Full-Day Private Adventure: Knossos, Zeus Cave & Lassithi Plateau

based on 59 reviews

Duration:7 hours to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: Heraklion, Crete

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Uncover the real Crete with this special experience that takes you deep into the heart of the island's culture and heritage. Our journey is an immersive adventure that lets you see Crete from an insider's perspective, something that you won't easily find elsewhere. We start by visiting the Aposelemis Dam, then we head to Panagia Kera Monastery to learn about its history and art. The Windmills of Lassithi Plateau show you a different side of the island, and the Cave of Zeus takes you to a place of myth and legend.

The 2,400-year-old Platanus Tree in Krassi connects you to nature's ancient beauty, and the Omiaia Olive Press offers a taste of Crete's culinary heritage. We finish the journey with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, the largest Minoan site. We've chosen each stop carefully, offering you a chance to dive into history, culture, nature, and local food. It's this mix of unique locations, insider knowledge, and genuine connections that make our adventure stand out from the rest.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

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In the heart of Crete, Greece, the Aposelemis Dam is a stunning blend of human engineering and natural beauty. Nestled between the Dikti Mountains and the Cretan Sea, this reservoir provides crucial water resources for the region. With a holding capacity of over 30 million cubic meters, it supports agriculture and local needs. Besides its functional role, the dam offers recreational activities like fishing, boating, and bird-watching. It's a hotspot for birdwatchers due to its diverse avian life. The dam's responsible design includes fish-friendly systems, preserving the local ecosystem. While quenching the region's thirst, the Aposelemis Dam also reveals hints of Crete's history, making it a remarkable destination for those who appreciate the balance between nature and engineering.
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Perched on a hillside overlooking Mirabello Bay, the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery is a serene haven of Greek Orthodox spirituality. Adorned with frescoes and historical significance, it offers a cultural and spiritual retreat amidst the rugged Cretan landscape. Visitors are welcomed by a picturesque setting and panoramic bay views, creating a tranquil escape from the chaos of the world, while honoring the deep-rooted religious heritage of the region.
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The Windmills of Lasithi Plateau, in the heart of Crete, stand as enduring symbols of a bygone era. These 19th-century windmills, characterized by their cylindrical design and wooden sails, showcase the island's rich agricultural heritage. Nestled in the fertile Lasithi Plateau, they were once essential in grinding grain and providing sustenance to the local population. These iconic structures not only symbolize Cretan craftsmanship but also offer panoramic views of the picturesque plateau and its lush agricultural fields, creating a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty that transports visitors to a simpler, more nostalgic time.
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Tucked away in Crete's picturesque Lassithi Plateau, Zeus Cave, also known as the Dikteon Cave, unveils an entrancing subterranean world of both myth and history. As legend has it, this cavern, adorned with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites, is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of Greek gods. It's a place where mythological wonder and ancient tales come to life, set amidst the stunning natural beauty of the plateau, making it a must-visit destination for those intrigued by the myths that have left an indelible mark on Crete's cultural heritage.
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In the picturesque village of Krasi, nestled on the island of Crete, a remarkable Platanus tree stands as a living testament to history, nature's resilience, and the enduring spirit of this community. Estimated to be around 2,400 years old, it is revered as the oldest of its kind on the island. This ancient tree has borne witness to countless generations, making it a symbol of historical significance and a cherished part of local culture. Its grand canopy provides shade and unity for villagers and visitors, creating a profound connection between people and nature. Krasi's ancient Platanus tree is not just a natural wonder; it's a living bridge to the past, offering all who encounter it a chance to reflect on the inexorable passage of time and the enduring beauty of Crete.
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Nestled in the idyllic landscapes of Crete, the Omalia Olive Press is a family-owned haven where the timeless art of olive oil production harmonizes with contemporary techniques. Surrounded by the picturesque olive groves of the region, this facility not only captures the rich cultural heritage of Cretan olive cultivation but also showcases the coexistence of traditional methods and modern technology in producing the renowned Cretan olive oil. Guided tours offer a close-up experience of the meticulous selection and pressing process, while the facility remains deeply rooted in the local community and sustainable practices, ensuring that the liquid gold of Crete continues to be a true embodiment of the region's heritage and quality.
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Located on the captivating island of Crete, the Palace of Knossos is a mesmerizing archaeological wonder, often hailed as the heart of the ancient Minoan civilization. Its labyrinthine layout, remarkable architecture, and vivid frescoes transport visitors to an era over 4,000 years ago. This sprawling complex, believed to be the legendary labyrinth of King Minos, is a captivating testament to Minoan ingenuity, artistry, and advanced culture. A visit to Knossos immerses travelers in the intriguing tales of Greek mythology, and the palace's mysterious allure continues to evoke wonder, providing a glimpse into the sophisticated world of Europe's first great civilization.

