Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Heraklion

About this activity

Explore Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau & the legendary Zeus Cave in one unforgettable day.

Discover authentic villages, mythology, and Cretan olive oil traditions.

Visit Knossos Palace, Crete’s most famous archaeological site, with expert local insights
Explore the scenic Lasithi Plateau and traditional mountain villages
Discover the legendary Zeus Cave (Dikteon Cave) — birthplace of Zeus (Zeus Cave is closed on Tuesdays.)
Enjoy authentic Cretan olive oil tasting at a family-run production
Travel in comfortable, air-conditioned transport with small-group or private options
Experience a balanced tour combining history, mythology, culture, and local traditions
Operated by passionate local experts offering insider knowledge and personalized service

*IMPORTANT LOCATION NOTICE

It is NOT suitable for cruise passengers docking in Chania (Souda Port).

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Ports of Call Tours Archaeology Tours Car Tours

At a glance

Duration: 7–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, Greek, English, Italian, French, Dutch
Operated by: Unique Crete Tours

Ages: Children (0–13 years) · Adults (14–110 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private tour pickups: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda. Shared mini-group: Heraklion region only
Included: Liability insurance
Included: Bottled water, Coffee, traditional snacks
Included: Private knowledgeable local guide
Included: Transport by luxury air conditioned minivan-free WI-FI on board
Included: Licensed guide for Knossos Palace (included ONLY if this option is selected)
Included: Pickup and drop-off from your hotel , Heraklion port or designated meeting points

Not included

Not included: Gratuities: (optional)
Not included: Lunch: (optional)
Not included: Pickup from the Rethymno or Chania regions is available upon request with additional cost
Not included: Admission fees: Knossos Archaeological Site
Not included: Entrance fees: Zeus Cave 15,00€ per person /Zeus Cave is closed on Tuesdays.
Not included: It is NOT suitable for cruise passengers docking in Chania (Souda Port).

Itinerary

Omalia Olive Press

45 min

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.
Krasi

30 min

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 kafeneio and take unforgettable photos .
Lassithi Plateau

one hour

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.
Dikteon Cave

45 min Admission not included

Visit the legendary Cave of Zeus (Dikteon Andron), one of Crete’s most important mythological sites. According to ancient Greek mythology, this is the cave where Rhea hid the infant Zeus to protect him from his father Cronos. Enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Lasithi Plateau and discover the fascinating history and legends connected to the king of the Greek gods. ( Zeus Cave is closed on Tuesdays)
Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

Passing 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.
The Palace of Knossos

1 h 30 min Admission not included

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.
Stop 7

one hour Admission not included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

In case you come by car, the meeting point is suitable as it offers free parking.

End point

In case you come by car, the meeting point is suitable as it offers free parking.

Pickup points

Pela
Ida Village
Anastasia Star Beach Hotel & Spa
Hotel Pyria
Hotel Kallia
Lili Hotel
Miramare Hotel
Noble Hotel Suites
MariRena Hotel
Angelos Village
El Greco Hotel
Kassavetis Center - Hotel Studios & Apartments

and 344 more pickup points

Hotels: Pick-up takes place outside the hotel reception area.

Cruise Passengers: Cruise passengers must confirm that their ship docks at Heraklion Port. This tour cannot operate from Chania (Souda Port).

Your guide will meet you at Heraklion Port, holding a sign at the shuttle drop-off point.

Pick-up Times

Shared Tour: Until 08:30 AM (English & Greek only)
Private Tour: Until 09:30 AM with a flexible, customized program (ideal for cruise guests)

Pick-up Areas

Private Tours: Heraklion, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda
Shared Tours: Heraklion, Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia

Other Areas

Rethymno & Chania available upon request (extra charge applies)
For locations outside listed zones, a meeting point in the Heraklion area can be arranged after booking

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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

Options

SMALL GROUP-UP TO 7 PER GROUP

Pick-up areas : Available ONLY for Heraklion, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia

Shared Option: This option involves sharing the minivan with other guests.

Duration: 8 hours

Pick Up: services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee.

Pickup included
SMALL GROUP UP TO 7 PER GROUP

Pick-up areas : Available ONLY for Heraklion, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia

Shared Option: This option involves sharing the minivan with other guests.

Duration: 8 hours

Pick Up: services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee.

Pickup included
PRIVATE MINIVAN+KNOSSOS GUIDE

Pick up areas : Agia Pelagia Ammoudara Heraklion,Kokkini, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda

License Guide At Knossos : With this option, you will have a private licensed guide at Knossos Palace to guide you through the site.

Duration: 8 hours: We can customize our program and duration to perfectly suit your needs, making it an ideal option for cruise ship passengers.

Minivan: Private Luxury Minivan – up to 7 guests

Pick Up:: Pick-up services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee.

Pickup included
PRIVATE SUV + KNOSSOS GUIDE

Pick up areas : Agia Pelagia Ammoudara Heraklion,Kokkini, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda

License Guide At Knossos : With this option, you will have a private licensed guide at Knossos Palace to guide you through the site.

Duration: 8 hours: We can customize our program and duration to perfectly suit your needs, making it an ideal option for cruise ship passengers.

SUV: Experience premium comfort with our private SUV service, accommodating up to 3 passengers.

Pick Up:: Pick-up services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee.

Pickup included
PRIVATE MINIVAN

Pick up areas : Agia Pelagia Ammoudara Heraklion,Kokkini, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda

Duration: 8 hours: We can customize our program and duration to perfectly suit your needs, making it an ideal option for cruise ship passengers.

Minivan: Private Luxury Minivan – up to 7 guests

Pick Up:: Pick-up services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee.

Pickup included
PRIVATE SUV UP TO 3 PER GROUP

Pick Up Areas : Agia Pelagia Ammoudara Heraklion,Kokkini, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda

Duration: 8 hours: We can customize our program and duration to perfectly suit your needs, making it an ideal option for cruise ship passengers.

SUV: Experience premium comfort with our private SUV service, accommodating up to 3 passengers.

Pick Up:: Pick-up services outside of the designated areas are available upon request, subject to an additional fee.

Pickup included