Full Day Trip to Spinalonga Zeus Cave and Olive Oil Factory

Explore the captivating history, mythology, and culinary delights of Crete on this full-day excursion. Set out on a journey to the haunting ruins of Spinalonga, the legendary birthplace of Zeus in the stunning Cave of Zeus, and an authentic olive oil factory where you’ll discover the secrets of olive oil production. With luxury transportation and an expert local guide, this immersive experience promises to transport you through Crete’s enchanting landscapes and uncover the island’s rich cultural heritage. What more could one seek on a day of discovery?

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Full-Day Tours In Crete.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive full-day tour visiting Spinalonga, Zeus Cave, and an olive oil factory, with luxury air-conditioned transportation and all-inclusive pricing.
• Immersive exploration of Spinalonga’s rich history as a former leper colony, with guided tours and panoramic views from Venetian fortress walls.
• Discover the mythological significance of the Zeus Cave, home to impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about Crete’s cultural heritage.
• Gain insight into the production process of extra virgin olive oil, from ancient olive groves to state-of-the-art machinery, and sample the local product.
• Personalized experience with a knowledgeable local guide, complimentary refreshments, and a hassle-free booking process with flexible cancellation policies.

Tour Overview

This full-day trip takes visitors to the historic island of Spinalonga, the awe-inspiring Zeus Cave, and a traditional olive oil factory, providing an immersive cultural experience led by a knowledgeable local guide.

Guests are transported in a luxury air-conditioned minivan, with pickup and drop-off from their hotels or designated meeting points in Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda. A shared mini-group option is available for those in the Heraklion region.

Throughout the journey, travelers enjoy complimentary bottled water, fruit salad, and coffee, as well as WiFi on board. Entrance fees and a boat ticket to Spinalonga are included, making this an all-inclusive, hassle-free exploration of Crete’s cultural gems.

Inclusions and Costs

Along With the transportation and tour guide, the trip includes bottled water, fruit salad, and coffee for travelers. Liability insurance is also provided, and passengers can take advantage of the complimentary WiFi on board. The entry fees for the key attractions are also covered, with Spinalonga costing €8 per person and the Zeus Cave at €6 per person (free for EU citizens under 25 and over 65). Boat tickets for the journey to Spinalonga are €12 per adult, with children under 13 traveling for free. Lunch is available as an optional extra, and gratuities are left to the traveler’s discretion.

Inclusions	Cost
Bottled Water, Fruit Salad, Coffee	Included
Liability Insurance & WiFi	Included
Spinalonga Entry	€8 per person
Zeus Cave Entry	€6 per person (free for EU citizens under 25 & over 65)
Boat Ticket to Spinalonga	€12 per adult, free for children under 13
Lunch	Optional extra
Gratuities	Not included, optional

Tour Features

The private tour ensures that only your group participates, providing a personalized experience. Strollers are accessible, and infant seats are available, though the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly. Most travelers can comfortably participate in this excursion.

The tour’s private nature allows for a customized itinerary and unhurried exploration of the sites. While the Zeus Cave and olive oil factory are accessible, the Spinalonga island tour requires some walking, which may not be suitable for all visitors.

The knowledgeable local guide ensures you make the most of your day, sharing insights and facilitating seamless transitions between the various stops. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure or a personalized culture, this tour caters to a wide range of travelers.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the tour is straightforward, with confirmation received at the time of booking. Travelers have the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing them to adjust their plans as needed. Plus, a reserve now and pay later option is available for added convenience.

The pricing of the tour varies based on group size, starting from $104.99. Customers can expect the following:

• Liability insurance is included in the cost.

• Complimentary WiFi is provided on board.

• Entrance fees for Spinalonga and Zeus Cave are covered.

• Boat tickets are priced at €12 per adult, with free admission for children under 13.

• Lunch can be added as an optional extra.

Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this full-day tour, with 25 reviews earning a perfect 5.0 rating. Reviewers have highlighted the knowledgeable local guides, who provide personalized experiences and attention to detail.

The quality of the transportation and refreshments provided has also received positive feedback. Travelers express eagerness for future tours and highly recommend the experience.

The tour’s highlights include visiting the historic Spinalonga island, exploring the majestic Zeus Cave, and learning about olive oil production at a local factory.

Exploring Spinalonga

Frequently, visitors explore the captivating island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. This unique destination offers a glimpse into the island’s past, where guests can:

• Wander through the abandoned streets and buildings, imagining the lives of those who once called Spinalonga home.

• Visit the former hospital and gain insight into the medical practices and living conditions of the time.

• Climb to the top of the Venetian fortress walls for panoramic views of the surrounding azure waters.

• Discover remnants of the island’s defensive structures, including cannons and bastions that protected it from invaders.

Exploring Spinalonga is a poignant and thought-provoking experience, shedding light on a complex and often overlooked chapter of Greek history.

Visiting Zeus Cave

After exploring the haunting history of Spinalonga, the tour moves on to the captivating Zeus Cave, where visitors can discover the mythological origins of one of Greece’s most revered deities.

Nestled high in the Lassithi Plateau, the cave is said to be the birthplace of the mighty Zeus, the king of the Greek gods.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive cavern, with its towering stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about the legends and rituals that have long been associated with this sacred site.

The tour guide provides fascinating insights, bringing the cave’s mythological significance to life.

It’s a chance to step back in time and connect with the rich cultural heritage of Crete.

Olive Oil Factory Tour

The tour then takes visitors to an acclaimed local olive oil factory, where they can explore the intricate process of producing this celebrated Mediterranean staple. Guests witness the extraction of pure, extra virgin olive oil from the region’s prized olives, gaining insight into the centuries-old traditions that have shaped Crete’s renowned culinary heritage.

Visitors explore:

• Groves of ancient olive trees, their gnarled trunks testament to generations of careful cultivation.

• The state-of-the-art machinery used to gently press the olives, preserving their precious flavors.

• Tasting rooms where guests sample the distinctive, peppery notes of the freshly-milled oil.

• Shelves lined with bottles of this liquid gold, ready to be savored and taken home as a taste of Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Language Used by the Tour Guide?

The tour guide likely speaks the local language, which is Greek. As a private tour, the guide is knowledgeable and can communicate effectively with the participants in their native tongue during the day’s activities.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

The tour allows guests to bring their own food and drinks. However, the tour provider offers complimentary bottled water, fruit salad, and coffee during the trip. Bringing a packed lunch is an option, but not required.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Participants?

The tour allows for a private group experience, so there’s no set limit on the number of participants. The size of the group can be tailored to the traveler’s preferences, providing a personalized tour.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Children?

The tour offers discounts for certain groups – EU citizens under 25 and over 65 can visit the Zeus Cave for free, and children under 13 receive free boat tickets. However, there are no other age-based discounts mentioned.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit the group’s preferences. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in the itinerary, so travelers can tailor the experience to their interests and needs.

Sum Up

This full-day tour offers an immersive cultural experience, blending Crete’s rich history, mythology, and culinary traditions.

Discover the haunting remnants of Spinalonga, stand in awe of the legendary Zeus Cave, and deepen your appreciation for authentic olive oil production.

With luxury transportation and a knowledgeable local guide, this captivating journey promises to leave a lasting impression on visitors seeking to explore Crete’s enchanting landscapes and heritage.