Private Day Tour to Zeus Cave and Kera Monastery from Chania

8 hours 30 minutes Free CancellationPickup availableInstant confirmationPrivate tourGuided Operated by MOYSIDIS TRAVEL

Why we love it?

The Zeus Cave, Kera Monastery, and Lasithi Plateau private tour from Chania offers a comprehensive exploration of some of Crete's most significant historical and natural sites over an 8.5-hour journey. Ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this tour includes visits to the legendary Cave of Zeus, known for its mythological significance, and the serene Kera Monastery, which features stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings. Guests will travel in a comfortable vehicle with a professional driver, enjoy Wi-Fi access, and receive bottled water sourced from the White Mountains. With a knowledgeable guide accompanying the group, participants gain deeper insights into the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of the Lasithi Plateau, making this tour a distinctive way to experience the essence of Crete.

Inclusions

  • Pick-up / drop-off at your hotel.
  • Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver.
  • Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles.
  • Accompaniment by a professional guide.
  • Entrance tickets to Zeus' Cave, Kera Monastery.
  • All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions

  • Personal expenses, drinks, lunch / dinner.
  • Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts.
  • Lunch at the Chalavro tavern (optional)

Itinerary

Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau

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.

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 Zeus

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 Restaurants

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.

Ceramic workshop & olive oil factory

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.

Please Note

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • 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. Private pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, villa, cruise, or any other point in Crete. Pick-up time is flexible and upon your final confirmation.

Know Before You Go

  • Infant seats available

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 1 day before start

Non-refundable after 1 day before start