Private Guided Tour to Knossos Palace & Zeus Cave from Heraklion

based on 29 reviews

Duration:7 hours to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: Heraklion, Crete

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In this private guided tour, you will have the opportunity to explore nature, history and tradition of the region of Lasithi Plateau with it's 15 picturesque villages and Minoan civilization Knossos Palace.

We'll explore Zeus Cave, Windmills, Traditional Villages, Aposelemis Dam, 2400 years old Plane tree in Krasi village, an Olive Oil Factory, Olive Groves, will have lunch in family taverna and will explore the most visited site in Crete, Knossos Palace.

Knossos Palace, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. Knossos Palace was the political, social, and cultural center of the Minoan civilization, dating back to the Bronze Age (around 2000 BCE)
Visiting the Lasithi Plateau and Knossos Palace, offers a journey through time and nature, allowing travelers to experience the authentic charm and rich traditions of Crete.
If you would like to explore and learn about Cretan history, mythology, tradition, nature and food in one day, this private tour is for you.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Omalia Olive Press
Our first stop is visiting a 4th generation olive oil factory. You see firsthand the modern techniques and equipment used alongside traditional methods passed down through generations. As you explore the factory, you have the opportunity to taste the fruits of this labor – rich, golden olive oil freshly pressed from the harvest. Each sip is a revelation, a burst of flavor that transports you to the sun-drenched hillsides where the olives were grown. But beyond the sensory experience, visiting an olive oil factory in Crete offers a deeper understanding of the island's culture and heritage. Olive oil is not just a culinary staple here; it is a symbol of life itself, revered for its health benefits and intrinsic connection to the land. As you bid farewell to the factory, you carry with you not just a bottle of olive oil, but a piece of Crete's soul – a tangible reminder of the timeless bond between this ancient land and its most precious fruit.
2. Ano Kera
Pass by without stopping
3. Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau
Next stop is in the Lasithi Plateau pass to explore old Wind Mills and to take some pictures in the spectacular view of the mountains. For centuries, they have stood as guardians of the land, harnessing the power of the wind to grind grain and irrigate the fertile soil. Each windmill tells a story of hard work and perseverance, passed down through generations of farmers who have called this land home. Their simple yet elegant design is a testament to the ingenuity of those who built them, using local materials and ancient techniques. Today, the windmills of Lasithi Plateau are not just relics of the past, but living monuments to the island's rich agricultural heritage. Visitors come from far and wide to marvel at their beauty and learn about the history of this timeless landscape.
4. Cave of Zeus
Explore one of the most popular attractions in the Lasithi Plateau, the Zeus Cave, which is said to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. The cave is located on the slopes of Mount Dikti and can be accessed by a steep footpath. Inside the cave, visitors can see impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a small lake.
5. Psychro
After Zeus Cave we'll stop at Psychro village at pottery workshop, to see live the owner how he makes all the ceramics and why not to make in your own your souvenir.
6.
Pass by without stopping
7. Lasithi Mesa
In this small village you'll meet locals in an old kafeneio (traditional café) to have a Greek coffee and some raki, to talk with them, learn about their daily life, their traditions and culture.
8.
Everyone likes strawberries, so, time to pick up some fresh strawberries from our garden.
9. Tzermiado
Time to walk and relax through the narrow streets of the capital village of Lasithi Plateau and admire old characteristic houses.
10.
Pass by without stopping
11. Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
On the way back, time to have lunch in family taverna with Cretan food, made with fresh products of the area. Here you can taste some of our traditional food such as, Moussaka, Saganaki, Stuffed vegetables, Greek salad or Lamb in oven.
12. Krasi
Exploring 2400 years old a Platanus Tree. The Platanus tree of Krasi stands as a majestic symbol of nature's resilience and enduring beauty. Nestled within the charming village of Krasi on the island of Crete, this ancient plane tree has witnessed centuries of history unfold beneath its sprawling branches. As you approach the tree, its sheer size commands attention, casting a cool shade over the surrounding square. Its gnarled trunk, weathered by time, tells stories of generations past, while its lush foliage rustles gently in the breeze, offering a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling village. Legend has it that the Platanus tree of Krasi is over 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living beings in Europe. Its presence is deeply ingrained in the fabric of local folklore, revered by villagers as a sacred guardian of the land. Visitors from far and wide come to marvel at this ancient specimen, drawn by its sheer magnitude and historical significance.
13. Avdou
Passing through olive groves.
14. Aposelemis Dam
On the way back, we'll stop in the largest dam in Crete island, Aposelemis dam. It has become a popular tourist attraction, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the reservoir. As you stand on the banks of the reservoir, surrounded by the tranquility of the Cretan countryside, you can't help but appreciate the profound impact that the Aposelemis Dam has had on the lives of those who call this island home. For in its waters flows not just sustenance, but the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. The Aposelemis Dam stands as a modern engineering marvel amidst the rugged landscapes of Crete, a testament to human ingenuity and the quest for sustainable water management. Located near the village of Avdou, this imposing structure harnesses the waters of the Aposelemis River, serving as a vital lifeline for the island's inhabitants and agricultural endeavors.
15. The Palace of Knossos
Finally is time to explore the Palace of Knossos. Discover the oldest civilization of Europe in this magnificent ancient. Knossos Palace is the capital of Minoan Civilization and most visited site in Crete island. The palace was constructed in 1900 BC and destroyed around 1380-1100 BC.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Jessica_F
Spyros makes the experience magical for all ages. You see the tourist sites but more importantly you get an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the area. The strawberry picking, pottery and cave tour were the highlights of our kids’ vacation (ages 7-10).
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-25 07:06:36

