Off road Trip in Lasithi

Total Duration

• 7 Hours

Full description

Embark on an exhilarating off-road adventure that will immerse you in the diverse landscapes and majestic mountaintops, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the Gods. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lasithi plateau while exploring the cave of his birth, all while enjoying panoramic views that will take your breath away.

Our off-road trip begins in Hersonissos, where you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing from our skilled driver before setting off towards the enchanting Lassithi plateau. Along the way, we pass the Aposelemi dam, where, depending on the water level, the abandoned village of Sfendili reveals itself. Continuing through olive groves, we reach the picturesque village of Amariano, where you can take a moment to relax and witness the remnants of the Roman aqueduct.

Here is where the real off-road adventure begins, as the landscape becomes untamed and we ascend rapidly. However, the reward is the breathtaking panoramic views that unfold before us. If we’re fortunate, we may even catch a glimpse of the majestic vultures soaring above! Our journey culminates at the fertile Lassithi plateau, once adorned with over 1000 windmills that provided essential irrigation to the fields.

Our next stop takes us to the awe-inspiring Cave of Psychro (Dikteon Cave) perched at an altitude of 1025m. According to myth, this is the sacred birthplace of Zeus himself. As an archaeological site, the cave can be explored (admission ticket: €6), with a beautiful short uphill path leading the way. Alternatively, for those who prefer not to walk, donkeys are available for a small fee to transport visitors to the cave. After our visit, we have the pleasure of indulging in the flavors of traditional Cretan cuisine at a local restaurant.

Following our meal, we commence our return journey, passing through the mountain col, where the iconic windmills that once ground the locals’ flour still stand tall. A few kilometers later, we arrive at the renowned Kera Monastery, one of Crete’s most significant religious landmarks. Nestled in a central location between Heraklion and the Lassithi Plateau, the monastery served as a refuge for Cretan freedom fighters. Unfortunately, it endured two burnings by Omer Pasha’s army between October 1866 and June 1867.

As we make our way back, we make one final stop in the charming village of Krasi, where you can savor a refreshing drink of raki. The view from this vantage point, overlooking the Cretan Sea, Mallia, and Hersonissos, serves as the perfect finale to a remarkable day of exploration.

Price Excludes:

• Tickets to museums and archaeological sites
• Personal expenses, including coffees and alcoholic drinks
• Specialized guides for museums and archaeological sites
• Anything not mentioned in the “Includes” list

What to Bring

• Walking shoes or sandals

• Camera

• Sunscreen

• Hat – Sunglasses

Includes

• Experienced Driver

• Free transport from/to your hotel. (as long as you are within the predefined pick-up area)

• Free Wi-Fi

• Land Rover Discovery 3 – Fuels

• Lunch (wine, soft drinks, water)

• Two Bottles of water and one juice box per person

• Binoculars (2 pairs per car)

Limitations

• Minimum number of 3 participants

Itinerary

• Starting time 08:00
• Ending time 16:00

Meeting point

Cancellation Policy - Flexible

• Whenever you cancel 4 days or earlier than the confirmed activity starting date, your fee will be refunded for the entire activity charge.
• In case of cancellation within 48 and 96 hours before the scheduled activity starting date, you'll get 50% reimbursed.
• Those who cancel 48 hours or beyond are considered last-minute cancellations. There will be no refunds