Why choose this Heraklion tour ?

Great chance to visit the highlights of the Minoan civilisation in this full day tour and learn more about Cretan traditions, enjoy panoramic views of the scenic route in the mountains and visit a fantastic natural sight in the end.
• See the main attractions of the island and learn a lot of interesting information about the customs of the local population.
• Find out how mysterious myths about the Minotaur and the real story are intricately intertwined while visiting famous KNOSSOS PALACE.
• Get the experience of traveling on the beautiful mountain routes to the delightful LASSITHI PLATEAU and marvel at the miraculous icon in one of the most revered monasteries from the locals “KERA CARDIOTISA – Our Lady of Heart”.
• Descend to the bottom of the ritual DIKTAION CAVE where according to the legend the Zeus was born and enjoy the beauty of the underground lake.
At the end of the tour, you will have time to dine in the traditional Cretan tavern or visit a pottery workshop.



Make the most of your Heraklion adventure

What makes Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region a unique experience ?

Knossos, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe’s oldest city. Visit the famous Palace of Knossos, where mysterious myths about the Minotaur and the real story are intricately intertwined.

Get the experience of traveling on the beautiful mountain routes to the delightful Plateau of Lasithi, a spectacular panoramic plain set high in the mountains in the eastern region of Crete. The Lasithi Plateau stretches 11 km (6.8 mi) in the E-W direction and 6 km (3.7 mi) in the N-S direction. It is approximately 70 km (43 mi) east from Heraklion and lies at an average altitude of 840 m. The plateau is famous for its white-sailed windmills, (more accurately, wind-pumps), made to a local design, that have been used since the early XXth century to irrigate the land.

Diktaean Cave is an ancient Minoan sacred cave in Lasithi plateau in the Lasithi district of eastern Crete, one of the putative sites of the birth of Zeus. Descend the stairs into the depths of the cave, where you can see fantastic compositions of stalactite figures reflected in the mirror surface of a lake.
Visit of the cave of Zeus requires walking on the sloping path up, about 20 minutes. It may seem difficult for people with sore legs and even very small children – donkeys can be used on this section of the road (10-15 euros).

The Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa is located 50km southeast of Heraklion, in a wooded area of ​​North Dikti Range, next to the road leading to the Plateau of Lassithi. This is a historic monastery, after which the nearby settlements of Kera and Ano Kera Kera have been named.
The beautiful stone-built church of the monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary (celebrates on September 8). The present church is built in four phases. Originally there was a single aisled temple that was later expanded with two rooms and a smaller chapel. Typical are the old frescoes of the 14th century, quite damaged by time.

Tour Description & Additional Info:

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
  • Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
  • Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi
  • After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
  • Monday: English, German, French
  • Tuesday: English, German, French, Russian
  • Wednesday: English, German, French
  • Thursday: English, German, French
  • Friday: English, German, French
  • Saturday: English, German, French


Options To Choose for Your Trip:

  • Pick-up Area 1
    Add
    From Heraklion East region:: Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
    Pickup included
  • Pick-up Area 2
    Add
    From Heraklion West region:: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi
    Pickup included

Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region Inclusions:

Included with Your Ticket

  • Pick-up from your hotel (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel)
  • Transfer with air-conditioned bus
  • Certified tour-guide

Not Included

  • Single entrance ticket to the Knossos palace – 15 euro (up to 18y.o. free)
  • Entrance to Kardiotissa Monastery 2 euro (up to 18 y.o.free)
  • Entrance to the Zeus Cave – 6 euro (up to 18 y.o.free).

Trending Heraklion Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

Special Instructions:

    After clarifying the pick-up point, we will send you an additional voucher that assigns a place in a bus for you. This additional voucher (mobile or printed) will be checked at time of bus entrance.

    Please be advised..

  • This Tour is Provided by Status MLB Travel Agency.
  • Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Athens.
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This Tour is Rated 4 Stars based on 16 valid reviews on VIATOR.
  • Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
  • Maximum 10 Travelers is accepted for booking.