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Crete Tour: Knossos, Zeus Cave & Local Delights
5.0
230 Ratings
Iraklio
Embark on a journey of discovery through Crete’s majestic Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave. Immerse in the art of olive oil production, savor authentic local cuisine, and indulge in the finest flavors of Crete. Join us for an unforgettable day trip!
Embark on a journey of discovery through Crete’s majestic Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave. Immerse in the art of olive oil production, savor authentic local cuisine, and indulge in the finest flavors of Crete. Join us for an unforgettable day trip!
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Omalia Olive Press - Begin the journey into Cretan culture with an introduction to its renowned “liquid gold.” At a traditional, four-generation olive oil production facility, discover the rich history of the olive, learn about harvesting methods from ancient times to the present day, and enjoy a tasting of premium-quality olive oil—an experience…
- Omalia Olive Press - Begin the journey into Cretan culture with an introduction to its renowned “liquid gold.” At a traditional, four-generation olive oil production facility, discover the rich history of the olive, learn about harvesting methods from ancient times to the present day, and enjoy a tasting of premium-quality olive oil—an experience sure to elevate the senses.
- Krasi - The next stop is the village of Krasi, home to the famous plane tree of Krasi, which is over 2000 years old. Here, there will be ample time to enjoy a coffee at one of the local tavernas and capture unforgettable photos.
- Lassithi Plateau - The journey continues to the Lasithi Plateau, a captivating stop rich in both natural beauty and ancient mythology. Surrounded by the towering Dikti Mountains, this fertile land is steeped in history and believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Once home to the world’s first wind farm, the plateau still holds remnants of its past, with a few windmills dotting the landscape. As the exploration of this tranquil haven unfolds, be immersed in both the stunning views and the legendary stories that make this land so special.
- Dikteon Cave - The Zeus Cave will be closed for construction starting October 2, 2024.
- Restaurant Tzanakis Michael - Here, there will be a stop for lunch, if desired, at a traditional tavern overlooking the Lassithi Plateau, where authentic local flavors, cooked in a wood-fired oven, can be enjoyed.
- Kera Kardiotissa Monastery - A 14th-century Byzantine gem, known for its beautiful frescoes and the legendary miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. As the tour passes by, take in its stunning setting and hear about the monastery’s rich history and spiritual significance, offering a glimpse into a place of culture, faith, and serenity — even without a stop.
- Mochos - The tour concludes in the traditional village of Mochos, where mingling with the locals in the village cafes will allow you to feel the spirit of Crete. At the end of this tour, you will be driven back to your location full of wonderful memories and with a big smile.
- Knossos Archaeological Site - On this excursion, visit one of the most important sights in Greece: the Knossos Palace. The tour begins with a visit to the Knossos Palace, the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization during the Bronze Age. Explore the stunning palace complex, built for King Minos and considered the oldest city in Europe.
What's Included
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel, harbor, or designated meeting points
- Private tour pickups: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda. Shared mini-group: Heraklion region only
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned minivan with free Wi-Fi on board
- Private knowledgeable local guide
- Traditional snacks such as homemade pastries and goat yogurt
- Bottled water and coffee
- Liability insurance
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel, harbor, or designated meeting points
- Private tour pickups: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda. Shared mini-group: Heraklion region only
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned minivan with free Wi-Fi on board
- Private knowledgeable local guide
- Traditional snacks such as homemade pastries and goat yogurt
- Bottled water and coffee
- Liability insurance
What's Not Included
- Gratuities ( optional)
- Official Licensed Tourist Guide at Knossos Palace (optional)
- Lunch (optional)
- Pickup from the Rethymno or Chania regions is available upon request with additional cost
- Other
- Gratuities ( optional)
- Official Licensed Tourist Guide at Knossos Palace (optional)
- Lunch (optional)
- Pickup from the Rethymno or Chania regions is available upon request with additional cost
- Other
Additional Information
- Discover Knossos Palace, picturesque villages, and the breathtaking Lasithi Plateau.
- Embrace Local Culture: Dive into Cretan traditions, enjoy authentic cuisine, and relish olive oil, honey, and raki with genuine hospitality.
- Unique Olive Oil Tour: Discover the craft of olive oil production and sample the island’s finest selections.
- Savor Local…
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Discover Knossos Palace, picturesque villages, and the breathtaking Lasithi Plateau.
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Embrace Local Culture: Dive into Cretan traditions, enjoy authentic cuisine, and relish olive oil, honey, and raki with genuine hospitality.
-
Unique Olive Oil Tour: Discover the craft of olive oil production and sample the island’s finest selections.
-
Savor Local Treats: Delight in traditional snacks like homemade pastries and goat yogurt at a local cheese dairy, providing an authentic taste of Crete.
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Comfortable Travel: Journey in a minivan with small groups or opt for a private tour with a knowledgeable guide.
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Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, port, or designated meeting points.
Experience the Splendor of Crete: Our private or small-group tour unveils Crete’s hidden treasures. Witness the grandeur of Knossos Palace, wander through traditional villages, and visit the ancient Platanus tree in Krasi—a symbol of Cretan heritage. This adventure blends culture, history, and gastronomy, crafting unforgettable memories of Crete.
Location
En Plo
Egeou
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(230 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
David_h
May 7, 2025
Great Orientation Tour With A Wonderful Guide - We were staying outside the Heraklion area, so we met up with our guide - Marinos - at a place in the city where we were able to leave our car for the day. We then picked up two other couples and started the tour. I should point out that the weather was absolutely horrendous - rain, clouds and lots of wind. So it wasn't possible to fully enjoy the scenery as we drove up into the mountains, but Marinos was very engaging, entertaining and informative all day long, providing lots of information about points of interest, Crete and the various places we were visiting. One of the highlights for us was the stop we made in a small village, where the owner made us mountain tea in her cozy cafe. The weather didn't cooperate at all while we were at the Lasithi Plateau. So Marinos had to improvise a bit and took us to a small cheese shop so we could see how the cheese was being made (They were washing the cheese wheels with a power washer!), and also to another place where they were making pottery. It's unfortunate that the weather was so bad, but we were able to make the best of it, thanks for Marinos. The final stop of the day was Knossos. The six people on the tour split the cost of private guide at Knossos. I definitely recommend doing that (as opposed to wandering around aimlessly or getting an audio guide. All in all, it was a great way to get oriented to Crete (it was our first day), and Marinos was filled with useful information and tips that we made the most of during the rest of the trip. Oh, almost forgot to mention that the Zeus Cave is currently closed. So going in is not an option. There is a path up to the cave from the parking area, where there is apparently a great view of the Plateau, but because the weather was so bad, we opted to have a tea and some cheese pies (which were great) in the cafe near the trail.
Review provided by Viator
Robin_h
May 7, 2025
Incredible guide in Heraklion - Nickolas was a terrific guide. He picked us up on time in a Mercedes van. He was flexible, friendly and very knowledgeable about Heraklion and took us to some beautiful places on the island. We had lunch in the mountains at a restaurant owned by friends of his. The food was fresh and delicious- best Greek salad I’ve ever had - and the location was peaceful and beautiful. I highly recommend him.
Review provided by Viator
Monica
May 6, 2025
A taste of Cretan country life - We had a wonderful private tour with Marinos as our driver and guide. He managed to provide us with a real taste of Crete - we found out about olive oil production, visited windmills and villages on the Lasithi Plateau, had a delicious cup of Cretan herbal tea in Krasi, as well as an impromptu taste of Greek yoghurt at a local cheesemaker's. Marinos is very knowledgeable on all aspects of life in Crete and we came away with a much better appreciation of this wonderfully varied island. Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dawn_d
May 4, 2025
Best tour of Crete - Wow! Marinos showed us the best of Crete on this tour. This ended up being a private tour for us, which was incredible. We moved at our own pace and Marinos was there the entire time and available when we were ready to go. We started at the Palace of Knossos, then toured the Olive Press. The press was not operational due to the time of year, but was still a highlight for me. we traveled many small villages and saw cheese and yogurt being made. We stopped at the Lasithi Plateau to take in the expansive views of Crete. We were unable to visit the cave of Zeus due to construction. We visited a monastery, too. Overall, this tour was a highlight from our trip to Greece and Marinos was the best guide. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
230madisonh
May 2, 2025
Amazing Experience - My husband and I had a fantastic day on our tour, and even though we were held back a bit due to unexpected weather, our driver, Nico, truly made the experience memorable. He was quick to adjust our itinerary and took us to some wonderful places.
Despite the weather hiccups, Nico’s flexibility and knowledge made this a day we will never forget. We had an amazing time and would absolutely book with them again on our next visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joshua_h
Apr 26, 2025
Must Do Experience - Marinos is from the area and it shows, he was able to take us to the local spots. Had a great time experiencing Crete like a local.
Review provided by Viator
Jeff_v
Apr 22, 2025
Unforgettable Tour with Nikos – A Must-Book Experience! - We had the absolute pleasure of touring with Nikos, and it was truly one of the highlights of our time in Crete. From the very beginning, Nikos brought a personal touch and a depth of knowledge that made every stop on our journey—from the olive oil factory to the stunning Lasithi Plateau and the legendary ruins of Knossos—come alive with history and heart.
Nikos clearly loves what he does, and it shows. Everywhere we went, he was greeted like family and made sure we received VIP treatment. The experience felt tailored just for us—from the behind-the-scenes access to thoughtful touches like his homemade cookies (which were delicious, by the way).
If you’re looking for a tour that goes beyond the guidebook and connects you with the true spirit of Crete, we can’t recommend Unique Tours—and especially Nikos—enough.
Review provided by Viator
Tiffany_s
Apr 14, 2025
An enjoyable leisurely day exploring Crete and the plateau - Nico and the team could not have been more kind and courteous to us from the moment of booking through to drop-off after our tour. The team provided advanced recommendations to make our day more enjoyable and Nico arrived promptly and offered a truly meaningful, customized experience. We moved at a leisurely self-directed pace and saw many sights in the area. A truly great day! Thank you to all the team members we met—especially Nico—our best to you on a prosperous upcoming season!
Review provided by Viator
Bethho8275rm
Apr 14, 2025
I highly recommend this company and Marino as a tour guide! We had a great adventure through the Laisithi valley! - Marino toured us around the Lasithi Valley and its surrounding villages. This tour included a lot of interesting information, great photo opportunities and a delicious traditional Greek lunch. It also included unique stops, like the one we made at a tiny village coffee shop, where we got to meet the matron of the shop and learn some interesting things about life in the small villages. I highly recommend the tour if you want to see some unique sites and learn about the island of Crete.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Krisztina_h
Apr 15, 2025
Great day trip with a local guide! - Comprehensive trip to small villages, Zeus cave, the plateau with windmills and the Palace of Knossos with a local guide giving you insights into local history and customs.
Review provided by Viator
