
PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 29 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages worth booking?
PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages is a 7.5-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $343 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 29 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (29)
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- From
- $343 per person
If you love wine , olive oil , nature , old traditional villages , local history, Archaeological Sites then this is the tour that you are looking for . This is a private tour so only your group participate so you can explore Crete on your own way. We start our tour by visiting Knossos Palace ( OPTIONAL) then visit an olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil production then of course taste some fresh olive oil . After that we will visit a few old traditional villages and walk through the old narrow streets then probably enjoy a glass of wine. Next we will visit a winery so you can learn all about local grape varieties and wines then taste 5 or more different wines. After the winery we can stop at a family restaurant for lunch ( OPTIONAL) We can customize the tour on your wishes and needs . We can pick you up from Heraklion port , Heraklion Region Malia , Hersonisos, Gouves , Anissara , Analipsi , Elounda , Rethimno, Agios Nikolaous port and region .
What you get
About this experience
If you love wine , olive oil , nature , old traditional villages , local history, Archaeological Sites then this is the tour that you are looking for . This is a private tour so only your group participate so you can explore Crete on your own way. We start our tour by visiting Knossos Palace ( OPTIONAL) then visit an olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil production then of course taste some fresh olive oil . After that we will visit a few old traditional villages and walk through the old narrow streets then probably enjoy a glass of wine. Next we will visit a winery so you can learn all about local grape varieties and wines then taste 5 or more different wines. After the winery we can stop at a family restaurant for lunch ( OPTIONAL) We can customize the tour on your wishes and needs . We can pick you up from Heraklion port , Heraklion Region Malia , Hersonisos, Gouves , Anissara , Analipsi , Elounda , Rethimno, Agios Nikolaous port and region .
What's included
Included
- Knowledgeable local driver guide.
- Olive oil , Raki tasting
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Lunch - OPTIONAL
- Wine tasting- 5 local wines , 20 euros per person. OPTIONAL
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
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
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- 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 29 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
5 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
29 verified traveler reviews for PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Private Tour
Can’t even explain the amazing time we had! A++++
Response from the operator: Thank you so so much James for your great review. It’s so lovely to hear that you had such a great experience with us . Explore Real Crete Tours
via Tripadvisor
Ed is the best
Ed is the most fabulous tour guide you could get. He is so knowledgeable and kind! Best tour guide you can get!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your great review, we are happy to hear that you had a wonderful day with us and hopefully you will visit Crete again soon we can show you another of Crete . Explore Real Crete Tours
via Tripadvisor
Best day in Crete
Amazing day today in Heraklion Crete. Thank you so much to Explore Real Crete Tours. Our guide at Knossos Palace, Roula, was fantastic with the time and her stories of Knossos brought the place to life for us today. She was great making sure our 84 year old father had several breaks. She was also excited to meet him as he toured Knossos Palace back in 1967. Akis, our driver for the day, was also amazing. His driving was fantastic and he did such a great job sharing Crete with us. The restaurant he took us to was our favorite place to eat so far on our trip the past two weeks. The family that owns it was so welcoming and the food was incredible. This restaurant is Σκαλοπάτια” Μεζεδοπωλείο-Καφενείο — in English, roughly “Skalopatia” Meze Restaurant / Café in Katalagari, near Heraklion. Such a great day. Thank you so much for working with us to schedule your company and helping us make these wonderful memories.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Mark for taking the time to write a super great review. We are happy to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with Akis and Roula and hopefully we will meet again in the future for more exploring and to create new memories. Thank you so much Explore Real Crete Tours
via Tripadvisor
If you do one tour in Crete, do this one
We have toured Crete with Stavros from Explore Real Crete Travel Agency twice, and both times have been highlights of our travels. If you want more than the standard tourist stops, this is the tour to book. This most recent visit was in February 2026 and we traveled in a private Mercedes van that was new, spotless, and extremely comfortable. Stavros curated the day around real local experiences and genuine connection. We visited an olive factory where the owner personally welcomed us, explained the olive processing, and hosted a tasting. We stopped in an old village for coffee and ended up being welcomed into a local memorial gathering, which was deeply beautiful and moving. Stavros also made room for spontaneous moments that felt uniquely Cretan, including stopping to meet locals along the road, taking photos together, and pulling over for stunning windmills, ocean views, and scenery. Stavros is the kind of guide who elevates everything. He is warm, kind, personable, and genuinely fun to spend the day with. He is also a fantastic storyteller with real depth of knowledge about Crete’s history, culture, and daily life. He is proud of his heritage, and it shows in the way he introduces you to people and places. He even brought us into a local grocery store so we could see how people shop, and he bought us cheeses and sheep and goat milk yogurt to try. It was incredible. Lunch was at a family-owned, farm-to-table restaurant where everything was grown locally and cooked over a wood fire, with the whole family there. Ron said it may have been the best meal he has ever had. Stavros also added thoughtful touches throughout the day and made sure we felt cared for and welcomed everywhere we went. If you are deciding between tours, choose this one. Couples, friends, families, first-time visitors, or repeat visitors. Everyone will love touring with Stavros. We already cannot wait to come back with our friends and family.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Belinda and Ron for taking the time to write this amazing review. We really appreciate your help and we are glad to hear that you both loved the tour again for the second time and we would love to see you again so we can show you more of this beautiful island and to create new memories. God bless you both Belinda and Ron . Kind regards Explore Real Crete team
via Tripadvisor
You will not go wrong
I do not even know where to begin. Ed was the most enjoyable guide we ever had, and we have done a good amount. He took us off the beaten path, seen and did things we did not expect. "I got your back Ed" (LOL). Tremendously fun day. Book him, you will not regret!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Jim and Linda for taking the time to write a great review. We are happy to hear that you really enjoyed the tour and hopefully we will meet again to create new memories and to explore another part of Crete . Explore Real Crete Tours
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages cost?
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Prices start at $343 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 - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages take?
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Plan for about 7.5 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 - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 29 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages?
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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 PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages?
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Around 10 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 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - 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?
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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 PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages?
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Included: Knowledgeable local driver guide; Olive oil , Raki tasting; Bottled water; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Lunch - OPTIONAL; and Wine tasting- 5 local wines , 20 euros per person. OPTIONAL. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 26 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 - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages 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 PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - 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 - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages 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 PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about PRIVATE - Knossos Palace - Winery+ Olive Oil - Old Villages?
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Across 29 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.
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