Crete’s Nida Plateau Route offers an unforgettable adventure. Travelers embark on a Land Rover safari through the island’s stunning landscapes, seeing Cretan culture. The full-day excursion takes guests on an off-road journey, showcasing breathtaking vistas of the Livadi and Nida plateaus. Along the way, they’ll indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch accompanied by unlimited wine, as well as engage with local shepherds to learn about traditional cheese-making. But the real highlight? Uncovering the mythological significance of the Ideon Andron cave, where the Greek god Zeus was said to have been born. It’s an experience that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- The Land Rover safari route includes an off-road journey through picturesque vineyards and villages, with stops for local produce sampling in Krousonas.
- The tour visits the Livadi Plateau, where visitors can interact with local goats and learn about the dairy industry and agricultural life.
- The excursion includes a journey to the Ideon Andron cave, which is linked to Zeus mythology, with insightful commentary from the tour guide.
- The tour features a BBQ lunch with unlimited wine and an opportunity to learn about traditional Cretan cheese-making from a local shepherd.
- The route offers scenic views of the Psiloritis mountain, Crete’s highest snowcapped peak, as well as historical sites related to Cretan resistance.
Activity Overview
The Land Rover Safari Nida Plateau Route is a full-day excursion priced from $102.76 per person.
This activity runs for one day and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can take advantage of the ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option when booking.
The experience highlights include visiting the Livadi and Nida Plateaus, enjoying a complimentary BBQ lunch with unlimited wine, and learning about traditional Cretan cheese-making from a local shepherd.
With a knowledgeable driver/guide fluent in multiple languages, this safari offers a comprehensive way to explore the natural and cultural wonders of Crete’s Psiloritis region.
Experience Highlights
Highlights of this Land Rover Safari include visiting the Livadi and Nida Plateaus, where travelers can enjoy a complimentary BBQ lunch with unlimited wine and learn about traditional Cretan cheese-making from a local shepherd. Explorers will also have the chance to visit the Ideon Andron cave, which is associated with the mythology of Zeus. Along the way, they’ll take in scenic views of Psiloritis, Crete’s highest snowcapped mountain.
| Experience | Included |
|---|---|
| Local Produce Sampling | Olive oil, raki |
| Historical Site Visits | Cretan resistance monuments |
| Village Explorations | Anogeia, Fodele |
| Cultural Immersion | Cheese-making, shepherd meet-up |
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with hotel pickup from Ammoudara, followed by an off-road journey through the picturesque Pendamodi village and vineyards.
Travelers will then sample local produce like olive oil and raki in Krousonas before exploring the apple orchards and local goats at the Livadi Plateau.
Next, the group will visit historical sites and monuments related to the Cretan resistance movement.
After lunch in Anogeia, there’ll be time to relax in Fodele before returning to the hotel.
Throughout the day, the knowledgeable driver/guide will provide insights and share cultural information in several languages, enhancing the immersive experience.
Included Features
Included in the Land Rover Safari Nida Plateau Route are hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a convenient start and end to the day’s adventures. The driver/guide, fluent in multiple languages including German, Dutch, French, and English, provides knowledgeable narration and cultural insights throughout the journey. Beyond the transportation and guide, the experience includes a delectable BBQ lunch with unlimited wine, satisfying even the heartiest of appetites. Fuel and insurance are also covered, allowing you to fully learn about the exploration without worrying about additional costs.
| Included Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Hotel pickup and drop-off, off-road Land Rover vehicles |
| Guiding | Multilingual driver/guide for narration and cultural insights |
| Lunch | BBQ lunch with unlimited wine, vegetarian option available |
| Extras | Fuel, insurance, and taxes included in the package price |
| Flexibility | Reserve now, pay later option for booking |
Customer Feedback
Travelers’ reviews of the Land Rover Safari Nida Plateau Route paint a picture of a well-organized and diverse experience, with many highlighting the knowledgeable guides like Stavros and Georgios.
Reviewers praise the engaging group dynamics and the cultural insights they gained, particularly through interactions with a local shepherd and learning about traditional Cretan cheesemaking.
The visits to the Ideon cave and other historical sites related to Cretan resistance also stood out as specific highlights.
Route Through Vineyards
After exploring the historical sites and monuments related to Cretan resistance, the Land Rover Safari takes participants on an off-road journey through the picturesque vineyards and villages of the region.
The route winds through the serene Pendamodi village, where visitors can admire the lush vineyards and sample local produce such as olive oil and raki. The safari then continues to the apple orchards and local goats at the Livadi Plateau, offering a glimpse into the agricultural traditions of the area.
Some key highlights of this part of the journey include:
- Driving through the scenic vineyards and villages
- Sampling local olive oil, raki, and other produce
- Visiting the apple orchards and interacting with local goats
- Taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes
Visit to Livadi Plateau
The Land Rover Safari takes visitors to the Livadi Plateau, where they can witness the apple orchards and interact with the local goats. This scenic location offers a glimpse into the agricultural life of the region.
Guests have the chance to stroll through the orchards, admiring the vibrant greenery and the crunchy apples hanging from the trees. Plus, they’ll get up close with the friendly neighborhood goats, observing their grazing habits and learning about their role in the local dairy industry.
This plateau stop provides a welcome break from the off-road journey, allowing travelers to enjoy the pastoral tranquility of the Cretan countryside.
Journey to Ideon Cave
During the Land Rover Safari, guests venture forth to explore the Ideon Andron cave, a site steeped in the mythology surrounding the birth of Zeus. This ancient cavern, nestled within the slopes of Mount Psiloritis, serves as a significant landmark in Cretan history and culture.
As visitors enter the cave, they’re met with a sense of awe and wonder, captivated by the significant role it played in the Zeus legend. The tour guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the cave’s history to life.
Guests can:
- Marvel at the impressive size and grandeur of the cavern
- Imagine the ancient ceremonies and rituals that once took place here
- Admire the stunning natural formations and lighting within the cave
- Reflect on the enduring power of myth and its impact on Cretan identity
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for This Tour?
This tour has no minimum group size. Travelers can book individually and will be combined with other participants on the day of the tour. The tour is offered with a driver/guide fluent in multiple languages.
Can I Request a Private Tour or Customize the Itinerary?
Yes, customers can request a private tour or customize the itinerary. The tour operator offers flexible options to accommodate individual preferences and group sizes. Travelers can discuss their needs with the operator to create a personalized experience.
What Type of Land Rover Vehicles Are Used During the Safari?
The Land Rover vehicles used during the safari are not specified in the details provided. However, it’s common for such off-road tours to utilize rugged, high-clearance SUVs or Land Rover models suited for the terrain. The exact vehicle type isn’t explicitly mentioned.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration for a Full Day?
The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration for a full day. The experience is designed as a one-day tour, with a fixed itinerary and duration. Customers can’t request an extended version of the safari.
Do the Guides Provide Information About the Local Flora and Fauna?
The tour guides provide detailed information about the local flora and fauna encountered during the excursion. They share insights into the unique plant and animal life found in the Nida Plateau region of Crete.
Recap
The Crete Land Rover Safari Nida Plateau Route offers an unforgettable adventure through the island’s stunning landscapes.
Guests can expect breathtaking views, delectable cuisine, and engaging cultural experiences, making it an exceptional way to explore the beauty and history of Crete.
With its off-road journeys, interactions with local shepherds, and visit to the mythological Ideon Andron cave, this safari promises an enriching and exhilarating day for all who embark on it.
