Crete Shore Excursion: Knossos Palace, Cave of Zeus & Village

5.0
(1 reviews)

6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This private excursion in Crete is perfect for travelers interested in archaeology, mythology, and local culture. Your knowledgeable English-speaking driver will pick you up and take you to the Palace of Knossos, a major center of Minoan trade and economy, and to the Cave of Zeus, birthplace of the king of the gods in Greek mythology.

Explore traditional villages of East Crete, including Krasi, home to one of Europe’s largest plane trees, over 2,400 years old. Enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the island throughout your tour.

This flexible private tour allows plenty of time at each site, with stops tailored to your interests. Pick-up and drop-off at your cruise ship or hotel are included, and the itinerary can be customized based on your arrival and departure.

What's Included

Guide and tickets if option selected
Private transportation with English speaking driver
Chilled bottle of water per person
Pick up & drop off from your cruise ship or hotel
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Your driver meets you at Heraklion Port or hotel and from there the day unfolds across three very different corners of Crete — a Bronze Age palace, a mythological cave, and a mountain village that feels like it has barely changed in centuries.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Knossos Archaeological Site

    Your driver meets you at Heraklion Port and from there the day unfolds across three very different corners of Crete — a Bronze Age palace, a mythological cave, and a mountain village that feels like it has barely changed in centuries.

    2 hours Admission ticket not included
  • 2
    Cave of Diktaion Andron

    The Greeks believed Zeus himself was born here. According to myth, his mother Rea hid him in this cave at Psychro to protect him from his father Cronus, who had been told by an oracle that one of his children would one day overthrow him. The cave dates back to 2800 BC and served as a cult site long before the mythology caught up with it. To reach the entrance you can walk up the hill — about 15 minutes — or take a donkey if you prefer. Inside, the temperature drops, the noise of the world disappears, and the stalactites do the rest. The views back across the plateau from the top are worth the climb alone.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 3

    The last stop is a small mountain village sitting at 600 meters, quiet in the way that only very old places tend to be. The main reason to come here is also impossible to miss: a plane tree with a trunk circumference of 14.6 meters, estimated at around 2,400 years old, one of the five largest trees in Europe. It takes more than ten people with arms outstretched to reach around it. Beneath its canopy there are tables and chairs belonging to the village taverna — a natural place to sit down for a coffee or lunch before heading back.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Your driver returns you to Heraklion Port or hotel with guaranteed time - we always ensure you are back before your ship departs.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • One day prior to your trip, we will send you the drivre's details
Supplied by Private Tours Greece

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Car Tours
Luxury Car Tours
Shore Excursions
Adventure Tours
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 1 1 review
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