Private, carefully paced tour led by a local driver-host, linking Crete’s ancient past with everyday life today — from Minoan heritage and Greek mythology to mountain villages and family-run estates.
TWO VERSIONS: Knossos Palace and/or Zeus Cave
What you’ll experience
• Knossos Palace – History and mythology in context, with free time to explore
• Lassithi Plateau – Mythological tradition and rural life today
• Zeus Cave – The mythological birthplace of Zeus
• Olive mill & tasting – Crete’s “liquid gold” and its role in local life
• Traditional villages – Architecture, landscapes, and daily rhythms
• Monastery visit – Living spiritual heritage
• Pottery workshop – Craft still practiced by local artisans
• Cretan lunch (optional) – At a carefully chosen local tavern
Your experience
• Fully private, flexible, and unhurried, with stops adjusted for smooth pacing
• Door-to-door pickup
You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours.
Crete day trip • Private shore • Cruise-friendly
Pick-Up Point: Outside your Hotel Reception. -For Cruise Passengers: Outside the main Heraklion Port Passenger Terminal Building
Pick-ups outside the designated area -Available upon request (extra fee may apply)
A journey into the ancient Minoan civilization unfolds through the remarkable remains of Knossos Palace, where architecture, symbolism, and mythology offer insight into Europe’s earliest advanced society. From May 1, 2026, the visit to Knossos Palace is offered as an optional component of this private experience and requires approximately 90 minutes.
You will discover how ‘liquid gold’ is produced from ancient times to the present day. During the olive oil tasting experience that follows, you will be enchanted by the flavors. Purchasing products is optional.
The plane tree is approximately 2,400 years old and has a perimeter of 24 meters, generously offering its shade and coolness. Some say that it is haunted by the spirits of famous writers, historic deals, and oaths kept forever.
The plateau is dotted with windmills, the most important of which used to mill grain. These imperious windmills have withstood the test of time and the battles with would-be Don Quixotes.
The route through concealed villages will lead us to a tavern offering mouthwatering local delicacies. - A stop for lunch here is optional but highly recommended.
The Cave of Zeus can be included as an optional visit within this private experience. When selected, the visit requires approximately 80' in total and involves stone-paved paths and a series of steps leading to and from the cave entrance. The Cave of Zeus is seasonal and is scheduled to operate from May 1 till October 31 2026, subject to local authority conditions. When the cave is not visited or not accessible, the experience naturally focuses on the Lassithi Plateau, surrounding villages, viewpoints, and the broader mythological and cultural landscape connected to Zeus.
Leaving the plateau behind, captivated by the panoramic views, we'll descend the mountain until we reach the sunken village of Sfendyli in the Aposelemis Dam. A brief stop will allow us to imagine how life in the village used to be, where one can almost see and hear children playing in a once vibrant community.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience