The adventure begins with morning pickup at your Heraklion hotel and a trip out of town in a sturdy Land Rover with a small group. Drive along the coastline and into the Cretan mountains, stopping first at the Aposelemis Basin Reservoir and an ancient Roman aqueduct. Journey on to the foothills of the Afendi Mountains for a hearty breakfast (own expense) and visit the forgotten village of Sfendili.
Follow an ancient Minoan path, winding through scenic mountain passes as your guide relates the history and myths of Crete. Get a glimpse into the local shepherding lifestyle with a visit to a mitato to feed the livestock and watch a cheesemaking demonstration. Next, snap photos of the Lassithi Plateau on the way to the famous Dikteon Cave, known as the birthplace of Zeus according to Greek mythology. If you like, pay a small entry fee and climb the rocky steps up to the cave.
After working up an appetite, break for lunch at a local tavern, where you can choose from traditional and vegetarian starters and main courses, served with wine. In the afternoon, observe traditional ways of mountain life and handicrafts at the Lassinthos Eco Park and the farming village of Seli, located on the Lassithi Plateau. Make a final stop in Krassi, known for its natural spring water and 2,000-year-old tree, before the scenic return drive to your hotel.
