Full-Day Tour:Lasithi Plateau -Mythology Park&Knossos Palace

Introducing the Lasithi Plateau, Mythology Park & Knossos Palace Tour

If you’re craving a day packed with Cretan history, myths, and stunning landscapes, this full-day tour promises to deliver. It’s designed for those who love folklore, ancient civilizations, and picturesque scenery—all in one package.

What stands out are the visits to the Panagia Kera Monastery, the Mythology Park, and the legendary Knossos Palace—each offering a window into Crete’s spiritual, cultural, and mythological past. We also appreciate the opportunity to see traditional crafts like pottery, sample local wines and olive oils, and enjoy breathtaking views across the plateau and down to Pediada Plain.

However, a key consideration is the overall duration and the logistics. The tour involves a fair amount of driving and walking, with some reviewers mentioning long pickup times and steep climbs. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a busy schedule and moderate walking. If you’re a history buff or a folklore enthusiast, this deeply informative adventure could be just what you’re after.

Good To Know

• Diverse highlights: From monasteries and pottery to myth parks and ancient palaces, the tour covers many aspects of Crete’s heritage.
• Educational focus: Guided tours enhance understanding of Greek gods, mythology, and Minoan civilization.
• Authentic experiences: Pottery demonstrations, local product tastings, and scenic stops make it more than just sightseeing.
• Value for money: For $61, you get entry to key sites and guided insights, but some extras like monastery entries and lunch are optional.
• Logistics: The itinerary involves a combination of bus rides, walking, and sightseeing, with pickup from multiple locations.
• Potential drawbacks: Long pickup times and some steep walks (noted at Zeus caves) may challenge some guests.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Pickup and Journey

The tour kicks off early in the morning with pickups from nearly 64 different locations around Crete—ranging from hotels, resorts, to main bus stops. Although the flexibility is convenient, one common complaint from reviewers is the two-hour pickup window that can cut into the day’s sightseeing time. As one traveler, Taylor, noted, “Two hours spent just picking up people for the tour.”

Once everyone is on board, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned bus driven by experienced guides and drivers. The journey is scenic, with some comments noting the tricky roads that the driver manages skillfully, especially when heading towards the more remote parts of the island.

Visiting Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

The first stop is the Panagia Kera Monastery, a beautifully preserved site dedicated to Virgin Mary. Guided by a live guide speaking your chosen language (English, German, French, or Greek), you’ll learn about its significance and the local pilgrimages that make it a spiritual highlight. The monastery is sometimes called “Little Lourdes,” reflecting its reputation as a place of healing and prayer.

Though entry to the monastery itself costs 2 euros and isn’t included in the tour price, the guided tour provides ample context and appreciation for this tranquil site. Visitors have appreciated the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to admire its architecture and iconography.

Exploring the Lasithi Plateau

Next, the focus shifts to the Lasithi Plateau, a fertile, high-altitude area believed to be the remnants of an ancient volcano crater. The landscape here is captivating: endless white windmills, small villages, and mountain views that seem to stretch forever.

The tour includes free time for exploration, where you can walk around, take photos, and soak in the scenery. Reviewers like Taylor mention the magnificent views down to Pediada Plain, which are truly stunning. The plateau is cooler and more lush than coastal Crete, providing a refreshing contrast.

A highlight is the visit to a traditional pottery workshop. You’ll watch artisans craft ceramics using techniques that date back over 8,000 years. This is not just a quick demo; it’s an insight into a craft that has sustained local communities for millennia. Many travelers find this a meaningful experience, especially if they’re interested in local arts and crafts.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Mythology Park: Learning Through Stories

A trip to the Greek Mythology Park deepens your understanding of ancient Greece’s legends and gods. The park features themed exhibits and educational displays, making myths come alive in a fun, interactive way. The guided tour here lasts about 1.5 hours, during which guides share stories of Zeus, the Minotaur, and the labyrinth—topics that fascinate history and myth lovers alike.

This stop is also a photo opportunity, so be ready with your camera. The park aims to entertain while educating, and most reviews commend the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge. It’s a great way to connect the dots between mythology and the archaeological sites you’ll visit later.

Lunch and Local Tastes

Following the myth park, the group stops for a short break that often includes sampling local olive oils and wines. The tasting sessions are highlighted as a highlight for many, offering a taste of Crete’s rich agricultural traditions.

