Crete: Land Rover Safari Lassithi Plateau & Minoan Route Lunch

Summary

Crete mountain safari with local lunch, ancient sites and raki stops

You’ll ride deep into Crete’s mountains by Land Rover with a local guide, taste homemade raki in Kastamonitsa village, visit ancient sites like the Roman aqueduct and Lassithi Plateau, then share a Cretan lunch with unlimited wine before heading home dusty but happy.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start the day wondering if my shoes were up for real mountain roads, but our driver just grinned and said, “No problem, Land Rover eats stones.” So off we went from Heraklion, windows open, dust swirling in the morning light. The smell of thyme drifted in every time we slowed down — I remember thinking it was stronger than any perfume back home.

We stopped at this old Roman aqueduct that looked like it had been forgotten by everyone except our guide, Manolis. He told stories about water running all the way down to villages — I tried to imagine it filled and alive. Later, at Kastamonitsa, someone handed me a glass of raki before I’d even sat down. It burned in a good way. There was laughter from a table nearby; an old man winked at us and said something I couldn’t catch. I think he was teasing us for sipping instead of knocking it back.

The Lassithi Plateau is huge — like a bowl of green fields surrounded by mountains. We bumped along tiny roads past goats and wildflowers until we reached Psychro village, where there’s this Greek Mythology Park near the Dikteo Cave (they say Zeus was born there). Kids were running around pretending to be gods; honestly, I kind of wanted to join them. Lunch came later than I expected but felt just right: plates kept coming, wine never really stopped flowing, and someone played music on their phone quietly in the corner. Still think about that bread dipped in olive oil.

On the way back, we paused under these massive plane trees in Krasi village square — one’s supposed to be the oldest on Crete. The shade felt cool after so much sun. People waved as we passed through narrow streets; Manolis honked twice for luck or maybe just habit. Anyway, by then my hair was full of dust and I didn’t care at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Crete's Minoan Route and Villages

• Visit Sfendile village
• Explore Greek Mythology Park in Psychro
• See Lasithi Plateau
• Stop at plane trees in Krasi village square
• Enjoy traditional snack with raki in Kastamonitsa
• Have Cretan-style lunch in Lassithi tavern

Top questions

How long is the Land Rover safari from Heraklion?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including all stops.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, a 3-course Cretan-style lunch with unlimited wine is included.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are provided.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Bottled water and wine are included with lunch.

Is this safari wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What villages do you visit on this tour?

The route includes Kastamonitsa, Psychro (near Dikteo Cave), and Krasi village among others.

Do you visit any historical sites?

Yes, stops include an ancient Roman aqueduct and locations related to Minoan civilization.

Can infants join the tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, an experienced driver-guide throughout the journey, stops at historic sites like an ancient Roman aqueduct and Greek Mythology Park near Lassithi Plateau, plus a traditional 3-course Cretan lunch with bottled water and unlimited wine before returning in the evening.