Full-Day Minoan Route Excursion from Heraklion
Heraklion, Greece
Rating: 
Trip Type: Cultural Tours
Duration: 8 hours
Join this 8-hour guided excursion through the beautiful Cretan wilderness, high into the mountains where only the goats and donkeys usually go. Wild animals, flowers and herbs, Cretan inhabitants and their genuine hospitality. Not forgetting the stunning landscape that will take your breath away. Let the island amaze you, for sure this will be the best day of your holiday. Professional and informative driver/guides you will help you discover the wonders of the Minoan Route from the comfort of your Land Rover, with plenty of photo opportunities and amazing scenery along the way. Truly the best way to explore central Crete's plateaus, ancient paths and wildlife.
More About This Activity All Cultural Tours →
Join this 8-hour guided excursion through the beautiful Cretan wilderness, high into the mountains where only the goats and donkeys usually go. Wild animals, flowers and herbs, Cretan inhabitants and their genuine hospitality. Not forgetting the stunning landscape that will take your breath away. Let the island amaze you, for sure this will be the best day of your holiday. Professional and informative driver/guides you will help you discover the wonders of the Minoan Route from the comfort of your Land Rover, with plenty of photo opportunities and amazing scenery along the way. Truly the best way to explore central Crete's plateaus, ancient paths and wildlife.Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, then make your way to the spectacular mountains of Crete. Visit the Aposelemis Basin Reservoir and an ancient Roman aqueduct. From there, you will visit the village of Kastamonitsa, nestled in the foothills of the Afendi mountains, where you will experience a Cretan-style breakfast and be introduced to a local product called Raki, a fragrant, grape-based pomace brandy.
Now its time to brace yourselves for the dirt tracks. Follow the Minoan path, go through mountain passes, experience spectacular wildlife, unbelievable scenery, mythology, history and enjoy nature at its best. High up in the mountains the tour stops at a shepherd's mitato, where you can feed the animals while witnessing shepherds producing cheese in the traditional, old fashioned way and even taste this fresh, rich delicacy.
Next stop is a birds-eye view of the plateau of Lassithi and the north coast, a great photo opportunity not to be missed. Continue on toward the Diction cave, the birth place of Zeus. There is a 4€ entry charge and walking shoes are recommended. After building up and appetite, head for lunch at a local tavern where you will have the opportunity to try a selection of traditional local starters and main courses, with a vegetarian option available, and enjoy a glass or two of the unlimited wine. Once refreshed, continue on to Lassithi visiting the Lassinthos Eco park where traditional handicrafts and the local way of life can be experienced.
Then on to Lassithi plateau, where time has virtually stood still, and the local people are mainly farmers. You will also see many donkeys at work. Then, make our way to Seli, where you'll once again have an opportunity to take photos of unique scenery. Continue driving to the village of Krassi, famous for a 2,000-year-old plane tree and also has a natural spring water source. Leaving Krassi, meandering down the mountain roads, past some of the many olive tree farms on the island, you will again see the spectacular coastline and deep blue sea. This is a day full of many surprises. The excitement is second to none. You certainly won’t forget your fun day out on your great adventure.
Now its time to brace yourselves for the dirt tracks. Follow the Minoan path, go through mountain passes, experience spectacular wildlife, unbelievable scenery, mythology, history and enjoy nature at its best. High up in the mountains the tour stops at a shepherd's mitato, where you can feed the animals while witnessing shepherds producing cheese in the traditional, old fashioned way and even taste this fresh, rich delicacy.
Next stop is a birds-eye view of the plateau of Lassithi and the north coast, a great photo opportunity not to be missed. Continue on toward the Diction cave, the birth place of Zeus. There is a 4€ entry charge and walking shoes are recommended. After building up and appetite, head for lunch at a local tavern where you will have the opportunity to try a selection of traditional local starters and main courses, with a vegetarian option available, and enjoy a glass or two of the unlimited wine. Once refreshed, continue on to Lassithi visiting the Lassinthos Eco park where traditional handicrafts and the local way of life can be experienced.
Then on to Lassithi plateau, where time has virtually stood still, and the local people are mainly farmers. You will also see many donkeys at work. Then, make our way to Seli, where you'll once again have an opportunity to take photos of unique scenery. Continue driving to the village of Krassi, famous for a 2,000-year-old plane tree and also has a natural spring water source. Leaving Krassi, meandering down the mountain roads, past some of the many olive tree farms on the island, you will again see the spectacular coastline and deep blue sea. This is a day full of many surprises. The excitement is second to none. You certainly won’t forget your fun day out on your great adventure.
« Go Back