Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us on this full day Private tour to see the real side of Crete , walk into the paths of the Greek Goods and through narrow streets in the old traditional villages where you feel like time has stopped long ago …..visit an olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil ,and of course taste some of them , drive around Lasithii Plateau up to an altitude around 900 m above sea level and learn about the old wind mills, and of course enjoy a Cretan traditional lunch at a family restaurant up on the mountain , ( Lunch is OPTIONAL)
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Embark on this full day Private Tour and get the chance to explore the real side of Crete away from the resorts , explore the Traditional Villages , the Old Wind Mills , visit an olive oil factory and learn all about olive oil production and of course taste different kind of olive oils, explore Lasithii Plateau up on the mountain to an altitude around 3000 feet above sea level . Enjoy the amazing views while riding in our comfortable air conditioned vehicles. Learn about local traditions , history, culture and myths ……enjoy some local wines After all the exploring its time to enjoy a Cretan traditional lunch at a family restaurant up on the mountain (OPTIONAL) Now it’s time to go back to your hotel or cruise ship …..
Pick up and drop off from your hotel. Cruise port , or meeting point.
Transport by air conditioned minivan or minibus, free Wi-Fi on board.
Olive oil and Raki tasting
Bottled water, Coffee, tea
Liability insurance
Informative English speaking local driver guide.
Lunch is OPTIONAL
Select a pickup point
PRIVATE TOUR
Pickup included
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
255monikae,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I booked us (me, husband & 18 yr son) onto a small group tour to see olive oil factory, the windmills, Lasithi plateau and traditional village. Stavros kindly picked us from our resort near agia Pelagia (for a small surcharge as it’s outside their normal pickup area), lucky us a cancellation meant that we had a private tour! Stavros then took us to see an olive oil factory (with tasting), followed by coffee in a village square. On the way Stavros kept us entertained with trivia question about Crete’s geography, mythology and history. We continued to the Lasithi plateau where we visited a farm, had some lovely strawberries and wine and looked at new/hydroponic ways to grow strawberries and tomatoes. After visiting a local pottery, we had lunch near the windmills, then visited the old plantane tree. On the way home, more trivia and yes we were “wrong again”…too much raki tasting too! Very, very enjoyable day was had by all - even by our 18 yr old, who really didn’t want to get up for 8:30 pick up! Thank you very much, highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Crete!


Leanne S,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
We had a fantastic day with Stavros! The itinerary of this tour was great - gave us a good feel of the island. We would have loved to see the cave, but it being closed is obviously not under the tour’s control. Stavros as a guide is truly phenomenal! He was a wealth of information and kept everyone, including our 18 yo & 19 yo, engaged with humour and interesting conversation. Highly recommended!
Wanderer314103,,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Eddie was the most amazing guide, so engaging and knowledgeable. We so enjoyed the tour , the time flew by! The kids are talking about it as the highlight of their holiday
315basilz,,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our family trip to Crete was made truly unforgettable, and we have Explore Real Crete Tours to thank for it. From the moment we were greeted by our guide, it felt less like a tour and more like being shown around by a long-lost friend. For my wife, our two kids, and myself, this wasn't just a tour; it was an immersion into the heart and soul of this beautiful island. Our guide was an absolute gem—not just a fountain of knowledge about Cretan history and culture, but someone who genuinely wanted to connect with us. He didn't just recite facts; he told stories that captivated all of us, adults and children alike. The best part was how he made us feel like part of his family, sharing laughs and stories as we drove through the stunning countryside. The day was filled with one incredible experience after another. We savored the most delicious and authentic local food, the kind you only find when you're with someone who knows the hidden spots. But the absolute highlight for our kids was an unexpected stop for fresh strawberry picking. Seeing their faces light up as they tasted strawberries straight from the plant was a priceless memory we'll cherish forever. If you're looking for a generic, cookie-cutter tour, this isn't it. But if you want to experience the real Crete, to taste its food, to feel its warmth, and to be treated like family, then you absolutely must book a tour with them. It was the best decision of our vacation.
777aniketc,,Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This is an absolute must if you are traveling solo or with family. I was recommended this tour by a friend who himself is a tour guide. So I trusted him when he recommended me this tour. Firstly, I want to say that Stavros (who also goes by Eddie) and Mike (who was my tour guide) are wonderful and genuine people. They both are down to earth and absolutely helpful with anything that you need or ask them. This made a lot of difference as I, even for a fraction of second, didn’t feel that they were being commercial. This is one of the main reasons I chose them cause I felt like home in a country away from home. As Mike was my tour guide, he’s absolutely knowledgeable and provided an amazing service with the drive around all the locations, the history of all the locations, and very accommodative and flexible with the schedule. It was just myself and another individual on this tour and we both had a very personalized experience with Mike. He knew where and what to show us. He covered all the points/places mentioned except for the birthplace of Zeus cave as it was closed for renovation. I would highly recommend them and their tour not only for their knowledge of the place but also for their hospitality. Prior to booking this tour, I had been in touch with Stavros and he made sure I was able to do the tour despite the busy season and was very accommodating and helpful. I was touched by his hospitality and willingness to go above and beyond for a single customer. It was an amazing experience and I would absolutely do it again when I visit Crete again to see the birthplace of Zeus cave. I also recommend having lunch at the local restaurant (I had the Mousaka and a glass of white wine)! Amazing restaurant with authentic local cuisine.














tiimothee,,Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a great day, even the best of our family trip on this excursion. Everything was well organized, the beautiful scenery, excellent restaurant, and especially our guide (Stavros) was exceptional: kind, passionate and very attentive, especially with our little girl who loved it! A great moment we will never forget. Thanks again!




Heidi S,,Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This tour was very personalized and extremely informative. Stavros took us to some smaller villages, which gave us a better idea of what life is like living in Crete. He was very engaging and fun. He went out of his way to be sure our 16 year old was engaged as well, which we appreciated. Can't say enough good about Stavros and this tour. Thanks for a lovely day!



jackiemD6666XR,,May 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had the absolute pleasure of touring Crete with one of the best guides we've ever encountered. From the moment the tour began, it was clear we were in expert hands. Our guide was not only incredibly knowledgeable about Cretan history, mythology, and culture, but also passionate about sharing it in a way that was engaging, thoughtful, and full of personality.
maryann42965,,May 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Just finished a tour with Stavros! There were 8 of us and we had the best time! Very large Mercedes truck and Stavros was amazing! Very knowledgeable about Crete and shared so much history with us! Would 100% recommend this your group and ask for Stavros!




L931UOverenas,,May 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
There were four of us in the air-conditioned Mercedes. Mike was a bubbly source of knowledge. We learned about geography, history, flora and fauna, and mythology. And seen so much! Being at the Palace of Knossos at 8:30 in the morning brings enormous benefits. Afterwards we had a delicious olive oil lunch time, a Greek iced coffee and lunch. Nobody's really starving here. Driving by car is great because the guide can simply stop spontaneously at the side of the road to enjoy fabulous views. Never in my life did I think 8 hours could be so entertaining and worth knowing.
Operated by Explore Real Crete