Tours/Heraklion/Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory
Viator · group up to 10 pax

Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory

5.0(745)Heraklion1 hour
VIATOR5.0(211)TRIPADVISOR5.0(534)

Description

* Embark on this full day small group Tour or choose the Private Option so we can show you the real side of Crete . * Walk through the narrow streets of the old traditional villages , enjoy an iced coffee , mountain tea …… * Visit an olive oil factory , learn all about olive oil production and taste a few different ones . * Enjoy the ride with our comfortable air conditioned vehicles. * Taste a glass of Raki and some local wine while learning about local traditions, history, mythology and culture. * Visit The picturesque village of Krasi and the monumental Platanus tree . * Visit the Cave of Zeus , explore Lasithii Plateau, the Old Wind Mills and enjoy amazing views from the mountains. * Tasting a few local dishes is a must while in Crete .( OPTIONAL) * Experience the Greek Hospitality and create memories that will last a life time. * Pick up and drop off from your hotel or Heraklion cruise port .

Tour Options

PRIVATE TOUR
  • PERFECT FOR FAMILIES-CRUISES : We can pick you up from Heraklion Region + Heraklion cruise port ,Rethimno Region,Elounda , Agios Nikolaous Region and port . Pickup included
SEMI PRIVATE
  • We can pick you up from Heraklion Region and port , Hersonisos, Malia , Gouves, Annisara, Analipsi , Agia Pelagia . Pickup included

Itinerary

5 min

We start our tour from Heraklion.

Pass by

Pass by without stopping, or a possible picking up point.

Pass by

Pass by without stopping or it can be a location where we can pick you up .

Pass by

Pass by without stopping or it can be a possible picking up location.

35 min

Visit olive oil factory to learn about how olive oil is made with the modern machinery and with the old machinery.

30 min

We walk through the old narrow streets of the village, and enjoy a coffee or fresh juice at the main square .

30 min

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

Pass by

We pass by without stopping.

30 min

We visit the village of Krasi , walk around the stone narrow streets and old houses, of course have a few photos at the oldest and biggest Platanus tree in Crete.

Pass by

Pass by without stopping or a possible picking up location.

45 min

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

5 min

We stop to enjoy the amazing views from above the aposelemi Dam and ofcourse it’s a good stop for the photo lovers……

Admission not included60 min

This is the cave where Zeus was born according to our mythology. For the moment the cave is closed and it will open end of April according to the authorities.

Admission not included60 min

This is the last stop of our tour and it’s OPTIONAL….. After exploring Knossos we will drive you back to your hotel , if you don’t like to visit Knossos then let us know so we can drive you to your hotel before.

Highlights

Liability insurance
Transport by comfortable air conditioned vehicles and free WiFi on board
Pick up and drop off from your hotel , port or meeting points .
English speaking knowledgeable local driver guide .
Bottled water , coffees , teas
Olive oil , and Raki tasting

What's included

Included
Liability insurance
Transport by comfortable air conditioned vehicles and free WiFi on board
Pick up and drop off from your hotel , port or meeting points .
English speaking knowledgeable local driver guide .
Bottled water , coffees , teas
Olive oil , and Raki tasting
Not included
Lunch, OPTIONAL
Knossos Palace entrance fee 20euros per person, half price for up to 25 years old .
Private Guide inside Knossos Palace could be arranged for extra charge.
There is a 15 minute walking up hil to get to the cave , The Cave is closed every Tuesday..

Pickup Locations & Times

Cruise Ships - Your guide will meet you at the Heraklion port, holding a sign at the passengers station. SEMI PRIVATE TOUR PICK UP -Heraklion Region- Port , Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, PRIVATE TOUR PICK UP ; Heraklion Region- Port , Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Malia Agios Nikolaous , Elounda , Rethimno. WE DONT PICK UP FROM CHANIA For areas outside the listed pickup zones, we can arrange a meeting point in Heraklion region.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
745 reviews
5
737
4
7
3
0
2
0
1
1

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking.

Reviews(745)

S
sophierV1613JN
August 17, 2026
Great experience !

That was an amazing tour we had with Stavros. He has been the perfect guide for our private tour in which we had the opportunity to discover the authentic Crete ! You can select this tour with no hesitation !

