Crete: Knossos, Zeus Cave, Traditional Village, Olive Farm

Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and historical heritage that has captivated travelers for centuries. From the legendary Minoan palace of Knossos to the sacred cave where Zeus was born, this comprehensive tour promises an immersive exploration of the island’s storied past. Along the way, you’ll discover the charm of a traditional village and explore Crete‘s agricultural legacy at an authentic olive farm. With convenient transportation and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience that unveils the many wonders of this captivating Mediterranean destination.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Shopping Tours In Krasi Crete.

Key Points

• Explore the renowned Minoan Knossos Palace, the center of Minoan civilization, with a guided tour and photo stop.
• Visit the ancient Minoan sacred Zeus Cave, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites and religious significance.
• Experience the traditional mountain village of Krasi, with its stone fountains, 2,400-year-old plane tree, and authentic Cretan atmosphere.
• Taste the locally produced olive oil, honey, and wine at a family-owned olive farm and learn about the traditional olive oil-making process.
• Conveniently start and end the tour with pickup and drop-off services in Heraklion or Rethimno, and enjoy a hassle-free experience with free cancellation.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour lasts for 6 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.

Pickup and drop-off services are available in Heraklion or Rethimno.

Visitors can skip the ticket line and explore the Minoan Knossos Palace, where they’ll enjoy a guided tour and photo stop for around 100 minutes.

They’ll then venture to the ancient Minoan sacred Zeus Cave, located in the village of Psychro, and admire its stalactites and stalagmites.

The tour also includes a visit to the traditional mountain village of Krasi, known for its central square with stone fountains and a 2,400-year-old plane tree.

Knossos Palace

After exploring the tour overview, visitors will arrive at the Minoan Knossos Palace, where they’ll enjoy a 100-minute guided tour and photo stop.

This ancient palace, once the center of the Minoan civilization, offers a glimpse into the rich history and architectural prowess of the Bronze Age Crete. Guests will witness the impressive ruins, including the iconic Throne Room and the intricate network of corridors and chambers.

The tour guide will share fascinating insights about the palace’s sophisticated plumbing system, iconic frescoes, and the legend of the Minotaur.

With an entrance fee of €12 per person, this stop on the tour promises an immersive and educational experience for all.

Zeus Cave

Next, visitors will explore the ancient Minoan sacred cave known as the Zeus Cave, located in the village of Psychro.

This cave features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, offering a glimpse into the religious practices and beliefs of the Minoan civilization. The entrance fee to explore this captivating site is €6 per person.

The cave was considered a sacred place by the Minoans, who believed it to be the birthplace of the god Zeus. Visitors can wander through the cave’s vast chambers and marvel at the impressive geological formations that have been sculpted over thousands of years.

This stop provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into Crete’s rich Minoan heritage.

Traditional Village of Krasi

Visitors will now venture to the mountain village of Krasi, where they can admire the central square adorned with stone fountains and a remarkable 2,400-year-old plane tree.

This ancient plane tree is a true marvel, standing tall and proud as a testament to the village’s rich history.

Visitors can wander through the quaint streets, taking in the traditional architecture and soaking up the peaceful, authentic atmosphere. The village provides a glimpse into the rural Cretan way of life, offering a tranquil respite from the more touristy areas.

With its charming ambiance and historic landmarks, Krasi is a must-visit destination for those seeking to enjoy the authentic culture of Crete.

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Olive Farm

The tour then takes visitors to a unique Olive Mill Farm, where they’ve the opportunity to taste the farm’s olive oil, honey, and wine.

On the farm, guests can witness the production of olive soap and olive oil. The guides provide information about the traditional olive oil-making process and the farm’s sustainable practices.

Visitors are encouraged to sample the high-quality olive oil, which is known for its distinct flavor and health benefits. The honey and wine tastings allow guests to further enjoy the farm’s local offerings.

This stop offers a glimpse into Crete’s agricultural heritage and the importance of olive cultivation in the region’s economy and culture.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off services at either Heraklion or Rethimno, allowing travelers to easily access the excursion.

Participants are picked up from their accommodations or a designated meeting point within these cities, and then transported back to the same location at the end of the tour.

This thoughtful arrangement ensures a seamless start and finish to the day’s activities, eliminating the need for complex transportation planning.

Travelers can simply relax and enjoy the sights, knowing that reliable transportation will be provided both to and from the tour.

This level of convenience is a valuable perk that enhances the overall experience and allows visitors to make the most of their time in Crete.

Free Cancellation

Travelers booking this excursion can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance without incurring any penalties. This is a convenient option for those who need to be flexible with their plans or may experience unexpected changes.

By offering this flexibility, the tour provider give you a hassle-free booking experience and cater to the needs of its customers. Whether travelers decide to keep their reservation or need to make last-minute adjustments, the free cancellation policy ensures they can do so without any additional costs.

This feature adds an extra layer of assurance and peace of mind for those embarking on this Cretan adventure.

Reserve Now, Pay Later

Offering a convenient payment option, the ‘Reserve Now, Pay Later’ feature allows customers to secure their spot on the tour without having to immediately pay the full amount.

This flexible booking system gives travelers the freedom to confirm their participation and finalize the payment at a later time, providing them with greater control over their budget and scheduling.

The key benefits of this payment method include:

1. Flexibility: Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, allowing them to better manage their finances.
2. Convenience: There’s no need to worry about having the full amount upfront, making it easier to plan and book the tour.
3. Commitment: Reserving now ensures participants’ spots are secured, even if the final payment is made at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring for the Tour?

For the tour, one should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a camera to capture the sights, and snacks or a water bottle if needed during the day. Layered clothing is also recommended due to potential changes in weather.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Olive Farm Visit?

The olive farm visit does not have any specific dietary restrictions. Visitors are welcome to sample the olive oil, honey, and wine during the tour, regardless of their dietary needs or preferences.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Zeus Cave?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Zeus Cave, but it’s important to be mindful of the cave’s fragile environment. Photography without flash is typically permitted, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the experience of other visitors.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for children. The tour includes stops at historical and cultural sites, as well as opportunities to explore a cave and visit a traditional village and olive farm, which can be engaging for kids.

Are There Any Stops for Restrooms During the Tour?

The tour includes several stops where restrooms are available, allowing participants to take breaks as needed. Restroom facilities are located at Knossos Palace, the Zeus Cave, and the traditional village of Krasi, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience throughout the tour.

Recap

This comprehensive Crete tour offers a captivating exploration of the island’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Visitors can discover the legendary Minoan Knossos Palace, the birthplace of Zeus, a traditional village, and an authentic olive farm.

With convenient transportation and a flexible cancellation policy, it’s an enriching and seamless experience for those seeking to enjoy Crete’s remarkable legacy.

You can check if your dates are available here: