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Regions heraklion lasithi

Cave of Zeus, Palace of Knossos, Cretan Villages and Olive Oil Facroty

Duration 6 hours

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Take a day trip from Heraklion to Crete’s important mythological sites. Travel to the palace of Knossos, home to the legendary labyrinth that contained the Minotaur. Climb to the Psychro Cave, a sacred Minoan site associated with the birth of Zeus, and visit traditional Cretan villages as you go.

Start in Heraklion, where you will meet your driver and, optionally, your guide. Drive into the hills to Knossos, the large Bronze Age site of ancient Crete’s major city and the political centre for the Minoan civilisation.

Wander through the remains of large palace buildings and past the intricate foundations of what is believed to be the labyrinth built by Daedalus to hide the Minotaur. Next, head into the centre of the island to the traditional village of Krasi, home to the enormous 2,400-year-old Platanus tree.

Drive further into the hills toward Psychro. After a short climb, admire panoramic views of Crete from the top of the hill before descending into the cave. The cave was an important site for cult worship during the Minoan period and is associated with the legend of the birth of Zeus.

Your final stop will be at the Family oli oil far

Read Detailed Description

Highlights

  • Palace of Knossos
  • Cave of Zeus
  • Walk with donkey
  • Traditional village "Krasi
  • A huge Plane Tree
  • Lassithi Plateau
  • Olive oil Factory tour

Route

Detailed Itinerary

  • Palace of Knossos

    Meet your private driver at Heraklion cruise terminal (or from your hotel). During this tour you will have the chance to travel back 4.000 years to the time of the oldest civilization in Europe. Knossos flourished for approximately two thousand years. It had large palace buildings, extensive workshop installations and luxurious rock-cut cave and tholos tombs. As a major center of trade and economy, Knossos maintained ties with the majority of cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. You will have the unique opportunity to visit the Palace of Knossos in Crete, to learn about the rich lifestyle which began circa 2000 BC and was typified by magnificent monumental buildings.

    2 hours
  • Cave where Zeus was born

    is one of the most important cult places of Minoan Crete from 2800-2300 B.C. According to Mythology, at the cave of Psychro Zeus was born under great secrecy because there was an oracle who said that Saturn would kill him because of his fear that one of his children would take his throne. That's why when a baby was born, Saturn swallowed his children. His wife and sister, Rea, hid their last child, Zeus, and gave Saturn a bandaged stone to swallow, instead of the baby. Zeus, when he grew up, killed Saturn by giving him to drink poison. To reach at the Cave of Psychro you have 15 minutes’ walk or you can get a donkey that the locals provide there. The panoramic view from the top of the hill will, take your breath away. The cave is amazing, small and easy to explore and inside the cave, it is lovely and cool even on a hot summer day!

    3 hours
  • Cretan traditional village of "Krasi

    One of the most important things to see in Krasi is the huge ancient plane tree estimated to be around 2400 years old and it is one of the 5 biggest trees in Europe. Here you can have a delicious lunch.

    2 hours
  • Olive Farm

    Olive Mill Farm where you can taste olive oil, honey and wine there. Everything’s at a reasonable price. Following, be guided to an Olive Mill Farm and see the production of olive soap, olive oil and honey

    1 hours

Pricing & Cancellation

  • Included in price

    • Pick up & drop off from your cruise ship or hotel

    • Private transportation with English speaking driver

    • 1 Bottle of water per person

    • All taxes

    • Guide (optional)

  • Not included in price

    • Entry/Admission fee is not included

    • Gratuities

    • Food and drink

    • Tips

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