Private Tour Lasithi Zeus Cave Olive Oil Exploration & Shepherd

Embark on a private tour of Crete and explore the iconic Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave. Immerse yourself in Cretan traditions, taste local cuisine, and experience the warmth of Cretan hospitality.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Omalia Olive Press - Leaving Knossos, we will travel along the picturesque coastal road heading east to a traditional olive oil factory. Here, you’ll learn about the process of harvesting and producing olive oil, often referred to as ‘liquid gold.’ You’ll also discover its health benefits and savor its exquisite flavor.
  • Krasi - Driving through the mountains, you’ll marvel at the local flora and fauna, see numerous olive trees, and visit one of the world’s oldest plane trees in the village of Krasi. In the village’s paved square, you’ll have the chance to take unforgettable photos and taste the traditional ‘raki’ drink by the natural springs.
  • Kera Kardiotissa Monastery - On the way to the Lasithi Plateau, you’ll pass through the historic Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, nestled in a lush area of Northern Diktis.
  • Lassithi Plateau - Our next stop is the Lasithi Plateau, the largest plateau in Crete. After the 1950s, it became home to the world’s first and largest wind farm, boasting around 13,000 windmills. Today, only a few windmills remain operational on this fertile plain, surrounded by the majestic Dikti Mountains.
  • Dikteon Cave - Here, you can explore the impressive Dikteon Cave, also known as the Cave of Zeus, located above the village of Psychro in the Lasithi Plateau at an altitude of 1025 meters. The journey to the cave offers stunning views of the Lasithi Plateau. According to mythology, Zeus was born and raised in this cave.
  • Mochos - Our final destination is the traditional village of Mochos, where you can mingle with locals in the village cafes and experience the true spirit of Crete. At the end of the tour, you’ll be driven back to your location, filled with wonderful memories and a big smile!
What's Included
  • Bottled water, fruit salad, Coffee
  • On-board WiFi
  • Transport by luxury air conditioned minivan (maximum capacity 7 people)
  • Professional Driver Guide
  • Liability Insurance
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Entrance to Zeus Cave 6,00€ / per person (for EU citizens under 25 and above 65 is free)
  • Gratuities ( optional)
Additional Information

Step into Authentic Cretan Life: Explore the Enchanting Lasithi Valley! Our tour led by a local guide unravels the essence of Crete, engaging all your senses.

Start at a revered olive oil factory, unveiling the secrets of ‘liquid gold’—olive oil. Delight in its heritage, health benefits, and island-specific flavors.

Traverse olive tree-dotted mountains, embracing vibrant flora and fauna. Pause at Kera Kardiotissa Monastery en route to the majestic Lasithi Plateau, enriching your journey culturally.

Witness remnants of a pioneering wind farm against the Dikti Mountains. Engage with a local shepherd, tasting authentic Cretan cheese and learning traditional cheese-making.

Explore the mythical Diktaean Cave, Zeus’s birthplace. Immerse in Cretan heritage at a folklore museum and pottery-making workshop.

Savor Lasithi’s flavors at a traditional taverna, enjoying dishes made with the freshest local produce. End in Krasi village, sipping ‘raki’ by natural springs.

  • The visit to the cave includes a 15-minute walk uphill plus 250 steps down into the cave and back again is the same. For visitors who do not want to visit the cave, they can enjoy a coffee at the beginning of the trail enjoying the view of the plateau
Location
Omalia Olive Press
Agias Marinas
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(24 Ratings)
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H4635fhmanuelv
Oct 20, 2023
Discovering Crete - This tour was exactly what I was looking for : a full immersion in Crete's history, myth and traditions. It's a semi-private tour, which means you won't waste half of your time picking up/dropping off people, or waiting for everyone to be back on the bus when it's time to go to the next stop. Fresh water, fruit and amazing homemade cookies are also included, and you'll get a discount at Knossos in case you choose a 3d virtual tour. So yes, it's more expensive that other tours, but you won't be disappointed. The driver was also so kind to take me to the beach instead of my pickup point on my way back, cause it was still early (and crazy hot) and I wanted to swim on my last evening in Heraklion. Thank you guys!
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L9897jbrichardm
Oct 20, 2023
A fantastic tour that we didn't want to end - A fantastic tour from start to finish - we truly didn't want it to end . Very well planned and clearly created with love. Marinos spoke proudly of Cretan values, their emphasis on family and hospitality and he emodided this as he took us on a. expedition of homeland. It felt like every bend in the road had a fact or tale and when there wasn't information to provide we were laughing and joking around with him and the rest of our group. We were well fed and watered with local delicacies and really looked after in every place we visited. If you want to experience the highlights and get a sense of what Crete has to offer then go on this tour - you'll also make friends along the way! Thank you Marinos and see you next year - maybe next time we'll do the Cretan dancing to see how good you really are at that!
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Yemisia2022
Oct 9, 2023
Lovely trip - Well organised and had an amazing experience. Marino and Maria were fabulous hosts.. The coach trip was very comfortable
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500girlr
Oct 9, 2023
Absolutely fantastic - Absolutely fantastic 👏. We were a group of 24 ladies on a birthday trip. The tour was enjoyable, Marinos did everything to accommodate the group, the lunch was delicious 😋. Would highly recommend...
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Vics795
Sep 14, 2023
Simply the best . - As soon as we met Mariano’s Doukiantzakis ,sparks and the heaven opened. Brilliant man ,kind ,respectful ,honest and a tour guide you will have a true friend for the rest of your life. As soon as our tour started the laughs started. Our all day tour was amazing, it’s exactly what we wanted and expected ,no disappointment at all. Lunch time was a truly relaxing home Greek traditional, lunch .SELI AMBELOU . Simply stunning. We were sad to finish our day. We had a wonderful and memorable day. Thank you Mariano’. UNIQUE CRETE V.I.P. TOURS. IS THE BEST . Always friends for life. Victor ,& Zacky , Sevastopoulos . AUSTRALIA . MELBOURNE. SEPTEMBER 2023.
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C8625szfrancescab
Sep 7, 2023
The most authentic experience! - This was one of the best tours of my life! Marinos took such good care of us, taking us around and showing us all the secrets of this island. We could have asked for a better tour and guide so I highly recommend it.
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P6635hznielsv
Sep 7, 2023
10/10 experience - The philosophy of this trip is amazing. You’re treated as family, taken to off the beaten path places mixed in with the must see places. You’ll be driven all over the island and learn from the point of view of a local who truly cares about his community and his company. I’d happily return one day to join Marinos’ tour and table.
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V7905hydebbiem
Sep 3, 2023
Fantastic day out! - Great day out with Marinos! He went the extra mile to make sure we saw the things we were interested in. Great snacks along the way and little stops at interesting places along the way. Comfortable van and lively conversation. Highly recommend!
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676lucilef
Sep 1, 2023
Unforgettable experience. Thank you! - Thank you for this amazing day. We saw lots of things and our guide Marinos really took the time to explain and answer all our questions. This was really enjoyable and unforgettable experience. We highly recommend Marinos as a Tour guide to discover parts of Crete! Huge thank you to you Marinos.
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Mikec7119
Nov 24, 2023
Thoughtful, insightful and above all else, personal - Marinos was a joy to be with. He was thoughtful, insightful and above all else, personal. Throughout the trip he shared, entertained, observant to our needs and keep the whole journey in high energy and spirit. That's what it is all about in the end, the memorable experience shared. I would recommend him again to friends and colleagues anytime.
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