Private Tour
Walk in the Footsteps of Zeus: Knossos & Lassithi Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Uncover Crete’s rich heritage and hidden beauty on this private, customizable full-day tour. Travel through the stunning Lassithi Plateau with a local guide, blending history, mythology, and authentic culture in one unforgettable journey.
Begin with panoramic views at Aposelemis Dam, then visit the peaceful Vidiani Monastery, nestled in the mountains. Pause under a 2,400-year-old tree in the village of Krassi, and see the island’s iconic windmills up close.
Enjoy a guided tasting at a family-owned olive press, where you’ll sample fresh olive oil, raki, and local flavors. Although the Cave of Zeus is temporarily closed, your guide will bring the legend to life at a scenic viewpoint nearby.
End the day at the Palace of Knossos with skip-the-line access and insight information from a local.
This private experience is fully customizable to your interests, offering a personal and immersive way to see Crete beyond the tourist trail.
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‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Liability Insurance and Local Taxes
USB sockets to charge your devices
Skip-the-line access to the Palace of Knossos
Honey, Olive Oil, and Raki Tasting
Air-conditioned vehicle
Personal pick-up and drop-off with a flexibly adjusted time
Entrance tickets for Knossos
Gratuities
Lunch (Optional)
Licensed Tourist Guide at the Palace of Knossos (Optional)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Aposelemis Dam
The Hidden Village Beneath the Waters: Start your day with a scenic drive to Aposelemis Dam, Crete’s largest water reservoir, surrounded by peaceful hills and olive groves. From the viewpoint, admire the mirror-like lake that conceals the sunken village of Sfendyli, a haunting reminder of Crete’s evolving landscape. On calm days, you can still glimpse the village rooftops emerging through the water — a sight both eerie and beautiful. Your guide will share local stories about the dam’s construction and the people who once lived here, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s balance between progress and tradition.
Assargiotakis Yannis Olive Oil S.M.P.C
Discover Crete’s Liquid Gold: Continue your journey through the heart of Cretan tradition with a visit to the Assargiotakis Olive Oil Factory, a family-run mill where the island’s most treasured product is born. Walk through the modern and traditional production areas as your hosts reveal the secrets behind cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil — a craft perfected over generations. Enjoy a guided tasting session, comparing distinct flavors and aromas, and learn how to recognize high-quality olive oil like a true local. This stop offers not just education, but a genuine connection to Crete’s agricultural soul, making it one of the most authentic experiences on the island.
Options
Full Day Lassithi-Knossos
We can pick you up from:: Heraklion Cruise Port, or from your hotel in Heraklion Region, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia.
Private Tour
Duration: 8 hours
Van or Sedan: Mercedes-Benz Vito or Similar
Pickup included
Reviews
134 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Informative, Scenic, and Fun!
C2831VZsarahm,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a great time on this tour, even though it was the off-season. It was fascinating to watch the live process of how olive oil is made and to learn about this incredible product. Our guide was amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the Island. The drive through the mountains was also beautifully scenic. We’d highly recommend this tour without hesitation!
Very nice and competent guide
fua2019,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Leonidas was very nice and explained a lot to us. We punched him during the car ride with many questions, all of which he also knew how to answer in detail and knowledgeably. The tour would not do so alone, so you get to places you would not otherwise get to see. For example, we would never have discovered the monastery or even learned its history. There was also a tourist stop there that we would not have needed, but as a whole it fit. It was also exciting for the children (13, 15), even if they were flat at the end. Note about the temple of Knossos: You can download a free app beforehand and have a good guide! In the end we got great tips for the evening, thank you!
The best way to see Crete in a day!
D4286ERmelissad,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leonidas was our tour guide and driver, and from pre-tour communication, pick-up, to drop off, he was fabulous. We had a wonderful day learning about the history of Crete. We were able to avoid the crowds, and see so much of this beautiful place. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and accommodating-even when we were desperate for a cup of coffee-he found us the best spot to visit…and lunch was not included, but he found us the perfect place to eat and enjoy the views. Do not hesitate to spend a day with them-it was well worth the price.
Perfect Way to Explore Greece
D1840FXjamesl,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with Leonidas and his team! From the first message, everything was so easy - they replied quickly and helped arrange both of our private tours without any hassle. Our guide was fantastic - friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what he does. He made sure we had plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Everything ran smoothly, and we learned so much along the way. We'd definitely book with them again next time we're in Greece!
Don't Miss This Tour!
chandas492,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an incredible day on this tour! Sakis was an absolute legend - friendly, funny, and full of fascinating stories about the places we visited. Everything was really well organised, and the whole day just flowed so naturally. The stops were all interesting, the food was the best, and we never felt rushed. Being a private tour made it very personal and flexible. Couldn't recommend this tour more - it was one of the highlights of our trip!
A Day We’ll Never Forget
M2538ULrachelm,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I wasn’t sure what to expect when we booked this tour, but it honestly felt like stepping into both a history book and a postcard at the same time. Driving through the Lassithi Plateau was such a surprise, with lush fields, sleepy villages, and even old windmills still turning in the breeze. We stopped at a family-run olive oil press where the owner proudly poured us tiny cups of liquid gold, and I swear I’ll never look at supermarket olive oil the same way again. The monastery visit was one of the highlights—peaceful, atmospheric, and full of stories that gave us a glimpse into Crete’s resilience through the centuries. Finishing the day at Knossos tied everything together; four thousand years old and it’s still standing! It wasn’t just a tour, it was a journey through layers of Crete’s soul, and we left with tired feet, full hearts, and about a hundred photos I can’t wait to show everyone back home.
Well-Organized Day Trip with a Fantastic Guide
ruslanr967,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I absolutely loved this tour — it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip to Crete. The day was really well organized, and our guide was fantastic: funny, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the island. He made the history come alive without it ever feeling boring or rushed. The mix of stops was perfect. We visited small mountain villages, an olive oil producer, and got to try delicious local drinks. It felt very authentic, not like a tourist trap. The scenery up in the Lasithi Plateau was stunning, and the drive itself was comfortable and safe. All in all, I’d highly recommend this tour if you want to experience more than just the beaches. It’s a full day, but you really do get a wonderful mix of culture, nature, and local flavor.
Great day in Crete
Julianne S,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leonidas was a wonderful guide, he provided great communication before and during our tour. He has good knowledge of local history and Greece in general, showing us lots of interesting places. I would highly recommend this tour with Leonidas.
Lionitis shared his...
JudithA M,
Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lionitis shared his knowledge of the history of the region during the stops on the tour. We had a great time and we highly recommend this tour!
Perfectly Balanced Trip
nathanrG8105MJ,
Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The car was super comfortable and the trip was the perfect length – just long enough to enjoy without ever dragging. Leonidas really made the experience special, adding in little surprise stops for treats along the way. You can tell he knows his stuff and loves what he does, which made everything feel effortless and fun.
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Operated by Crete Wanderer