
Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 115 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill worth booking?
Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill is a 7-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $120 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 115 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (115)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Explore authentic Crete in luxury via an air-conditioned Mercedes Benz. Led by expert driver-guides, this tour blends history, mythology, and local culture. Visit a renowned olive oil factory to learn traditional production and sample "liquid gold" with local snacks.Journey to the Lassithi Plateau to discover the legendary Cave of Zeus, the mythical birthplace of the King of the Gods. Wander the narrow streets of historic villages, see the monumental ancient plane tree in Krasi, and admire the iconic Lassithi windmills. Experience the majesty of Knossos Palace and breathtaking plateau views. You’ll have the chance to unwind in picturesque squares with an iced coffee and opt for a traditional Cretan lunch at a local gem. A perfect, comprehensive journey through Crete’s unique heritage.
What you get
About this experience
Explore authentic Crete in luxury via an air-conditioned Mercedes Benz. Led by expert driver-guides, this tour blends history, mythology, and local culture. Visit a renowned olive oil factory to learn traditional production and sample "liquid gold" with local snacks.Journey to the Lassithi Plateau to discover the legendary Cave of Zeus, the mythical birthplace of the King of the Gods. Wander the narrow streets of historic villages, see the monumental ancient plane tree in Krasi, and admire the iconic Lassithi windmills. Experience the majesty of Knossos Palace and breathtaking plateau views. You’ll have the chance to unwind in picturesque squares with an iced coffee and opt for a traditional Cretan lunch at a local gem. A perfect, comprehensive journey through Crete’s unique heritage.
What's included
Included
- Pick up&drop off from your hotel, heraklion port or designated points from heraklion area
- luxury comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes minivan
- Water,coffee, Olive oil and raki tasting
- Guaranteed On Time return to your Cruise Ship
- Informative local English speaking driver guide, Liability insurance
- For the Private version we can customize anything you want
- Private tour pickup: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda. Semi private-group: Heraklion region only
Not included
- Traditional Cretan and Greek lunch,house wine
- Entrance fees at Knossos Archaeological Site 20 euro for adults,and half price for kids
- Official licensed tourist Guide inside Knossos Palace
- entrance fees at Zeus cave 15 euro per person
What you'll see and do
Omalia Olive Press
Visit an olive oil factory to learn about olive trees and olives and their connection with Crete and about olive oil making the modern but also the old way.
60 minutes here
Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau
See the old windmills that used to pump out the water from underground to water their crops and also the others for grinding grains in order to produce flour.
60 minutes here
Platanus Tree
Visit and explore the authentic village of Krasi ,walk around the stone paved narrow streets ,meet the Cretan traditional architecture of houses ,see the oldest and biggest Platanus tree as well as the old aqueduct
30 minutes here
Aposelemis canyon
We stop near the Aposelemi dam to take some photos and enjoy great views
5 minutes here
Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
We pass by this beautiful and old monastery it takes about 7 minutes from our previous stop at krasi village
Pass by without stopping
Mochos
Pay a visit to this old village of Mochos with it's beautiful church and square .
60 minutes here
Cave of Zeus
Step into the heart of Greek legend with a visit to the Psychro Cave (also known as the Diktaean Cave), the mystical birthplace of Zeus, the King of the Gods. Perched high above the stunning Lassithi Plateau, your journey begins with a scenic ascent—either by a paved path or a traditional donkey ride—offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley’s iconic windmills and rugged peaks. As you descend into the cool, atmospheric depths of the cavern, you will: Marvel at Ancient Wonders: Wander through five illuminated chambers filled with a high density of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. See the "Mantle of Zeus": Admire the cave's most spectacular formation—a massive, curtain-like stalactite that hangs like a chandelier over a hidden underground lake. Touch Living History: Explore the very site where ancient Minoans once left offerings to the gods, a place so magical that it was once called the "Bethlehem of the Ancient World".
