Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi From Heraklion Region

Discover the captivating history and stunning landscapes of Crete’s Knossos Palace and Lassithi Plateau on this immersive full-day tour from Heraklion. Explore the well-preserved Minoan archaeological site, dating back over 4,000 years, and marvel at the picturesque traditional windmills and mountainous scenery of the Lassithi region. With guided insights into the ancient culture and opportunities to savor local cuisine, this excursion promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to uncover more of Crete’s enchanting heritage.

Key Points

• This full-day sightseeing tour from Heraklion showcases the highlights of Crete, including the ancient Minoan ruins of Knossos Palace and the scenic Lassithi Plateau.
• The tour includes transportation via air-conditioned coach, guided visits to Knossos Palace, Dikteon Cave, and Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, and entrance fees.
• The tour accommodates up to 150 travelers and is available in multiple languages, providing a well-rounded introduction to Crete’s cultural and natural heritage.
• Pickup service is provided from various locations in the Heraklion region, and the tour offers free time for lunch at local taverns.
• Customer reviews generally praise the tour’s highlights, knowledgeable guides, and overall historical and scenic experience, though some concerns about logistics and organization have been noted.

Tour Overview

What does this full-day sightseeing tour in Crete from Heraklion offer?

The tour highlights several of Crete’s top attractions, including the renowned Knossos Palace, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, the impressive Dikteon Cave, and the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery.

Travelers will be picked up from designated bus stops and transported in an air-conditioned coach with a certified guide.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 150 people and is available in multiple languages.

While the entrance fees to the sites are included, lunch isn’t – leaving time for guests to dine at local taverns.

With flexible cancellation policies and positive reviews, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the historical and natural wonders of Crete.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour’s highlights showcase Crete’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes.

Key sights include:

• Knossos Palace, a well-preserved Minoan archaeological site dating back over 4,000 years and offering a glimpse into the ancient civilization.

• The Lassithi Plateau, a high-altitude plain surrounded by towering mountains and known for its traditional windmills.

• The Dikteon Cave, an impressive natural wonder with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and believed to be the birthplace of the Greek god Zeus.

Together, these iconic destinations provide a well-rounded introduction to Crete’s diverse cultural and natural heritage.

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour is priced at $63.71 per person, offering a great value for the range of attractions and experiences included.

Entrance fees to the Knossos Palace, Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, and Dikteon Cave are covered. Pickup is provided from various locations, and an air-conditioned coach and certified guide are included.

The tour can accommodate up to 150 travelers, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

While lunch isn’t provided, ample free time is allotted for dining at local taverns.

Attraction Entrance Fees

Entrance fees to the key attractions on this tour are €15 for Knossos Palace, €2 for Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, and €6 for Dikteon Cave. Children under 18 can enter these sites for free.

• Explore the legendary Minoan palace of Knossos, a highlight of the tour.

• Marvel at the stunning Dikteon Cave, a sacred site in Greek mythology.

• Visit the serene Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, known for its beautiful frescoes.

Visitors are responsible for their own lunch, with free time provided to dine at a local tavern during the tour.

Pickup and Logistics

This tour offers a convenient pickup service, with collection points located up to 800 meters from hotels across a wide range of coastal areas in Crete.

The tour covers regions including Amudara, Heraklion, Karteros, and extends all the way to Palaiokastro, Pantanassa, and Linoperamata.

Pickup points are available in popular tourist hubs like Hersonissos, Malia, and Agia Pelagia.

The tour operates in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Russian, catering to a diverse audience.

While the pickup service is flexible, customers should note that longer wait times may occur, and the quality of the transportation can vary.

Tour Languages

The tour is offered in multiple languages to cater to a diverse international audience.

The languages available include:

• English
• German
• French
• Russian

The languages offered may vary by day, so it’s best to confirm the specific languages available for the tour date you’re interested in.

This multilingual approach ensures that travelers from different backgrounds can fully engage with and understand the rich cultural and historical aspects of the tour.

Tour Experience

Travelers on the Knossos Palace and Lassithi Plateau tour generally express positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and the overall experience at the historical sites.

The guided visits to Knossos Palace, Dikteon Cave, and Kera Kardiotissa Monastery are highlights, providing insights into Crete’s ancient history and culture.

However, some common issues have been noted, such as long pickup times, lower-quality buses, and concerns about the lunch experience.

Proper footwear is recommended for exploring the Dikteon Cave.

Customer Reviews

Reviews from past participants of the Knossos Palace and Lassithi Plateau tour generally indicate an overall positive experience, with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 16 reviews.

Key highlights include:

• Beautiful historical sites and scenic landscapes
• Excellent, knowledgeable tour guide
• Great value for money

However, some common critiques mention long bus travel times, organizational issues, additional costs for earphones, and concerns about the quality of the included lunch.

Travelers are also advised to wear proper footwear for the visit to Dikteon Cave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include lunch, so you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks. However, the tour guide will provide time for dining at local taverns if you’d prefer to purchase a meal during the tour.

What Should I Wear for the Dikteon Cave Visit?

For the Dikteon Cave visit, the tour recommends wearing comfortable, sturdy shoes with good traction. The cave’s uneven terrain and potential moisture require proper footwear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

Regarding photography, the tour generally allows taking pictures at all sites visited. However, some restrictions may apply inside the Dikteon Cave to prevent damage to the delicate formations. Be sure to check with the tour guide on site.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

The tour can accommodate private groups, but this requires booking a private tour option. Private tours offer more flexibility in group size and schedule, though they may come at an additional cost compared to the standard public tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour operator offers an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can add extra time to explore the sites or include additional activities for an additional cost. Contact the tour provider for more details on customization and pricing.

Sum Up

The tour of Knossos Palace and the Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion offers an immersive experience into Crete’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the ancient Minoan site, marvel at the picturesque traditional windmills, and enjoy local cuisine, all while gaining insights into the island’s heritage and natural beauty. This full-day excursion captures the essence of Crete’s cultural and scenic wonders.