Knossos Palace and/or Zeus Cave + Olive Mill | Local & Private
+9 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 7–8 hours
- Price from
- $98 / person
- Location
- Heraklion, Greece
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 21 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- SunSud Tours
Description
Private tour led by a local driver-host, linking Crete’s ancient past with everyday life — from Minoan heritage and Greek mythology to mountain villages and family-run estates. Two (2) Itinerary Versions: • Knossos OR Zeus Cave (shorter version) • Knossos AND Zeus Cave (full version) What you’ll experience • Knossos Palace — Explore the Minoan archaeological site • Lassithi Plateau — Mythology and rural life • Zeus Cave — Birthplace of Zeus (Closed on Thuesdays) • Olive mill & tasting • Traditional villages • Historic monastery • Pottery workshop • Optional Cretan lunch Your experience • Fully private tour • Flexible and unhurried pacing • Stops adjusted to your interests and timing Note: The Cave is closed on Tuesdays Private Crete day trip • Cruise-friendly
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 7 times a day, 7:30 AM–11:30 PM
- Next available
- Fri, Oct 30
- Adult (ages 3+)
- $98
- Infant (ages 0–2)
- Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $592.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 28.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Palace of Knossos
A journey into the ancient Minoan civilization unfolds through the remarkable remains of Knossos Palace, where architecture, symbolism, and mythology offer insight into Europe’s earliest advanced society. From May 1, 2026, the visit to Knossos Palace is offered as an optional component of this private experience and requires approximately 90 minutes.
Omalia Olive Press
You will discover how ‘liquid gold’ is produced from ancient times to the present day. During the olive oil tasting experience that follows, you will be enchanted by the flavors. Purchasing products is optional.
Platanus Tree
The plane tree is approximately 2,400 years old and has a perimeter of 24 meters, generously offering its shade and coolness. Some say that it is haunted by the spirits of famous writers, historic deals, and oaths kept forever.
Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau
The plateau is dotted with windmills, the most important of which used to mill grain. These imperious windmills have withstood the test of time and the battles with would-be Don Quixotes.
Lassithi Plateau
The route through concealed villages will lead us to a tavern offering mouthwatering local delicacies. - A stop for lunch here is optional but highly recommended.
Cave of Zeus
Cave of Zeus (Dikteon Cave) — Optional visit Depending on the itinerary version you choose, the legendary birthplace of Zeus can be included as part of this private experience. The visit takes approximately 80 minutes total and includes a ~1 mile (1.6 km) uphill walk on stone-paved paths, plus steps leading to and from the cave entrance. The cave is seasonal and scheduled to operate from June 1 – 31 October 2026, subject to local authority conditions. When the cave is not visited, the tour naturally focuses on the Lassithi Plateau, traditional villages, viewpoints, and the wider mythological and cultural landscape connected to Zeus.
Aposelemis Dam
Leaving the plateau behind, captivated by the panoramic views, we'll descend the mountain until we reach the sunken village of Sfendyli in the Aposelemis Dam. A brief stop will allow us to imagine how life in the village used to be, where one can almost see and hear children playing in a once vibrant community.
What's included
Included
Bottled water
Olive Oil & Local Products Tasting Fee
Onboard Wi-Fi and Fast Charger
Knowledgeable Local Driver-Host Fluent in English
Fuel, Tolls, Taxes, and Fees
Liability Insurance
Hotel, Harbor, or Meeting Point Pickup and Drop-Off
Private Transportation in a Comfortable Van
Hygiene Amenities & First Aid Kit
Not included
Knossos Palace (Free: EU 65)
Entrance fee - Knossos Palace (Free: EU <25 / Non-EU <18)
Licensed Guide (multi-language, optional, extra charge)
Personal Expenses, Tips & Gratuities
Lunch Experience - Optional
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick-Up Point: Outside your Hotel Reception. -For Cruise Passengers: Outside the main Heraklion Port Passenger Terminal Building Pick-ups outside the designated area -Available upon request (extra fee may apply)
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
21 reviews
How it compares in Heraklion
- Rated higher than 80% of 127 reviewed tours in Heraklion
- Starting price $98 is close to the typical $98 for tours of similar length in Heraklion
- Price over the last 26 days: $93–$99
Excurgo comparison of 432 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Your Driver-Host provides historical background, local context, and logistics throughout the day outside archaeological sites. Greek law requires a Licensed Guide for tours inside sites and museums; these can be arranged upon request for an in-depth visit.
- The Cave is closed on Thuesdays
- Travelers from Cruise ships should take the earliest possible option
- We can accommodate big groups. For groups of 9 or more, please contact us directly
- Travelers should wear suitable shoes & clothes
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Knossos Palace and/or Zeus Cave + Olive Mill | Local & Private lasts about 7–8 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $98 per person for this Heraklion experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $592. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 7 departures a day between 7:30 AM and 11:30 PM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pick-Up Point: Outside your Hotel Reception. -For Cruise Passengers: Outside the main Heraklion Port Passenger Terminal Building Pick-ups outside the designated area -Available upon request (extra fee may apply) Pickup points include Pela, Anastasia Star Beach Hotel & Spa.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 21 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by SunSud Tours.
Reviews(21)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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from$98
5.0(21) Free cancellation