PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages in Heraklion, Greece
Heraklion, Greece

PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages

Outty Ranking 87 5.0 · 94 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $131
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Outty Ranking

87/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 94 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages worth booking?

PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages is a 7-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $131 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 94 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
87 / 100
Rating
5/5 (94)
Duration
7 hours
From
$131 per person

Join us on this full day PRIVATE TOUR or book the SMALL GROUP TOUR OPTION to explore the Real Side of Crete together away from big crowds. Visit a few old traditional villages and walk through the old narrow streets …Enjoy an iced coffee or fresh juice at the main square …….visit an olive oil factory where we learn all about the olive oil ( Golden Liquid) production and taste different kind of this golden liquid. Enjoy the ride with our comfortable air conditioned vehicles while learning about local traditions, history and myths . Explore the Old Wind Mills and enjoy the amazing views from around 3000 feet above sea level. Visit the Cave of Zeus where according to our mythology he was born …. Stop at a family restaurant to enjoy Cretan traditional lunch which is a must but it’s OPTIONAL. Now it’s time to travel back in time and visit Knossos Palace Now after creating unforgettable memories it’s time to go back to your hotel or cruise port .

What you get

    About this experience

    Join us on this full day PRIVATE TOUR or book the SMALL GROUP TOUR OPTION to explore the Real Side of Crete together away from big crowds. Visit a few old traditional villages and walk through the old narrow streets …Enjoy an iced coffee or fresh juice at the main square …….visit an olive oil factory where we learn all about the olive oil ( Golden Liquid) production and taste different kind of this golden liquid. Enjoy the ride with our comfortable air conditioned vehicles while learning about local traditions, history and myths . Explore the Old Wind Mills and enjoy the amazing views from around 3000 feet above sea level. Visit the Cave of Zeus where according to our mythology he was born …. Stop at a family restaurant to enjoy Cretan traditional lunch which is a must but it’s OPTIONAL. Now it’s time to travel back in time and visit Knossos Palace Now after creating unforgettable memories it’s time to go back to your hotel or cruise port .

    What's included

    Included

    • Coffee, water ,
    • Knowledgeable local driver guide
    • Transportation with comfortable air conditioned vehicles .
    • Olive oil , and Raki tasting.
    • Liability Insurance

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Admission fees
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Omalia Olive Press

      We stol at an olive oil factory where we learn all about the Cretan Golden Liquid…… and of course taste a few different olive oils ……

      30 minutes here

    2. Heraklion

      Our tour starts from Heraklion city, Driving through and around the city

      10 minutes here

    3. Gouves

      Pas by without stopping but could be a pick up location of your choice.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Mochos

      We stop at the old village of Mochos to walk through the narrow streets , see the old churches and take a taste of the local way of life , probably have something to drink or enjoy some local food st a family restaurant at the villages main square .

      45 minutes here

    5. Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau

      We will see the old wind mills that used to pump the water up from underground to water the crops, and the other wind mills that used to grain ,wheat and corn to make flour .

      60 minutes here

    6. Malia

      Drive through the town but it could be also a pick up location.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Platanus Tree

      We walk around the picturesque village of Krasi, take some photos of the oldest and biggest Platanus tree in Crete.

      25 minutes here

    8. Aposelemis Dam

      We stop up on the mountain to enjoy the view of the Aposelemi Dam .

      5 minutes here

    9. Dikteon Cave

      For the moment the cave is closed but according to the Ministry of Tourism it will open in April. There is a 30 minutes walk to the cave and around 185 steps to explore the cave then back up .

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    10. Analipsi

      A potential pick up location.

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Hersonissos

      A potential pick up location

      Pass by without stopping

    12. Lasithi Mesa

      We usually stop at a family restaurant up on the mountain to have lunch but this is OPTIONAL….

      45 minutes here

    13. Stalis

      A potencial pick up location

      Pass by without stopping

    14. The Palace of Knossos

      This is our last stop and it’s OPTIONAL,

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Heraklion

    Meeting point

    Heraklion

    We will be waiting at the passengers gate holding a sign with your name .

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    We will be waiting at the passengers gate holding a sign with your name .

