Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Land of Zeus, Villages, Olive Oil Tour

5.0
(308 reviews)

7 to 8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: German and 4 more

-Explore Knossos Palace, charming villages, and the stunning Lasithi Plateau.

-Immerse in Local Culture: Experience Cretan traditions, authentic cuisine, and savor olive oil, honey, and raki with warm hospitality.

-Exclusive Olive Oil Tour: Learn the art of olive oil production and taste the island's finest offerings.

-Taste Local Delights: Enjoy traditional snacks such as homemade pastries and goat yogurt at a local cheese dairy, offering a true flavor of Crete.

-Comfortable Journey: Travel in a minivan with small groups or upgrade to a private tour with an expert guide.

-Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, port, or designated meeting points.

Discover the Majesty of Crete: Our private or small-group tour reveals Crete’s hidden gems. Experience the magnificence of Knossos Palace, explore traditional villages, and visit the ancient Platanus tree in Krasi—symbolizing Cretan heritage. This journey combines culture, history, and gastronomy, creating lasting memories of Crete.

What's Included

Pickup and drop-off from your hotel harbor or designated meeting points
Private tour pickups: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda. Shared mini-group: Heraklion region only
Liability insurance
Bottled water, Coffee
Private knowledgeable local guide
Transport by luxury air conditioned minivan-free WI-FI on board
traditional snacks such as homemade pastries
(optional)
Official Licensed Tourist Guide at Knossos Palace (optional)
(optional)
Pickup from the Rethymno or Chania regions is available upon request with additional cost
Knossos Archaeological Site

Meeting and pickup

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

Hotels: Pick-up is outside the reception area. Cruise Passengers: Your guide will meet you at the Heraklion port, holding a sign at the shuttle drop-off point. Shared Tour: Pick-up until 8:30 am Private Tour: Pick-up until 9:30 am, with a customized program for cruise ship passengers. Pick-Up Areas: Private Tour: Heraklion, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda. Shared Tour: Heraklion, Kokkini Hani,Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia. Rethymno & Chania: Available on request for an additional cost. Other Locations: For areas outside the listed pick-up zones, we can arrange a meeting point in Heraklion region. You'll receive the details after booking.

OR
Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Our journey into Cretan culture begins with an introduction to its famed "liquid gold." At a traditional, four-generation olive oil production facility, you’ll discover the rich history of the olive, learn about harvesting methods from ancient times to the present day, and enjoy a tasting of premium-quality olive oil—an experience sure to elevate your senses.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Νext stop at the village of Krasi where stands the famous plane tree of Krasi which is more than 2000 years old tree. There you will enough time to have a coffee at one of the local taverna and take unforgettable photos .

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Our journey takes us to the Lasithi Plateau, a captivating stop rich in both natural beauty and ancient mythology. Surrounded by the towering Dikti Mountains, this fertile land is steeped in history and believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Once home to the world’s first wind farm, the plateau still holds remnants of its past, with a few windmills dotting the landscape. As we explore this tranquil haven, you’ll be immersed in both the stunning views and the legendary stories that make this land so special.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The Zeus Cave will be closed for construction starting October 2, 2024.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Here, we will stop for lunch, if you wish, at a traditional tavern overlooking the Lassithi Plateau, where you can enjoy authentic local flavors, cooked in a wood-fired oven.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • (Pass by)

    A 14th-century Byzantine gem, known for its beautiful frescoes and the legendary miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. As we pass by, you’ll be able to take in its stunning setting and hear about the monastery’s rich history and spiritual significance, offering a glimpse into a place of culture, faith, and serenity — even without a stop.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5

    On this excursion, you will visit one of the most important sights in Greece: the Knossos Palace. The tour begins with a visit to the Knossos Palace, the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization during the Bronze Age. There, you will explore the stunning palace complex, built for King Minos and considered the oldest city in Europe.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket not included

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
Supplied by Unique Crete Tours

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Archaeology Tours
Shore Excursions
Excellent Quality
Likely To Sell Out
Worry-Free Shore Excursion
Additional fees
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Viator Experience Award 2025
Curated Catalog
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 308 308 reviews
5 stars
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