Crete: Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace Tour

If you’re considering a day-trip exploring some of Crete’s most iconic sights, this Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace Tour might just be what you’re after. From ancient ruins to scenic highlands, it offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. We’ve looked into it, and while it’s not flawless, it has some real strengths that could make your day in Crete memorable.

One thing we really like is how this tour combines stunning scenery with cultural insight—you get to visit the legendary Palace of Knossos and then unwind in charming mountain villages. Another plus is the expert guides who seem to add value with their knowledge, making complex history accessible. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the multi-language tour format, which some travelers find a bit cumbersome, especially if you’re eager for detailed explanations.

This tour is best suited for those who want a balanced mix of history, beautiful landscapes, and local culture. If you’re traveling with a group that doesn’t mind a longer day or you’re comfortable with some walking, it could be a solid choice. But if you’re after a more relaxed experience or prefer small, intimate groups, it might be worth exploring other options.

Key Points

• Comprehensive sightseeing covering major highlights like Knossos and Lasithi Plateau
• Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of Crete’s history and myths
• Long day — approximately 10 hours, so good stamina is helpful
• Scenic stops include traditional villages, beautiful mountain views, and natural caves
• Price point offers good value considering transportation, guided tours, and entry fees
• Multi-language format can be less engaging for those wanting detailed, personalized explanations

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

What You Can Expect on This Day

We’ll start with a pick-up from multiple locations around Heraklion, which is a big plus—it makes the day more convenient, especially if you’re staying in the city or nearby towns. Once onboard, the comfortable, air-conditioned bus ensures you can relax while covering the distance to each site. The total duration is about 10 hours, so packing some water and snacks is recommended, along with comfortable shoes and sun protection.

First Stop: Kera Monastery

Our journey kicks off at Kera Monastery, a place run by nuns, which offers not only spiritual significance but also visual beauty. You’ll see the miraculous Virgin Mary icon and a collection of icons from the 1400s. It’s a peaceful start that gives you a glimpse into local religious traditions and art. The visit isn’t long, but enough to appreciate the calm atmosphere and historic craftsmanship.

Scenic Drive to Lasithi Plateau

Afterward, you’ll enjoy a drive up to the Lasithi Plateau, perched about 850 meters above sea level. This area feels like stepping back in time—think old windmills, Venetian ditches, and traditional towns. The views are truly noteworthy, with lush mountains surrounding the high plain, and the landscape feels almost untouched. It’s an ideal place to pause for photos and soak in the atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Psychro Village and Dikteon Cave

Next, we visit Psychro Village, a picturesque spot that feels authentically Cretan. The highlight here is the Dikteon Cave, said to be the birthplace of Zeus, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The tour involves about a 300-meter uphill walk to reach the cave entrance—so good shoes and a bit of energy are necessary. The cave’s mythic connection adds a special dimension to the visit, even if the experience is more about the natural formations than the myth itself.

Ceramics Workshop and Tzermiado

One of the charming stops is the ceramics workshop, where artisans craft traditional pottery by hand. It’s a nice break from the outdoor scenery, and you might pick up some unique souvenirs. Later, you’ll visit Tzermiado, a small town with old architecture and scenic views. Here, you’ll have some time for lunch, exploring local shops, or simply relaxing in a traditional tavern.

The Highlight: Knossos Palace

The final major stop is the Palace of Knossos, Europe’s oldest city, and the legendary home of King Minos and the Minotaur. The guided tour inside the ruins provides an engaging overview of Minoan civilization. Although the site is quite expansive, the tour lasts around 110 minutes, giving you enough time to explore and take photos without feeling rushed.

The views from the palace are spectacular, and the guide’s storytelling helps bring the ruins to life. Several reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable, which makes a big difference when trying to piece together the ancient stories and myths that surround this site.

The Practicalities

Transportation and Logistics

The tour uses luxurious, air-conditioned buses, which are vital for comfort considering the long day. The pickup points are numerous, with options from Heraklion and surrounding towns, making it convenient for most travelers. The schedule involves multiple stops, including a good mix of sightseeing, free time, and guided parts, so you’re never just sitting on a bus.

Cost and Entry Fees

For $50.82 per person, you’re getting a full-day experience with guides, transportation, and some entry fees included. Keep in mind, there’s an additional fee if you want to visit sites like the Cave of Zeus ($6), Knossos ($15), and Kera Monastery ($2). Considering the entry costs and the guided service, the price seems reasonable—though some travelers might find the extra fees a bit of an inconvenience.

Tour Reviews and Feedback

While the overall rating is a decent 3.9 out of 5 based on 8 reviews, the comments give some insights. One traveler noted that “it was a very enjoyable and interesting trip,” but also mentioned that doing a three-language tour makes it harder to get detailed explanations. If you’re someone who prefers more in-depth storytelling, this might be a minor drawback.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who want a comprehensive look at Crete’s cultural landscape in one day. If you’re okay with a busy schedule and walking uphill to caves, you’ll find it rewarding. It’s especially good if you prefer guided insights rather than exploring independently.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a solid value for a full day’s outing, combining key sights with local flavor. The guides are a highlight, making complex myths and stories accessible, and the scenery along the Lasithi Plateau is genuinely beautiful. It’s a well-rounded experience for travelers wanting a taste of Crete’s ancient past and stunning landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

However, be prepared for a long day, some walking, and additional costs if you want to access every site. The multi-language format might also feel a bit impersonal if you prefer more tailored explanations.

If you’re comfortable with group tours, enjoy historical sites, and want to maximize your time in Crete, this tour could be a memorable part of your trip. For those seeking a more leisurely experience or smaller groups, it might be worth hunting for alternative options.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Since the tour involves walking uphill about 300 meters to the Dikteon Cave, it might be challenging for those with mobility issues. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, water, comfortable clothes, and some cash for additional entry fees or souvenirs.

Are meals included?
The tour includes a stop for lunch in Tzermiado, but meals are at your own expense unless specified otherwise.

How long is the bus ride between stops?
The drive to Lasithi Plateau takes about 1.5 hours, while other segments are around 20 minutes each, making the whole experience comfortably paced.

Can I customize the tour?
The itinerary is fixed, but some optional visits, like the cave or monastery, have small additional costs.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak German, English, and French, but the tour is conducted in all three languages simultaneously, which some find less detailed.

Is this a family-friendly tour?
It’s suitable for generally active travelers comfortable with walking and some uphill climbs. Not ideal for very young children or those with limited mobility.

What is the total duration?
About 10 hours, including transfers, sightseeing, and breaks.

Are there any restrictions on visiting certain sites?
Yes, entrance fees apply for some sites, and visits to sites like the Zeus Cave require an extra fee.

How do I know where to meet the guide?
After booking, you’ll receive an email with specific pickup locations and times to make everything straightforward.

In the end, if you’re after a well-guided day exploring Crete’s legendary sites, with a good mix of history and scenery, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. Just gear up for a full, active day and enjoy the stories and views that make Crete so special.

You can check availability for your dates here: