Heraklion: Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, Zeus Cave Tour

Explore Crete’s rich history and natural wonders on this comprehensive tour. Visit the iconic Knossos Palace, the mythical Diktaion Andron (Zeus Cave), and the picturesque Lasithi Plateau. Discover well-preserved frescoes and throne rooms at Knossos, the former seat of the Minoan civilization. Learn about traditional olive oil production at the Omalia Olive Press. Enjoy the lush, verdant landscapes of the Lasithi Plateau, dotted with charming villages. This experience offers an in-depth glimpse into Crete’s cultural heritage and stunning beauty. To delve deeper into this captivating tour, read on.

Key Points

• Explore the iconic Knossos Palace, the former seat of Minoan power, and witness its well-preserved frescoes, throne rooms, and the legendary Labyrinth.
• Visit the Omalia Olive Press to learn about traditional olive oil production and sample the estate’s award-winning extra virgin olive oils.
• Discover the mythical birthplace of Zeus at the Diktaion Andron cave, with its impressive chambers, stalactites, and stalagmites.
• Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Lasithi Plateau, with its thousands of iconic white-sailed windmills and charming traditional villages.
• Explore the quaint villages of Krasi and Mochos, offering a glimpse into the pastoral charm and community spirit of Cretan culture.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an 8-hour private or small group experience, with pickups and drop-offs available from various locations across Crete, including Plaka, Elounda, Gazi, Heraklion, Stalida, Agia Pelagia, and Mononaftis.

Guests will explore the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, the mystical Diktaion Andron cave, and the beautiful Lasithi Plateau.

Along the way, they’ll visit an authentic olive press, charming villages like Krasi and Mochos, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

With a passionate local guide, travelers will enjoy Crete’s rich history and culture, discovering the island’s highlights in a comprehensive and efficient tour.

Itinerary

During the 8-hour tour, guests can explore an array of Crete’s historical and natural wonders, starting with the iconic Knossos Palace.

They’ll then visit:

• The Omalia Olive Press to learn about the island’s traditional olive oil production
• The Diktaion Andron, a mythical cave said to be the birthplace of Zeus
• The stunning Lasithi Plateau, with its white-sailed windmills and picturesque villages

After a leisurely lunch, the tour continues to the charming villages of Krasi and Mochos, where visitors can enjoy Crete’s rich cultural heritage and witness the island’s true spirit firsthand.

Knossos Palace

At the heart of the Heraklion tour lies Knossos Palace, the renowned archaeological site and centerpiece of the ancient Minoan civilization.

Visitors can explore the intricate layout of this iconic landmark, marveling at its well-preserved frescoes, throne rooms, and the legendary Labyrinth.

As the former seat of Minoan power, Knossos Palace offers a captivating glimpse into the sophisticated culture that once thrived on the island of Crete.

The tour guide will provide insights into the palace’s rich history and the significance of its architectural features, allowing guests to fully enjoy the grandeur of this ancient wonder.

Participants can choose to explore Knossos Palace independently or opt for a guided tour to delve deeper into its captivating past.

Omalia Olive Press

After exploring the grandeur of Knossos Palace, the Heraklion tour takes visitors to the Omalia Olive Press, offering a glimpse into Crete’s rich olive oil heritage.

At the Omalia Olive Press, visitors can:

• Witness the traditional methods of olive oil production, from harvesting to pressing
• Learn about the history and significance of olive cultivation in Cretan culture
• Sample the rich, pungent flavors of the estate’s award-winning extra virgin olive oils

This 40-minute stop provides a deeper understanding of the vital role olive oil plays in Crete’s gastronomic identity and local economy. Travelers gain an appreciation for the artisanal craftsmanship that goes into creating this beloved Mediterranean staple.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Diktaion Andron

The tour then takes visitors to the Diktaion Andron, a renowned cave believed to be the birthplace of the Greek god Zeus. This sacred site is steeped in mythology and offers a glimpse into the ancient Minoan civilization. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the cave’s impressive chambers and learn about its significance in Greek mythology. The cave’s impressive stalactites and stalagmites create a truly breathtaking atmosphere, transporting visitors back in time.

Feature	Description
Location	Lasithi Plateau, eastern Crete
Significance	Believed to be the birthplace of Zeus
Highlights	Impressive chambers, stalactites, and stalagmites
Duration	Approximately 1 hour

Lasithi Plateau

The tour then takes visitors to the picturesque Lasithi Plateau, a stunning high-altitude basin nestled in the Dikti Mountains of eastern Crete.

This enchanting region boasts:

• Thousands of iconic white-sailed windmills dotting the landscape, a testament to Crete’s rich agricultural heritage
• Lush, verdant meadows and fertile farmlands, where locals cultivate a variety of crops including potatoes, beans, and cereals
• Charming traditional villages, where visitors can enjoy the island’s timeless culture and hospitality

After exploring the plateau, the tour allows for a leisurely lunch break, giving travelers a chance to savor the local cuisine and soak in the serene mountain views.

Krasi and Mochos Villages

Following the exploration of the Lasithi Plateau, the tour then takes visitors to the charming villages of Krasi and Mochos, where they can enjoy Crete’s timeless culture and hospitality. In Krasi, travelers will be captivated by the traditional architecture, winding streets, and the sights and sounds of local life. Just a short drive away, the quaint village of Mochos offers a glimpse into the authentic Cretan way of living, with its historic church and friendly residents. These tranquil havens provide a welcome respite from the bustling city, allowing visitors to connect with the island’s pastoral charm and community spirit.

Krasi Village	Mochos Village
Traditional Architecture	Historic Church
Winding Streets	Friendly Residents
Local Life	Pastoral Charm
Tranquil Haven	Community Spirit

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the Heraklion tour are an air-conditioned minivan transportation, pickup and drop-off services, and a professional driver guide who’ll accompany participants throughout the day.

Plus, the tour provides bottled water, a fruit salad, and coffee, as well as the entry fee to Knossos Palace.

However, the Zeus Cave entry fee, which costs €6 per person (or is free for EU citizens under 25 and above 65), and lunch are excluded from the tour package.

The tour’s inclusions provide:

• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned minivan
• Knowledgeable driver guide to enhance the experience
• Refreshments to keep you energized throughout the day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

This tour may not be fully suitable for people with mobility issues. While some sites like Knossos Palace have accessibility features, the tour involves moderate walking and visiting sites with uneven terrain. Guests should consult the operator for details on accessibility.

Can I Book the Tour in Advance or Is It Just on the Day?

The tour can be booked in advance, as it’s a pre-arranged private or small group tour. Booking ahead ensures availability and allows travelers to plan their itinerary. Last-minute bookings may be possible, subject to guide and transportation capacity.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Camera or Is One Provided?

You’ll need to bring your own camera for this tour. There’s no camera provided, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture the stunning landscapes, historic sites, and cultural experiences throughout the day.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add More Activities?

Yes, there are typically options to extend or add more activities to a tour. Clients can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who may be able to customize the itinerary to accommodate their interests and needs.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit your specific interests. The private or small group nature of the tour allows for flexibility in the itinerary, so you can work with the guide to add or modify activities.

Recap

The Heraklion: Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, Zeus Cave Tour offers an immersive exploration of Crete’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

From the legendary Knossos Palace to the serene Lasithi Plateau and the mythical birthplace of Zeus, this comprehensive tour provides an authentic and unforgettable experience for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventurous travelers alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: