"Faith in the Mountains” — Full-Day Monasteries & Olive Mill Tour
Duration
8 hour(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Explore Kremasta Monastery and its breathtaking mountain views
Discover olive oil production at Omalia Mill and taste varieties
Enjoy Panagia Kroustalenia Monastery and its historic spiritual stories
Learn about Vidiani Monastery and natural history collections quietly
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This full day tour takes you from Heraklion into the heart of Crete, combining spiritual exploration and local culture. The journey begins with a scenic drive east toward Neapoli, where the noise of the city gives way to the calm olive-scented countryside. The first stop is Kremasta Monastery, a sixteenth century women’s monastery perched above the town, offering breathtaking views and a serene courtyard. Next, visit the Omalia Olive Mill, where you will see the traditional production of olive oil, taste different varieties, and enjoy local small bites. The drive continues to the Lasithi Plateau, a fertile highland full of history and charm, leading to the Panagia Kroustalenia Monastery, a women’s monastery with centuries of devotion and stories of local resistance.
The tour continues with a visit to Vidiani Monastery, a quiet men’s monastery dedicated to Saint Charalambos, where monks maintain a small natural history collection. The interior radiates warmth and spiritual calm, complemented by mountain air and flowers. Lunch is served at a traditional taverna in Tzermiado or Plati, offering local dishes such as oven baked lamb, stuffed vegetables, handmade cheese pies, and fresh bread accompanied by wine or raki. After lunch, guests return to Heraklion with memories of the plateau’s spiritual and culinary treasures. This tour blends history, culture, and gastronomy, offering an enriching experience that touches the soul and delights the senses.
Comfortable, air-conditioned minibus or van
Professional driver familiar with mountain routes
Pick-up & drop-off from Heraklion city
Experienced local guide
Spiritual and historical storytelling for each monastery
Optional silent moments or candle-lighting in each monastery
Escort during the olive mill tour and lunch
Kremasta Monastery
Panagia Kroustalenia Monastery
Vidiani Monastery
Guided tour of the olive oil production process
Tasting of extra virgin olive oils
Sampling of traditional products
Optional purchases of local goods
Bottled water during the tour
Printed itinerary or digital guide
Small gift: icon bookmark or Cretan herb sachet
Optional donations for candles or icons at monasteries
Purchases at Omalia Olive Mill shop
Purchases at local monastery shops
Private liturgies, blessings, or priest-accompanied tours
Licensed tour guide with religious or archaeological commentary
Extra transfer fees for pick-up outside Heraklion city limits
Lunch
Gratuities
Comfortable shoes
Light jacket
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Modest clothing
Cash in euros
Camera or smartphone
Tour is not fully wheelchair accessible
Maximum of seven guests per tour
Bring a light jacket for cooler mountain air
Comfortable walking shoes are essential
Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees; scarves recommended
Prepare for light walking and some steps at monasteries
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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