Heraklion :Lasithi Plateau -Mythology Park&Knossos Palace

Discover Crete’s Ancient Sites and Scenic Landscapes in a Day

This Crete day trip costs $59 per person and lasts 7.5 hours, making it a compact yet comprehensive exploration of the island’s highlights. The tour is operated by Orange Travel and offers a well-rounded mix of history, mythology, and local culture. It starts with a pickup from numerous locations in Heraklion, including hotels, bus stops, and popular sites, making it accessible for many travelers.

The tour suits those who appreciate folklore, ancient civilizations, and scenic views. While the itinerary includes several stops, it also involves some walking and a fair amount of travel time by bus, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Slight limitations include a lack of entry to the Monastery of Kera and Knossos Palace, which are optional extras. This tour offers a solid introduction to Crete’s most famous landmarks with engaging guided experiences.

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Key Points

• Includes visits to Knossos Palace and the Mythology Park, providing insights into ancient Minoan civilization and Greek myths.
• Scenic drive through the Lassithi Plateau, with views that showcase the island’s volcanic history and windmill landscapes.
• Visit to Panagia Kera Monastery, known as Little Lourdes, with a guided tour of this religious site.
• Local tastings of olive oil and wines at scenic stops along the route.
• A stop at a traditional pottery workshop, where you can see ceramic art over 8,000 years old.
• Flexible schedule with free time for photos, shopping, and tasting local products.
• Tour includes 7 Greek Mythology Park entrance tickets and 2 guided whispers at Knossos.

Starting Point and Transportation Logistics

The tour begins with pickup from over 64 designated locations in Heraklion, ranging from hotels like the Creta Maris Beach Resort to bus stops across the city. The transportation is by modern, air-conditioned bus with experienced drivers, ensuring comfort during the roughly 1-hour drive to the first stop. This flexible pickup system helps travelers connect easily to the tour without long walks or complicated arrangements.

The bus journey continues through rural villages and scenic landscapes, setting the stage for the sightseeing ahead. The return journey lasts around 70 minutes, with drop-offs at the original pickup points, making the whole experience manageable even for those with limited time in Crete.

Visiting the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

The tour kicks off with a guided 45-minute visit to the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, dedicated to Virgin Mary. Nestled in a peaceful hillside setting, this monastery is locally called Little Lourdes and is run by nuns, making it a tranquil spot for reflection and photos. Visitors often see pilgrims praying here, emphasizing its spiritual significance.

This monastery is known for its beautiful icons and architecture, offering a glimpse into religious life in Crete. The guided tour provides context about its history and importance, making it more than just a scenic stop. The visit is brief but impactful, setting a contemplative tone for the day ahead.

Exploring the Lassithi Plateau and Windmill Fields

After the monastery, the tour heads south to the Lassithi Plateau, a fertile volcanic crater with nearly 10,000 windmills. The area is cooler than coastal Crete, offering relief from the heat and a unique landscape filled with small towns and farms. The drive itself features scenic views of the plateau’s farmland and mountains.

On arrival, travelers get about an hour of free time to walk around, take photos of the magnificent landscape, and absorb the peaceful environment. The high-altitude location is perfect for appreciating Crete’s volcanic past and the traditional windmills, which once served as water mills and energy generators.

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Visiting the Greek Mythology Park

The Greek Mythology Park is a highlight, where visitors receive a guided 1.5-hour tour to discover stories of Greek gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. The park features themed exhibits and statues, bringing ancient stories vividly to life. It’s an engaging way to learn about myths like the Minotaur and the labyrinth, making the ancient Greek civilization tangible.

Visitors can also take photos and explore the park’s exhibits at their own pace after the guided tour. It provides a fun, educational break from the landscape and archaeological sites, enriching understanding of Greek mythology’s influence on culture and art.

Tasting Olive Oil and Local Wines on the Plateau

During the stop for arts and crafts, visitors have the chance to sample regional products. The market stall offers olive oil, known for its quality, along with local wines. These tastings are included in the tour, giving a flavorful taste of Crete’s agricultural produce.

