Knossos Palace & Lassithi Plateau Zeus Cave, Villages & Monastery

Duration10h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesGerman, English, French

Group sizeUp to 49 travelers

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Moving inland toward the Lassithi Plateau, you will discover Crete’s iconic windmills, fertile fields, and traditional villages that preserve the charm of another era. In Psychro, you can watch the last craftsmen practicing the ancient art of pottery‑making, using techniques passed down through generations.

The tour continues to Tzermiado, a village known for its natural beauty, panoramic views, and authentic Cretan architecture. You will then visit the historic Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, famous for its miraculous icon and peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the mountains of Lassithi.

The final stop is the legendary Palace of Knossos. Walking in the footsteps of Sir Arthur Evans, you will explore the heart of Minoan civilization, hear the myths of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, and experience the grandeur of this ancient palace as its stories come to life.

Options

Tour in French

Pickup included

Knossos Palace and Lassithi Plateau

Pickup included

What's included

Liability insurance
Air-conditioned vehicle
Live tour guide
Experienced drivers

14 € Optional by preservation. The menu incl. pork chop or chicken and potatoes cooked in the oven, Greek Salad with Feta cheese, Tzatziki, Bread, a glass of Wine or a non-alcoholic drink
Entrance: Palace of Knossos (children up to 18 years old free)
Kera Monastery
Entrance to the Cave of Zeus

What to expect

Lassithi Plateau
2h · Admission ticket not included

Explore one of Crete’s most atmospheric mountain regions, known for its iconic windmills, fertile fields, and traditional villages. Enjoy the scenery and learn about the Venetian drainage system that shaped the plateau’s agricultural life.
Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
30m · Admission ticket not included

Visit the historic monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, famous for its miraculous icon and peaceful mountain setting.
1h 30m · Admission ticket not included

Psychro Village & Zeus Cave – 1 hour 30 minutes
Visit the village of Psychro and the legendary Zeus Cave, the mythical birthplace of Zeus. The ascent to the cave offers beautiful views over the plateau, and inside you can admire impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Entrance fee not included.
Tzermiado
1h

Tzermiado Village – 1 hour
Explore the oldest village of the Lassithi Plateau, known for its traditional stone houses, quiet streets, and beautiful mountain scenery. Tzermiado offers a peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views over the plateau, making it an ideal place for a short walk and photos. You can optionally enjoy a coffee or lunch in one of the local tavernas, where you can taste authentic Cretan dishes prepared with fresh regional ingredients. This stop gives you time to relax and experience everyday life in a genuine mountain village.
Psichro
20m

Pottery Workshop – 20 minutes
Visit a traditional pottery workshop and watch local craftsmen create handmade ceramics using techniques passed down through generations. You will have the chance to observe the full process — from shaping the clay to forming the elegant vessels that the Lassithi Plateau is known for. This short stop offers a unique glimpse into one of Crete’s oldest living traditions and allows you to appreciate the skill and artistry behind these beautiful handmade pieces.
The Palace of Knossos
2h · Admission ticket not included

Learn the history of the MInoan, the first civilisation in Europe by a guided tour

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Pickup time 07.30 a.m. from the bus stop no. 1 Vagia for hotels Neptuno, Georgias Garden, Vagias Suites

Meeting point

Pickup time is at 8.50 a.m. and meeting point for hotels Chrissi Ammoudia, Cretan Garden, Villa Malievi, Mylos Appartments

Meeting point

Pickup time is at 09.20 am and the pickup point for all hotels Aegean Sky, Aeolos Beach, Ammos Hotel, Argo Studios, Dessole, Drosia Palms, Minoa, Stelios Garden, Theodosis Apts, High Beach, Malia Beach, Malia
Mare, Golden Bay, Triton Hotel, Ilios Malia, Malia Princess, Danaides Apts, Malia
Central

Meeting point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the Fishmarket

Meeting point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the entrance to the hotel

Meeting point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the Hotel Capsis Astoria, at the bus stop

Meeting point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the entrance to the Hotel Galaxy

Meeting point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the entrance to the Historical Museum

End point

Pickup time 07.30 a.m. from the bus stop no. 1 Vagia for hotels Neptuno, Georgias Garden, Vagias Suites

End point

Pickup time is at 8.50 a.m. and meeting point for hotels Chrissi Ammoudia, Cretan Garden, Villa Malievi, Mylos Appartments

End point

Pickup time is at 09.20 am and the pickup point for all hotels Aegean Sky, Aeolos Beach, Ammos Hotel, Argo Studios, Dessole, Drosia Palms, Minoa, Stelios Garden, Theodosis Apts, High Beach, Malia Beach, Malia
Mare, Golden Bay, Triton Hotel, Ilios Malia, Malia Princess, Danaides Apts, Malia
Central

End point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the Fishmarket

End point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the entrance to the hotel

End point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the Hotel Capsis Astoria, at the bus stop

End point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the entrance to the Hotel Galaxy

End point

Pickup time is at 7.45 am on the main road, in front of the entrance to the Historical Museum

Pickup details

Pick-up and drop-off are provided from the main road or designated hotel exits in the areas of Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Heraklion, Ammoudara, and Agia Pelagia. Please mention your place of stay when booking so we can confirm the nearest available pickup point.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

3.6 (7)