Crete Tour: Knossos, Zeus Cave & Local Delights

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: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Knossos Archaeological Site - This excursion takes you to two of Greece’s most significant landmarks: the Knossos Palace and the Zeus Cave, Diktaion Andron. The tour begins with a visit to the Knossos Palace, the ceremonial and political hub of the Minoan Civilization during the Bronze Age. Here, you will explore the magnificent palace built for King Minos, considered the oldest city in Europe.
  • Omalia Olive Press - Our journey into Cretan culture starts with an introduction to “liquid gold.” At the traditional, four-generation olive oil production factory, you will learn about the history of the olive, the harvesting methods from ancient times to the present, and have the chance to taste high-quality olive oil—an experience that will elevate your 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, you will have ample time to enjoy a coffee at one of the local tavernas and take unforgettable photos.
  • Lassithi Plateau - The tour’s highlight is the Lassithi Plateau, the largest plateau in Crete. After the 1950s, it hosted the first, largest, and most beautiful wind farm in the world, with approximately 13,000 windmills. Today, only a few windmills remain operational on this fertile plain surrounded by the imposing Dikti Mountains.
  • Dikteon Cave - The Zeus Cave will be closed for construction starting October 2, 2024.
  • Mochos - The tour concludes in the traditional village of Mochos, where you can mingle with the locals in the village cafes and feel the spirit of Crete. At the end of this tour, you will be driven back to your location with wonderful memories and a big smile.
  • Kera Kardiotissa Monastery - Explore a 14th-century Byzantine gem known for its beautiful frescoes and the legendary miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Visitors can admire stunning views, learn about the monastery’s rich history, and experience its peaceful surroundings, making it a perfect stop for both culture and serenity.
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
  • Liability insurance
  • Bottled water, coffee
  • Private knowledgeable local guide
  • Transport by luxury air-conditioned minivan with free Wi-Fi on board
What's Not Included
  • Endrance to Knossos 15€ Pensioners above 65 and non EU sitizens from 6-25 discount 50%
  • 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
Additional Information

• Explore the grandeur of Knossos Palace, picturesque traditional villages, and the stunning Lasithi Plateau.
• Immerse in Local Culture: Experience Cretan traditions, savor authentic cuisine, and enjoy the finest olive oil, honey, and raki, all while basking in warm Cretan hospitality.
• Learn the art of olive oil production on our exclusive olive oil tour, where you’ll sample some of the island’s best offerings.
• Enjoy a relaxing journey in our minivan with small groups or upgrade to a private tour with an expert guide/driver.
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, port, or designated meeting points.

Discover the Majesty of Crete: Knossos & Authentic Delights! Our private or small-group tour reveals Crete’s hidden treasures. Experience the splendor of Knossos Palace, explore traditional villages, and visit the ancient Platanus tree in Krasi, a symbol of Cretan heritage. This journey blends culture, history, and gastronomy, creating lasting memories that capture the essence of Crete.

Location
Knossos Archaeological Site
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(162 Ratings)
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J6717jgjordanm
Aug 2, 2024
Great Way to Meet Crete - Marinos was wonderful about communication during booking before we even did the tour. He had a lot of interesting things to add as we drove from location to location and gave us appropriate amounts of time at each place for people like us who had never been to Crete before. He brought waters and homemade treats and gave us tips about entrance fees and discounts. He added a lot of local charm that wouldn't have been experienced if we did these things on our own. He said we’d be his family for the day and truly made us feel like it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherry_t
Jul 27, 2024
Best tour on Crete - Our guide, Marinos, was wonderful! He was very knowledgeable about his country and all the mythology that goes with living here! We stopped at several times just to experience everything that was growing alongside the road or to take pictures of the wonderful views! The cave of Zeus was very interesting and Knossos had so much history. We loved the small group as well! Only 6 of us. And our lunch so was so good!
Review provided by Viator
Sherryt992
Jul 26, 2024
Marines was the best host and tour guide! We had an anxious day! - Amazing tour and host! Little extra stops to take pictures and take part in the natural flora! He even brought us homemade treats
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terry_b
Jul 26, 2024
Great company, great guide - Aggeliki, our guide and driver, was fantastic! We had been in contact with the tour operator about modifying the program. They were very accommodating and Aggeliki changed the order even after we met up to meet our needs and desires. Great planning took us west first then back to Knossos at the end. Great planning because it ensured we could use all our time without worrying about getting back to our cruise ship. And great because the Greek museum guards went on strike that morning and all the museum sites were closed until 1:00. The museum guide she arranged was also fantastic in getting us through a packed Knossos site and through the Museum afterwards. And so informative that I’m still processing.
Review provided by Viator
Phillip_s
Jul 25, 2024
Crete - Guide was very personable. Prompt, knowledgeable. Was very enjoyable. Took us to many places. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
800theresel
Jul 17, 2024
Best tour in a long time - This tour company is absolutely amazing! We came all the way from Chania and they arranged it smoothly for us to get there and home. The tour was very good, a lot of interesting history along the way. We stopped at a traditional greek café as well! The food was the best ever. They took really good care of us. We would highly recommend this tour if you get the opportunity! Thank you for a golden day with you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_s
Jul 16, 2024
Wonderful, balanced mix! - We were very well taken care of. Everything was well thought through, communicated and arranged. I enjoyed the mixture of formal, big sights with some informal walking the village streets and just enjoying the low key atmosphere too. This tour had a bit of everything! Excellent package and wonderful, caring, knowledgeable guide. Thank you for everything!
Review provided by Viator
Nisha_p
Jul 14, 2024
Highly recommend, wonderful trip and Marias - Our driver and guide for the day were both Maria and they were such wonderful people , our guide Maria was very forth coming and shared a lot of history and stories in detail at every stop , we listened to Cretan music in the car and our guide Maria and driver Maria explained what the songs were about , our driver Maria brought us different home baked Cretan cookies which were really delicious and we were very happy to try them , we tasted two different kinds of Raki , Maria our guide always called our driver Maria ahead of time to turn on the car so we were comfortable and cool when we reached the car , our driver Maria also had cut fruit salad as a little snack for us and enough water for us to drink , they shared lovely family stories and she also had a parting gift for us , local Honey and herbal tea , these little personal touches were simply wonderful, highly recommend doing the tour , taking lovely memories of our day trip with Maria and Maria with our heart full
Review provided by Viator
Helen_w
Jul 13, 2024
Fantastic trip - Really great day, very knowledable guide, Nicolas. he really made the trip by giving us lots of extra information and anecdotes. very relaxed timings meaning you has as much time as you needed. Great lunch stop too ! if you are going to do just 1 trip, consider this one !
Review provided by Viator
Johanne_l
Jul 11, 2024
Its so good, just book it! - The best tour of our trip. The whole experience was amazing. Marinos is a fabulous host. He picked us up on time in a lovely air conditioned van. We had the best company, there were only six of us, a couple and a brother and sister from Australia. I was with my 15 year old son. Marinos encouraged everyone to chat and get to know each other before taking us on a tour of the olive oil factory, a trip up into the mountains to the cave of Zeus and then onto a lovely place for lunch before heading back down to Knossos. Marinos gave us lots of history and information about the area. We even had Greek coffee with a lady in one of the villages and Marinos's wife had baked pastries for everyone on the tour. I can't recommend this highly enough. It was the highlight of our week and I'm so glad we booked. I'd do it again. Thank you Marinos.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 14 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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