Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour
Overview
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Explore Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau & the legendary Zeus Cave in one unforgettable day.
Discover authentic villages, mythology, and Cretan olive oil traditions.
• Visit Knossos Palace, Crete’s most famous archaeological site, with expert local insights
• Explore the scenic Lasithi Plateau and traditional mountain villages
• Discover the legendary Zeus Cave (Dikteon Cave) — birthplace of Zeus (Zeus Cave is closed on Tuesdays.)
• Enjoy authentic Cretan olive oil tasting at a family-run production
• Travel in comfortable, air-conditioned transport with small-group or private options
• Experience a balanced tour combining history, mythology, culture, and local traditions
• Operated by passionate local experts offering insider knowledge and personalized service
*IMPORTANT LOCATION NOTICE
It is NOT suitable for cruise passengers docking in Chania (Souda Port).
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Omalia Olive Press
Our journey into Cretan culture begins with an introduction to its famed "liquid gold." At a traditional, four-generation olive oil production facility, you’ll discover the rich history of the olive, learn about harvesting methods from ancient times to the present day, and enjoy a tasting of premium-quality olive oil—an experience sure to elevate your senses.
Krasi
Νext stop at the village of Krasi where stands the famous plane tree of Krasi which is more than 2000 years old tree. There you will enough time to have a coffee at one of the local kafeneio and take unforgettable photos .
Options
SMALL GROUP UP TO 7 PER GROUP
Pick-up areas : Available ONLY for Heraklion, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia Shared Option: This option involves sharing the minivan with other guests. Duration: 8 hours Pick Up: services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee. Pickup included
PRIVATE UP TO 3 PER GROUP
Pick Up Areas : Agia Pelagia Ammoudara Heraklion,Kokkini, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda Duration: 8 hours: We can customize our program and duration to perfectly suit your needs, making it an ideal option for cruise ship passengers. SUV: Experience premium comfort with our private SUV service, accommodating up to 3 passengers. Pick Up:: Pick-up services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee. Pickup included
PRIVATE TOUR UP TO 7 PER GROUP
Pick up areas : Agia Pelagia Ammoudara Heraklion,Kokkini, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda Duration: 8 hours: We can customize our program and duration to perfectly suit your needs, making it an ideal option for cruise ship passengers. Minivan: Private Luxury Minivan – up to 7 guests Pick Up:: Pick-up services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee. Pickup included
PRIVATE TOUR + KNOSSOS GUIDE
Pick up areas : Agia Pelagia Ammoudara Heraklion,Kokkini, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda License Guide At Knossos : With this option, you will have a private licensed guide at Knossos Palace to guide you through the site. Duration: 8 hours: We can customize our program and duration to perfectly suit your needs, making it an ideal option for cruise ship passengers. SUV: Experience premium comfort with our private SUV service, accommodating up to 3 passengers. Pick Up:: Pick-up services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee. Pickup included
SMALL GROUP-UP TO 7 PER GROUP
Pick-up areas : Available ONLY for Heraklion, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia Shared Option: This option involves sharing the minivan with other guests. Duration: 8 hours Pick Up: services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee. Pickup included
PRIVATE TOUR +KNOSSOS GUIDE
Pick up areas : Agia Pelagia Ammoudara Heraklion,Kokkini, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda License Guide At Knossos : With this option, you will have a private licensed guide at Knossos Palace to guide you through the site. Duration: 8 hours: We can customize our program and duration to perfectly suit your needs, making it an ideal option for cruise ship passengers. Minivan: Private Luxury Minivan – up to 7 guests Pick Up:: Pick-up services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee. Pickup included
SMALL GROUP + KNOSSOS GUIDE
Pick up areas : Ammoudara Heraklion,Kokkini, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, License Guide At Knossos : With this option, you will have a licensed guide at Knossos Palace to guide you through the site. Shared Option: This option involves sharing the minivan with other guests. Duration: 8 hours Pick Up: services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private tour pickups: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda. Shared mini-group: Heraklion region only
Liability insurance
Bottled water, Coffee, traditional snacks
Private knowledgeable local guide
Transport by luxury air conditioned minivan-free WI-FI on board
Licensed guide for Knossos Palace (included ONLY if this option is selected)
Pickup and drop-off from your hotel , Heraklion port or designated meeting points
(optional)
(optional)
Pickup from the Rethymno or Chania regions is available upon request with additional cost
Knossos Archaeological Site
Zeus Cave 15,00€ per person /Zeus Cave is closed on Tuesdays.
It is NOT suitable for cruise passengers docking in Chania (Souda Port).
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
385 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Olive oil, Zeus Cave, Knossos Tour
Mark C,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time with Manos,. Not only did we learn a lot about the destinations we visited (olive oil press, Zeus Cave and Knossos, but Manos shared some of his knowledge of the Cretan culture and history. At the olive oil press, we learned about both the modern and traditional methods to extract the oil, and then we were treated with a taste test to sample how different olive oil can be. When visiting Zeus Cave, be prepared to hike! We are in fairly good shape, and it took 15 minutes to climb to the entrance (we recommend taking the old path on the right, then return down the newer path), 20 minutes to get our tickets, 20 minutes in the cave and 15 minutes to return back to the meeting area. Be prepared to walk stairs in the cave -- the staircases and walkways in the cave are new and offer safe and reliable passage. I wish we had more time at Knossos. The palace is so large, it is difficult to take it all in within an hour or so. If you choose to hire a guide, you should probably allow at least 2 hours. This tour with Manos and Unique Crete VIP Tours was memorable and worth the price.
Perfect way to explore several aspects of Crete!
B8650WBmichelleh,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing full day out exploring several different aspects of Crete. First stop was the Knossos Palace. This is a very touristy spot and can get very busy. Best visited first thing in the morning or perhaps much later on in the day. We just wondered around ourselves but a guide may be useful to explain more what you are seeing. After that we went to an olive oil factory which was really interesting. The owners are very accommodating and there's some lovely things to buy! Next up to the plateau for some spectacular views and a chance to visit the cave. Be warned, the cave entrance is up a rather steep rocky path that is physically demanding, but worth the 15min uphill climb if you can do it! We had a lovely lunch up in the hills too followed by coffee in one of the villages where you get to see a beautiful old tree! This tour was very well organised and didn't feel rushed. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and we felt very well looked after all day!
Simply a beautiful tour, just as one would wish.
Jabi a,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was a lot of fun. Apostolos guided us excellently through the stations and showed us super interesting little details along the way. At the Zeus Cave and in the Palace of Knossos, he gave us exactly the freedom we wanted to explore the corners ourselves. One felt perfectly taken care of throughout. Since our English is a bit shaky, he even occasionally spoke German with us – very attentive. Anytime again!
Fantastic day out!
fionap876,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible trip! Thank you to Apostolos for being so informative and entertaining, we had such a good time! Really enjoyed all the stops on our trip. A great way to see the best of the island. Thoroughly recommend!
Marinos was a fantastic...
Charles R,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Marinos was a fantastic tour guide and entertained us with facts and stories during our eight hour trek around Crete. Wear comfortable shoes for the steep climb up to Zeus’s cave. Overall it was a great experience!
Great Tour!
M6185DZtarah,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Apostolis was knowledgeable, engaging and charismatic. The time flew by and we learned a lot about Crete. George was our guide at the Knossos Palace, he was also very knowledgeable and charismatic. Definitely would recommend this tour to others.
Jane & Bev
Jane B,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were picked up at the designated spot and greeted by our driver and guide, The guide Panos tsikos was excellent he was so enthusiastic and made our day and trip so memorable, he was so knowledgeable about the area and Knossos palace showing all of the areas and not overloading us with to much information. A big shout out for our driver who did us all proud on such difficult roads. A definite trip to do when visiting Crete.
Excellent guide. Mr. Apostles deeply knowledgeable of all the history and politics of Greece and wonderful person!!!
Mário Augusto S,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pleasant and wonderful tour with a lot of comfort and explanation of everything!!!! I will definitely return...
Wonderful customer service
Pilgrim19,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the first review I have written for NOT going on the booked tour. I will be staying on the West side of Crete and had booked a tour around Heraklion. I asked a question about how best to get there. Maria was incredibly helpful providing insight and options for me to consider. The logistical issues stopped me from going. However, she went out of her way to be as helpful as possible. I will book with them if I return to Crete.
Marinos was a great...
Sue A,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Marinos was a great guide! He explained all about the history of Heraklion and the area around he took us to.
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Operated by Unique Crete Tours