Knossos palace and Lasithi Plateau Zeus cave
ID: GYG471166-840420
Category:
Country: Greece
Duration:
08:00 hours
Description
Explore Lasithi plateau, experience the Knossos Palace and the Zeus Cave. Enjoy, learn all about olive oil production and taste the best olive oil, honey and raki and visit small picturesque villages
The tour starts, by visiting the Knossos Palace : the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan Civilization during the Bronze Age. There you will explore the stunning palace, built for King Minos and considered the oldest city in Europe and the birthplace of Western Civilization.
Leaving Knossos we will head out of town along the scenic coastal road, heading east with destination the traditional olive oil factory. There you will have the chance to learn about the process of harvesting and producing the’’ liquid gold ‘’: olive oil! You will be informed about its beneficial properties and taste its excellent flavor.
Then driving between the mountains you will admire the flora and fauna, you will see many olive trees and will visit one of the oldest plane tree in the world, in the village of Krasi. There you will have the opportunity on the paved square to take unforgettable photos and you will taste the traditional “raki” drink next to the natural springs.
On the road that leads to the Lasithi Plateau in a green area of Northern Diktis, you will pass through the historic Kera Kardiotissa Monastery.
Next destination is Plateau of Lasithi, the largest plateau in Crete, where hosted after the 1950s, the first, largest and most beautiful wind farm in the world with approximately 13000 windmills. Nowadays, unfortunately, only a few windmills remain in operation on the fertile plain surrounded by the imposing Dikti Mountains.
There you can visit the impressive cave of Zeus, the Diktaean Cave, witch is located above the village Psychro in Lassithi Plateau at an altitude of 1025m. The route to the cave is magnificent as the view to the Lassithi Plateau is breathtaking. According to the mythology Zeus was born and raised here.
We will end up in the traditional village of Mochos where in the village cafes you will mingle with the locals and feel the spirit of Crete. In the end of this tour you will be driven back to your location full of nice memories, and with a big smile!
Highlights
- Explore the oldest palace of Europe Knossos
- Enjoy the driving throught the island to next destination Lasihti Plateau
- Discover the place where the god Zeus was born
- Enjoy the local raki and honey
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The visit to the cave includes a 15-minute walk uphill plus 100 steps down into the cave and back again is the same. For visitors who do not want to visit the cave, they can enjoy a coffee at the beginning of the trail enjoying the view of the plateau.
Please wait at the entrance of your hotel or your residence 10 minutes before the pick up time.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.