Recently Viewed
Cretan Life Tour: Authentic Island Experience
5.0
26 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.
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:
24 hours
Highlights
- Omalia Olive Press - Departing from Knossos, the journey will take you along the picturesque coastal road heading east to a traditional olive oil factory. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the harvesting and production process of olive oil, often referred to as “liquid gold.” Discover its health benefits and savor its exquisite…
- Omalia Olive Press - Departing from Knossos, the journey will take you along the picturesque coastal road heading east to a traditional olive oil factory. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the harvesting and production process of olive oil, often referred to as “liquid gold.” Discover its health benefits and savor its exquisite taste.
- Malia - Explore a local Cretan knife-making workshop and uncover the rich history and symbolism of this ancient craft. Gain insights into the techniques, materials, and meanings behind the engraved Cretan blades.
- Krasi - Arrive at the delightful village of Krasi for a leisurely break at a traditional kafeneio. Enjoy Greek coffee or refreshments and take a short stroll to admire the monumental ancient plane tree, one of the oldest and largest on the island.
- Lassithi Plateau - Continue to the stunning Lasithi Plateau, surrounded by majestic mountain scenery. Visit a local cheese dairy to taste traditional Cretan cheeses and learn about pastoral life and local production methods. Discover the art of Cretan pottery at a traditional ceramics workshop, where skilled artisans demonstrate how clay has been crafted into everyday and artistic objects for generations.
- Dikteon Cave - For those interested, an optional visit to Zeus Cave is available. According to mythology, this is the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods. (Walking involved – visit depends on physical ability, time & site availability)
- Restaurant Tzanakis Michael - A stop for lunch is available at a traditional tavern overlooking the Lassithi Plateau, where you can enjoy authentic local dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven.
- Mochos - The tour concludes in the traditional village of Mochos, where you can mingle with locals in the village cafes and experience the spirit of Crete. At the end of this tour, you will be driven back to your location with wonderful memories and a big smile!
What's Included
- Bottled water and coffee included
- On-board WiFi
- Professional driver guide
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned minivan
- Liability insurance
- Bottled water and coffee included
- On-board WiFi
- Professional driver guide
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned minivan
- Liability insurance
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Gratuities ( optional)
- Zeus Cave Admission: €15 per person Free entrance for visitors under 18 years old.
- Lunch
- Gratuities ( optional)
- Zeus Cave Admission: €15 per person Free entrance for visitors under 18 years old.
Additional Information
This journey offers more than just sightseeing; it provides a genuine immersion into the authentic lifestyle of Crete. Explore the island’s interior, visit family-operated workshops, sample high-quality olive oil and local cheeses, and savor coffee in traditional villages. Uncover ancient crafts, wander through the picturesque Lasithi Plateau, and…
This journey offers more than just sightseeing; it provides a genuine immersion into the authentic lifestyle of Crete. Explore the island’s interior, visit family-operated workshops, sample high-quality olive oil and local cheeses, and savor coffee in traditional villages. Uncover ancient crafts, wander through the picturesque Lasithi Plateau, and optionally explore Zeus Cave, steeped in myth and history. The day wraps up with a traditional Cretan lunch at Selí Ampélou, blending local flavors with breathtaking mountain vistas. With options for small groups or private tours and a leisurely pace, this experience is perfect for travelers seeking authentic and meaningful adventures.
Location
Omalia Olive Press
Agias Marinas
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(26 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
574katherynh
Jun 21, 2025
Memorable trip to Crete! - Marinos was a fantastic tour guide who was very knowledgeable. He gave my husband and I a private tour with a lot of historical and cultural information and was more than happy to answer questions. He went over and beyond to make our tour memorable. He made us feel like family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure64354656814
Oct 27, 2024
Thank you for an incredible experience! - My husband and I did a culinary tour with Marinos Doukiantzakis while on our honeymoon in Crete. We were immersed in Cretan culture and cuisine. Marinos was the BEST tour guide. The experience provided trying fresh herbs off the side of the road, exploring an olive oil factory, meeting a shepherd and learning about the process of making cheese, picking and trying fresh vegetables from a local farmer and taking a cooking class on Cretan cuisine, not to forget the delicious Cretan feast we got to indulge in after. It was an incredible experience that we would highly recommend to visitors of Crete!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meander290049
Aug 26, 2024
Amazing Tour in Crete with Marinos!
Our group of 15 had an awesome time exploring Crete with Marinos! We visited the Zeus Cave, - Our group of 15 had an awesome time exploring Crete with Marinos! We visited the Zeus Cave, a local pottery workshop, and a 2000-year-old olive tree. Marinos shared fascinating stories at each stop, making the tour both fun and informative. We ended with a visit to the Kronos site, which was the perfect finale. Marinos even surprised us with a gift of local cookies and honey—such a thoughtful touch! If you’re in Crete, this tour is a must!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
