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Crete: Knossos Palace and Lassithi Plateau with Zeus Cave
Features
- Free cancellation available
- 12h
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Selective hotel pickup
- Multiple languages
Overview
- Enjoy a beautiful ride through the Lassithi Plateau mountains.
- Visit the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissas. And learn about the mystic icon.
- Visit the legendary Cave of Zeus (Dikteon Cave), the mythical birthplace of Zeus
- Experience a guided tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
- Learn about the history and myths of ancient Crete.
Activity location
- Heraklion
- Heraklion, Greece
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Heraklion
- Heraklion, Greece
Check availability
Tour in English, German
- 12h
- English
What's included, what's not
- Pickup service from the main road or hotel exits in Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Heraklion, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari, Ammoudara Beach, Agia Pelagia, and Lygaria.
- Transport by modern, fully air‑conditioned coach.
- Experienced, professional drivers.
- Full passenger third-party insurance by Generali.
- Guided tour of the Palace of Knossos.
- Scenic drive through the Lassithi Plateau.
- Extras during the coffee breaks
- Lunch (optional, pre‑reserved 14€): pork chop or chicken with potatoes cooked in the oven, Greek salad with feta cheese, tzatziki, bread, and one glass of wine or a non‑alcoholic drink
- Entrance fees to places of interest.
Know before you book
- Not allowed: Pets
- Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments
What you can expect
Join us on a full-day tour to explore the natural beauty, traditions, and history of Crete. This trip combines stunning landscapes, local culture, and the famous Knossos Palace, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Our first stop is the peaceful Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, where nuns still live today. Here, you can admire beautiful frescoes and the famous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to be miraculous.
We then continue to the Lasithi Plateau, located 850 metres above sea level and surrounded by the Dikti Mountains. This area is home to 18 traditional villages that still keep their authentic Cretan way of life. You will also see the well-known windmills and old Venetian irrigation channels.
Next, we visit the village of Psychro, where you can explore the famous Dicteon Cave (optional visit). Inside the cave, you will see impressive stalactites and stalagmites. According to Greek mythology, this is the birthplace of Zeus. You will also have the chance to visit a local pottery workshop and see how traditional ceramics are made.
After that, we head to Tzermiado, the main village of the plateau. Here, you can relax, enjoy the views, and have lunch at a local tavern.
The last stop is the world-famous Knossos Palace, the centre of the ancient Minoan civilisation. With a guided tour, you will learn about King Minos, the Labyrinth, and the legend of the Minotaur. This is a must-see site for anyone visiting Crete.
Tour Schedule
07:00 – 09:20: Pick-up from your hotel
09:45: Arrival at Kera Monastery
10:25: Departure
10:45: Arrival at Psychro (Dicteon Cave visit)
12:15: Departure to pottery workshop
12:40: Departure
13:00: Arrival at Tzermiado (free time for lunch)
14:15: Departure
15:30: Arrival at Knossos Palace (guided tour)
17:30: Departure
17:45 – 18:45: Return to hotels
Tour Details
Route: 140 km
Duration: 10–11 hours (depending on hotel location)
Time at each stop:
Kera Monastery: ~30 minutes
Psychro & Cave: ~1.5 hours
Pottery workshop: ~20 minutes
Tzermiado: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Knossos Palace: ~2 hours (guided tour)
Important Information:
If the Dicteon Cave is closed for maintenance, the visit will be skipped. Extra time will be added to the other stops. The cave is officially announced to reopen in May.
Extra Costs:
Kera Monastery entrance: €2
Dicteon Cave entrance: €15
Knossos Palace entrance: €20
Free entrance:
Children under 18
EU citizens up to 25 years old
EU citizens over 65 receive 50% discount (from October to May)
(Valid ID or passport required)
This tour is organised and operated directly by TOURLINE, your local provider. Booking through this page means you're reserving with the official tour operator—not a third-party reseller.
Location
Activity location
- Heraklion
- Heraklion, Greece
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Heraklion
- Heraklion, Greece