    Options you can book

    • SMALL GROUP

      Pick up - drop off : We can pick you up from Heraklion Region and port. From Elounda , Agios Nikolaous , Rethimno you must book the Private Option Pickup included

    • PRIVATE TOUR

      We can customize this tour on your wishes and needs . 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 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Explore Real Crete

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    More wind mills…, PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages in HeraklionThe old tree, PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages in HeraklionThe cave of Zeus …, PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages in HeraklionCave of Zeus …., PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages in HeraklionThe old Platanus tree, PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages in HeraklionPaparazzi moment, PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages in Heraklion

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 94 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    94 verified traveler reviews for PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    93
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    BrandyKala · October 2026

    Stavros gave the best tour of Crete

    Stavros was an absolute delight to work with while booking via email and customizing our own tour. He is such a great communicator, historian, guide, and hilarious! We toured small villages, the plateau, Zeus’ Cave and special stops to enjoy a glass or two of Crete wine. Our olive oil tour was great and our local lunch, specially picked for us by Stavros, was the best Greek food we had on our 15 day stay in Greece. Can’t say enough good things about Stavros!!! Plus we had bougie coffee!!!!

    via Tripadvisor

    Tony_H · August 2026

    Amazing tour of the farmlands of Crete

    The tour was extremely personalized and wonderful, even educational! Our guide and host Stavros was super knowledgeable, kind, and efficient throughout the tour, even taking us to small town villages and farmlands to experience living in Crete. I would recommend this tour to everyone!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much Tony and family for your great review, we really appreciate your time and are glad to hear that you really enjoyed the tour . Keep being awesome. Explore Real Crete Tours

    via Viator

    Michael_H · July 2026

    Fantastic tour of Crete!

    We had a fantastic tour of Crete with our guide Stavros. He was born in Crete and knows the island, its history, and local villages well. He showed us the key areas and several spots that we would have never seen without him. He took my wife and me to a family farm where we picked strawberries and enjoyed them with a wonderful glass of wine. Don’t hesitate to book this tour - you won’t regret it!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much Tony and Katherine for taking the time to write a super great review, it’s so lovely to hear that you had a wonderful time with us and hopefully you will make it in Crete again in the future so we can show you another part of our home island and create new memories while showing. Explore Real Crete Tours

    via Viator

    Cruiser37765423242 · June 2026

    Amazing!! You will love it!

    We ended up being the only ones traveling that day. We got a private tour all around Crete. When I tell you it was nothing but magical would be an understatement. We met locals and sat with an 88 year woman at her cafe. We sat and talked. Amazing! If you don’t book this adventure, you’re crazy!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so my Joyce and Robert for your great review, we are delighted to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with us and hopefully we will meet again in the future to explore together our home island. Explore Real Crete Tours

    via Tripadvisor

    Navigator53028556486 · June 2026

    You’ll love Real Crete

    Stavros with Real Crete Tours is the very best guide on the island. You will not regret booking with him. He knows everyone and all the local places, beautiful views, and best food. He has a high-end transport van that is a very comfortable way to travel. We highly recommend him and his company!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much Steve and Mara for taking the time to write this amazing review. We really appreciate it and are happy to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with us . Hopefully we will meet again to show you another part of Crete while having fun and creating new memories. Explore Real Crete Tours

    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
    $131 to $300
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    33
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Explore Real Crete, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.5 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Explore Real Crete runs

    Why this scores 87

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
    Review evidence (18% weight)75
    Booking momentum (14% weight)70
    Value for money (12% weight)96
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)92
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.

    How much does PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages cost?

    +

    Prices start at $131 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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages 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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 94 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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages?

    +

    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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages 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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages?

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    Around 33 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?

    +

    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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages?

    +

    Included: Coffee, water ,; Knowledgeable local driver guide; Transportation with comfortable air conditioned vehicles ; Olive oil , and Raki tasting; and Liability Insurance. Not included: Lunch; Admission fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 37 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages offered in?

    +

    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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages?

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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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages 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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages?

    +

    Across 94 reviews averaging 5.0 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 PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including SMALL GROUP, PRIVATE TOUR. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Olive Oil Tasting-Old Villages.

    Pick your date