Private Tour-Knossos Palace Zeus Cave Pottery Olive Mill & Wine





Description
Experience the best of Crete in one unforgettable day, combining history, nature, Cretan food and authentic local life. Begin with a visit to the famous Knossos Palace, where the fascinating world of the Minoan civilization comes to life. Then head into the peaceful countryside and explore the traditional villages of the Lasithi Plateau, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Along the way, see the iconic old windmills, visit the legendary Zeus Cave, and stop at a traditional olive oil mill to discover how one of Crete’s most famous products is made—and taste fresh extra virgin olive too. Travel comfortably with your local guide, enjoy flexible stops, and discover hidden places and authentic experiences away from the crowds. A perfect tour for travelers who want to experience the history, beauty, and authentic culture of Crete in just one day. Book this private tour today and you'll never regret it.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our first stop is visiting an old family 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.
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Whether you’re enjoying a cup of Greek coffee or a tea with local herbs, listening to local stories, or simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere, visiting a traditional coffee shop in the Lassithi Plateau is a memorable and enriching experience, offering a genuine taste of Cretan village life.
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Visiting a pottery workshop on the Lassithi Plateau is a unique and enriching experience that takes you deep into the heart of Crete’s traditional craftsmanship. The Lassithi Plateau, known for its fertile land and beautiful natural surroundings, has been home to potters and artisans for centuries, passing down their skills through generations. The Lassithi Plateau has been a hub of craftsmanship for centuries, and pottery was essential for the daily life of ancient Cretans. You’ll learn about the Minoan influence on Cretan pottery design, including how traditional patterns and shapes have evolved but continue to be inspired by ancient motifs. Walking through a working pottery studio is an experience in itself. You’ll see shelves lined with finished products, drying pieces, and work-in-progress pottery that is being glazed or fired. The potter allows you to try your hands at shaping the clay under the guidance of an experienced potter, offering a truly immersive experience.
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.
Time to walk and relax through the narrow streets of the capital village of Lasithi Plateau and admire old characteristic houses.
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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.
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.
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.
Passing through olive groves.
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.
We'll explore the legendary birthplace of Zeus.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up all travelers from Heraklion , Elounda , Hersonissos , Malia . Ag Pelagia, Ag Nikolaos, Sisi, Rethimno in a private tour option. Shared tours option we pick up travelers only in Heraklion areas. (We don’t pick up travelers from Chania, Souda port, Ierapetra and Sitia areas) NOTE- For travelers who arrive in Heraklion by cruise ship, this private tour can start after their arrival. The driver guide, will be waiting at the shuttle bus exit at the passenger's terminal.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Let us know if there are any specific sights or experiences you'd like to include, and we'll tailor the tour accordingly.
- If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please contact us to let us know
- For the tours that start later than 09:00 am from cruises, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple sites to get back to ship on time. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
- For shared tour option we pick up travelers only from Heraklion area
- We don't pick up travelers from Souda port, Chania, Ierapetra and Sitia region.
- You can purchase the entrance tickets at Knossos Palace
- Every Tuesday Zeus's Cave is closed.
- Infant seats available on request
Reviews(172)
Absolutely amazing tour! We got to experience the local culture in such an authentic and memorable way. Stavros was the best — knowledgeable, friendly, funny and made the whole experience so much fun. You could really feel their passion for Crete and its culture. He is an excellent paparazzi 📷 Without a doubt, the best tour we experienced in Crete. Highly recommended! 🇬🇷❤️ (Don’t worry I got you 😉)
Dear Monique, Thank you so much for this amazing review! ❤️ It was an absolute pleasure spending the day with you and sharing the authentic side of Crete. We're so happy you enjoyed the stories, culture, laughs, and all the little local moments along the way with Stavros. And yes… Stavros proudly will accepts the title of “Crete’s paparazzi”! 📷😂 Thank you once again for choosing Tours in Heraklion for your private day tour and for your wonderful recommendation. Hope to see you back in Crete one day! 🇬🇷❤️
Booking was easy and our guide Stavros was THE BEST!! We had such a fun day seeing so many amazing parts of Crete with a focus on local communities and culture!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! 😊 It was a real pleasure spending the day with you and sharing some of the authentic side of Crete. We're so happy you had fun and enjoyed discovering our local culture and communities. Hope to see you again in Crete! 🇬🇷❤️
I encourage everyone to take this unforgettable tour, filled with new discoveries and full of emotion. You will see some of the most emblematic sites in Crete, but most importantly, you will be able to hear personal stories and learn about everyday life in Crete (past and present). Our guide, Spyros, felt like a member of the family by the end of the tour. His storytelling skills and ability to make you feel comfortable were phenomenal. He went out of his way to ensure we left the tour with memories to last a lifetime. We will never forget you, Spyros. And we will definitely buy you a coffee if we meet again!
Dear Tricia, Guillaume and Ettienn, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for your heartfelt recommendation. It was a true pleasure spending the day with you and sharing the beauty, history, and traditions of Crete. Your kind words truly mean the world to us. Knowing that you felt like family by the end of the tour is the greatest compliment we could receive. Our goal is always to create authentic experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Thank you again for your trust and wonderful company. We hope to welcome you back to Crete someday for more unforgettable moments together! Warm regards, Tours in Heraklion team
I encourage everyone to take this unforgettable tour, filled with new discoveries and full of emotion. You will see some of the most emblematic sites in Crete, but most importantly, you will be able to hear personal stories and learn about everyday life in Crete (past and present). Our guide., Spyros, felt like a member of the family by the end of the tour. His storytelling skills and ability to make you feel comfortable were phenomenal. He went out of his way to ensure we left the tour with memories to last a lifetime. We will never forget you, Spyros. And we will definitely buy you a coffee if we meet again! -Tricia, Guillaume, and Etienne
Dear Tricia, Guillaume, and Etienne, Thank you so much for your beautiful and heartfelt review. Your kind words truly mean the world to us. It was a real pleasure spending the day with you and sharing not only the iconic sights of Crete but also the stories, traditions, and everyday life that make this island so special. Knowing that you felt like family by the end of the tour is the greatest compliment we could receive. Thank you for your warmth, curiosity, and wonderful company. We'll never forget our time together, and Spyros will gladly accepts that coffee if our paths cross again someday! Until then, we wish you all the very best and hope to welcome you back to Crete in the future. 🇬🇷🇬🇷🇺🇸🇺🇸🇨🇵🇨🇵 Warm regards, Tours in Heraklion team!
I booked the tour as a gift for my girlfriend based on the many positive reviews. I couldn’t have made a better choice! We had a lovely day exploring Crete and the Lasithi plateau, getting to know through the lens of our amazing native tour guide Spyros some super interesting insights on the island, traditions and culture. Spyros was THE BEST tour guide, charming, knowledgeable and attentive. We enjoyed every second of the tour, from visiting the windmills to picking up strawberries and visiting Zeus’ cave. Would highly recommend the tour and Spyros to anyone visiting Crete.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It truly means a lot that you chose this tour as a gift and that it exceeded your expectations. We're delighted you both enjoyed exploring the Lasithi Plateau, the windmills, strawberry picking, and Zeus' Cave while discovering the authentic traditions and culture of Crete. Your kind words about our guiding are greatly appreciated. It was a pleasure spending the day with you both, and we hope to welcome you back to Crete for another unforgettable adventure in the future. Safe travels!
My kids and I had a perfect tour with Spyros! I specifically picked this tour as not only did it go to Knossos Palace, but we also learned how to make olive oil and tasted a variety of flavors, visited windmills, had coffee and cookies at a local village, picked fresh strawberries at a farm, made pottery, and had a delicious lunch at a family-owned Greek restaurant. It was the best meal we had on our trip! Spyros was born in Crete, so he knew the entire area and provided us with history and interesting local information. Spyros had a great sense of humor and made the tour so fun for my entire family. I would absolutely recommend this tour!
Dear Andrea, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you and your kids had such a memorable day exploring Crete with Spyros. It's great to hear you enjoyed the variety of experiences—from Knossos Palace and the olive oil tasting to pottery, strawberry picking, and your family-style Cretan lunch. Your kind words about Spyros’ local knowledge and sense of humor mean a lot to us. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you and your family back to Crete again for another adventure!
This tour was absolutely incredible. Spyros was an amazing guide, and went out of his way to teach us about Cretan culture and ensure we were having a good time. Highly recommend!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted you had such an incredible experience with us.Sharing the culture and traditions of Crete while making sure our guests have a memorable day is what we love most. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Crete again in the future!
My family of four had a simply wonderful day with Spyros. He was great company and so helpful from beginning to end. We got to see not only the famous and ancient but also intimate parts of village life - a lot more of Crete than we could have got from a larger group tour. Very highly recommended and Spyros - thank you again for a great and memorable day.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a true pleasure spending the day with you and your family. We're delighted you enjoyed discovering not only Crete's famous landmarks but also the authentic village life that makes our island so special. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot. We hope to welcome you back to Crete for another memorable adventure in the future! Best wishes from Crete!
Our guide gave us a personal and well-curated experience in the Lassithi plateau and we learned a lot about Crete along the way.
Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad you enjoyed your personalized journey through the Lassithi Plateau and that you learned more about the history and culture of Crete along the way. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience!
My partner and I went on the Knossos palace and Lasithi Plateau tour with Spyros this weekend and I can without a doubt say he was the best tour guide I have ever had. He was funny, had a wealth of knowledge and it was clear that he loved his job and sharing his culture with visitors. We were originally meant to be on a small group tour but the family that was meant to join was ill (very unfortunate for them) and so we got a private tour experience for a great price (very fortunate for us). Spyros planned and adapted the day well so we could avoid heat and large crowds at the busy Knossos. He made small stops along the way to show us different aspects of the landscape (I got to come home with a bunch of wild herbs and cherries). I loved the olive oil factory and pottery shop, we learnt a bit about the craft and there was no pressure to buy anything (but I couldn’t help but buy several of products from these great small businesses). Knossos and the Zeus cave were very impressive and well worth seeing, but I think my highlight of the day was visiting Spyros’ local village and eating the homemade olive oil biscuits that were made by an old woman who’s cafe is the heart of the village. The lunch was delicious, Spyros’ meal recommendations were golden, and the view of the Lasithi plateau and windmills was a great was to wrap up the day (with a couple of small stops on the way back to Heraklion). I definitely recommend this tour for an authentic and packed (but not rushed) Crete experience!
Thank you so much for your amazing and detailed review! It was a real pleasure spending the day with you both and sharing the history, traditions, and hidden gems of Crete. We're delighted you enjoyed everything from Knossos and the Lasithi Plateau to the local villages, homemade treats, and family-run businesses. Your kind words and recommendation truly mean a lot. We hope to welcome you back to Crete for another authentic adventure in the future!



