THE MAGNIFICENT PALACE OF COLOURS Wander in the footsteps of the Minoans, Knossos Palace the oldest and most important monument on Crete, Greece and whole Europe. The building of the palace sets the pattern of organization in Crete, and Greece too. It implies a peaceful period of great wealth and prosperity and concentration of authorities both political and religious for first time. It was the center of administration of the entire island during Minoan times. Its position is such that allowed unprecedented growth and prosperity as witnessed by the plethora of storage magazines, workshops, and wall paintings. The elegant wall frescoes which decorated the halls speak of people who approached the subtleties of life and the splendor of nature with a joyous disposition. The palace radiates with joyous exuberance through the elaborate architectural planes and volumes that were clustered around the central courtyard. Our guide will make this visit an unforgetable experience.

Going to the village of Mochos we see another face of Crete, the traditional villages. At this traditional village we stay for approximately 30 minutes to have a Greek coffee at a traditional kafenion and admire the old Venetian architecture while wandering around the alleys.

Going to our next destination we start our second leg of climbing and get in touch with another face of Crete the harsh wild mountainous nature. Krasi is another traditional village we visit. The monumental plane tree and a sign of monumental architecture the fountain are the main points of interest. We take some pictures and we continue to our next destination.

Our next stop is the monastery of Kera. Why visit this Christian Orthodox monastery? To learn the history of this more than 1000 years old monastery and its association with the revolutions to free Crete from the conquerors. Also the history of the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary is fascinating.

At the end of our climbing we arrive at the entrance of the Lassithi Plateau. We stop for pictures of the mixed view with the wild mountains, the countryside and the sea in the background. On the other side lies the Lassithi Plateau. Also we learn the history of the venetian stone built windmills, that were used to grind the wheat that was cultivated in the plateau

Driving towards our next destination through the Plateau we experience another face of Crete, the fertile land in an altitude of 3000 ft, surrounded by high mountains. We learn the history of the plateau and the important role it played from the old times.

The main "Birthplace of Zeus" is the Dikteon Cave in the Lasithi Plateau. The impressive Cave of Zeus, is located above the village of Psychro in the Lassithi Plateau, at an altitude of 1025 meters. It is generally considered worth visiting for its mix of mythology, impressive stalactites, and panoramic valley views. It is a significant archaeological site and a "must-do" in Crete for many. Αfter, a roughly 15–20 minute walk, in a steep, sometimes uneven path, requiring decent fitnesss, you get to the entrace. Inside is a large, impressive cavern, often described as a "cathedral of stalactites", offering a cool, dramatic interior. The cave, spans 2200 square meters and is adequately illuminated. The paths inside are well-maintained, with a total length of 250 meters. The famous “Dictaean Cave” mentioned in mythology, is where Zeus was born and raised by the Curetes of Dicte, with the care of the goat Amalthea and the nymph Melisse.

Ceramics workshop. You can see the traditional way of making pottery. You can also test your skills by making your own pottery.

On this olive mill, you will see the machines and how olive oil is extracted today and in the past. You will learn about the different types of olive oil and you will experience the difference between olive oils.

Lunch break at the restaurant that they cook the traditional way on wood oven. All the ingredients they use are cultivated at their own farm.