Private Tour - Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave,olive oil factory,heraklion port,cruise friendly
- Price:480 euro up to 10 people for direct bookings through the enquiry form
- Tour time:7-8 hours
- Months:All year round
- Pickup:From Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos,Elounda
- Departure - Return:From Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos,Elounda
- Omalia Olive Press
Visit an olive oil factory to learn about olive trees and olives and their connection with Crete and about olive oil making the modern but also the old way.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free - Platanus Tree
Visit and explore the authentic village of Krasi ,walk around the stone paved narrow streets ,meet the Cretan traditional architecture of houses ,see the oldest and biggest Platanus tree as well as the old aqueduct.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free - Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau
See the old windmills that used to pump out the water from underground to water their crops and also the others for grinding grains in order to produce flour.
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free - Zeus's cave Step into the heart of Greek legend with a visit to the Psychro Cave (also known as the Diktaean Cave), the mystical birthplace of Zeus, the King of the Gods.Perched high above the stunning Lassithi Plateau, your journey begins with a scenic ascent—either by a paved path or a traditional donkey ride—offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley’s iconic windmills and rugged peaks.
As you descend into the cool, atmospheric depths of the cavern, you will:
Marvel at Ancient Wonders: Wander through five illuminated chambers filled with a high density of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
See the "Mantle of Zeus": Admire the cave's most spectacular formation—a massive, curtain-like stalactite that hangs like a chandelier over a hidden underground lake.
Touch Living History: Explore the very site where ancient Minoans once left offerings to the gods, a place so magical that it was once called the "Bethlehem of the Ancient World". 1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included - Aposelemis canyon. We stop near the Aposelemi dam to take some photos and enjoy great views.5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
- Kera Kardiotissa Monastery (Pass By) We pass by this beautiful and old monastery it takes about 7 minutes from our previous stop at krasi village.
- Mochos
Pay a visit to this old village of Mochos with it's beautiful church and square.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free - Restaurant Tzanakis Michael
We stop for lunch at the local restaurant with traditional food.(lunch is not included).
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free - The Palace of Knossos
Our last stop is Knossos palace archeological site where you can explore it on your own or we can arrange for an official guide with extra charge. After that we drop you off at your pick up point.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
- Liability insurance
- Water,coffee, Olive oil and raki tasting
- Informative local English speaking driver guide
- Pick up and drop off from Heraklion,Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka area for the private edition
- Complimentary selection of hand-selected local vintage provided throughout the experience
- Guaranteed On Time return to your Cruise Ship
- Traditional Cretan and Greek lunch
- Entrance fees at Knossos Archaeological Site 20 euro for adults,and half price for kids
- Entrance fees at Zeus's cave 15 euro per adult
- Official licensed tourist Guide inside Knossos Palace and Zeus's cave
Choose between the private or the semi private version that suits your needs and feel relaxed on the capable hands of our experienced driver guides ,while learning about our history ,mythology, culture and local traditions.
Visit an olive oil factory and learn the methods of production of our liquid gold and get to try some.
Walk through the narrow streets of the old villages and enjoy a fresh refreshment or an iced coffee on the picturesque main square.
Visit the monumental platanus tree at krasi village.
Explore and enjoy all of these significant sites and spectacular views, such as Knossos palace , the old windmills ,Zeus's cave and the plateau.
Additionally you have the option to eat as a local,with the traditional way of cooking, at a beautiful local restaurant.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- Our fleet of minibus and minivan are wide enough for stroller accesibility but not so for wheelchairs
- Zeus's cave is closed every Tuesday
- There is a hike uphill about 15 to 20 minutes to the entrance of Zeus Cave of a moderate level as well as soon as you reach it 180 steps down to the cave with handrails..
- Please Note: Mountain temperatures can be significantly cooler than the coast. A jacket or warm layer is highly recommended for tours operating in the spring, autumn, and winter seasons.
- For tours departing after 09:00 AM, the itinerary may be adjusted to ensure guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship. Depending on your ship's schedule, you may need to skip a site. Your guide will customize the route according to your personal priorities.
FAQ: Knossos Palace & Lasithi Plateau Private Tour
1. How long is the private tour? Typically 7 to 8 hours. This full-day luxury experience starts early at Knossos to avoid crowds, followed by the Lasithi Plateau, Zeus’s Cave, and a traditional olive oil factory.
2. Is the hike to Zeus’s Cave (Diktaean Cave) difficult? It is a 15–20 minute uphill walk. We recommend sturdy shoes. For those with mobility concerns, donkey rides are usually available at the entrance. Our Mercedes-Benz minivan will wait at the closest accessible point.
3. What happens at the Olive Oil Factory? You’ll discover the secrets of Cretan "Green Gold," seeing the transition from ancient stone-press methods to modern extraction, followed by a professional tasting of extra virgin oils and local delicacies.
4. Can this tour be customized for families? Absolutely. As a private tour, we adjust the pace for you. We can include extra breaks in villages like Krasi or Psychro, and our vehicles are equipped with child seats upon request.
5. Is a licensed guide included for Knossos? Our professional drivers provide historical context during the journey. However, by Greek law, only Licensed Guides can lead tours inside the archaeological site. This is available as an optional add-on for a deep-dive historical analysis.
6. Do you guarantee an on-time return to my cruise ship? Yes, 100%. We meticulously plan our route around your ship’s "all aboard" time, ensuring you are back at the pier at least 60 to 90 minutes before departure for a stress-free return.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help.
Just call the number +306974724839
