Explore the Cretan mountains, see where Zeus was born according to tradition, and meet the locals. Enjoy observing eagles soaring over the mountains and goats grazing near the roadway.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Small group
- Limited to 6 participants
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 6 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Dutch, French, Italian, German, Russian, Polish
- Pickup included
- Pickup from your hotel in the listed towns is included. Please be waiting in the hotel lobby a few minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
Experience
Highlights
- Discover the traditional village of Kritsa, Panagia Kera Byzantine Church, and the Ancient Lato.
- Admire amazing view of Gulf of Mirabello from 1000m altitude
- Visit the Katharo and Iassithi Plateaus
- See mountain wildlife including eagles and goats
- Visit the Birth Cave of Zeus
Full description
After pickup from your hotel, the first stop on your tour is Kritsa, a historical village rich in legends. Here you'll discover picturesque gorges and several ancient archaeological and religious sites. From Kritsa, drive higher into the mountains through the pine forest and past Katharo Plateau (altitude 1250m). This plateau is famous for the Cretan dwarf hippopotamus fossils found in the area and features a magnificent landscape surrounded that is home to many legends dating back to the Ottoman era.
Next you'll visit the impressive Lassithi Plateau (altitude 1150m). More than 10,000 traditional windmills operated in the area until just a few decades ago. In the 1950s and 1960s, the plateau was actually one of the first wind farms in Europe. If you're lucky, you'll also have a chance to see some native wildlife. From here you'll continue on to the Diktaean Cave, that is, the birthplace of Zeus, which is located at the village of Psychro (altitude 840m).
Finally, explore the village of Krasi and take photos of the famous Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis’ beloved plane tree. This particular plane tree’s circumference is approximately 24 metres and it is estimated that it is 2400 years old.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Guided tour
- Gratuities
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Comfortable clothes
Know before you go
- You will may not participate in the tour if you are drunk.