Katharo Route Tour from Agios Nikolaos

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Highlights

  • Skip self-drive and buses, and see and learn more going by 4WD with a guide

  • Roam mountains and hamlets; try local cheese, and see Dikteon Cave (own cost)

  • Includes 3-course lunch and return hotel transport from Agios Nikolaos area

Summary

Get picked up from your hotel in the morning, traveling up into the rugged mountains in the island’s interior to explore the beautiful scenery, laid-back rhythm of daily life in small villages, and tasty local food products. Start at the Aposelemis basin reservoir, where you can explore an ancient Roman aqueduct, then head into the foothills of the Afendi Mountains. Visit the village of Kastamonitsa, where you can enjoy a Cretan-style breakfast (own cost) accompanied by the local liquor, Raki. After breakfast, continue off road higher into the mountains, stopping at a shepard’s “mitato,” a typical lodge or inn, where you can sample traditional cheese. Drive deeper into the mountains and pause a local overlook, offering dramatic views of the Lassithi Plateau and Crete’s north coast. Proceed from the overlook to Diction Cave, reported to be the birthplace of Zeus in classic mythology (entry fee at own expense). When you finish in the cave, take a break for lunch, which features three courses of local Crete specialties (vegetarian option available). You can also enjoy unlimited wine during your meal. After lunch, continue to the Lassinthos Eco Park, an area where you can browse for traditional handicrafts and get a taste for daily life in the island’s small farming villages. Make a brief stop in Seli for photos before heading to the village of Krassi, which is known for its ancient tree and natural spring. Begin heading back down toward the coast, passing through groves of olive trees as you descend out of the mountains. Your tour concludes back at your hotel.

Tour info

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Without a self-drive car, exploring wild eastern Crete means using local buses. This 4WD tour from Agios Nikolaos promises exploration without transport hassles: taking you deep into the mountains and Lassithi Plateau; following off-road trails, and visiting lookouts, villages, and the Dikteon Cave. On route, discover rural life, taste local cheese at a shepherd’s lodge; and enjoy a Cretan lunch. Return hotel transport makes everything super-convenient.

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What’s included?

  • Fuel surcharge

  • Local taxes

  • 3-course lunch

  • Driver/guide

  • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

  • with the Lunch bottled water and wine is included

  • Drinks

  • Entry/Admission - Cave of Zeus

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 8h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Operator Website

Operated by:

Safari Club Crete

About operator:

Rumble along an ancient Minoan route on this Land Rover adventure that takes you out of Heraklion and into the mountains, pastures, villages of Crete. Take photos of the scenic Lassithi Plateau, visit the mythological birthplace of Zeus at Dikteon Cave, and watch island shepherding traditions at an interactive eco-park. Local cuisine and wine are also showcased during an included tavern lunch.

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