• Region: Heraklion
  • Duration: half day
  • Concept: historical, cognitive
  • Tour days: daily
  • Travel style: escorted coach touring
  • Places visited: Lassiti Plateau, Cave of Zeus, Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, Ceramic workshop

Tourists’ most popular and favorite country tour in Crete. The Lassithi Plateau is a magnificent piece of Cretan nature with impressive landscapes. We invite you to touch the ancient civilization in reality and visit the cave in which, according to legend, the goddess Rhea gave birth to the king of the Olympian gods, Zeus. On the way to the cave of Zeus, we will stop at the monastery of the Mother of God of the Heart (Kera Kardiotissa), which is known for its miraculous icon that heals the sick and gives women a long-awaited pregnancy. Additionally, we will visit a ceramic workshop, where you will have the opportunity to create a vase on a potter’s wheel and even take it home with you!

Tour highlights:

  • Enjoy a half-day trip up to the Lassithi Plateau with magnificent views.
  • Explore Greek mythology and visit Psychro Cave, Zeus’ birthplace
  • Visit a small monastery dedicated to Virgin Mary
  • Combine holiday and passion for clay in a pottery workshop

How to prepare:

  • Comfortable clothing and walking shoes (shoulder and leg coverings to the knee are required for this tour)
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreens
  • Cash and credit card for extra costs and personal expenses

*In case of pregnancy, any health issues, or disability please contact us to reconfirm if this tour is suitable for you.

Cancellation policy:

  • 24 hours or less: no refund
  • 48 hours or less: 50% cancellation fee
  • 96 hours or less: 25% cancellation fee
  • 96+ hours: full refund

9 AM:

Our guide will pick you up at the gate of your hotel.

*You must dress comfortably (shoulder and leg coverings to the knee are required for this tour). Comfortable shoes: there are sections with ascents and descents along the route! a sun hat; and sunscreen (use on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, including the ears, back, shoulders, and the back of the knees and legs). Among your personal belongings you will have with you on a tour, please have cash for paying your expenses (some shops and taverns do not accept credit cards).

Our way will first lead to the monastery Panagia Kera Kardiotissa, which is an Eastern Orthodox monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The monastery was named after an old icon of Theotokos that, according to tradition, was miraculous.

10:30 AM:

We follow up with the Cave of Zeus, where you will be able to discover a myth, get fantastic views and photos, and enjoy one of the “top things to see on the island” yourself.

From the parking lot, you have to walk up the mountain to the entrance of the cave.

Most of the path is paved, so it is not technically difficult to climb. However, it is quite steep, and you can use a donkey ride for an additional charge if you wish to.

NOON:

Lunch at the traditional village. The special dining experience includes traditional Cretan products and local wine.

1:30 PM:

We finalize our tour by visiting the village of Psychro, where a local potter will show the detailed process of making ceramics. An impressive ceramic workshop and the result of your own ceramic-making experience will stay in your heart forever.

2:30 PM:

Boarding the coach for departure to the hotel.


  • Pick up and return to your hotel
  • Transfer by comfortable coach
  • Water in the coach
  • Licensed Guide accompanying
  • Lunch in a village (optional)
  • Souvenirs & Shopping

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    We went to Crete last year and had the best local experience going through them. Especially the gastro tour, and absolutely loved Chania and the villages! We organized everything with them from transfers to tours and dining - everything went smoothly with great communication. Highly recommend using their services if you want a true local experience with excellent seamless service. Thank you Katerina and team!

    Crete’s top boutique travel agency and personal concierge service. This has been an unforgettable experience for my me and my wife and we cannot commend enough Katarina’s passion for history and her extensive knowledge of the island. Look to her to take you to places on Crete that are rarely revealed to the average tourist.

    We were on a tour through 105olives. I definitely want to share only positive vibes from the communication, service, and experience we received. Katerina is a very friendly, professional, and moreover nice person herself. I have been traveling worldwide and 105olives tour services are one of the best indeed. Highly recommended.