From Heraklion: Knossos And Lasithi Plateau Full-Day Tour

Discover Crete’s captivating past and stunning natural landscapes on this comprehensive full-day tour from Heraklion. Explore the legendary Palace of Knossos, a testament to the ancient Minoan civilization, before venturing to the serene Lasithi Plateau. Admire the iconic windmills that dot the plateau and explore the mythological significance of the Dicteon Cave. With hassle-free transportation, expert guides, and flexible cancellation options, this tour offers an enriching experience for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. But the true highlight might just surprise you once you embark on this journey…

Key Points

Fully-guided day trip from Heraklion covering Knossos, Archaeological Museum, and Lasithi Plateau for $44.48 per person with free cancellation.
Explore Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, Lasithi Plateau’s vistas, and the mythological Dicteon Cave during the 7-hour excursion.
Convenient hotel pickup and bilingual guide in English and German for a hassle-free experience.
Entrance fees included, with discounts for children and seniors; cash required for additional expenses.
Comfortable attire and preparation advised for the outdoor exploration and cooler temperatures at the Lasithi Plateau.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day bus excursion from Heraklion takes visitors to the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and the Lasithi Plateau, all for a price starting from $44.48 per person.

The tour lasts 7 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup from select locations in the Heraklion area and a bilingual guided tour in English and German.

Entrance fees to the key sites are covered, and there are discounts for children under 18 and adults over 65.

Travelers are advised to bring cash for any additional expenses and to expect an overall positive experience based on customer reviews.

Itinerary and Highlights

Where does the full-day bus excursion from Heraklion begin? The tour departs from hotels in the Heraklion area, visiting several notable sites. First, guests will see the 14th-century Kera Kardiotissa Monastery with its frescoes and miraculous icon. Next, the Lasithi Plateau offers stunning vistas of the Dikti Mountains, traditional windmills, and Venetian ditches at 850 meters above sea level. Travelers then explore the Dicteon Cave, the mythological birthplace of Zeus, before stopping in Tzermiado, the plateau’s capital, for lunch and traditional architecture.

Site	Highlights
Kera Kardiotissa Monastery	14th-century frescoes, miraculous icon
Lasithi Plateau	850m elevation, Dikti Mountains, windmills, Venetian ditches
Dicteon Cave	Mythological birthplace of Zeus, stalactites and stalagmites

Transportation and Pickup Details

Hotel pickup is included from specific locations along the Heraklion coastline.

The tour covers 15 pickup and drop-off points, including Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes, Heraklion, Ammoudara, and Agia Pelagia/Lygaria.

Pickup begins earlier than the stated starting time from the designated points near hotels. This ensures a smooth and timely start to the day’s excursion.

The bus transportation is included in the tour price, providing a hassle-free way to explore the highlights of Knossos and the Lasithi Plateau.

Guided Tour Information

The full-day tour offers a bilingual guided experience, with knowledgeable guides providing commentary in both English and German.

Guests can skip the ticket lines at the major attractions, including the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum. The tour package includes all necessary entrance fees, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

For children under 18, admission is free, and there are discounts available for adults over 65. Guests should come prepared with cash to pay the on-site fees for the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum, totaling €20.

Important Recommendations

Guests should come prepared with snacks, water, and cash for the on-site entry tickets. The total cost for the Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum tickets is €20, which must be paid in cash.

Visitors are advised to:

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection, as the tour involves extensive outdoor exploration.
Be mindful of the tour’s 7-hour duration and plan accordingly for any necessary breaks or refreshments.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, as the Lasithi Plateau’s higher elevation can mean cooler temperatures.
Familiarize themselves with the pickup and drop-off locations to ensure a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.

Free Cancellation and Refund

With the free cancellation policy, travelers can reserve their spot on the full-day tour from Heraklion with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This provides flexibility in case plans change or unexpected events arise. The reserve now and pay later option also makes booking the tour convenient without an upfront payment.

Whether travelers decide to go on the excursion or not, the free cancellation allows them to get a full refund if they cancel within the 24-hour window.

This policy ensures customers have peace of mind when booking the Knossos and Lasithi Plateau tour from Heraklion.

Reserve Now, Pay Later

Customers can reserve their spot on the full-day tour from Heraklion without having to pay upfront. This "reserve now, pay later" option allows travelers the flexibility to secure their place on the tour and pay when it’s convenient for them.

The key benefits include:

No need to pay the entire amount immediately
Ability to hold a spot before finalizing travel plans
Option to pay closer to the tour date
Worry-free booking process with the assurance of a confirmed reservation

This convenient payment method makes planning the Knossos and Lasithi Plateau excursion more accessible and stress-free for visitors to Crete.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The full-day tour from Heraklion has garnered positive feedback from travelers, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 16 reviews.

Customers have praised the tour for its value for money and reliable transportation. Many highlight the tour’s efficiency in skipping ticket lines at top attractions like the Palace of Knossos and Archaeological Museum.

Travelers also appreciate the knowledgeable bilingual guides who bring the Minoan history to life. A few reviewers mention the tour’s packed itinerary can feel a bit rushed, but most agree it’s an excellent way to see Crete’s highlights in a single day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours are available for an additional fee, allowing you to customize the itinerary and enjoy a more personalized experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Families?

Yes, there are discounts available. Children under 18 get free admission, and there are discounts for adults over 65. Though no specific student discounts are mentioned, families can save with the children’s free entry.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour does not specify any accommodations for individuals with mobility issues. The bus transport, walking at sites, and accessing attractions like the Palace of Knossos may pose challenges. Those with mobility limitations should inquire about accessibility before booking.

Can I Opt-Out of Certain Stops on the Itinerary?

Customers can opt-out of certain stops on the itinerary, but it’s best to discuss this with the tour operator in advance. They’ll aim to accommodate individual needs and preferences to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Requirements to Consider?

The tour doesn’t have any specific dietary restrictions. However, it’s recommended to bring snacks and water, as there’s a stop for lunch at Tzermiado where participants can purchase their own meal based on their dietary needs and preferences.

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Recap

This full-day tour from Heraklion offers an immersive experience exploring Crete’s ancient ruins and natural wonders. Guests can visit the iconic Palace of Knossos, marvel at the Lasithi Plateau‘s traditional windmills, and discover the mythological Dicteon Cave. With hassle-free transportation, knowledgeable guides, and flexible cancellation, it’s an excellent way to make the most of one’s time on the island.