V.I.P Safari with Lunch is an immersive 7-hour excursion through Crete’s stunning Lasithi Plateau. Guests embark on an off-road adventure, exploring traditional mountain villages, visiting ancient sites like the Cave of Psychro, and savoring authentic Cretan cuisine. The tour includes experienced drivers, transportation, lunch with local wines, and entrance fees to key attractions. Travelers can discover the plateau’s captivating geology, abandoned towns, and rich cultural heritage. More details about this unique safari experience and its highlights await.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Crete.
Key Points
• A 7-hour off-road excursion through the traditional mountain villages of Lasithi Plateau, with visits to the Cave of Psychro, abandoned Sfendili, and Roman aqueduct in Amariano.
• Inclusion of experienced driver, transportation, traditional Cretan cuisine lunch with wine, soft drinks, and entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites.
• Highlights include exploring the birthplace of Zeus in the Cave of Psychro, wandering through the abandoned town of Sfendili, and savoring authentic Cretan cuisine.
• Visitors can experience the geological features and mythological significance of the Cave of Psychro, as well as the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned town.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policy, with a booking now and pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Overview of the Safari
This VIP safari through the Lasithi Plateau offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s captivating landscapes and historic landmarks over the course of a 7-hour excursion.
With an experienced driver at the helm, guests will embark on an off-road adventure through traditional mountain villages, taking in breathtaking vistas along the way.
The tour includes visits to the Cave of Psychro, where Zeus was born, the abandoned town of Sfendili, and the Roman aqueduct in Amariano.
Visitors will also have the chance to savor authentic Cretan cuisine at a local restaurant and explore the Keras Monastery, a significant historical site.
This comprehensive safari promises an immersive and unforgettable experience in the heart of Crete.
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Inclusions in the Tour
The VIP Safari package includes an experienced driver to guide guests through the Lasithi Plateau, along with all transportation from the Heraklion area and the cost of fuel.
Lunch featuring traditional Cretan cuisine, including wine, soft drinks, water, and juice, is also provided.
To enhance the experience, the tour comes equipped with binoculars, two pairs per car, allowing visitors to get a closer look at the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Plus, the package covers entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites, such as the Cave of Psychro and the Roman aqueduct in Amariano.
This comprehensive tour ensures guests can fully enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of the Lasithi region.
Highlights of the Experience
Off-road driving takes guests through traditional mountain villages, providing an immersive experience of the Lasithi Plateau’s rugged landscapes.
Visitors will explore the Cave of Psychro, where Zeus was born according to Greek mythology.
The abandoned town of Sfendili offers a glimpse into the region’s past, while the Roman aqueduct in Amariano showcases the area’s architectural heritage.
Guests can then savor the flavors of traditional Cretan cuisine at a local restaurant.
The tour also includes a visit to the Keras Monastery, an important historical site that offers insights into Crete’s rich cultural and religious legacy.
This VIP safari promises an unforgettable journey through the scenic wonders and captivating history of the Lasithi Plateau.
Additional Information
Visitors must pay an entrance fee of €5 to enter the Cave of Psychro.
The safari tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years old, pregnant women, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Participants should bring their passport or ID card. This is to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort during the tour.
The off-road driving through the traditional mountain villages may be too intense for young children or those with certain health issues. The cave itself could also pose risks for these groups.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyVisiting the Cave of Psychro
During the Lasithi VIP Safari, you will venture into the Cave of Psychro, a captivating site where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus was born.
Also known as the Dikteon Cave, this ancient cavern offers a glimpse into Crete’s rich history and natural wonders. Descending into the cave’s depths, visitors will be awed by the impressive stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millennia.
The highlight of the visit is the Birthplace of Zeus, a sacred chamber where the king of the gods is believed to have taken his first breaths. With the help of knowledgeable guides, explorers will uncover the cave’s mythological significance and learn about its geological features that have captivated people for centuries.
