expedia
A windmill in a field with snow-capped mountains in the background. 1
A metal funnel pouring a yellow liquid into a mesh surface. 2
A cave with stalactites and stalagmites, a wooden walkway, and a metal railing. 3
A stone building with arched windows and a bell tower, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky. 4
A valley with fields, mountains, and scattered trees. 5
By SEALAND TRAVEL

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
See tickets

Features

  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

    • Discover the ancient Kera Monastery and marvel at its 14th-century frescoes
    • Have a delicious meal in a traditional tavern in the heart of Lasithi Plateau
    • Visit a family-run olive oil factory in Avdou and sample their local products
    • Take a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos and learn about the minotaur myth
    • Explore the Dictean Cave, where Zeus was said to have been born

Activity location

    • Heraklion
    • Heraklion, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Heraklion
    • Heraklion, Greece

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Sat, 31 Oct
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Inclusions
    Transfer by air-conditioned bus
  • Inclusions
    Guide
  • Inclusions
    Tour of olive oil factory
  • Inclusions
    Olive oil tasting
  • Exclusions
    Food and drinks
  • Exclusions
    Entry to the Palace of Knossos (20 euros) – optional; customers can spend free time outside the premises
  • Exclusions
    Entry to the Monastery of Kera (2 euros) – optional; customers can spend free time outside the premises
  • Exclusions
    Entry to the Cave of Zeus (15 euros) – optional; customers can spend free time outside the premises

Know before you book

    • Not suitable for: Wheelchair users

What you can expect

  • Begin your adventure with a visit to the historical monastery of Panagia Kera or Kardiotissa, located just before the village of Kera. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this nunnery is steeped in history and legend. Discover the story of the icon of Kyra Kardiotissa, stolen three times by the Turks but miraculously returning each time. See the marble column and chain used to secure it. Admire the 14th-century frescoes and icons that adorn the monastery.

    Next, head to the heart of Lasithi, passing by breathtaking scenery and the iconic white-sailed windmills that once irrigated the land. Stop in the famous village of Psychro to visit a small family-run ceramic workshop. Learn the art of pottery-making from the owners and shop for unique souvenirs.

    Continue to the Dictean Cave, an ancient Minoan sacred site. According to myth, the goat Amalthea nurtured the infant Zeus here, hidden by his mother Rhea from his father Kronnos. Explore the cave, filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

    Next, arrive at Seli, a place with a breathtaking view of the Lasithi Plateau. Take beautiful photos, visit the renovated windmills, and enjoy a delicious local meal.

    After lunch, visit a small olive oil factory in the village of Avdou. Learn about the process of making olive oil and enjoy a tasting of their products.

    Finish off your tour with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, the biggest palace of the Minoan times. Walk around the ancient rooms and courtyard as you learn about King Minos and the mythical Minotaur.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Heraklion
    • Heraklion, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Heraklion
    • Heraklion, Greece