Private Tour
Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave,Villages, Olive Oil Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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 (seasonal reopening Summer 2026)
• 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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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 .
What‘s Included
Bottled water, Coffee, traditional snacks
Private tour pickups: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda. Shared mini-group: Heraklion region only
Liability insurance
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
Entrance fee - Zeus Cave
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
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
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
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.
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 +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
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
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
Reviews
328 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Guide - Great Island
jfshape,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00George was a great guide - very personable and knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time. Everything went smoothly.
Marianos was a wonderful...
Sue G,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Marianos was a wonderful host and all of the stops were informative and fun. The food was absolutely INCREDIBLE! It was disappointing that the Cave of Zeus was closed but that is not the fault of the tour group.
Outstanding Tour
wopoflyer,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marinos (the owner) provided for us a terrific tour. He is steeped in the history and a great communicator. In addition, very kind and helpful. We highly recommend the tour with Unique Crete VIP Tours. W.P (USA)
Super introduction - Heraklion and vicinity
Wolfgang P,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Outstanding tour, highly recommended! Our guide Marinos is one of the very best. (and we have taken many guided tours around the world)
Excellent overview, comfortable pace
Madeleine H,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a wonderful day with a really small group. I feel like I got to experience so many parts of Crete that I couldn't have seen on my own. The van was very comfortable, the guide was excellent and spoke amazing English. The tip about using the free audio guide instead of a paid guide for Knossos was also great.
A Taste of Heraklion.
Kristina P,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were visiting Crete on a cruise ship and wanted to see both the Palace of Knossos and the Lessitheau Playeau and the ship didn’t offer a tour to both places. Luckily for us, we found Unique Crete VIP Tours Marinos, the owner, picked us up at the port and off we went. It was a full day of seeing the local culture. So many stops, but one of our favorites was in a tiny village where a. Tea was made by a local villager. Stops included seeing how olive oil is made at a local press, the village of Krasnodar, a 2,000 year old sycamore tree, went inside a windmill, saw where they made cheese, Cave of Zeus which is closed but has great views of the Platesu, lunch at a local restaurant. ending at the Pslace of Knossos. Marinos was so informative and had a great sense of humor. He was always making sure we were enjoying our tour. This was an amazing day and we gave Marinos to thank for that. We highly recommend his company.
We had a fantastic time...
Nicholas D,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic time led by Niko who was an amazing guide. Fantastic views, food and experience and would recommend for anyone staying in Crete.
Crete Tour
Sikha N,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Marinos was a wonderful guide; we felt the entire tour was authentic, interesting, and filled with local flavors. My entire family enjoyed our day in Crete with him, would highly recommend!
Unforgettable tour!
travelbuff1212,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have traveled extensively and this is the BEST tour we can remember! Niko was very knowledgeable, personable and fun! Since it is late in the season, we were lucky to be the only ones on the tour, and Niko was able to tailor it to our preferences. Niko knows all the local people and places which made this tour magical, since we were able to get a sense of real Cretan life. We visited several villages and met wonderful people along the way! We had homemade mountain tea and sweets from a woman who has been making it for 60 years. We had lunch where the delicious authentic food was baked in an outdoor oven overnight. We visited an olive oil factory and learned from Niko the best way to taste olive oil. We saw windmills, farms and gorgeous scenery along the way. We ended our day with fascinating Knossos in the afternoon to escape the crowds, a good call by Niko. This day was unforgettable and we feel so lucky to have had Niko to guide us through! Thank you Niko!
Exceptionally memorable tour
bbwex,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marinos was a fantastic guide. Although we did go to the archeological site, the rest of the day was spent far away from town. First a tour of an olive oil factory was fascinating. We had coffee and cookies, actually made by his wife, in a tiny village and a very tiny taverna. Then off to see the village of 10,000 wind mills. On the way back we had a very delicious lunch by the site of some very old windmills that the Nazis bombed thinking they were guns! Then more tiny villages on the way to the archeological site. If you have been to Ephesus and to the stadium and archeological site in Cyprus, not to mention one other mention the dig on another island that was all inside a large roof with wooden walkways, I would not bother with the one in Crete. Marinos created a day that was one exceptional tour!
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Operated by Unique Crete Tours