Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 433 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour worth booking?
Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour is a 7-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $126 per person. It scores 98 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Peak Performance”, based on a 5/5 rating across 433 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 98 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (433)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $126 per person
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).
What you get
About this experience
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).
What's included
Included
- Private tour pickups: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda. Shared mini-group: Heraklion region only
- Liability insurance
- Bottled water, Coffee, traditional snacks
- Private knowledgeable local guide
- Transport by luxury air conditioned minivan-free WI-FI on board
- Licensed guide for Knossos Palace (included ONLY if this option is selected)
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel , Heraklion port or designated meeting points
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Pickup from the Rethymno or Chania regions is available upon request with additional cost
- Admission fees
- Entrance fees
- It is NOT suitable for cruise passengers docking in Chania (Souda Port).
What you'll see and do
Omalia Olive Press
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 here
Krasi
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 .
30 minutes here
Lassithi Plateau
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.
60 minutes here
Dikteon Cave
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)
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
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.
Pass by without stopping
The Palace of Knossos
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.
90 minutes here · 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.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Heraklion
Meeting point
Heraklion
In case you come by car, the meeting point is suitable as it offers free parking.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
In case you come by car, the meeting point is suitable as it offers free parking.
Options you can book
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 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
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+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 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
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
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, el, en, it, fr, nl
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Unique Crete Tours
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 432 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
432 verified traveler reviews for Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Knossos Palace, Zeus cave and some small villages in Crete
Dimitri our driver/guide was knowledgeable and very nice, very accommodating and flexible to meet our expectations All sites were very interesting, full of history It was an small group that made even nicer
via Tripadvisor
Great
Great experience with lots of different and interesting activities! Our guide Marinos was wonderful!
via Viator
Excellent tour
A big plus to this tour was our tour guide, Marinos! He told us at the beginning that we will be his family for the day and that became the truth! He was funny, warm, kind, and very knowledgeable! We learned so much about Crete and about Greece, we saw the Palace of Knossos, we learned how olive oil is made, we made pottery, we sampled some cheese, had authentic Cretan tea, and a delicious meal and saw the oldest tree! He and this tour are both phenomenal and I recommend it 100%.
via Tripadvisor
Ancient Knossos and a tour of present day Crete
We had a fabulous day tour in Crete. Our expert guide took fine care of our small group. Comfy van, a special morning at Knossos and ample time to see the Sea, Mountains and bountiful Lashithi Plateau. Climbing to the Dikti Cave, seeing an Olive Oil Press, lunch with a view as promised. Each stop had pleasant surprises! Olives, herbs, goats in trees! I loved the amazing Minoans. We could be happy to live under their ways. A few days after our tour there were storms and severe weather damage that flooded Lashithi Plateau. Our best to you and yours, Marinos.
via Tripadvisor
Great time! Very much recommend!
Great experience! Our guide and driver (Marinos) was friendly, knowledgable, and made it a unique and special experience. I very much recommend this tour.
via Tripadvisor
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
- $126 to $840
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 152
- Verdict
- Peak Performance
Why this scores 98
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour cost?
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Prices start at $126 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: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour 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: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 98 out of 100, which we label "Peak Performance". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 433 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour?
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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: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour 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: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour?
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Around 152 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: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour 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, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers, Private Tour-Knossos Palace Zeus Cave Pottery Olive Mill & Wine. 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: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour?
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Included: Private tour pickups: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda. Shared mini-group: Heraklion reg; Liability insurance; Bottled water, Coffee, traditional snacks; Private knowledgeable local guide; and Transport by luxury air conditioned minivan-free WI-FI on board. Not included: Gratuities; Lunch; Pickup from the Rethymno or Chania regions is available upon request with additional cost; and Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 355 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, Greek, English, Italian, French and Dutch. 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: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour?
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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: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour 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: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour?
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Across 433 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including SMALL GROUP UP TO 7 PER GROUP, PRIVATE SUV UP TO 3 PER GROUP, PRIVATE SUV + KNOSSOS GUIDE, PRIVATE MINIVAN+KNOSSOS GUIDE. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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