60 minutes here · Admission not included
The Palace of Knossos
Our last stop is Knossos palace archeological site where you can explore it on your own or we can arrange for an official guide with extra charge. After that we drop you off at your pick up point.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
We stop for lunch at the local restaurant with traditional food.(lunch is not included)
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Heraklion
We can find you at the parking area of the factory ,and we will have a written sign with the name you provided
Meeting point
Heraklion
We can find you at the bus stop located in front of this square ,and we will have a written sign with the name you provided
Meeting point
Heraklion
We can find you at the parking area of the museum ,and we will have a written sign with the name you provided
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
We can find you at the parking area of the factory ,and we will have a written sign with the name you provided
Ends at
We can find you at the bus stop located in front of this square ,and we will have a written sign with the name you provided
Ends at
We can find you at the parking area of the museum ,and we will have a written sign with the name you provided
Options you can book
Private tour
Private : This is a private tour option,it also suits the best for shore excursion passengers from cruise ships and also families . Duration: 8 hours: this option of the tour can be tailored to suit your needs(pick up and drop off times and duration) . Curated Refreshments: Complimentary selection of hand-selected local wine provided throughout the experience.. Pickup included
Semi Private
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Luxury Crete Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- our fleet of minivans are wide enough for stroller accesibility but not so for wheelchairs
- For any further information about accessibility, please don't hesitate to reach us we will be more than happy to help you ,just call the number below +30 6974724839
- For private tours departing after 09:00 AM, the itinerary may be adjusted to ensure guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship. Depending on your ship's schedule, you may need to skip a site. Your guide will customize the route according to your personal priorities.
- There is a hike uphill about 15 to 20 minutes to the entrance of Zeus Cave of a moderate level as well as soon as you reach it 180 steps down to the cave with handrails..
- Guaranteed On Time return to your Cruise Ship
- Please Note: Mountain temperatures can be significantly cooler than the coast. A jacket or warm layer is highly recommended for tours operating in the spring, autumn, and winter seasons.
- Zeus's cave is closed every Tuesday
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 115 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
115 verified traveler reviews for Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fabulous day in Crete
We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Michail, he was fun, informative and generous with his knowledge, time and enthusiasm… also the best Cafe Freddo. We so enjoyed the visits in the little villages, the plateau and Knossos. He found a local cheese producer and stopped to help us find the right cheese. A great day spent in Crete! You won’t be disappointed!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure showing you around. I’m thrilled you enjoyed exploring Knossos, the villages, and the Lasithi Plateau—and finding that local cheese was definitely a highlight of the day! Knowing that the Freddo Espresso hit the spot makes it even better. I really appreciate your kind words and enthusiasm. You are always welcome back to Crete anytime!
via Viator
An outstanding day with Mike!
We had an absolutely wonderful day touring Crete with Mike! The tour was exceptionally well organized and perfectly timed, allowing us to experience so much without ever feeling rushed. Mike’s commentary throughout the day was excellent—informative, interesting, and full of great insight into the history, culture, and traditions of Crete. Visiting Knossos Palace, the Lasithi Plateau, the charming mountain villages, the olive oil tasting, and Zeus’s Cave gave us such a wonderful variety of experiences. The lunch stop was also excellent. The restaurant Mike chose was fantastic, with great food and a beautiful setting. Lunch was at our own expense, but it was absolutely worth it. The comfortable mini bus made the long day very enjoyable, and Mike was an excellent driver and guide. His knowledge, timing, and attention to detail really made the entire experience special. We highly recommend Mike to anyone wanting to see the highlights of Crete while also getting a genuine feel for the island and its culture. It was one of the best days of our trip!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a glowing review! We are thrilled to hear that Mike provided an unforgettable experience exploring Knossos, the Lasithi Plateau, and Zeus's Cave. Hearing that the pacing, commentary, comfort, and lunch spot hit every mark truly means the world to us. We hope to welcome you back for another journey through Crete soon!
via Viator
Hit the sites we wanted to see.