M
meganbB9704LO
August 8, 2026
BEST TOUR IN CRETE (and all of Europe)!!!

I have been on many guided tours throughout France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and elsewhere in Greece and I have to say this was by far the best guided tour I have ever been on. Stavros was AMAZING — incredibly welcoming, hilarious, informative and deeply passionate about sharing his home with us. Our trip was so fun and the pace was excellent! We did so much, but it did not feel rushed. We went to a family owned olive oil factory for a tasting, stopped for coffee in the square of village, checked out the village’s church, picked strawberries on a farm and enjoyed them with some Cretan wine, visited traditional windmills, had an interactive visit at a ceramics studio, hiked to Zeus’ Cave, and enjoyed an excellent meal all while Stavros shared stories and stopped multiple times to show us (and let us taste) the amazing fruits and herbs that grow wild on Crete. Do not leave Crete before going on this trip!!!!!!!

Operator response

Thank you so so much Megan for taking the time to write this incredible review, it means a lot to us reading here that you had such an amazing time with us showing you our home island, We definitely would love to meet you again in the future so we can show you another part of Crete while having fun and learning about Crete until then though keep being awesome…. Explore Real Crete Tours

J
Jesse_A
August 5, 2026
knowledgeable, friendly, and fun local tour of Crete

Stavros was such a joy to spend the day with. A local guide who’s been in the tourism industry for years and seems to know everyone everywhere he goes, he’s passionate and knowledgeable and so fun to be around. We got a little bit of history, some mythology, and a whole lot of culture in this tour. He’s strategic about the timing of the various sites and excursions, and might even add on something extra special to make your day with him incredibly memorable. This was a highlight of our Crete vacation for sure! HIGHLY recommend.

Operator response

Thank you so so much Jesse for taking the time to write this amazing review, We are delighted to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with us and certainly we hope to meet again in the future to show you another part of our home island, until then though stay healthy and keep being amazing. Explore Real Crete Tours

V
Voyage00943515689
July 28, 2026
When experiences become memories for life

We booked on short notice directly through Stavros whom accommodated every wish we had. Our family travel party consisted of three generations but Spyros, our travel guide for the day, succeeded in making us all feel at ease, welcome, comfortable and entertained. It felt like a day spent with a dear family member, a truly unique experience. Spyros helped us create memories today we will treasure for a life time! If you are in Crete, contact Stavros and have him or Spyros taking you onto a journey you will not forget. I am well traveled and quite experienced when it comes to booking locally guided trips; this was one of a kind! Thank you so much Spyros for a wonderful day, thank you Stavros for accommodating us on such short notice!

Operator response

Thank you so so much Tiziana for taking the time to write this amazing review. We are happy to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with Spyros and hopefully you will visit Crete again in the future so we can explore together another part of our home island. Explore Real Crete Tours

G
Gagan_T
July 24, 2026
An Outstanding Tour with the Best Guide in Crete!

Without a doubt, this was one of the highlights of our trip to Greece, and Stavros made it truly unforgettable. We started a bit earlier than our scheduled time and right from the get go, Stravos’ energy, enthusiasm, and genuine passion for Crete were contagious. He brought every place to life with fun facts, stories, history, mythology, and cultural insights. He not only shared his insights about Knossos Palace and the legend of Zeus, but also about Greece’s history, traditions, everyday life, and even connections to the world history. We visited Knossos Palace, traditional villages, windmills, local farms, amazing olive oil factory, a beautiful coffee stop, and enjoyed an authentic Cretan lunch. Along the way, Stavros stopped by multiple times to point out interesting trees, fruits, plants, and local landmarks that we would have otherwise driven right past. He was also very generous and stopped by view points to take pictures for us. Those unexpected moments made the experience even more special. What really stood out was how interactive and engaging he was. He encouraged questions, shared personal stories and made learning fun. His kindness, sense of humor, and incredible knowledge kept the energy high throughout the entire day. It felt like exploring Crete with a knowledgeable local friend who truly loves his island. Thank you, Stavros, for an amazing day and for the wonderful memories that we’ll cherish for years to come.

Operator response

Thank you very much Gagan and Meher for your amazing review, we are delighted to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with us and we certainly hope to meet again in the future here in Crete to show you another part of our home island and to create new memories. Thank you very much Explore Real Crete Tours

T
thomassB9163EC
July 16, 2026
Best tour guide in town

We really enjoyed the tour. We were able to see so many interesting things all in one day. Spyros was extremely accommodating always checking to make sure we were happy and relaxed by opening the door, offering us water and even taking an extra step to be personal and ask questions about our interest in life back at home.. He pointed out so many landmarks and personal favorites. He recommended a restaurant upon our request which is difficult to get a reservation at. He called them for us and was able to get us on the list. It was truly incredible. He really made our trip to Crete one to remember.

Operator response

Thank you so much Thomas for taking the time to write this great review. We are delighted to hear that you had a great day with Spyros and hopefully you will visit Crete again in the future so we can get the chance to show you another part of Crete . Explore Real Crete Tours

L
lisawN1296MH
July 16, 2026
Like touring with family

We had the most wonderful day with Stavros exploring the sights of this beautiful island. We've been on many tours in different countries over the years, but this was, without a doubt, the best experience we've ever had. Even my hard to please teens loved it. What truly set this tour apart was that spending the day with Stavros felt like being with family. He treated us like royalty and went above and beyond to make the experience personal, relaxed, and unforgettable. We learned so much about the island, its history, and Greek culture, all while enjoying a genuinely authentic experience. Stavros's energy, enthusiasm, and passion are second to none. His warmth and hospitality made us feel so welcome, and by the end of the day, it felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend rather than a tour guide. The car was comfortable and air-conditioned, making the journey between stops a pleasure. If you're visiting the island and considering a tour, definitely book this one!

Operator response

Thank you so so much Lisa and family for this amazing review, we really appreciate your time and effort and are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience with us . Hopefully you will visit our home island again in the future and we will meet to explore another part of Crete while having fun until then though stay healthy and keep being so lovely and so helpful. Explore Real Crete Tours

F
Francisco_N
July 3, 2026
Great day tour in Crete

Stavros was a terrific guide on our full day tour of Knossos & Lasithi Plateu Villages Tour. He kept us informed and entertained with his humor throughout the day. The highlights for sure were learning about how to select the best olive oil, hiking up and entering the beautiful Zeus cave, and seeing Knossos Palace. Definitely consider this tour if you are visiting the island of Crete.

Operator response

Thank you so much Francisco for your great review, it’s so nice to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with us and hopefully you will visit Crete again in the future so we can show you another part of Crete . Explore Real Crete Tours

H
Han2403
June 29, 2026
Fabulous day - highly recommended!

We had a fabulous day trip that gave us the chance to experience the real Crete beyond the tourist resorts. Our guide, Stavros, was absolutely fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing his island with us. He tailored the day to our interests, making it feel personal rather than just a standard tour. The highlight for us was spending time on the beautiful Lasithi Plateau. The scenery was absolutely idyllic and it was wonderful to explore such an authentic part of Crete. Everything was seamless from start to finish, including the prompt pick-up in a very comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. It was excellent value for money and without doubt one of the highlights of our holiday. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tour! Thank you so much for an amazing day Stavros!

Operator response

Thank you so so much Hannah and Ryan for taking the time to write this amazing review, we are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time with us and we certainly hope to meet you again in the future to create new memories while showing you our home island, until then though keen being so amazing. Explore Real Crete Tours

S
Sawapha V
June 28, 2026
A wonderful day to spend learning about Crete

We visited Crete not knowing much about its people and the culture. We only know about Knossos from textbooks and documentaries. Cretans are very friendly and extremely proud of their distinct cultures and traditions. Touring the olive factory and driving up the mountains to visit some the villages really helped us to understand and appreciate Crete and its culture. Thank you, Stavros for showing us your island and entertaining us for the day. It was an experience we will not forget. A must tour for anyone who wants to see beautiful views up in the mountains and enjoy a wonderful company of the locals.

Operator response

Thank you so much Pam and Phill for taking the time to write a super great review, it was great meeting you and spending the day together showing you our home island. We certainly hope to meet you again in the future to show you another part of Crete while having fun and creating new memories. Explore Real Crete Tours

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