Private or Small Group Tour: Knossos Palace, Zeus Cave and Cretan Villages

Overview

Explore the authenticity of Crete on a full-day excursion. The programme includes visiting traditional villages and their narrow streets, a break for iced coffee or fresh fruit juice in the main square, and a visit to an olive oil mill to learn about production and taste different varieties of olive oil. The itinerary features old windmills with a viewpoint at an altitude of approximately 3,000 ft (914 m), as well as a visit to the Zeus Cave, the mythical birthplace of the god. The journey is made in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, accompanied by a local driver-guide. The tour also includes a visit to the Palace of Knossos. A stop at a family restaurant for a traditional Cretan lunch is available but optional. Two options are offered: a small group tour with pick-up in the Heraklion region and port, or a private tour that can be personalised according to your needs.

Itinerary

1. Omalia Olive Press

   We stol at an olive oil factory where we learn all about the Cretan Golden Liquid…… and of course taste a few different olive oils ……

   · 30 min

2. Héraklion

   Our tour starts from Heraklion city, Driving through and around the city

   · 10 min

3. Gouves

   Pas by without stopping but could be a pick up location of your choice.

   · Non-stop passage

4. Mochos

   We stop at the old village of Mochos to walk through the narrow streets , see the old churches and take a taste of the local way of life , probably have something to drink or enjoy some local food st a family restaurant at the villages main square .

   · 45 min

5. Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau

   We will see the old wind mills that used to pump the water up from underground to water the crops, and the other wind mills that used to grain ,wheat and corn to make flour .

   · 1 h

6. Malia

   Drive through the town but it could be also a pick up location.

   · Non-stop passage

7. Platanus Tree

   We walk around the picturesque village of Krasi, take some photos of the oldest and biggest Platanus tree in Crete.

   · 25 min

8. Aposelemis Dam

   We stop up on the mountain to enjoy the view of the Aposelemi Dam .

   · 5 min

9. Dikteon Cave

   For the moment the cave is closed but according to the Ministry of Tourism it will open in April. There is a 30 minutes walk to the cave and around 185 steps to explore the cave then back up .

   · 1 h· Admission not included

10. Analipsi

    A potential pick up location.

    · Non-stop passage

11. Chersonisos

    A potential pick up location

    · Non-stop passage

12. Lasithi Mesa

    We usually stop at a family restaurant up on the mountain to have lunch but this is OPTIONAL….

    · 45 min

13. Stalis

    A potencial pick up location

    · Non-stop passage

14. This is our last stop and it’s OPTIONAL,

    · 1 h· Admission not included

Pickup

Pickup or meet at the departure point.

We can pick you up from Heraklion Port and Heraklion Region, Hersonisos, Malia , Analipsi, Gouves , Agia Pelagia . ONLY if you book the PRIVATE TOUR OPTION we can pick you up from Agios Nikolaous Port and Region , Rethimno city and Region ,Elounda or if you are more than 5 people. We don’t pick up from Chania Region ,Souda Port , Ierapetra or Sitia .

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Service animals are welcome.
• Public transport is available nearby.
• Special needs child seats are available.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• Confirmation is sent at the time of booking, or as soon as possible if booking occurs less than 12 hours before departure.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• This activity may be cancelled in case of bad weather.

Who is it for?

• English-speaking travellers (English-speaking guide).
• Guests staying in Heraklion or arriving by cruise port.
• Lovers of Greek history and mythology.

What makes it different

• Option to fully personalise the itinerary with the private tour.
• Olive oil and Raki tasting included.
• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 102515P5

Activity offered by Explore Real Crete via Viator.