Crete private tour: Discover Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave with Local Cuisine Tasting
5.0
23 Ratings
Malia
Embark on a private tour of Crete and explore the iconic Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave. Immerse yourself in Cretan traditions, taste local cuisine, and experience the warmth of Cretan hospitality.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Knossos Archaeological Site - The tour starts, by visiting the Knossos Palace : the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan Civilization during the Bronze Age. There you will explore the stunning palace, built for King Minos and considered the oldest city in Europe and the birthplace of Western Civilization.
-
Omalia Olive Press - Leaving Knossos we will head out of town along the scenic coastal road, heading east with destination the traditional olive oil factory. There you will have the chance to learn about the process of harvesting and producing the’
‘ liquid gold ‘
‘: olive oil! You will be informed about its beneficial properties and taste its excellent flavor. -
Krasi - Then driving between the mountains you will admire the flora and fauna, you will see many olive trees and will visit one of the oldest plane tree in the world, in the village of Krasi. There you will have the opportunity on the paved square to take unforgettable photos and you will taste the traditional
‘raki
‘ drink next to the natural springs. - Kera Kardiotissa Monastery - On the road that leads to the Lasithi Plateau in a green area of Northern Diktis, you will pass through the historic Kera Kardiotissa Monastery.
- Lassithi Plateau - Next destination is Plateau of Lasithi, the largest plateau in Crete, where hosted after the 1950s, the first, largest and most beautiful wind farm in the world with approximately 13000 windmills. Nowadays, unfortunately, only a few windmills remain in operation on the fertile plain surrounded by the imposing Dikti Mountains.
- Dikteon Cave - There you can visit the impressive cave of Zeus, the Diktaean Cave, witch is located above the village Psychro in Lassithi Plateau at an altitude of 1025m. The route to the cave is magnificent as the view to the Lassithi Plateau is breathtaking. According to the mythology Zeus was born and raised here.
- Mochos - We will end up in the traditional village of Mochos where in the village cafes you will mingle with the locals and feel the spirit of Crete. In the end of this tour you will be driven back to your location full of nice memories, and with a big smile!
What's Included
- On-board WiFi
- Luxury air-conditioned minivan transport
- Professional Driver Guide
- Liability Insurance
- Complimentary bottled water, fruit salad, and coffee
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Entrance to Zeus Cave 6,00€ / per person (for EU citizens under 25 and above 65 is free)
- Gratuities ( optional)
Additional Information
This journey takes you to two essential landmarks in Crete: the majestic Palace of Knossos and the divine Cave of Zeus, otherwise known as Diktaion Andron. Further, you will have the opportunity to explore charming little towns, interact with the inhabitants, understand the process of producing olive oil, and enjoy the finest olive oil, honey, and raki.
With a guided personal tour accommodating a maximum of 7 individuals per vehicle, comfortably and opulently discover the unparalleled attractions of Crete. Uncover Crete’s culture and history, savour the genuine local food, and experience the warm Cretan hospitality, the true soul of our island!
- The visit to the cave includes a 15-minute walk uphill plus 250 steps down into the cave and back again is the same. For visitors who do not want to visit the cave, they can enjoy a coffee at the beginning of the trail enjoying the view of the plateau
Location
Omalia Olive Press
Agias Marinas
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(23 Ratings)
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H4635fhmanuelv
Oct 20, 2023
Discovering Crete - This tour was exactly what I was looking for : a full immersion in Crete's history, myth and traditions. It's a semi-private tour, which means you won't waste half of your time picking up/dropping off people, or waiting for everyone to be back on the bus when it's time to go to the next stop. Fresh water, fruit and amazing homemade cookies are also included, and you'll get a discount at Knossos in case you choose a 3d virtual tour. So yes, it's more expensive that other tours, but you won't be disappointed. The driver was also so kind to take me to the beach instead of my pickup point on my way back, cause it was still early (and crazy hot) and I wanted to swim on my last evening in Heraklion.
Thank you guys!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L9897jbrichardm
Oct 20, 2023
A fantastic tour that we didn't want to end - A fantastic tour from start to finish - we truly didn't want it to end . Very well planned and clearly created with love. Marinos spoke proudly of Cretan values, their emphasis on family and hospitality and he emodided this as he took us on a. expedition of homeland. It felt like every bend in the road had a fact or tale and when there wasn't information to provide we were laughing and joking around with him and the rest of our group. We were well fed and watered with local delicacies and really looked after in every place we visited. If you want to experience the highlights and get a sense of what Crete has to offer then go on this tour - you'll also make friends along the way! Thank you Marinos and see you next year - maybe next time we'll do the Cretan dancing to see how good you really are at that!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yemisia2022
Oct 9, 2023
Lovely trip - Well organised and had an amazing experience. Marino and Maria were fabulous hosts.. The coach trip was very comfortable
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500girlr
Oct 9, 2023
Absolutely fantastic - Absolutely fantastic 👏. We were a group of 24 ladies on a birthday trip. The tour was enjoyable, Marinos did everything to accommodate the group, the lunch was delicious 😋. Would highly recommend...
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vics795
Sep 14, 2023
Simply the best . - As soon as we met Mariano’s Doukiantzakis ,sparks and the heaven opened.
Brilliant man ,kind ,respectful ,honest and a tour guide you will have a true friend for the rest of your life. As soon as our tour started the laughs started. Our all day tour was amazing, it’s exactly what we wanted and expected ,no disappointment at all. Lunch time was a truly relaxing home Greek traditional, lunch .SELI AMBELOU . Simply stunning. We were sad to finish our day. We had a wonderful and memorable day. Thank you Mariano’.
UNIQUE CRETE V.I.P. TOURS.
IS THE BEST .
Always friends for life.
Victor ,& Zacky , Sevastopoulos . AUSTRALIA . MELBOURNE. SEPTEMBER 2023.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C8625szfrancescab
Sep 7, 2023
The most authentic experience! - This was one of the best tours of my life!
Marinos took such good care of us, taking us around and showing us all the secrets of this island. We could have asked for a better tour and guide so I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P6635hznielsv
Sep 7, 2023
10/10 experience - The philosophy of this trip is amazing. You’re treated as family, taken to off the beaten path places mixed in with the must see places.
You’ll be driven all over the island and learn from the point of view of a local who truly cares about his community and his company.
I’d happily return one day to join Marinos’ tour and table.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V7905hydebbiem
Sep 3, 2023
Fantastic day out! - Great day out with Marinos! He went the extra mile to make sure we saw the things we were interested in. Great snacks along the way and little stops at interesting places along the way. Comfortable van and lively conversation. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
676lucilef
Sep 1, 2023
Unforgettable experience. Thank you! - Thank you for this amazing day.
We saw lots of things and our guide Marinos really took the time to explain and answer all our questions. This was really enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
We highly recommend Marinos as a Tour guide to discover parts of Crete! Huge thank you to you Marinos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikec7119
Nov 24, 2023
Thoughtful, insightful and above all else, personal - Marinos was a joy to be with. He was thoughtful, insightful and above all else, personal.
Throughout the trip he shared, entertained, observant to our needs and keep the whole journey in high energy and spirit. That's what it is all about in the end, the memorable experience shared. I would recommend him again to friends and colleagues anytime.
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