Crete: Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace Tour

Explore Crete’s Ancient and Scenic Treasures on a Full-Day Tour

The Crete: Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace Tour offers a comprehensive look at some of the island’s most iconic sights in a single day. Priced at $50.82 per person, this 10-hour journey combines visits to the legendary Knossos Palace, the lush Lasithi Plateau, and historic villages like Psychro and Tzermiado. The tour departs from multiple pickup points across the northern coast, including Heraklion, Malia, and Kato Gouves, making it accessible for many travelers.

The tour is ideal for those who want to see Crete’s archaeological marvels and scenic landscapes with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport. While the itinerary is packed and involves some walking, it offers great value for exploring both ancient history and natural beauty. A key consideration is the tour’s multi-language format, which may slow down explanations but ensures accessibility for international visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Visit the ancient Palace of Knossos and learn about the Minoan civilization with an expert guide.
• Discover the scenic Lasithi Plateau, a highland plain surrounded by mountains and dotted with windmills.
• Explore the historic Kera Monastery, home to a revered 1400s icon of the Virgin Mary.
• Enjoy a visit to Psychro Village, known for its beautiful ceramics and proximity to the Dikteon Cave.
• Travel comfortably in air-conditioned buses with a professional driver and multilingual guides.
• Includes free pickup service from key locations between Agia Pelagia and Malia.

Visiting the Palace of Knossos: Crete’s Minoan Heart

The Palace of Knossos is the tour’s highlight for history enthusiasts. As the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, it once served as the political and ceremonial center of the Minoan civilization. During the guided walk, you’ll explore the ruins and hear stories about King Minos, the Minotaur, and the legendary Labyrinth.

Your visit lasts approximately 110 minutes, providing enough time to absorb the site’s significance and marvel at the reconstructed sections. The guided tour helps clarify the complex layout and the stories behind the ancient walls, making it accessible for all levels of interest.

Exploring the Lasithi Plateau’s Natural Beauty and Windmills

The Lasithi Plateau lies at 850 meters above sea level and presents a striking landscape of rolling hills, lush mountains, and traditional windmills. This highland plain features eighteen charming towns and offers scenic views that showcase Crete’s rural charm.

A highlight is the view of the Dikteon Cave, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. The scenery is complemented by the complex Venetian ditch system that historically drained the plateau and the windmills that still stand today. The visit to this area provides a taste of authentic Cretan life and landscape.

Visiting the Kera Monastery and Psychro Village

The Kera Monastery, run by nuns, guards a treasured icon of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 1400s. Visitors can admire the stunning paintings and icons housed there, gaining insight into religious traditions on the island.

Next, the tour takes you to Psychro Village, famous for its ceramics workshop. Here, artisans craft beautiful, handmade pottery, leaving a lasting impression. Psychro is also home to the Dikteon Cave, where stalactites and stalagmites create a mesmerizing underground landscape and where Zeus is said to have been born.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authentic Cretan Towns and Local Flavors

Tzermiado serves as the tour’s charming stop for a lunch break. This small town offers an opportunity to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and soak in the rustic atmosphere. You’ll find old architecture, natural scenery, and a peaceful vibe that captures the essence of rural Crete.

The tour schedule allows 70 minutes for breaks, sightseeing, shopping, and sampling local snacks. It’s a chance to experience authentic Cretan hospitality away from busy tourist spots.

Practical Details: Transportation and Guides

The entire trip is conducted in air-conditioned, luxurious buses with a professional driver at the wheel. The guides speak German, English, and French, ensuring clear explanations in multiple languages. While the multi-language format is appreciated for accessibility, it may mean some explanations are brief or delivered in segments, as noted in reviews.

The tour includes free pickup and drop-off from key locations between Agia Pelagia and Malia, making it convenient even for those staying outside the main cities. Timing is flexible with starting times, but it’s a full-day commitment.

Physical Considerations and What to Bring

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, water, and cash for optional purchases. The trip involves some walking uphill, including a 300-meter ascent to the Dikteon Cave, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

The tour is not suitable for those who prefer minimal walking or have mobility limitations. It’s designed for active visitors eager to explore both outdoor landscapes and archaeological sites.

Value for Money and Additional Costs

For $50.82, the tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines history, scenery, and local culture. Included in the price are professional guides, transport, and liability insurance. Extras such as entrance fees to the Cave of Zeus ($6), Knossos Palace ($15), and the Kera Monastery ($2) are payable separately, with discounts available for some.

This structure makes it a flexible choice for travelers who want a guided experience but also wish to budget for entrance fees.

Limitations and Considerations

One potential downside is the tour’s three-language format, which might slow explanations or limit detailed storytelling. Travelers seeking in-depth historical narration in one language may find the pacing challenging.

Plus, the itinerary is quite full, requiring a good level of stamina for walking and standing. The scenery and sites are worth the effort, but those with limited mobility should consider their comfort level.

Crete’s Scenic and Historic Highlights in One Day

This tour provides an excellent overview of Crete’s diverse attractions, blending ancient ruins, mythological sites, and stunning landscapes. It’s suitable for visitors who want to experience key sights without the hassle of arranging multiple visits independently.

The combination of archaeological exploration and scenic drives ensures a varied day that captures both Crete’s history and natural beauty. The professional guides and comfortable transportation add to the overall ease of the experience.

While the tour is packed and involves some walking, its affordability and variety make it a compelling choice for those eager to see Crete’s highlights in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entrance fees?
Yes, but some sites like the Cave of Zeus, Knossos Palace, and Kera Monastery require separate entrance payments, payable on-site.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak German, English, and French, providing explanations in these languages.

How long is the visit to Knossos Palace?
The guided tour at Knossos lasts about 110 minutes, giving enough time to explore the site and learn its history.

Is there any physical activity involved?
Yes, the tour involves walking about 300 meters uphill to access the Dikteon Cave and exploring ruins, so moderate mobility is recommended.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, water, and cash for optional purchases and entrance fees.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby