6 h. tour (Private tour)
(transportation from Heraklion and back + guided tour of Kera Monastery + optional climb and visit of the Lassithi's cave)
Depart on a scenic drive from the Venetian fortress-dominated harbor of Heraklion and climb from the coast to the Lassithi Plateau located approximately 2700 feet above sea level. Surrounded by mountains, the Plateau is home to ancient monasteries, traditional small villages and over 10,000 magnificent, self-driven windmills, which dot the landscape.
Visit the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is renowned for its Byzantine icons, 14th century frescoes and carved altar screens. The Monastery offers sweeping views of Mount Dikte, the Pediada Valley and the sea.
For those of you really interested in the Greek mythology that won’t mind hiking a bit, a stop by the cave of Lassithi can be made where according to the Greek mythology Zeus was hidden by his mother in order for the titan Cronos not to swallow him and goat Amalthea was nursing him and was providing him with all delicacies he desired. There is approximately 30 minutes hiking involved to get into the cave where you will be fascinated by the stalactites and stalagmites there are but make sure that you are in a good physical condition if you choose this tour.
At the end of your tour, you will return back to Heraklion port.