Posted By : Philip_P
We did the private Tour with Stavros and had a wonderful time. We were worried, that our two daughters (6 years old) would not enjoy spending a long time in a car, but as it turned out we needn't have worried. The tour features a nice balance of sights and activities that can be appreciated by grown-ups and children alike (+ lots of opportunities for bathroom breaks). We gained a lot of insight in cretan culture and history. The tour was definitely the highlight of our vacation.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-15 14:36:22

Posted By : Safari423650
Mike was our driver and he made the trip for us with his knowledge of the area and Greek myths which my grandchildren loved. His choice of small towns to visit suited our taste well. The guide at Knossos was also amazing. She had a great combination of knowledge of the site made more interesting with stories and Greek myths. It was an amazing day!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-04 12:19:00

Posted By : 963gemmab
We really enjoyed our private tour with Mike. We got to see all the main sites on our wish list and because it was private, we could stay as long or as short as we wanted at each. He really took notice of the things we liked and customized the tour accordingly. We loved his knowledge, stories, and insights into the culture, good, and history of the area. He was great with our kids and they loved his Greek mythology quizzes as we drove! His driving was also extremely safe, which we appreciated as we were winding around the cliff side. Our tour guide at Knossos was Marina and she was exceptional. So glad we paid extra for that! We highly recommend this tour - wish we had time to do a second day! Thanks so much!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-03 10:03:06

Posted By : liork254
We came as an extended family and did a whole day tour. Spyros, our exceptional guide, tailored the whole day specifically to our needs and interests, including flexibly changing as we went. We saw and experienced crete as never before.
The tour was interesting, fun, and tasty!
Definitely coming back again! Thank you Nikos and Spyros!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-21 14:42:29

Posted By : Kara_P
My family and I had the most magical day with Spyros as our guide. If you really want to see some beautiful treasures of Crete, this is the tour for you. My two teenage kids said it was the best day of our entire 10 day trip in Greece. Spyros was welcoming, so knowledgeable on the area and took so much care to create memorable experiences throughout the day. It is a day we won’t soon forget. If you find yourself in Crete, this is the best way to see what life is all about.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-17 16:12:28

Posted By : Brita_J
Spyros gave us an unforgettable experience. He got us an amazing guide for Knossos that kept our two teens engaged and interested- we learned so much. He was very familiar with local history and kept us laughing with great stories. We were so fortunate to be introduced to people and places he knew personally. The food was also spectacular. This was the highlight of our trip to Crete, and the credit goes all to Spyros!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-04 13:42:22

Posted By : David_P
Visiting Crete in the off season was ideal, nice weather and no crowds! There were 6 of us on a cruise with Celebrity and decided we wanted to have a private experience for our visit to Crete. In a cost/value basis, this tour was far superior to anything offered by the cruise line and allowed us to see the sights at our own pace.

Our driver, Spyros, was fantastic. Personable, knowledgeable, funny and welcoming. We really enjoyed the time we spent with him and felt we had an insider’s view of Crete.

While Knossos was amazing (we would highly recommend hiring the optional guide for the visit as we learned so much more. Marina was our guide and she was excellent), the highlight was the special location for lunch in a small local restaurant. The proprietor, Anna, who was in her 80’s, provided us an amazing authentic lunch. The food was simple and delicious. Two in our group are Vegan, and there was plenty for them. It was liking having lunch with a Cretan grandmother. So fun!

A very memorable day!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-11 05:15:29

Posted By : 356lydiag
We had the best day of our trip on this tour. Our driver/guide Spyros showed us around the stops of the tour (at the Palace we hired a licensed guide to take us through), telling us about history, costumes, culture, and daily lives of the people everywhere we went. Visited an olive oil mill where he walked us through all the manufacturing process. We had a delicious late lunch at a small taverna, in the Mésa Lasithi village, where Spyros’ family is from. It was a rainy day so we had to skip the Cavern of Zeus, but Spyros hospitality and local knowledge more than made up for it. Highly recommended if you want more than just see archaeological sites while in Crete.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-10 17:50:18

Posted By : davidpG6135JY
Visiting Crete in the off season was ideal, nice weather and no crowds! There were 6 of us on a cruise with Celebrity and decided we wanted to have a private experience for our visit to Crete. In a cost/value basis, this tour was far superior to anything offered by the cruise line and allowed us to see the sights at our own pace.

Our driver, Spyros, was fantastic. Personable, knowledgeable, funny and welcoming. We really enjoyed the time we spent with him and felt we had an insider’s view of Crete.

While Knossos was amazing (we would highly recommend hiring the optional guide for the visit as we learned so much more. Marina was our guide and she was excellent), the highlight was the special location for lunch in a small local restaurant. The proprietor, Anna, who was in her 80’s, provided us an amazing authentic lunch. The food was simple and delicious. Two in our group are Vegan, and there was plenty for them. It was liking having lunch with a Cretan grandmother. So fun!

My career was in travel developing tour programs, and from my personal experience over 40+ years, I can saw this was a great tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-10 17:27:00