Heraklion :Lasithi Plateau -Mythology Park&Knossos Palace

Introduction: What’s This Tour All About?

This Crete day trip offers a blend of history, mythology, and scenic beauty. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide if it’s right for your travel plans, especially if you’re passionate about folklore or ancient civilizations.

What really attracts us is how this tour combines multiple iconic sites—like the legendary Knossos Palace—with lesser-known gems like the Lasithi Plateau and the Panagia Kera Monastery. We also appreciate the chance to learn about Greek myths at the Mythology Park and enjoy local tastes through wine and olive oil tastings.

That said, one downside is the considerable time spent on transportation—about two hours just for pickups—which might feel lengthy if you prefer a more relaxed pace. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see several highlights in one day, especially those interested in history and culture.

Good To Know

• Diverse attractions: From ancient palace ruins to mythological parks, the tour covers a wide spectrum of Crete’s cultural landscape.
• Scenic drives: The route showcases breathtaking views of the Lasithi Plateau and Pediada Plain, perfect for photo enthusiasts.
• Guided insights: An experienced guide enriches the experience with stories about Greek gods, Minoan civilization, and local traditions.
• Taste of local produce: Olive oil and wine tastings offer an authentic flavor of Crete.
• Historical depth: The guided tour of Knossos provides context about Europe’s oldest civilization.
• All-day activity: Duration is 7.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day for most travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Early Morning Start

The journey begins with pickups from over 60 locations around Heraklion, ranging from popular resorts to city centers. While this ensures convenience, one reviewer mentioned that “two hours spent just picking up people” can feel a bit lengthy, especially if you’re eager to dive into the sights. The modern, air-conditioned bus helps make this part bearable, and the experience of traveling with an experienced driver is definitely a plus, especially on Crete’s often tricky mountain roads.

Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

Your first stop is the Panagia Kera Monastery, dedicated to Virgin Mary. Run by nuns, it’s locally called “Little Lourdes,” and pilgrims come here to pray for relief from sins. The guided visit lasts around 45 minutes, giving you time to soak in the serene atmosphere and admire the vibrant frescoes and architecture. It’s a peaceful start before heading further into the island’s rural heart.

Scenic Drive to the Lasithi Plateau

Next, you’ll hop back on the bus for a 35-minute drive to the Lasithi Plateau. This area is thought to be a volcanic crater and is famous for its nearly 10,000 windmills, which once served as water pumps.

Here, you’ll have about one hour of free time. The views alone are worth it—rolling hills, small towns, and lush greenery. We loved the way the cooler mountain air contrasts with the coastal heat, making it perfect for a leisurely walk or just snapping photos of the panorama. While exploring, you can also visit a traditional pottery workshop where artisans have been crafting ceramics for over 8,000 years—a real highlight for those interested in ancient arts.

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Mythology Park: Tales of Gods and Monsters

From the plateau, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Greek Mythology Park. This themed park makes Greek myths come alive through exhibits, sculptures, and interactive displays. It’s a hit with kids and history buffs alike, offering a playful yet informative look at the legendary stories of gods like Zeus and Minotaur.

Expect about 1.5 hours here, which allows enough time to explore the exhibits and take some memorable photos. One reviewer appreciated the guided tour aspect, noting that “learning about myths and civilization” made the visit engaging.

Arts & Crafts Market & Local Break

After the myth park, you’ll return to the plateau for a 45-minute stop. This includes a chance to browse arts and crafts markets, watch artisans at work, and taste some regional products. We found this part charming—sampling local olive oils and small snacks really gave a taste of authentic Crete.

Lunch in a Village Setting

Following the scenic stop, the tour pauses for lunch in a local village. The stop at a traditional tavern offers regional food and a chance to relax. The 50-minute break ensures you’re well-fed before the final leg of the trip—crucial after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Knossos Palace: Minoan Mysteries

The grand finale is the visit to Knossos Palace, considered Europe’s oldest civilization. You’ll be guided through 22,000 square meters of ruins spread across five floors and approximately 1,300 rooms. The guide’s commentary brings ancient Minoan life to light, from the legendary labyrinth to the Minotaur myth. Expect to spend around 1.5 hours exploring, walking through reconstructed areas, and soaking in the history.

A pass-by option allows a quick glance at key features like the throne room and storage chambers, but most visitors prefer a thorough walk to truly appreciate the site. One reviewer mentioned that “the guided tour at Knossos gave insight into secrets of the Minoan civilization,” which highlights the value of having an informative guide.

Return Journey & Drop-Off

The trip concludes with a 70-minute bus ride back to Heraklion, with drop-off at your original pickup points. While it’s a long day, the ride offers time to reflect on the sights and take in the landscape.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour’s price of $59 per person covers transportation, a professional guide, and entry to the Mythology Park and Knossos Palace. However, the entry to the Monastery isn’t included and costs extra, as does lunch.

While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, some reviewers noted that the pickup and drop-off process could be more streamlined. Also, a review mentioned that “the host was hard to hear,” which suggests that bringing a small speaker or earphones might enhance your experience.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling by a fully air-conditioned coach ensures comfort, especially during the warm Crete days. The group size isn’t specified, but given the extensive pickup options, it’s likely a sizable group. Be prepared for a mix of fellow travelers, which can be lively but sometimes noisy.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history lovers, mythology enthusiasts, or those wanting a broad introduction to Crete’s cultural heritage. It’s equally suited for families looking for an educational day or couples interested in scenic drives and fascinating stories.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility issues, the long hours on the bus and walking might pose challenges.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

At $59, the tour offers a solid value considering the inclusion of guide services, multiple site visits, and tastings. You get a taste of everything—from ancient ruins to mythological tales and scenic landscapes—making it a well-rounded day.

The biggest advantage is how efficiently it combines several highlights, saving you the hassle of planning individual excursions. But be prepared for some lengthy travel segments, and weigh that against your interest in the sites.

All in all, this tour is ideal for those eager to get a comprehensive look at Crete’s legendary past and stunning scenery in one day. It’s a journey packed with stories, history, and breathtaking views—perfect for history buffs or curious travelers eager to learn.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from over 60 locations in Heraklion and nearby areas, making it very convenient.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including travel time, site visits, and breaks.

What sites are included in the tour?
It covers the Panagia Kera Monastery, Lasithi Plateau, Greek Mythology Park, a local arts and crafts market, a village lunch, and the Palace of Knossos.

Are entrance fees included?
Entry to Mythology Park and Knossos Palace are included. Entrance to the monastery costs extra and is not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially those interested in mythology and history, but keep in mind the walking involved and the full-day schedule.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, camera, and cash for optional extras. No high heels or strollers are recommended.

Are food and drinks included?
Lunch in a local village is included in the schedule, but drinks outside of tastings are not.

How are the guides?
Guide services are provided in English, German, Greek, and French. One review noted that the host was hard to hear, so bringing personal audio might help.

Can I skip parts of the tour?
The itinerary is set, but you may opt for quick photo stops or pass by certain sites if time is tight.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially if you want a comprehensive, guided introduction to Crete’s history, mythology, and landscapes in one day.

To sum it up, this Crete tour offers a balanced mix of cultural, mythical, and scenic highlights at a reasonable price. It’s best suited for travelers who want to maximize their time and experience a broad slice of what Crete has to offer—ideal for history buffs, myth lovers, and curious explorers eager for an unforgettable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby