WHERE ZEUS WAS BORN
Mythology, Culture and Cuisine in Lassithi
Tour Highlights
· Explore Crete’s scenic interior
· Visit a byzantine monastery
· Opt between a donkey ride or an ascend on foot to reach the cave’s entrance
· Descend into the Cave of Zeus with your guide
· Learn fascinating myths
· Savor tons of gorgeous vistas
· Visit cute typical villages in Lassithi Plateau
· Immerse yourself in the local cuisine and prepare a delicious lunch
· Feast on the fruits of your cooking labor
Overview
One of the most iconic images of Crete in the 70’ and 80’ was the popular Lassithi plateau postcard featuring the snow-white sails of 5.000 (!) watermills, installed in the early 1900’s to facilitate irrigation. And although nowadays only a few still stand witnesses of old farming practices, Lassithi undoubtedly remains one of the most beautiful areas in Crete, with tons of lush scenery all around, cute villages, small chapels and historical monasteries. En route to the plateau a first stop will be made at Kera, to visit one of Crete’s most famous religious institutions, to admire byzantine art and architecture and savor gorgeous vistas. The road onwards leads to an elevation of 2500ft, where 3000 fertile hectares are cultivated with potato, apple, pear and other fruits and vegetables by the hardworking residents of 18 villages. The village of Psychro is the bussiest one, since it is here, in the famous “Diktean Cave” up at 3000 ft, where Rea the Titan, pregnant with Zeus, fled to find a safe place to deliver her baby. Her vicious husband Kronos had already swallowed all of his offsprings alive, to make sure that not one of them would try to take his place, as an ancient Oracle had prophesized. Ascend on foot, or opt for a short donkey ride to the entrance of the cave, ornate with stalactites and stalagmites and witness the chamber where the newborn was hidden! From this “Bethlehem” of Bronze Age Crete transfer to the neighboring village to witness first-hand how the locals live and help the lady of the house cook a delicious meal for you, homage to the plateau’s cuisine in particular. Roll up your sleeves and help prepare the local “skioufihta” pasta, fresh seasonal salads, delicious “dolmades” and “myzithropites” among other iconic dishes, local to the area. When everything is ready feast on the fruits of your labor, wisely paired with fine wines and for closure, strong raki, Crete’s secret recipe to reach 100! Upon conclusion of an authentic culinary experience and a very fulfilling day, transfer privately to your lodgings.
Included tour features
· Pick up & return private luxury transfers
· Fluent English-speaking expert guide
· Admission fees to all sites and venues
· Lunch, beverages, water
· All applicable taxes
Not included
· Expenses of personal nature
· Gratuities (left to your sole discretion)
We advise:
· Comfortable shoes, sun block, sunglasses, hut, camera
Duration: 6 hours (approx.)
