Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave,olive oil factory,cruise friendly
- Price:10% discount if booked directly through the enquire form
- Tour time:7-8 hours
- Months:All year round
- Pickup:From Heraklion to Malia
- Departure - Return:From Heraklion to Malia
- Departure Time:8:30 am
- 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.
1 hour • 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 your hotel,port of Heraklion or designated areas for the semi private version.
- Pick up and drop off from Heraklion,Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka area for the private version
- Traditional Cretan and Greek lunch,house wine
- Entrance ticket at Knossos Archaeological Site 20 euro for adults,and half price for kids
- Official licensed tourist Guide inside Knossos Palace
- Entrance ticket at Zeus's cave 15euro per person
Choose between the private or the semi private edition 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
- 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.
- Zeus Cave is closed every Tuesday
- Guaranteed On Time return to your Cruise Ship
- 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.
- What is the maximum group size for your semi-private tours in Heraklion?
"To ensure a premium and intimate experience, our semi-private tours are limited to a maximum of 8 to 10 guests. We use luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minivans, providing ample space, air conditioning, and a much more personalized service than standard large-bus tours."
- Do semi-private tours include pickup from my hotel or Heraklion Port?
"Yes, we provide complimentary pickup and drop-off for all our semi-private tours. Whether you are staying at a hotel in Hersonissos, Gouves, or Agia Pelagia, or arriving at the Heraklion Cruise Port, our driver will meet you at a designated point for a seamless start to your excursion."
- Is a professional licensed guide included in the semi-private Knossos tour?
Our tours are conducted by highly informative, English-speaking professional drivers who act as tour leaders, providing historical and cultural context during the journey. However, according to Greek law, only Licensed Guides are allowed to conduct tours inside archaeological sites like Knossos. A private licensed guide is available upon request as an add-on service for those who wish for a deep-dive historical analysis inside the monuments.
- What is the difference between a private and a semi-private tour?
"While both offer luxury transport and expert guides, a semi-private tour allows you to share the experience (and the cost) with a small number of other travelers. It’s the perfect balance of luxury and value, whereas a private tour offers a 100% customizable itinerary just for your party."
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