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Posted By : Cathy_S
Leonidas was a great choice for our first day touring in Crete. Personable, efficient, accommodating and knowledgeable! Highly recommend the personal touches and pace of a private tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-24 02:21:22

Posted By : anthonygT9891TP
The excursion was amazing. We saw all the sites. The information, history, and knowledge provided by our guide was wonderful. Would do again and definitely recommend for someone wanting to see a little bit of everything when in Crete
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-21 09:25:54

Posted By : 428mahirk
Expectations were exceeded with this tour! The driver was fun, knowledgeable and very helpful. This was one of the best tour we had so far, we visited many sites such as an olive press, the windmills, zues cave, the palace, and a monastery. We would highly recommend the tour and Leonidas as a guide.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-17 03:16:30

Posted By : GoGlobalGo
Our day tour with Leonidas turned out to be a really fun and flexible day. He was so patient and accommodating with us and provided good suggestions with switching up the schedule to make our experience even better due to not so great weather. I do think a little more history and back ground info could have been provided. He’s a calm, safe and cautious driver and made the day very memorable.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-05 15:52:37

Posted By : Susan_N
Leonidas was an excellent tour guide. He provided wonderful information, safe transport with amenities and many historical stops with shopping and food. Would absolutely hire him again.
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Posted On : 2024-06-01 14:34:15

Posted By : 384arianab
Such a wonderful day! We thoroughly enjoyed our tour which was customized after we met to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see! At the end of the day we felt like we really understood the history of the island and saw its beauty. Highly recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-30 10:07:40

Posted By : malvoliol
The tour was exceptionally well-organized and incredibly informative. Our guide, Leonidas, was highly knowledgeable and managed to maintain our interest and attention throughout the entire day. Highly recommended!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-28 03:26:52

Posted By : Susan_s
What a great trip. Our driver, Leonidas, was great and very knowledgeable about the island. We were able to see many sites all in one day. My favorite part was Zeus’s cave. I highly recommend this trip.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-26 03:19:49

Posted By : W4176ZHphilipc
We traveled as a large family with two cars (4 adults and 4 children) and were lucky enough to be looked after by Leon and Sakis.
We are simply thrilled. The great explanations during the trip and also at the respective places. Everything was great, except for the Zeus Cave (well, we are really spoiled when it comes to stalactite caves from Austria and Slovenia). But that's not Leon/Sakis' fault.
At Knossos Palace, Leon organized a guide in German during the trip who waited for us at the entrance (what more could you want).
The other locations (monastery, olive factory, windmills, big tree) also fit well into the program.
But what was really priceless was that we didn't have to wait for anyone and didn't have to rush. (30 minutes longer in one place for a picnic because the kids were hungry -> no problem), extra stop for a great beach -> no problem.
All in all, we were on the road for 10 hours, at our own pace, without stress and well looked after.
It couldn't be better. THANKS to the great team.
Next time we'll definitely do the west of the island with the two of them.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-25 12:55:37

Posted By : Scott_F
We spent 8 night in Greece. Unfortunately, we were only able to spend two day in Crete. On one of them we took this tour. It gave us a great insight into he island and all it has to offer. Leonidis, our guide, was excellent. He drove us to many different sights and explained their significance on the way. Numerous ones we had to view own our own, but it was a wonderful day. WE would recommend this trip to anyone visiting Crete.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-05 13:57:35