Nestled within the captivating Dikti mountain range, the Lasithi Plateau offers visitors a unique glimpse into Crete’s enchanting rural charm. This private guided tour promises an immersive experience, where travelers can explore charming villages, uncover local traditions, and savor the region’s renowned wines and raki. With an experienced driver-guide providing insightful commentary, guests will explore the agricultural practices that have sustained this picturesque landscape for generations. But the true highlight of the day may just be the opportunity to indulge in a delightful wine tasting, where the flavors of Crete come alive in every sip.
Key Points
- Explore the charming traditional villages of Lasithi Plateau with a private guided tour, showcasing Crete’s rural heartland and rich cultural heritage.
- Experience a private wine tasting at a local winery, sampling Cretan wines and raki to immerse in the region’s distinct gastronomic offerings.
- Enjoy seamless transportation in a private Mercedes Benz van with an English-speaking driver guide, who provides insights and commentary throughout the tour.
- Customize the tour to include additional sights or experiences tailored to your interests, such as an olive oil tasting or hands-on cooking demonstration.
- Benefit from hassle-free logistics, including complimentary refreshments and flexible booking options to ensure a memorable and convenient tour experience.
Tour Overview
What does this private guided tour to the Lasithi Plateau villages entail?
The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Lasithi Plateau, a picturesque region in Crete known for its traditional villages and stunning natural landscapes. Guests will be transported in a private Mercedes Benz van, with pickup and drop-off available from select locations.
Throughout the tour, a professional English-speaking driver guide will provide insights and commentary. Refreshments, including Greek coffee, wine, raki, and bottled water, are included.
Customization is available for specific sights or experiences. This private tour promises an immersive and personalized experience in the heart of Crete’s Lasithi Plateau.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Crete.
Inclusions
The private guided tour to the Lasithi Plateau villages includes a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience.
Travelers will be transported in a private Mercedes Benz van, with pickup and drop-off available from various locations across Crete. The tour includes an English-speaking driver guide, as well as liability insurance.
Throughout the tour, guests will be offered Greek coffee, wine, raki, refreshments, and bottled water. Lunch is also available as an optional addition.
All fees and taxes are covered, making for a hassle-free outing. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though an uphill walk to the Zeus Cave may require comfortable shoes.
Pickup Information
Pickup for this tour is available from designated locations across Crete, excluding the Chania, Ierapetra, and Sitia regions.
For cruise ship travelers, the tour starts after arrival, with the driver guide waiting at the shuttle bus exit holding a name card.
The provider offers pickup and drop-off from hotels, ports, and airports in specific areas, including Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos, Sisi, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Agia Pelagia, Rethymno, Bali, and Kokkini Hani.
This service is included in the tour price, ensuring a seamless start and end to the private guided experience.
Tour Details
Confirmation of the tour is received at the time of booking.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, though a 15-20 minute uphill walk to the Zeus Cave is required, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
The tour can be customized to include specific sights or experiences.
Additionally:
- Infant seats are available upon request.
- The tour may need to be adjusted for cruise ship travelers if the tour starts later than 9:00 am to ensure a timely return.
- The guide will modify the program accordingly if any sites need to be skipped.
Cancellation and Flexibility
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time), travelers can book this tour with flexibility. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later allows for greater convenience. However, for cruise ship travelers, tours starting later than 09:00 am may require skipping certain sites to return on time, with the guide adjusting the program accordingly.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time) |
Reservation Options | Reserve now and pay later |
Cruise Ship Guests | Tours starting after 09:00 am may require adjustments to return on time |
Exploring Lasithi Plateau Villages
The Lasithi Plateau, nestled amidst the Dikti mountain range, offers a unique glimpse into Crete’s rural heartland.
During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to:
- Explore the charming villages dotting the plateau, each with its own distinct character and traditions.
- Marvel at the iconic white-sailed windmills that have long been a symbol of the region.
- Gain insight into the local agricultural practices, including the cultivation of potatoes, a staple crop in the area.
These immersive experiences provide a deeper understanding of the Cretan way of life and the resilience of the local community in the face of a rugged, yet breathtakingly beautiful, natural landscape.
Wine Tasting Experience
As part of the private guided tour, visitors have the opportunity to embark on a wine tasting experience.
The tour includes a visit to a local winery, where guests can sample a variety of Cretan wines. The knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of the region’s grape varieties.
Visitors can expect to taste both red and white wines, and may even have the chance to try traditional Cretan raki, a strong distilled spirit.
This wine tasting component adds a delightful cultural element to the Lasithi Plateau exploration, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the local gastronomy.
Customization Options
Aside from the standard itinerary, the private guided tour to Lasithi Plateau villages offers customization options to cater to visitors’ specific interests and preferences.
The tour provider allows you to:
- Tailor the visit to include additional sights or experiences, such as exploring the scenic villages in more depth or visiting a traditional pottery workshop.
- Adjust the pace and duration of the tour to suit your needs, whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more active exploration.
- Personalize the tour by requesting specific activities, like a private olive oil tasting or a hands-on cooking demonstration showcasing local Cretan cuisine.
These customization opportunities ensure the tour aligns with your unique interests and creates a truly memorable experience on the Lasithi Plateau.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Tour Duration?
The tour duration is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the tour covers visits to Lasithi Plateau villages and includes a wine tasting, suggesting it’s likely a full-day tour lasting approximately 6-8 hours.
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?
The tour is offered with an English-speaking driver guide. However, the provider may be able to accommodate other language requests if arranged in advance, though this is not explicitly stated in the tour overview.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour does not have any age restrictions, and it’s suitable for travelers of all ages. Infant seats are available upon request, making it accessible for families with young children.
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?
The tour provider accommodates dietary restrictions and food allergies. Travelers can request customizations, and the staff will adjust the included refreshments and lunch accordingly. Advance notice is recommended to ensure a seamless experience.
What Is the Group Size Limit for This Private Tour?
The tour has a group size limit of up to 7 people. The private transportation in a Mercedes Benz Van accommodates a small group for an intimate, personalized experience.
Sum Up
This private guided tour to the Lasithi Plateau villages and a wine tasting experience offers a unique opportunity to take in Crete’s captivating culture and traditions. Visitors can explore charming villages, witness local agricultural practices, and savor exquisite Cretan wines, all while gaining insights from a knowledgeable driver-guide. It’s a well-rounded experience that showcases the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and gastronomic delights.
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