Crete , Greece

Cretan Villages with Patsos Gorge Tour

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We start driving to our first stop Zaros, an attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited. Then we continue our drive to the traditional Cretan village of Vatos, a small village hidden in the green where we find all the elements of its tradition. We finish at a cauldron of the village where you make Raki (the famous alcoholic beverage of Crete). Spili is our next stop known for its Venetian snake with a long line of 25 stone lion heads that run cool water from their mouths. Optional lunch at Spili. Then we visit Lampini, the church and the museum of Panagia. Drive to Gorge of St. Antonios, walk through a very nice hiking trail in the gorge with super green and lush surroundings up to the cave of St. Antonios.

Available options

Villages & Patsos (Italian)

Italian-speaking guide

Villages & Patsos (Spanish)

Spanish-speaking guide

Villages & Patsos (French)

Cretan Villages with Patsos Gorge Tour

English-speaking guide

What's included

Professional Escort

VAT and all legal taxes included

Air-conditioned Motorcoach

Detailed itinerary

Zaros, is an attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited

Vatos, is a small village hidden in the green where we find all the elements of its tradition. Walking down the alleys we visit the old school and its fountain as well as the museum with the farming tools and utensils of earlier times. We finish at a cauldron of the village where you make Raki (the famous alcoholic beverage of Crete).

Spili is known for its Venetian snake with a long line of 25 stone lion heads that run cool water from their mouths.

Lampini is a traditional village where you will see the church and the museum of Panagia. The church is inscribed with a cupola, and depicts frescoes of the 12th and 14th century. It was an Episcopal church, since the village of Lampini once accommodated the seat of the famous Episcopate of Lampis, which had existed since 431.

Patsos Gorge is known for the cavernous temple of Agios Antonios (Saint Anthony), which in ancient times was a sacred cave dedicated to Kraneos Hermes. Water comes out from the rocks, while water drops from the temple roof, which is concentrated as holy water. It is interesting to see the thousands of prayer papers that the faithful have placed in the rock cavities around the temple. Underneath the temple and by the river are large plateaus with wooden benches and tables.

What's not included

Pick-up/drop-off transfer

Lunch in restaurant throughout in the tour (20,00 €)

Gratuities

Anything that is not specified in the program as included

Entrance Fee to the Lampini church

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Our company is not responsible for the client’s failure to appear at the meeting point for the booked tour or activity.

Last minute cancellation of flights or inability to disembark from a cruise ship, is not our company’s responsibility, therefore any refund requests due to such incidents will not be accepted. Should the client be aware of such a change, he/she is requested to communicate with our company more than 24 hours before the tour or activity starts, in order to discuss possible date or time amendment (subject to availability)

Refund requests for last minute cancellations (up to 24 hours before the tour or activity), for any reason, will not be accepted.

Please note that there will be time spent in transportation

Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments

Meeting point

Across from the entrance of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, in front of Hari’s Creperie, Heraklion

About Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Known as the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, it offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and traditional villages.

Top Attractions

Palace of Knossos

The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is associated with the mythological Minotaur and the Labyrinth.

Historical 2-3 hours €15 (included in multi-site ticket)

Samaria Gorge

One of Europe's longest gorges, Samaria is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Nature 5-7 hours €5 entry fee

Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is famous for its pink sands and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dakos

A traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomato, myzithra cheese, and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Moussaka

A layered dish with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains meat

Rakomelo

A warm drink made with rakia (a local brandy) and honey.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Hiking in Samaria Gorge Scuba diving in Elafonisi Beach Sunbathing at Balos Lagoon Wine tasting at local wineries Exploring the Palace of Knossos Visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum Snorkeling in Balos Lagoon Boat tours around Crete

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm, sunny weather and clear skies. It's ideal for beach activities and exploring the island's historical sites.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F