This part of the trip emphasizes local craftsmanship and culinary traditions, allowing guests to purchase souvenirs or simply enjoy fresh, authentic samples. The scenic setting enhances the tasting experience, with views over the plateau in the background.

Traditional Pottery Workshop Visit

A brief 10-minute walk from the market leads to a potters factory, where craftsmen demonstrate ancient ceramic techniques. The workshop showcases over 8,000 years of ceramic art, highlighting Crete’s long history of pottery making.

Visitors observe artisans shaping clay and firing pottery in traditional ways. This hands-on stop offers insight into Crete’s cultural heritage and the continuity of craftsmanship through millennia. It’s a small but meaningful addition to the day’s culture.

Lunch in a Local Village

Following the pottery visit, the tour stops at Estiatórion Selí Ambélou, a local eatery where regional dishes are served. Guests enjoy about 50 minutes of free time to sample local snacks and regional cuisine, or simply relax and take in the village atmosphere.

This lunch break provides a chance to experience authentic Cretan flavors in a relaxed setting, away from tourist hotspots. The regional food reflects the island’s culinary traditions, often featuring fresh vegetables, olive oil, and local cheeses.

The Majestic Palace of Knossos

The final major stop is the Palace of Knossos, the most famous archaeological site in Crete. The guided tour covers 22,000m² across 5 floors with around 1,300 rooms, all highlighting Minoan architecture and art. The guide explains legendary stories such as the labyrinth and Minotaur, bringing the ruins to life.

Visitors can walk freely through the site after the guided portion, passing by frescoes, columns, and ancient corridors. The site’s mythical significance and architectural ingenuity make it a must-see for history enthusiasts. The tour provides two whispers to better hear the guide, ensuring clarity in this large archaeological zone.

Practicalities and Tour Summary

The tour concludes with a 40-minute bus ride back to Heraklion, where guests are dropped off at their original pickup points. The entire experience combines scenic drives, cultural stops, tastings, and archaeological exploration into a well-balanced day.

Included are 7 Mythology Park tickets, guides speaking English, German, Greek, and French, and two whispers at Knossos. Extras like entry to the Monastery of Kera and Knossos Palace are not included, costing €20 and €2, respectively.

Final Thoughts on the Crete Day Trip

This tour offers a rich mix of scenery, culture, and history, making it suitable for folklore and history lovers. The balance between guided visits and free time allows some flexibility, while the focus on mythology, ancient architecture, and local traditions makes it an engaging experience.

The scenic drive through the Lassithi Plateau and stops at authentic villages add a dimension of natural beauty and culture. The guided explanations enhance understanding of Crete’s mythological and archaeological heritage, especially at Knossos.

However, the lack of entry to the Monastery of Kera and Knossos Palace might be a drawback for those eager to explore interior spaces. The walking involved and traffic delays during pickup are minor considerations for participants with limited mobility or tight schedules.

In all, this 7.5-hour Crete tour packs in key sights, local flavors, and mythological tales – a worthwhile choice for those wanting an overview of the island’s highlights without the need for multiple separate tickets or lengthy excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include entry to Knossos Palace?
No, the entry ticket to Knossos Palace is optional and costs €20.

Is transportation provided throughout the day?
Yes, travelers are transported by modern, air-conditioned bus from pickup to drop-off.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Panagia Kera Monastery, Lassithi Plateau, Greek Mythology Park, a pottery workshop, a local village for lunch, and Knossos Palace.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?
The tour involves some walking and standing, especially at the archaeological site and monastery. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours.

Are meals included?
Lunch at a local village is available with regional dishes, but it is not included in the price.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, Greek, and French.

Can I purchase local products during the tour?
Yes, olive oil and wines are available for tasting, and there are arts and crafts markets for souvenirs.

Is there free time after visiting Knossos?
Yes, after the guided tour of Knossos, there is a brief free time to explore or take photos.

How do I prepare for this tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, and some cash for additional purchases.

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