Private Tour

Private Tour-Knossos Palace Zeus Cave&Olive Oil Mill from Elounda

Overview

Available languages

English

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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.

1 hour • Admission Included

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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)

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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

Reviews

5.00

14 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Our amazing tour of Crete with Spyros!
Roving41773253695,,May 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We 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
5.00
This 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
5.00
What 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
5.00
I 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
5.00
Spiros 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
5.00
I 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
5.00
This 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
5.00
The 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.
See a part of Crete you didn’t realise existed!
emma R,,Oct 9, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing tour! Really showcases the part of Crete you didn’t realise existed. Eddie (our guide/driver) was fabulous! The trip with him was entertaining, knowledgable and engaging. The group size was small (4 on our trip but max 8) so it beats larger organised trips where you’re sat on a coach for hours upon hours plus there is the added bonus that there’s a little more flexibility with the time. The only way to access the mouth of the cave is by foot (or donkey at €10) but take it at your own pace and admire the views whilst you’re on your way up but the little trek is worth it. Each part of the trip is nicely spread out so you don’t spend much of the day being transported. Well worth booking.
Must Do Tour
E2232CHfrancinem,,Jul 29, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was one of the best, enjoyed by young and not so young. Our multi-lingual guide, Marinas, is a Cretan who knows the area, the local people, and information about the island. Introduced us to local flora and fauna. He was entertaining, easy going, and made us feel welcomed. Excellent communication for pick-up at Heraklion hotel.