Our tour guide, Mike, was incredibly knowledgeable and did an excellent job of sharing information at just the right time while preparing us for each destination along the way. He truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful experience. Mike took the extra time and effort to arrange a lovely table for us at the restaurant and made sure all our needs were met. The restaurant itself was wonderful, offering a delicious meal, excellent service, and beautiful surroundings that made the experience even more enjoyable. We greatly appreciated Mike’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail throughout the tour. The timing at each location was well suited to our needs, and although the day was packed with activities and stops, we never felt pressured to make purchases. Zeus’s Cave was one of our favourite destinations, although visitors should be aware that it involves considerable climbing, numerous steps, and uneven, rocky terrain.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that your tour was such a memorable experience. Mike will be delighted to read your kind words. Taking great care of our guests—whether by setting up the perfect table for lunch, pacing the day smoothly, or sharing rich insights about Crete—is what he does best, and we’re glad his thoughtfulness made your day extra special. We also really appreciate your helpful note regarding the walk up to Zeus’s Cave. Providing future travelers with realistic expectations about the terrain and steps is always super helpful! Thank you for choosing to explore Crete with us. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable journey in the future!
via Viator
Exceptionally good way to see the sights beyond Heraklion
This is a very worthwhile day trip to see the highlights beyond Heraklion, especially the Palace of Knossos and Zeus’s cave. Mike is a fantastic guide. Friendly, helpful, good driver, good knowledge and communication and very generous with his time.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a great experience exploring Knossos, the Lasithi Plateau, and Zeus's Cave with us. Mike is indeed an exceptional guide and driver, and he will be thrilled to read your kind words about his knowledge, hospitality, and dedication. Providing memorable, unhurried, and high-quality experiences for our guests is always our top priority. We truly appreciate you sharing your recommendation with fellow travelers, and we hope to welcome you back to Crete for another unforgettable journey in the future!
via Viator
AMAZING, Fun Experience !
Please hear me when I say, even though you will read countless reviews of how great Mike is as a host & guide, none of them do proper justice to how truly impressive he is during this excursion. The whole itinerary is packed with incredible sightseeing, delicious foods, and fun learning experiences, but without feeling overwhelming or tiring. The transportation is very comfortable, and Mike fills the driving time with encyclopedic knowledge applied to the day’s agenda. As a tour guide, Mike was punctual, very friendly, and deeply insightful. He has an endless first-hand knowledge and enthusiasm for the local Cretan history, culture, food, economy, etc. Mike was also engaging and asks questions along with answering all of our questions. The lunch break at Tzanakis Michael was one of the best meals we had on our entire trip, while also providing beautiful views overlooking the plateau. The personal walking tours through smaller villages and a coffee break were an added bonus to an already stacked itinerary. I cannot recommend this excursion enough, it was a truly delightful way to spend a day on Crete.
Response from the operator: Dear Jules, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and glowing review of your day with us! Reading your words truly made our day. Mike is deeply passionate about Crete’s rich history, culture, and traditions, and he takes great pride in giving our guests an authentic, unforgettable experience—from the ancient stories to the quiet village coffee breaks and, of course, the amazing local food at Tzanakis Michael. Knowing that this was one of the best meals of your entire trip (and one of your favorite days on the island!) means the world to us. We are so glad the comfortable ride, carefully paced itinerary, and local insights made your time on Crete so special. It was a absolute pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back for another Cretan adventure in the future!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $120 to $250
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 40
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Luxury Crete Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.2.
See everything Luxury Crete Tours runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill cost?
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Prices start at $120 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 115 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill?
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Around 40 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill?
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Included: Pick up&drop off from your hotel, heraklion port or designated points from heraklion area; luxury comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes minivan; Water,coffee, Olive oil and raki tasting; Guaranteed On Time return to your Cruise Ship; and Informative local English speaking driver guide, Liability insurance. Not included: Traditional Cretan and Greek lunch,house wine; Entrance fees at Knossos Archaeological Site 20 euro for adults,and half price for kids; Official licensed tourist Guide inside Knossos Palace; and entrance fees at Zeus cave 15 euro per person. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 623 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; our fleet of minivans are wide enough for stroller accesibility but not so for wheelchairs; and For any further information about accessibility, please don't hesitate to reach us we will. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill?
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Across 115 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private tour, Semi Private. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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