Minoan Echoes & Mountain Mystique

The Palace of Knossos - Located just a short drive from Heraklion, Knossos Palace stands as the most iconic emblem of Minoan civilization and is possibly the oldest city in Europe. As you explore its ruins, you’ll encounter vibrant frescoes, stone staircases, and large clay jars that once stored oil and grain. It’s a place where myth and history intertwine, especially with tales of King Minos, the Minotaur, and the legendary Labyrinth said to be beneath your feet.

Much of what is visible today was uncovered by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who partially restored sections of the palace—a decision that continues to spark debate. Whether you’re a purist or a dreamer, Knossos holds a unique allure. It’s more than just stones and walls; it’s whispers from a world that once lived, ruled, danced, and disappeared—leaving behind stories etched in dust and clay.

Titakis Wines- Fabrika Wine Experience - Nestled in Kounavoi village near Heraklion, Titakis Winery is a family-run treasure that celebrates Crete’s native grapes and authentic winemaking. With a history spanning three generations, the winery combines tradition with a modern flair, focusing on varieties like Vilana and Kotsifali.

The visit is personal and genuine. You’ll tour the production area, often led by a family member, and taste wines that reflect the island’s soil, sun, and spirit. No grand displays—just excellent wine, local stories, and a quiet pride in their craft.

OLIVE OIL FACTORY POLITAKIS - Situated in the Cretan countryside near the village of Archanes, Politakis Olive Mill is a humble, family-run establishment that has been pressing olives traditionally for decades. Here, there is no elaborate marketing—just age-old mills, the earthy aroma of freshly crushed olives, and the steady rhythm of harvest season.

Visiting the mill is an authentic experience. You’ll witness ancient stone wheels in motion, taste oil straight from the press—peppery, golden, full of character—and hear family stories about their trees, the land, and the patience required to extract flavor from fruit. It’s a place where every drop of oil tastes like home.

The experience is sincere and unfiltered, much like the oil itself: simple, honest, and steeped in tradition. You won’t leave with a souvenir trinket, but you’ll depart with a memory—and perhaps a bottle of liquid sunshine to remind you of Crete’s essence.

Traditional Cooking Classes - Traditional Cretan cooking classes offer more than just recipes—they provide a hands-on glimpse into real village life. You’ll observe a cooking demonstration where local dishes like stuffed vegetables or slow-cooked lamb come to life with fresh, seasonal ingredients and plenty of olive oil.

After the demonstration, everyone gathers for lunch to enjoy the meal together, usually in a garden or courtyard setting. The food is simple yet rich in flavor, the kind that only home-style cooking can offer. It’s a warm, welcoming experience that connects you to Cretan culture in the most delightful way.

From the Throne of Zeus to the Shores of History

Lassithi Plateau - The Lassithi Plateau is a high-altitude plain embraced by mountains, where time seems to stretch like the fields of potatoes and apple trees. Known for its white-sailed windmills and fertile soil, it’s a place where old Cretan rhythms still resonate—slow, steady, and deeply rooted in the land.

Villages here feel untouched, humble yet proud, and the landscape has a quiet poetry to it. You don’t visit the plateau to be dazzled—you go to breathe, to listen, to feel how life once was and, in some corners, still is.

Plaka - Plaka in Elounda is a charming waterfront hamlet awash in soft pastel hues—where time drifts like small fishing boats at dawn. Nestled beside turquoise waters and olive-dotted hills, it’s a place where gentle luxury whispers rather than shouts. Here, every stroll along the quayside or sip of coffee at sunset feels like a quiet celebration of Cretan serenity and timeless elegance.

Spinalonga (Kalydon) - Spinalonga is a small island with a poignant past, just a short boat ride from Plaka, Elounda, or Agios Nikolaos. Once a Venetian fortress built in the 16th century to guard Mirabello Bay, its stone walls later became the final refuge for Greece’s leper colony from 1903 to 1957. In this isolated world, the outcasts built a life with cafés, schools, and even a cinema—a testament to human dignity under the weight of exile.

Today, Spinalonga shares its stories with those who walk its paths. It’s a place where beauty and sorrow coexist—sunlit sea views, crumbling walls, and silent ruins that echo resilience. A visit here isn’t just sightseeing—it’s listening to the island’s quiet voice, shaped by stone, sea, and memory.

Agios Nikolaos - Agios Nikolaos is a lakeside tapestry of pastel houses and shimmering water that reflects both the day’s warmth and the pulse of local life. It’s a town that breathes—between boat horns, café chatter, and the slow glide of fishing boats on Voulismeni Lake.

At Gioma Meze, lunch becomes a celebration: perched above the lake with panoramic views, you dive into generous seafood and Cretan-sharing plates, from grilled octopus to fresh fish and fava spreads. Warm, attentive service rounds it off—a meal that tastes like the island: genuine, abundant, and rooted in tradition with a touch of refinement.

In Agios Nikolaos, the lake’s calm mirrors your mood—and a lunch at Gioma Meze turns that mirror into something richer: shared laughter, sea-salty air, and dishes that speak of craft, culture, and sun-soaked simplicity.

• All-Inclusive Pricing: Fuel, insurance, and VAT (24%)
• English-speaking, experienced local chauffeur
• Waiting time included, no rush or penalty for delays
• Lunch
• Private Vehicle & Professional Driver: Clean, air-conditioned vehicle (sedan, SUV, or minivan)

• Knossos Palace Admission Fee
• Excess Time Without Booking Extension
• Guide Services
• Spinalonga Island Admission Fee
• Round Trip Boat Ticket from Plake to Spinalonga Island

This is more than just a tour—it’s a 2-day heartfelt tribute to Crete. Designed with care for travelers staying in Heraklion, this adventure surpasses typical day excursions. Participants will explore mountains where Zeus was born, wander through the remnants of ancient civilizations, journey to secluded islands, and dine in lakeside villages where time seems to stand still.

With a thoughtfully balanced schedule, participants will experience both the majestic heights of the Lasithi Plateau and the serene depths of Mirabello Bay, all while savoring genuine local cuisine, embracing the warmth of village life, and hearing stories that only the land itself can share.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.