Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Land of Zeus, Villages, Olive Oil Tour

Crete’s ancient wonders and vibrant local culture come alive on the "Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Land of Zeus, Villages, Olive Oil Tour." Explore the legendary Knossos Palace, immerse in the picturesque Lassithi Plateau, and savor exquisite olive oil tastings. With knowledgeable guides and luxury transportation, this tour promises personalized insights into the island’s captivating heritage. Uncover the secrets that lure travelers to this enchanting Greek destination.

Key Points

• Comprehensive tour blending culture, gastronomy, and history with visits to Knossos Palace, Lassithi Plateau, and Kera Kardiotissa Monastery.
• Private or small-group experience with door-to-door transfers in a luxury vehicle, bottled water, coffee, and optional lunch.
• Knowledgeable local guide, entrance fee to Knossos Palace, and pricing starting at $95.97 per person.
• Pickup locations throughout the Heraklion region, with additional cost for Rethymno or Chania.
• Positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides, unique experiences, and comfort of vehicles.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This tour offers a comprehensive experience blending culture, gastronomy, and history.

Highlights include visits to the iconic Knossos Palace, the serene Lassithi Plateau, and the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery.

With 205 excellent reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is 100% recommended by travelers.

It’s available as a small-group or private experience, ensuring a personalized journey.

Guests will enjoy door-to-door transfers in a luxury vehicle with Wi-Fi, allowing them to sit back and enjoy the rich history and stunning landscapes of Crete.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes transport by a luxury air-conditioned minivan, with pickup and drop-off from the hotel, harbor, or other designated meeting points.

Luxury air-conditioned minivan transportation with pickup and drop-off at hotel, harbor, or other designated meeting points.

Bottled water, coffee, and an optional lunch are provided. A private, knowledgeable local guide is included.

The entrance fee to Knossos Palace is 15€, with discounts for certain groups. Guests can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience for free.

Pricing starts at $95.97 per person, with variation based on group size. The tour offers excellent value, with comprehensive inclusions to ensure a seamless and memorable Cretan experience.

Pickup Details and Locations

Pickup points for the tour include Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda (for private tours), as well as locations throughout the Heraklion region for shared tours.

For guests in Rethymno or Chania, pickup can be arranged but at an additional cost.

Cruise passengers have specific pickup arrangements. Meeting points outside the listed zones can also be arranged.

The tour provides the convenience of door-to-door transfers, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Tour Experience and Reviews

Travelers express satisfaction with the knowledgeable and courteous guides on this tour.

Highlights include visits to the iconic Knossos Palace, olive oil production facilities, and charming local villages. Guests enjoy unique experiences like tasting fresh olive oil and local Greek yogurt, which provide an immersive glimpse into the region’s culinary traditions.

Positive feedback emphasizes the blend of history, culture, and local insights provided throughout the experience. Travelers also appreciate the comfort and cleanliness of the vehicles, which enhance the overall enjoyment of the tour.

The memorable experiences and hospitable local interactions make this a standout tour.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, allowing most travelers to participate.

Infant seats are available for those with young children. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour is private, only including your group.

While the guides provide personal touches that enhance the local experience, the tour’s highlights focus on the region’s rich history, culture, and gastronomy.

The tour’s highlights focus on the region’s rich history, culture, and gastronomy, with guides enhancing the local experience.

Guests frequently report memorable experiences that showcase the area’s hospitality and local charm, truly immersing them in the land of Zeus.

• Stroller accessible
• Infant seats available
• Private tour for your group
• Guides enhance local experience

Exploring the Lassithi Plateau

On the tour, visitors explore the captivating Lassithi Plateau, a region renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance.

Nestled amidst the Dikti Mountains, the plateau boasts a network of traditional villages, windmills, and cave dwellings.

Travelers witness the production of olive oil, a cornerstone of the local economy, and visit the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, an architectural gem.

The guide shares insights into the region’s mythological connection to the ancient Greek god Zeus, whose birth cave is located in the area.

This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Crete.

Discovering the Knossos Palace

The centerpiece of the tour is undoubtedly the remarkable Knossos Palace, a sprawling archaeological site that once served as the administrative and cultural heart of the Minoan civilization.

The remarkable Knossos Palace, a sprawling archaeological site, was once the administrative and cultural heart of the Minoan civilization.

Visitors can explore the intricate network of rooms, courtyards, and frescoes that offer a glimpse into the sophistication of this ancient society.

The tour highlights include:

• Viewing the iconic bull-leaping frescoes
• Discovering the layout of the palace’s complex drainage system
• Wandering through the labyrinth-like structure that inspired the myth of the Minotaur
• Gaining insights from the knowledgeable local guide on the palace’s history and significance.

Visiting the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

What makes the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery a must-visit destination on this tour? The 14th-century Greek Orthodox monastery offers a glimpse into Crete’s rich religious heritage.

Nestled among olive groves, the serene setting provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling Knossos Palace. Visitors can explore the historic church, admire the ornate iconostasis, and learn about the monastery’s significance.

The knowledgeable guide shares insights about the building’s architecture and the important role it played in the island’s spiritual life.

Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the tranquil atmosphere and stunning mountain backdrop during this enriching stop on the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement. Infants can participate, and child car seats are available. Most travelers of all ages can comfortably join the experience, making it accessible for families.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour is designed for the comfort and enjoyment of all passengers, and bringing pets could disrupt the experience. Guests are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.

Is Photography Allowed at the Sites Visited?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited on the tour, though there may be some restrictions. Guests should check with their guide for guidance on appropriate photography at each location to ensure they have an enjoyable and respectful experience.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

There are no additional fees or taxes not included in the tour price. The price covers all transportation, guide services, entrance fees, and other inclusions as stated in the tour details. Any optional extras like lunch would incur an additional cost.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour allows for customization. Travelers can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary to fit their preferences and interests. This flexibility ensures a personalized experience that meets the needs of each group or individual.

The Sum Up

The "Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Land of Zeus, Villages, Olive Oil Tour" promises an immersive experience that blends Crete’s ancient history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights. Travelers can explore the legendary Knossos Palace, discover the picturesque Lassithi Plateau, and savor exquisite olive oil tastings, all while enjoying personalized insights from knowledgeable local guides and comfortable transportation. This tour is a highly recommended adventure for those seeking to connect with Crete’s remarkable heritage.