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
133 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lionitis shared his...
JudithA M,
Aug 25, 2025
- 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!
A worthwhile trip to see eastern Crete
Melissa S,
Jul 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very enjoyable tour - worth it even without the Cave of Zeus. Appreciate learning about the crafts and animals of eastern Crete, the windmills, and the monastery with bees in the walls! The olive processing mill was a highlight. We were also able to pick up some great souvenirs to take home.
Nice time in Kotor
Monica H,
Apr 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience in Kotor! We really enjoyed viewing the sights on the island and checking the windmills and olive press. Lunch spot was an excellent choice! It was nice experience although I would have liked to have seen the palace.
an excellent trip worth...
monicasurdu,
Apr 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00an excellent trip worth taking. wonderful panoramas, magical places, extraordinary guide. a day gained for us, an added value for our vacation
Mainly a driving tour not a guide
Rebecca N,
Nov 2, 2024
- Viator
3.00Know this is mostly a driving tour to the different sites. They do not go into Knossos and explain the ancient sight. Our guide gave us basic information about Crete but I would have liked to know more history and cultures. Combined with other couples for a discount so that was nice.
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Operated by Crete Wanderer