Embark on a private cultural tour from Chania to explore the stunning Lasithi Plateau, visit the historic Kera Monastery, and discover the legendary Zeus Cave. Immerse yourself in the original culture and witness the art of ceramics at a local center.
Embark on a private cultural tour from Chania to explore the stunning Lasithi Plateau, visit the historic Kera Monastery, and discover the legendary Zeus Cave. Immerse yourself in the original culture and witness the art of ceramics at a local center.
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Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau - Windmills
It is one of the most prominent highlights of Lasithi. Their shape is unusual: The base is made of stone and its construction looks like a stern of a large ship. The blades are made of white canvas and located in front of the windmill, thus creating an even greater similarity to the sea-going ship.
The need…
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Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau - Windmills
It is one of the most prominent highlights of Lasithi. Their shape is unusual: The base is made of stone and its construction looks like a stern of a large ship. The blades are made of white canvas and located in front of the windmill, thus creating an even greater similarity to the sea-going ship.
The need to create the mills was caused by the need for the supply of water for irrigating the land on which numerous crops were grown.
The mills raised to the surface the water which occurred at a depth of about 6 meters. Previously, in the territory of their plateau, there were about 40 thousand mills. To date, there are few of them, although the local citizens started to restore them.
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Kera Kardiotissa Monastery - Going to the plateau, we will come over to the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa – a convent founded in the medieval period.
It gained great popularity due to the miraculous icon of the God’s Mother. There is a legend according to which the icon has always returned here. The invaders repeatedly tried to steal it, but it appeared in the temple again and again.
The icon itself is in Italy today, and in Greece, there is only a copy of it. - Cave of Psychros - On one of the slopes of Dikti, we will visit the famous Zeus Cave. According to legend, the prophets predicted to the father of Zeus that one of his children would overthrow him from the throne. In fear, Kronos began to eat them. Once, the frightened mother of Zeus gave a stone wrapped into the baby-liners to her husband, while she had run away to this cave. When Zeus grew up, he went to war against his father and fulfilled the prediction.
The cave is located at an altitude of 980 meters above the sea level. It is rich in stalactites and stalagmites. Numerous archaeological findings confirm the important role of the cave at that time.
- Halavro - We can relax and enjoy the local cuisine in a cozy tavern, which is located near the cave of Zeus.
Hospitable hosts will offer a variety of home-made dishes. All of them are made of natural products. In addition to traditional Greek dishes, they make excellent mountain tea. Cretan oregano gives it an incredible aroma and taste. The owners of the tavern themselves are engaged in its collection and brewing according to a special recipe.
- Lasithi Prefecture - Pitarokilis family Ceramic workshop and olive oil factory.
After the cave, we will be able to visit the center of ceramics, located in the village of Psychro. The products are made of blue clay, which is mined in these regions.
The peculiarity of crafts made by craftsmen is that they are made according to old traditions. We cannot only communicate with the masters, but also learn the secrets of making crafts and watch the work of the potters.
- Entrance tickets to Zeus’ Cave, Kera Monastery.
- Wi-fi on board and bottled water from the White Mountains.
- Travel in comfort with a luxury vehicle and professional driver.
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Expert accompaniment by a professional guide.
- All fees and taxes included.
- Entrance tickets to Zeus’ Cave, Kera Monastery.
- Wi-fi on board and bottled water from the White Mountains.
- Travel in comfort with a luxury vehicle and professional driver.
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Expert accompaniment by a professional guide.
- All fees and taxes included.
- Personal expenses, drinks, lunch / dinner.
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts.
- Lunch at the Chalavro tavern from 12 - 20€ per person. (optional)
- Personal expenses, drinks, lunch / dinner.
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts.
- Lunch at the Chalavro tavern from 12 - 20€ per person. (optional)
We are set to explore Crete’s largest plateau - the Lasithi Plateau, also known as the valley of a thousand mills and the birthplace of Zeus.
On our journey, we will head towards the island’s eastern part. This stunning plateau will leave us awestruck with its grandeur. It serves as its biggest agricultural hub today. The locals are deeply involved in…
We are set to explore Crete’s largest plateau - the Lasithi Plateau, also known as the valley of a thousand mills and the birthplace of Zeus.
On our journey, we will head towards the island’s eastern part. This stunning plateau will leave us awestruck with its grandeur. It serves as its biggest agricultural hub today. The locals are deeply involved in cultivating Vegetables, Apples, and Cereal crops. The plateau’s scenic landscape and distinctive culture appeal to many tourists.
Windmills
These are among the prime attractions at Lasithi.
Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa.
We will stop by the Kera monastery - a nunnery established during the medieval times. It earned massive popularity because of the miraculous God’s Mother icon.
Zeus Cave
On Dikti’s slope, we’ll explore the renowned Zeus Cave. As per a legend, this is the birthplace of the greatest god.
Ceramics Center
We’ll have not just interactions with the artisans but also gather insights about crafting and observe the potters at work.
- Important to have: Comfortable shoes, Comfortable clothes, Sunglasses and Hat, Money for souvenirs, drinks, lunch/dinner.
- To visit the Monastery, you must wear modest clothes: for women – a skirt/dress under your knees and covered shoulders. For men – trousers, T-shirt with long sleeves.
- Health issues: If any participant suffers from any severe allergy (e.g. to bee stings, food allergies/intolerances) or has medical/health issues we need to be aware of, it is important to let us know in advance. This is clearly a safety measure, personal information is by no means violated, and we exercise all discretion.
- Our company is covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Each participant is advised to take out health/travel insurance before traveling to Crete.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.