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Exploring the Abandoned Town
As the safari winds through the traditional mountain villages, it takes participants to the once-thriving town of Sfendili, now abandoned and frozen in time. Amidst the weathered buildings and overgrown streets, the group discovers a captivating glimpse into Crete’s past, where the echoes of daily life have long since faded away.
The exploration of Sfendili offers a unique opportunity to witness the passage of time and the resilience of the human spirit. The following table provides a snapshot of the key features and historical significance of this remarkable abandoned town:
Feature | Description | Historical Significance |
---|---|---|
Architecture | Crumbling stone structures, collapsed roofs, and vegetation reclaiming the land | Reflects the traditional Cretan building styles and the gradual abandonment of the town |
Artifacts | Rusting tools, broken pottery, and neglected personal belongings | Provides insights into the daily lives and occupations of the former residents |
Narrow Streets | Winding paths and alleyways, now overgrown with vegetation | Showcase the original town layout and the challenges of transportation in the past |
Lack of Modern Infrastructure | Absence of electricity, running water, and other modern amenities | Highlights the self-sufficient nature of the town and the changes in living standards over time |
Silence | An eerie stillness pervades the abandoned town | Emphasizes the profound sense of isolation and the fading of human presence in this once-vibrant community. |
Tasting Cretan Cuisine
The safari’s culinary highlight comes at a local restaurant, where participants savor the rich flavors of traditional Cretan cuisine.
Diners are treated to a medley of mouthwatering dishes, each crafted with the freshest local ingredients. They’ll sample the renowned Dakos, a rustic salad featuring barley rusks, tomatoes, and crumbled feta.
The tender lamb with lemon-roasted potatoes is a crowd-pleaser, as is the eggplant-based dish known as Moussaka.
To complement the meal, guests sip on crisp local wines and refreshing juices. This authentic culinary experience immerses travelers in the vibrant food culture of Crete, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the island’s gastronomic heritage.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Travelers can reserve their spot on the Lasithi VIP Safari With Lunch by booking now and paying later, allowing for a hassle-free reservation process.
On top of that, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing customers with the flexibility to modify their plans if needed and receive a full refund.
This policy caters to the needs of various travelers, ensuring they can secure their desired tour date without any upfront payment.
By offering this convenient booking and cancellation option, the tour company demonstrates its commitment to customer satisfaction and a seamless booking experience.
Customers can confidently plan their Cretan adventure knowing they’ve the freedom to adjust their plans if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Also Available in Other Languages?
The tour is available in multiple languages. Customers can inquire about language options when booking their tour. The tour provider aims to accommodate different language preferences to ensure an enjoyable and informative experience for all participants.
Can We Stop and Explore the Villages Along the Way?
Yes, the safari tour allows participants to stop and explore the traditional mountain villages along the route. The experienced driver will facilitate these stops, providing ample time for visitors to wander the quaint streets and soak up the local atmosphere.
Do the Binoculars Have Prescription Lenses Available?
The binoculars included in this tour don’t have prescription lenses. However, the tour provider can accommodate guests with special vision needs by arranging for prescription binoculars upon request, subject to availability.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration cannot be extended. The tour package has a fixed duration of 7 hours and doesn’t offer options to extend it. Customers must book the tour within the specified timeframe.
Can We Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the Stops?
Yes, visitors can purchase additional souvenirs during the tour’s various stops. The tour includes time to explore local shops and browse traditional Cretan crafts and products at the sites visited along the route.
Recap
The Lasithi V.I.P Safari With Lunch offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the captivating landscapes and rich history of Crete’s Lasithi Plateau.
With experienced drivers, delicious local cuisine, and access to renowned sites, this comprehensive tour delivers a truly immersive and hassle-free experience.
Whether seeking adventure, culture, or simply a breathtaking day in nature, this VIP safari is an exceptional choice for visitors to Crete.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Safari Adventures in Crete
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