After pickup from your hotel, the first stop on your tour is Kritsa, a historical village rich in legends. Here you'll discover picturesque gorges and several ancient archaeological and religious sites. From Kritsa, drive higher into the mountains through the pine forest and past Katharo Plateau (altitude 1250m). This plateau is famous for the Cretan dwarf hippopotamus fossils found in the area and features a magnificent landscape surrounded that is home to many legends dating back to the Ottoman era. Next you'll visit the impressive Lassithi Plateau (altitude 1150m). More than 10,000 traditional windmills operated in the area until just a few decades ago. In the 1950s and 1960s, the plateau was actually one of the first wind farms in Europe. If you're lucky, you'll also have a chance to see some native wildlife. From here you'll continue on to the Diktaean Cave, that is, the birthplace of Zeus, which is located at the village of Psychro (altitude 840m). Finally, explore the village of Krasi and take photos of the famous Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis’ beloved plane tree. This particular plane tree’s circumference is approximately 24 metres and it is estimated that it is 2400 years old.

Ever felt you wanted to get away from crowds and blaze your own trail? This is your chance to enjoy the many sights, tastes and aromas of Crete on your own terms. Take advantage of this personalized tour service and get ready for private tour that will take you from one sight to the next, from breathtaking views to traditional villages to the secret villages of Crete – each one chosen by you. Are you into wine culture, archaeological sites, traditional Greek cooking lessons, unique beaches, or Mediterranean gastronomy? This tour will take you from the heights of the rocky Lassithi plateau to the traditional villages tucked away off the beaten path. Start at the village of Krasi and visit the huge 2,400-years-old Writer’s Plane Tree, named so because it was beloved by Nikos Kazantzakis, one of the most famous Greek writers of the 20th century. In the same village, see how the Cretans used to wash their clothes in the traditional manner. Next up is Panagia Kera, a 13th century Byzantine monastery where you can find a depiction of the Catholic St. Francis, who is famous in Crete among the gorgeous iconography. Afterwards, the tour will ascend to the unique Lassithi Plateau, a rocky and austere place, long treasured for the beauty of its scenery. There you can visit the Diktaion Andron, an ancient cave believed to be the mythological birthplace of Zeus. Have lunch in a traditional taverna outside Krasi, at your own expense.

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at Eleftherias Square in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at 10:00. The Tour starts by driving along the Northern coast of the island were we will visit the 12th century Byzantine church of Panagia Kera located 1km from the village of Kritsa. The church contains the finest-preserved Byzantine-era frescoes in Crete, and for that reason , has become one of the most culturally and historically significant churches on the island. After we will visit Agios Nikolaos town, the capital town of Lassithi. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the area. A narrow channel of water connects the lake with the sea, while an imposing backdrop of red rock and trees adds to the natural beauty of the scenery. A small pine tree park lies above the lake, and a stone path leads to its southern section to a cute small harbour for fishing boats. The city boasts interesting Archaeological, Folklore, and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organised marina, bustling pedestrian streets (ideal for leisurely walks), and traditional squares with buzzing cafés and restaurants. Optional lunch at “Basilikos Restaurant”. We continue our tour driving through the beautiful coastal road and village of Elounda, which lies 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos Town. Elounda retains its authentic character and offers a unique landscape with many coves and pristine beaches. One of them is the sea-front village of Plaka where we will board the boat to take us on the now deserted island of Spinalonga. Our guide will guide us through the ruins of what used to be a leper-colony from 1903 to 1957 where lepers could have a better life, medical help and economic support. Late in the afternoon at 18:30, we return to Heraklion at the terminal in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel.

Experience a private day tour in the Heraklion area and visit the third-largest Minoan Palace in Crete, stop at the Island of Spinalonga, and explore Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Learn more about the history and culture of the Heraklion area on this private tour. Start the tour with pickup from your designated pickup point, and first go to the Archaeological site of Malia, dating back to the Middle Bronze Age. See this majestic site, the third-largest Minoan Palace in all of Crete, built close to a beautiful beach. Move on to Kritsa Village, one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in the area, built atmospherically on a rocky hill called Kastellos, and surrounded by olive groves. Explore the local village with narrow winding lanes, renowned for the skill of its weavers, and see their craftsmanship Visit the Church of Panagia Kera, one of the most important monuments in Crete because of its well-preserved wall paintings representing various periods of Byzantine Art. See the original church, dedicated to the Dormition of Theotokos, built in the middle of the thirteenth century. Make a stop in Agios Nikolaos, one of the first cities in Crete where tourist development began. Admire the picturesque harbor and see two of the sweet water lakes of Crete. Pass by the fishing village of Elounda on the northern coast, and enjoy the traditional and idyllic scenery. Reach the marina of Plaka and from there travel to the Island of Spinalonga, famous as it was a former Venetian Fortress and Leper Colony. Learn more about the site's history and its significance as it left an unfading mark on Crete's history.