Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau Excursion
Our first stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, inhabited and run by nuns. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.
Then we head to Lasithi Plateau, which is situated 850 m. higher than the sea level. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau.
The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.
Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty, its traditional architecture and its breathtaking views. Here you can relax and enjoy your lunch in one of the local taverns.
Our last stop will be the palace of Knossos, the capital of the Minoan state, which was the first European civilization. Here you will have a guided tour and you will learn about King Minos, the Minotaur, the Labyrinth and other interesting mythologies. A must for Crete, one of the most amazing sights on the island!
09:45 Arrival in Kera Monastery
10:15 Departure from Monastery
10:40 Arrival in Psychro – visit to the Cave
12:30 Departure from Psychro – ceramics
12:45 Arrival in Tzermiado – Time for lunch
14:00 Departure from Tzermiado
15:10 Arrival in Knossos
17.00 Departure from Knossos – Arrival Heraklion
ROUTE: 140 km
DURATION: 10 hours
STAY IN KERA MONASTERY: ½ hour
STAY IN PSYCHRO: app. 2 hours
STAY IN TZERMIADO: 1 hour and 15 min.
STAY IN KNOSSOS: app. 2 hours (guided tour)
ΕXTRAS: Entrance Dicteon Cave 6.00 €
Entrance Kera Monastery 2.00 €
Entrance Knossos: 15.00€ (Children under 18 years old free entrance & reduction for adults over 65 years old)
