Shared Tour: Knossos & Lasithi Plateau – Land of Zeus, Villages & Olive Oil Traditions 1
Shared Tour: Knossos & Lasithi Plateau – Land of Zeus, Villages & Olive Oil Traditions 2
Shared Tour: Knossos & Lasithi Plateau – Land of Zeus, Villages & Olive Oil Traditions 3
Shared Tour: Knossos & Lasithi Plateau – Land of Zeus, Villages & Olive Oil Traditions 4
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Shared Tour: Knossos & Lasithi Plateau – Land of Zeus, Villages & Olive Oil Traditions

(3)
Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Bus & Minivan ToursLuxuryShore ExcursionsDay Trips & ExcursionsCultural Tours
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About this activity

Combine Minoan history with rural Crete on this 7.5-hour minivan tour, visiting the sprawling Palace of Knossos, traditional mountain villages, and the windswept Lasithi Plateau. Taste authentic local food, olive oil, and honey while learning how Cretans have lived and farmed for centuries.

-Explore Knossos Palace, charming villages, and the stunning Lasithi Plateau.

-Immerse in Local Culture: Experience Cretan traditions, authentic cuisine, and savor olive oil, honey, and raki with warm hospitality.

-Exclusive Olive Oil Tour: Learn the art of olive oil production and taste the island's finest offerings.

-Taste Local Delights: Enjoy traditional snacks such as homemade pastries and goat yogurt at a local cheese dairy, offering a true flavor of Crete.

-Comfortable Journey: Travel in a minivan with small groups or upgrade to a private tour with an expert guide.

-Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, port, or designated meeting points.

Discover the Majesty of Crete: Our private or small-group tour reveals Crete’s hidden gems. Experience the magnificence of Knossos Palace, explore traditional villages, and visit the ancient Platanus tree in Krasi—symbolizing Cretan heritage. This journey combines culture, history, and gastronomy, creating lasting memories of Crete.

Highlights

  • Palace of Knossos—Europe's oldest civilization and most complete Bronze Age structure
  • Lasithi Plateau—dramatic high-altitude farmland ringed by mountains
  • Olive oil production tour and tasting at a working farm
  • Traditional Cretan cheese dairy with homemade pastries and goat yoghurt
  • Village visits including the ancient Platanus tree in Krasi
  • Small-group minivan with hotel/port pickup and drop-off

Insider tips

  • Arrive early at Knossos to beat crowds; the palace sprawls across multiple levels and can take 1.5–2 hours to explore properly.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes—the plateau and village terrain is uneven, and Knossos involves steep stairs.
  • Ask your guide about raki (local spirit) tasting customs; a small glass with food is the traditional way to enjoy it.
  • The plateau can be cool and windy even in summer; bring a light layer.

Good to know

  • Duration is 7 hours 30 minutes; check exact hotel pickup times with operator.
  • Price from €110 per person; private upgrades available at higher cost.
  • Includes entry to Knossos Palace, olive oil tasting, and cheese dairy visit; food tastings included.
  • Minivan tours operate with small groups; private tours available for groups wanting exclusivity.
  • Suitable for most fitness levels, but involves walking on uneven terrain and climbing at the palace.

Who it's for

History enthusiasts and Minoan civilization buffsFood & wine travellers keen on olive oil, cheese, and local gastronomyCruise passengers seeking a half-day cultural shore excursionCouples and small groups wanting a curated, guide-led introduction to rural and ancient Crete

Best time to visit

Visit October–April for cooler weather and smaller crowds at Knossos; May–September is hotter but offers longer daylight. Mid-morning departure avoids early-morning port congestion and allows time to explore the palace before afternoon heat.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€110
per person