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 (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
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 + 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
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. 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-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
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
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
377 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Apostolos was a great...
Alexandra C,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Apostolos was a great driver and guide, happily we ended up with a private tour and he was able to accommodate us with an itinerary change for the comfort of our group
Great day out
Hannah M,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on this tour! Our guide Apostolos was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and we had plenty of time at each stop. The olive oil factory was a fun first stop, and a great place for gifts, and we enjoyed the walk through the traditional Cretan village to see the plane tree, there were lots of lovely places to take photos. Lunch was tasty and reasonably priced, and Knossos palace was interesting. The walk up the hill to the Zeus cave is steep and quite challenging, particularly in the heat! The cave itself was very beautiful and we thought the walk was worth it, but those with limited mobility will find it very hard. Overall a very enjoyable day and good value for money.
Travel junkie
Marcia I,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide spoke great English! He really knew the history and mythology. It was all day! But we had an amazing time. We gad coffee at a home in a village of 80 people, toured and tasted olive oil factory, visited a very small cheese factory in a village and gad the most amazing cheese, ate the best mousaka at a village family restaurant, and visited the temple of Konsos.
Cretan Experience
Alecia G,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great time! Was able to see and learn a lot about the historical and mythological Cretan sites. Had authentic village activities (coffee and pottery) and had a delicious Cretan lunch. Our guide did a phenomenal job!
Crete’s history, landscape and friendly people
342helenc,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I did the Knossos and Lasithi Plateau: Land of Zeus, villages and olive oil tour with Apostolus. He was thoughtful, entertaining and gave a wonderful tour. Every stop was fun and educational. We recommend Unique Crete V.I.P. Tours.
Wonderful Overview of Crete
Raymond G,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, APO, did an absolutely fabulous job today. Not only did he pick us up at a different location due to a hotel cancellation, but he treated us like family for the day. We visited an olive oil factory and received an educational tour of how olive oil was made in the past and today. We drove into the mountainside and plateau region. We experienced " Greek Starbucks" coffee in a village, learned about culture and customs. Explored windmills, town wells, historic trees, learned about farming and plant life. Tasted fresh goat cheese and yogurt. A traditional wood stove cooked Greek lunch hit the spot- with a nip of raki to follow. We finished up with a trip to Knossos Palace. APO drove safely, answered all of our questions and went above and beyond to accommodate everyone! I highly recommend him as a tour guide and true gentleman. His friendly personality is infectious. This was one of the best ways to begin our Cretan vacation.
A Taste of Crete
TCF25,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour provides a delightful sampler of Heraklion and the surrounding area. Marinos was a wonderful guide--very friendly and knowledgable. He drove us to a variety of places--from an olive oil manufacturer, which was very interesting, to a small village for tea with a local woman, to the amazing Knossos Palace. The scenery was gorgeous, escpecially at Lasithi Platea. We had several stops and many opportunities for great photos. He also took us to a beautiful restaurant for a delicious lunch. We highly recommend this tour with Marinos!
Visit to Crete!
Marie L,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience with Apostolos, who provided us with a lot of explanations about life here through the various places visited during the day. Activity in a small group and very friendly through the stops and the restaurants chosen for our group, but we really enjoyed doing this activity in the first days of our arrival. Thank you!
Exploring East of Heraklion
Fran B,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Itinerary a little misleading. We made 4 stops, not 7 or 8 and Cave of Zeus was not open. We had one hour at Knossos. However, very personable and knowledgeable driver/ guide named Manos and very small group of 4 made it a nice day to see the East of Crete.
Amazing and knowledgeable...
CHRISTINA M,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing and knowledgeable guide. Wonderful way to see everything in a small group. Lunch was wonderful.
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Operated by Unique Crete Tours