Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave Full-day Tour: A Journey into Minoan History and Mythology
4.8
56 Ratings
Melidoni
Embark on a full-day private tour to Knossos Palace, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Zeus Cave, and the Lassithi Plateau. Immerse yourself in Minoan history, mythology, and the stunning natural beauty of Crete.
Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Melidoni Cave - Melidoni Cave is a fascinating and historically significant cave located in the village of Melidoni, in the northern part of Crete, Greece. The cave has a rich history and has been used for various purposes throughout the centuries.

On your tour, you’ll have the option to visit Melidoni Cave instead of Zeus Cave. As you explore the cave, you’ll see stunning rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, which have been formed over thousands of years. The cave is also home to a large chamber, known as the “Great Chamber,” which is the highlight of the cave and a must-see for visitors.

But what makes Melidoni Cave even more interesting is its history. The cave was used as a place of worship in ancient times, and it has also been used as a shelter during times of war and as a hideout for Cretan rebels during the Ottoman period. Today, the cave has been transformed into a museum, where visitors can learn about its history and significance.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Included liability insurance and local taxes
  • USB sockets available for device charging
  • Air-conditioned vehicles for your comfort
  • Flexible personal pick-up and drop-off
What's Not Included
  • Entrances to Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum & Melidoni Cave
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a distinctive private tour featuring Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Cave of Zeus, and the Lassithi Plateau. Participants on this journey can immerse themselves in the grandeur of ancient Knossos, the most significant Minoan landmark on the island and unravel the intriguing lore which surrounds it. They can then delve into a trove of antiquities at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, boasting an abundant assortment of Minoan civilization artifacts. The journey also includes a stop at the Cave of Zeus, the proclaimed birthplace of the god-king and a key highlight among the island’s natural marvels. Concluding the tour, attendees can relish the stunning vistas and tranquil charm of the Lassithi Plateau’s mountainous landscape. For those aiming for a genuinely Cretan experience filled with history, mythology, and nature’s grandeur, this tour is an ideal pick.

  • For this tour there will be approximately 4-5 hours hours the driving time.
Location
Melidoni Cave
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(56 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Suleiment2024
May 17, 2024
Recommended - This tour is a great way to visit Heraklion and the best attractions over there, the drive is about 2 hours each way but the driver was smooth and the car modern. This is definitely worth it if you aren’t looking to drive to Crete.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Irinka_ok
Apr 18, 2024
Amazing experience - We had two amazing private day trips with Leonidas whilst on family vacation in Crete. We went to the Heraklion museum, Knossos Palace and the cave on one day and had a fabulous trip to the mountains on the other. Leonidas is simply great. Very knowledgeable, a very good driver which one appreciates when travelling with young children and he took us to excellent lunch places. He even sourced car seats for our children which was very much appreciated. I highly recommend Crete Wanderer to anyone. We had a great time. Thank you, Leonidas!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Albert_t
Mar 17, 2024
Memorable tour - Our tour guide Leo was very professional and knowledgeable about the Cave Zeus and Knossos Palace which was very helpful. In addition, Leo took us to a couple more destinations along the way, time permitting. The restaurant Leo recommended for lunch has excellent seafood which we requested. Overall, an excellent experience of Crete! Leo also arrived on time and he is very friendly and professional.
Review provided by Viator
Camilla_f
Mar 15, 2024
What it says on the label - Met and returned on time and very pleasant day with nice driver. Much appreciated from a doddery oldie
Review provided by Viator
Leah_s
Feb 28, 2024
If you don't want to rent a car, get this tour! - We had an amazing tour!! Leonidas was an excellent guide and driver. He took us to the perfect lunch spot too. We debated renting a car and once we decided not to, we opted in for a full day tour instead. And I’m so glad we did that. Took away the stress of driving and we were able to explore more of Crete than just Chania, so worth every penny. Thank you, Leonidas!
Review provided by Viator
Leahsx4944lh
Feb 25, 2024
Amazing adventure! - This was an amazing tour!! Leonidas was an excellent guide and driver. He took us to the perfect lunch spot too. We debated renting a car and once we decided not to, we opted in for a full day tour instead. And I’m so glad we did that. Took away the stress of driving and we were able to explore more of Crete than just Chania, so worth every penny. Thank you, Leonidas!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daleen
Feb 18, 2024
Worth it! - Leonidas picked us up in Chania for this great tour. He is fluent in English and a very engaging conversationalist, making the 2 hour drive to Heraklion feel really short. He is very knowledgable about modern Greece and we had some great discussions about how young people in Greece perceive the world compared to where we are from- economy, living costs, healthcare, education etc. Leonidas gave us more than enough time to explore the museum and the palace of Knossus and took us to a great place for lunch. We couldn’t visit the cave (closed in winter) and we were given a discount to account for it. The car was very clean and really comfortable and the drive from Chania to Heraklion is very scenic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel_k
Jan 29, 2024
Had a really great time... - Had a really great time on this tour. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Got to see a wide area around Heraklion.
Review provided by Viator
Anita_l
May 18, 2024
A lovely day - The Museum in Herkelion is amazing. It is full of everyday objects and princely pieces all well organized and explained. Clients should be aware that this adventure does not include guides, just a driver who is as personable but not an expert on the sites.
Review provided by Viator
Pam_l
Dec 1, 2023
Terrible experience - One of the worst tours on our cruise. Our guide was late and then we find out he was not a guide but a young man just filling in for his brother. He tried hard to answer questions but was not a guide and took us on a wild goose chase because the cave was closed and was not the cave we paid to see which we found out was open but our drivers decide was too far to drive to. Very disappointing and our money should be returned. Waisted day when we should have been enjoying a great island.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 4 guests
1
Traveler
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today