
Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region worth booking?
Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region is a 8-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $57 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (17)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $57 per person
Great chance to visit the highlights of the Minoan civilisation in this full day tour and learn more about Cretan traditions, enjoy panoramic views of the scenic route in the mountains and visit a fantastic natural sight in the end. • See the main attractions of the island and learn a lot of interesting information about the customs of the local population. • Find out how mysterious myths about the Minotaur and the real story are intricately intertwined while visiting famous KNOSSOS PALACE. • Get the experience of traveling on the beautiful mountain routes to the delightful LASSITHI PLATEAU and marvel at the miraculous icon in one of the most revered monasteries from the locals “KERA CARDIOTISA - Our Lady of Heart” or Panagia Vidiani Monastery, a nunnery dedicated to Virgin Mary. At the end of the tour, you will have time to dine in the traditional Cretan tavern or visit a pottery workshop.
What you get
About this experience
Great chance to visit the highlights of the Minoan civilisation in this full day tour and learn more about Cretan traditions, enjoy panoramic views of the scenic route in the mountains and visit a fantastic natural sight in the end. • See the main attractions of the island and learn a lot of interesting information about the customs of the local population. • Find out how mysterious myths about the Minotaur and the real story are intricately intertwined while visiting famous KNOSSOS PALACE. • Get the experience of traveling on the beautiful mountain routes to the delightful LASSITHI PLATEAU and marvel at the miraculous icon in one of the most revered monasteries from the locals “KERA CARDIOTISA - Our Lady of Heart” or Panagia Vidiani Monastery, a nunnery dedicated to Virgin Mary. At the end of the tour, you will have time to dine in the traditional Cretan tavern or visit a pottery workshop.
What's included
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel)
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus
- Certified tour-guide
Not included
- Single entrance ticket to the Knossos palace (up to 25y.o. free)
- Entrance to Kardiotissa Monastery (up to 18 y.o.free)
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Lassithi Plateau
Get the experience of traveling on the beautiful mountain routes to the delightful Plateau of Lasithi, a spectacular panoramic plain set high in the mountains in the eastern region of Crete. The Lasithi Plateau stretches 11 km (6.8 mi) in the E-W direction and 6 km (3.7 mi) in the N-S direction. It is approximately 70 km (43 mi) east from Heraklion and lies at an average altitude of 840 m. The plateau is famous for its white-sailed windmills, (more accurately, wind-pumps), made to a local design, that have been used since the early XXth century to irrigate the land.
30 minutes here
Monastery Vidiani
Monastery of Panagia Vidiani is an Orthodox monastery founded in the mid-19th century on the Lassithi plateau, amid small villages and cypress groves on the island of Crete. The Byzantine icon of Panagia Vidiani, which gives the monastery its name, is a place of worship and pilgrimage. The monastery is a living example of monastic institutions that played an important role in Cretan history—not only as a place of worship, but also as a refuge and support center for the local population and those who fought against invaders.
30 minutes here
Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
The Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa is located 50km southeast of Heraklion, in a wooded area of North Dikti Range, next to the road leading to the Plateau of Lassithi. This is a historic monastery, after which the nearby settlements of Kera and Ano Kera Kera have been named. The beautiful stone-built church of the monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary (celebrates on September 8). The present church is built in four phases. Originally there was a single aisled temple that was later expanded with two rooms and a smaller chapel. Typical are the old frescoes of the 14th century, quite damaged by time.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
The Palace of Knossos
Knossos, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city. Visit the famous Palace of Knossos, where mysterious myths about the Minotaur and the real story are intricately intertwined.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Russian language - Area 2
Pick-up Heraklion West region: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi Pickup included
Russian language - Area 1
Pick-up Heraklion East region:: Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi Pickup included
English/French/German - Area 1
Pick-up Heraklion East region:: Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi Pickup included
English/French/German - Area 2
Pick-up Heraklion West region: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Status MLB Travel Agency
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
- Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
- Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi
- After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
- Monday: English, German, French
- Tuesday: English, German, French, Russian
- Wednesday: English, German, French
- Friday: English, German, French
- Saturday: English, German, French
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
If you didn’t do the Zeus...
If you didn’t do the Zeus cave there was a 1.5 hour wait followed by 1 hour lunch. Knossos was great to see but took a long time as the guide translated everything in 3 languages. We had no free time there at all.
via Viator
Highly recommended
We done this trip with Cretan Odyssey on 1st October. Picked up near hotel at 8:15am then after a few more pickups we headed into the Plateau of Lassithi. We started with a brief stop high up in the mountains looking over the Plateau for some stunning views. Also seen and heard the mountain goats crossing nearby with their ringing bells which was so lucky. We then visited a Church and Museum nearby followed by a stop in Lasinthos Eco Park where we could sample some local delicacies and the small Zoo. Then headed into the pretty village of Krasi and the Lyrakis Olive Oil Mill for a demonstration of olive oil production and some lunch. Unfortunately the Zeus Cave was closed for restoration so we couldn't visit this too. Mid afternoon we finished off our trip at Knossos Palace with a full audio tour from our Guide (Nectaris). The site was not too big so easy to see all the ruins and imagine the original construction. The tour overall was fantastic and we fitted in so much. Our Guide's knowledge was superb and so informative. Great value for money.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review!!!
via Viator
Very nice trip to the jewels of Krete
Beautiful sites, very good service and an excellent guide. Highly recommend. The places were top attractions.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review!!
via Viator
The Wonders of East Crete
I really enjoyed the amount of stuff this tour offered and got to experience a little bit of everything. The plateau is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. The Cave of Zeus and Knossos Palace were intriguing, and throughout the trip we got to check out a pottery shop, including an olive oil factory and samples to taste, not to mention a lunch prepared at a local taverna. I did miss the monastery visit at the start unfortunately due to an accident where I was told to wait for another bus I should have been on, but the prompt customer service, and staff making me feel welcome on arrival made a tour that started on a low finish on a high.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review!
via Tripadvisor
No to Knossos tour
I made a booking online, received confirmation email, but never got a pick up time for hotel and so the bus was full on the day when I went to confirm pick up time. Operator didn’t apologise for the mistake and was fairly ambivalent about it all.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
- Price range
- $57 to $60
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Status MLB Travel Agency, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.0.
See everything Status MLB Travel Agency runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region cost?
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Prices start at $57 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region?
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Included: Pick-up from your hotel (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel); Transfer with air-conditioned bus; and Certified tour-guide. Not included: Single entrance ticket to the Knossos palace (up to 25y.o. free); Entrance to Kardiotissa Monastery (up to 18 y.o.free); and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 569 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region?
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Across 17 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Russian language - Area 2, Russian language - Area 1, English/French/German - Area 1, English/French/German - Area 2. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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