Travelers on this excursion will get the chance to see a variety of locations on the Plateau of Lassithi. Explore the historic Cave of Zeus, the Monastery of Vidiani, and the charming village of Krasi. Then, delve into Crete's culinary heritage with a visit to an Olive Mill Farm. See how olive soap, oil, and honey are made, and enjoy a delicious (optional) meal featuring local ingredients, all while surrounded by stunning mountain views and the Aegean Sea.
Here's a rundown of what you can expect on this tour:
Zeus Cave (Dikteon Andron): This cave is a popular tourist destination due to its mythological significance. It is said to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. The cave is located on the slopes of Mount Dikti and is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. There are around 600 steps leading up to the entrance, so be prepared for a bit of a climb.
Vidiani Monastery: This 14th-century monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is located in a beautiful setting at the foot of the Lasithi Mountains.
Krasi Village: This traditional village is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and abundance of freshwater springs. The village is also home to the largest plane tree in Crete, which is said to be over 2,000 years old.
Olive Mill Farm: Here you will get to learn about the traditional process of olive oil production in Crete. You will also have the opportunity to sample some of the local olive oil and other products.
Highlights
- Improve Your Experience in the Lasithi Region
- Spend some time in nature by visiting the Village of Krasi, which has water springs and is home to the largest tree in all of Crete
- Visit the Historical Monastery of Panagia Vidiani
- Visit the Dikteon Cave, to discover where Zeus was born
- Learn the secrets of traditional olive oil production, from grove to bottle.
Included
- Transportation in Air-Conditioned bus
- Professional Driver
- Tour Guide
- All the legal taxes
- Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ
Not Included
- Cave of Zeus Entrance: 6€
- Lunch in Olive Mill Farm
Know before you go
We provide pick-up from a variety of locations, including bus stops and hotels. We will get in touch with you as soon as you make the reservation to confirm the precise location and time of the pick-up, which will be closer to the hotel you are staying in.
If required, the excursion operator retains the right to rearrange the schedule in order to better accommodate guests or ensure their safety.
If ordered by the government COVID regulation, passengers must carry and wear face masks when traveling by bus and in indoor areas.
This trip is not suitable for disabled persons.
Full Description
Morning Pick up:
In the morning, we will begin collecting the passengers from the designated pick-up locations.
The bus ride will vary based on where your hotel or apartment is located.
Bus Drive from the last pick up: approx. 50 minutes
1st stop: Psychro Cave (Cave of Zeus) – 1 hour 40 minutes stay
Discover the legendary birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods. Take a look at the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites that decorate this unusual location. The cave is associated with ancient rituals and is an intriguing natural formation.
Bus Drive: 10 minutes
2nd stop: Vidiani Monastery – 25 minutes
Our next visit is to a small male monastery at the base of Louloudaki Mountain. The monastery is dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi, which is represented by the fountain at the monastery's entrance. It was built in the 19th century by the monk Methodius Peraki, probably on the ruins of an older monastery.
Bus Drive: 15 minutes
3rd stop: Village of Krasi – 20 minutes stay
Our first destination will be this small, traditional village, which is known for its scenic setting, surrounded by lush greenery, olive groves, and vineyards. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Cretan landscape. Krasi is also home to one of the oldest and largest plane trees in Crete. This ancient tree is a prominent feature in the village square, providing shade and adding to the village's character. Enjoy your time exploring the natural surroundings of Crete!
Bus Drive: 25 minutes
4th stop: Olive Mill Farm – 2 hours stay
Immerse yourself in a guided journey through a stunning olive farm, where rolling groves meet the Aegean Sea in a breathtaking view. Learn the secrets of olive oil production, from tending the ancient trees to extracting their liquid treasure. Top it all off with a delectable lunch, featuring Crete's finest products. This is more than a tour, it's a taste of the true Cretan experience.
Bus Drive: approx. 1 hour
End of the tour – Return to resorts:
As soon as the Buses are filled with passengers, we will head back to the hotels where we met up with the people attending in the morning.
The bus ride for the return will vary based on the traffic and each person's pick-up location in the morning.
A trip to the Lasithi Plateau is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Crete. It offers a serene escape from the bustling coastal areas, providing a glimpse into the authentic Cretan way of life.
Here are some additional Tips:
- Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Cretan sun.
- Cash: While major towns accept credit cards, it's advisable to carry some cash for small establishments, markets, or rural areas.
- Jacket for the cave: The weather in Lasithi can be cooler than in other parts of Crete, so be sure to dress in layers.
- Camera: Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Start at: 07:00
Ends at: 13:00-15:00
