Private Tour-Knossos Palace Zeus Cave&Olive Oil Mill from Elounda
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This private tour is created for history, nature and culture lovers.
You’ll visit and explore Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau and It's 16 traditional villages, old wind mills, a 2400 years old Plane tree, a pottery, will have a Greek coffee in a traditional caffe, an olive oil mill, where we'll taste different kind of local olive oils and of course you'll enjoy in a family tavern Cretan traditional lunch cooked with fresh local ingredients.
The MUST of this private tour, is Knossos Palace.
It was known as Knossos during the Minoan civilization, which was one of the most advanced and influential civilizations in the Mediterranean region around 4,000 years ago. The ruins of the ancient city of Knossos, including the famous Palace of Knossos, is the most visited site in Crete and second most visited site in Greece after Acropolis.
Book this private tour today and you'll never regret it.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Let us know if there are any specific sights or experiences you'd like to include, and we'll tailor the tour accordingly.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Infant seats available on request
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please contact us to let us know
For the tours that start later than 09:00 am from cruises, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple sites to get back to ship on time. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
Zeus Cave is close for the moment
What To Expect
Omalia Olive Press
Our first stop is visiting a 4th generation olive oil factory. You see firsthand the modern techniques and equipment used alongside traditional methods passed down through generations. As you explore the factory, you have the opportunity to taste the fruits of this labor – rich, golden olive oil freshly pressed from the harvest. Each sip is a revelation, a burst of flavor that transports you to the sun-drenched hillsides where the olives were grown. But beyond the sensory experience, visiting an olive oil factory in Crete offers a deeper understanding of the island's culture and heritage. Olive oil is not just a culinary staple here; it is a symbol of life itself, revered for its health benefits and intrinsic connection to the land. As you bid farewell to the factory, you carry with you not just a bottle of olive oil, but a piece of Crete's soul – a tangible reminder of the timeless bond between this ancient land and its most precious fruit.
Krasi
Exploring 2400 years old a Platanus Tree. The Platanus tree of Krasi stands as a majestic symbol of nature's resilience and enduring beauty. Nestled within the charming village of Krasi on the island of Crete, this ancient plane tree has witnessed centuries of history unfold beneath its sprawling branches. As you approach the tree, its sheer size commands attention, casting a cool shade over the surrounding square. Its gnarled trunk, weathered by time, tells stories of generations past, while its lush foliage rustles gently in the breeze, offering a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling village. Legend has it that the Platanus tree of Krasi is over 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living beings in Europe. Its presence is deeply ingrained in the fabric of local folklore, revered by villagers as a sacred guardian of the land. Visitors from far and wide come to marvel at this ancient specimen, drawn by its sheer magnitude and historical significance.
Options
Private Tour to Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave from Elounda
Mercedes Benz Van Pickup included
Combo Tour with Rethymno&Chani
Combo with Rethymno and Chania: This is 2 days private tour to Lasithi Plateau, Knossos Palace, Rethymno and Chania cities. Duration: 2 days: Lunch with Cretan traditional food is included. Knossos Lasithi Rethymno&Chani Mercedes Benz Van Pickup included
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Local English speaking Driver Guide
Cretan Wines, Greek Coffee, Raki and Refreshments
All Fees and Taxes
Pick up & Drop off from your Hotel/Port/Airport
Private transportation in Mercedes Benz Van
Liability Insurance
Knossos Palace entrance fee(20 - euro per person) 10 euro reduced
Licensed Guide at Knossos Palace (120 euro per group optional)
Lunch in family traditional taverna (optional)
Zeus Cave Entrance Tickets
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must do in Crete
Tanner T,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spyros and the tour made our trip to Crete worth it. From the olive oil tour, to the coffee and pottery shop - it truly was such a breathtaking and beautiful experience. Spyros’s knowledge and passion are what separate this from the rest, he offered a plethora of facts about the area and was elated when we asked further questions. He took us into his small village, bought us fresh bread, Greek yogurt, coffee, and gave us the chance to make our own pieces of pottery with a master of the craft. He explained the agriculture of the area in extreme detail and its rich history which carved Crete into what it is today. I cannot recommend this enough, Spyros is fantastic at his job and gave us an experience we will never forget.
Wonderful experience!...
Tonya E,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience! Spyro was very kind and shared his life and Greek culture with us. We would highly recommend Spyro to other travelers.
Our amazing tour of Crete with Spyros!
Roving41773253695,May 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an amazing day today with Spyros! We just got back, and I can’t say enough about how wonderful our experience was. This was the highlight of our visit to Crete. Spyros was so knowledgeable and friendly, and he treated us like old friends. We got to see things that we never would have on our own. I’m so happy that our travel agency set up this tour. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that was visiting this beautiful island!
Unique and fun!
Sandy P,Nov 6, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This excursion turned out to be so much more than we expected! While we did visit the highlighted attractions, our driver, Spyros, also took us into the Lasithi Plateau and showed us many things we did not anticipate! We picked and ate strawberries, visited a very traditional coffee shop, learned about the free roaming goats and the vast vegetation of the plateau area. We also visited a pottery store and family factory.
A day in the mountains with Spyros
963phyllisp,Oct 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fun day in Heraklion. Spyros, our guide, provided exceptional service. We learned so much about the mountainous area of Crete and the abundance of fruit and vegetables. A late lunch at Seli Ambelou was delicious. I recommend the stuffed cabbage, green beans and goat in tomato sauce. We visited a wonderful pottery studio and the Palace. It was a full day adventure.
Best Authentic Tour
gabriellaaT4766PU,Jun 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot recommend this tour enough! We spent 10 days in Greece and this was by far the best. Our tour guide Spiros was local to Crete and was able to give us an authentic tour. It was nice being driven around and exploring. Our entire group felt so comfortable and easy traveling around, feeling well-guided with no rush. I would book again if I came back.
Wow, this was a tour like no other.
Resort579584,May 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spiros was our tour guide and took us from the tourist areas and showed us the country areas of Crete. It was like having an inside tour of the real Crete. This tour actually made our trip 5 plus stars. It was great, no doubt, this is a must tour for anyone looking to see the real Crete.
Wonderful tour and host
Passport579627,May 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I feel like we got to see Crete in a way we never would have if it weren’t for our tour guide Spiros. He was very personable and treated us like family. We had a great time.
Great experience!
ljy123,Apr 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour of Crete led by Spyros and his colleague Marina at Knossos, felt personal and insightful into both the history and present day life of Crete. The full-day excursion included an olive oil factory tour, a trip up into the mountains to an impressive agriculture area, and a visit to our guide’s small village to experience everyday life. We learned a lot about ancient Minoan life and came to appreciate the essence of Crete today through the eyes of Spyros. This was one of the best days of our 3 weeks in Turkey and Greece. Very valuable and entertaining. Highly recommend it!
Excellent view into local life and culture
Lochner83,Nov 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was a low season and not many tourist at the all the sites on Nov 20, 23. Spyros did an excellent job of showing us around the area. He took us to the olive oil manufacturing, the wind mills, the Zeus cave then lunch/snacks. The lunch was perfect homemade meals with breads, salads, beans, olive, cheese and Spanakopita ect.. A lot of food. Then we went to strawberry picking and also tasted local Greek yogurt and honey. He is Very knowledgeable and friendly. Provided an excellent experience and would definitely work with him again.
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Operated by Tours in Heraklion