Afterward, you’ll have the chance to visit a local arts and crafts market—where you can browse, buy souvenirs, and watch artisans at work. This segment is about supporting local crafts and appreciating the island’s artisanal heritage.

The Iconic Palace of Knossos

The grand finale is the Palace of Knossos, the most famous archaeological site in Crete. You’ll spend around 1.5 hours exploring the sprawling ruins with an expert guide. The site covers 22,000 square meters and boasts multiple floors and over 1,300 rooms, once bustling with Minoan life.

What makes Knossos special isn’t just the architecture but the stories—most notably, the legend of the labyrinth and Minotaur. Guides will share secrets about this mythical maze, giving you a vivid picture of Minoan civilization.

Some guests mention the tour’s guided insights are especially helpful in understanding the site’s complex layout and history. However, it’s worth noting that the site is quite large, and some visitors, especially those with mobility issues, may find the walk demanding. Still, the spectacular frescoes and the sense of stepping into history make it worthwhile.

Return and Drop-off

After a full, absorbing day, the bus makes its way back, stopping at various points along the way to drop travelers at their initial pickup locations. The entire experience lasts about 7.5 hours, balancing sightseeing with enough free time to enjoy each spot without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Value

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses modern, fully air-conditioned buses, which are essential considering Crete’s climate and the long drive times. The group size isn’t specified, but given the number of pickup points, it’s likely a sizable group, which can be both a pro (more social) and a con (less personalized).

Cost and Entrance Fees

At $61 per person, the price includes entry to Mythology Park and guided insights at Knossos. However, the entry to the monastery (costing 2 euros) and lunch are not included, giving you flexibility to choose where and what to eat. The optional lunch in a local village is recommended to enjoy authentic Crete cuisine.

Timing and Schedule

Check the availability for starting times, but expect a very early start to maximize your day. The schedule is packed, so if you prefer leisurely exploration, this might feel a bit brisk. Still, the comprehensive itinerary offers good value, especially for first-time visitors eager to see major sights.

Accessibility

While the tour is suitable for most able-bodied travelers, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or heart problems due to walking and steep sections (noted at Zeus cave). Also, high-heeled shoes and non-folding wheelchairs aren’t permitted.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

Reviewers like Taylor mention that pickup times can be lengthy, which can cut into sightseeing time. She also points out some steep walks—notably at Zeus Cave—that weren’t mentioned beforehand. Despite this, she praised the “tricky roads” managed well by the driver, highlighting the professionalism involved.

Others appreciated the richness of the pottery demonstration and the local product tastings. The guided tours at both the monastery and Knossos were lauded for their clarity and enthusiasm, making complex history accessible.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is a solid choice for travelers who want a rundown of Crete’s cultural and mythological highlights in one day. It’s ideal for history buffs, mythology lovers, and those interested in local crafts and food. The price point offers good value considering the included entries, guided insights, and diverse experiences.

However, if you prefer a slower pace or have mobility restrictions, you may find parts of this tour challenging. It’s less suitable for travelers seeking a relaxed, unstructured day or those with specific physical limitations.

FAQs

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, you’ll travel by a modern, fully air-conditioned bus with experienced drivers.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch is optional and not included, but there are local eateries available after the tour stops.

What’s the duration of the entire trip?
The full-day experience lasts about 7.5 hours, including pickups, travel, sightseeing, and drop-offs.

Are guided tours available at each site?
Yes, guides provide live commentary at the monastery, Mythology Park, and Knossos Palace, all in multiple languages.

Is entry to all sites included?
Entry to Mythology Park (included) and the guided tour of Knossos (included) are covered. Entrance to the monastery costs 2 euros and is not included.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, cash, and clothes suitable for warm weather. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the walking and sightseeing may suit older children comfortable with the schedule.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions due to walking and steep sections.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Crete’s history, mythology, and local culture all in one day. The mix of scenic drives, authentic craft demonstrations, and archaeological marvels makes it a good value for travelers eager to maximize their time on the island.

If you’re a history enthusiast or someone passionate about learning stories behind ancient Greece, you’ll find this experience enriching. The guided insights and variety of stops bring the island’s past vividly to life.

That said, the busy schedule and some logistical quirks—like long pickup times—are worth considering. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a full, active day with plenty of opportunities to snap photos, taste local products, and enjoy Crete’s traditions.

This tour delivers a hearty mix of history, myth, and scenic beauty, making it a worthwhile option for first-time visitors or those with a keen interest in Greek culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: