Walk in the Footsteps of Zeus: Knossos & Lassithi Private Tour

Walk in the Footsteps of Zeus: Knossos & Lassithi Private Tour

By Crete Wanderer

Wonderful

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
8h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup
Multiple languages

Overview

Uncover Crete’s rich heritage and hidden beauty on this private, customizable full-day tour. Travel through the stunning Lassithi Plateau with a local guide, blending history, mythology, and authentic culture in one unforgettable journey.

Begin with panoramic views at Aposelemis Dam, then visit the peaceful Vidiani Monastery, nestled in the mountains. Pause under a 2,400-year-old tree in the village of Krassi, and see the island’s iconic windmills up close.

Enjoy a guided tasting at a family-owned olive press, where you’ll sample fresh olive oil, raki, and local flavors. Although the Cave of Zeus is temporarily closed, your guide will bring the legend to life at a scenic viewpoint nearby.

End the day at the Palace of Knossos with skip-the-line access and insight information from a local.

This private experience is fully customizable to your interests, offering a personal and immersive way to see Crete beyond the tourist trail.

Activity location

Aposelemis Dam
- Chersonisos
- 700 05, Potamies, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- 1 Chatzidaki
- 712 02, Iraklio, Greece

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Full Day Lassithi-Knossos

8h
English

We can pick you up from:: Heraklion Cruise Port, or from your hotel in Heraklion Region, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Stalida, Malia.
Private Tour
Duration: 8 hours
Van or Sedan: Mercedes-Benz Vito or Similar
Pickup included

Travelers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

$314.69 x 1 Adult$314.69

Paid at activity$23.31

Total

What's included, what's not

Private transportation
Bottled water
Liability Insurance and Local Taxes
USB sockets to charge your devices
Skip-the-line access to the Palace of Knossos
Honey, Olive Oil, and Raki Tasting
Air-conditioned vehicle
Personal pick-up and drop-off with a flexibly adjusted time
Entrance tickets for Knossos
Gratuities
Lunch (Optional)
Licensed Tourist Guide at the Palace of Knossos (Optional)

Know before you book

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Aposelemis Dam

The Hidden Village Beneath the Waters: Start your day with a scenic drive to Aposelemis Dam, Crete’s largest water reservoir, surrounded by peaceful hills and olive groves. From the viewpoint, admire the mirror-like lake that conceals the sunken village of Sfendyli, a haunting reminder of Crete’s evolving landscape. On calm days, you can still glimpse the village rooftops emerging through the water — a sight both eerie and beautiful. Your guide will share local stories about the dam’s construction and the people who once lived here, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s balance between progress and tradition.

Assargiotakis Yannis Olive Oil S.M.P.C

45m
Admission ticket included

Discover Crete’s Liquid Gold: Continue your journey through the heart of Cretan tradition with a visit to the Assargiotakis Olive Oil Factory, a family-run mill where the island’s most treasured product is born. Walk through the modern and traditional production areas as your hosts reveal the secrets behind cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil — a craft perfected over generations. Enjoy a guided tasting session, comparing distinct flavors and aromas, and learn how to recognize high-quality olive oil like a true local. This stop offers not just education, but a genuine connection to Crete’s agricultural soul, making it one of the most authentic experiences on the island.

Kera Kardiotissa Monastery (Pass by)

A Sacred Landmark Along the Way: As the road climbs toward the Lassithi Plateau, you’ll pass by the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, one of Crete’s most sacred and picturesque landmarks. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and dating back to the 13th century, it’s renowned for its miraculous icon and peaceful mountain setting surrounded by cypress trees. Although we won’t stop here, you’ll have the chance to admire its striking architecture and scenic location as it appears along the hillside — a timeless symbol of Crete’s spiritual heritage.

Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau

Crete’s Timeless Guardians of the Wind: Arriving at the breathtaking Lassithi Plateau, you’ll be greeted by sweeping mountain views and the sight of Crete’s iconic white-sailed windmills turning gently in the breeze. Once used to draw water and irrigate the fertile plain, these windmills stand today as proud symbols of local ingenuity and tradition. Surrounded by fertile fields, scattered villages, and the crisp mountain air, this is the perfect place to pause for photos and appreciate the serenity of rural Crete. The plateau’s tranquil beauty and mythic atmosphere make it one of the island’s most unforgettable landscapes.

Lassithi Plateau (Pass by)

Villages, Caves, and Mythical Landscapes: Embark on a panoramic drive through the stunning Lassithi Plateau, where fertile plains stretch beneath the towering Dikti Mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass by 13 traditional villages and dozens of churches, grazing sheep and goats, and rolling fields that capture the essence of rural Crete. The plateau’s winter months often cloak the mountains in glimmering snow, creating a breathtaking contrast with the green plains below. You’ll also drive past two legendary sites of Greek mythology: the Zeus Cave, where the king of the gods was said to be raised in secret, and Kronos Cave, steeped in local lore. Zues Cave is currently closed for restoration, so we won’t stop, but you’ll have the chance to admire the rugged terrain and imagine the ancient legends that unfold in these dramatic landscapes — a truly unforgettable journey through Crete’s natural and mythological wonders.

Monastery Vidiani

30m
Admission ticket included

A Sacred Haven of the Lassithi Mountains: Tucked away in the tranquil Lassithi Plateau, the Vidiani Monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and built atop the ruins of a 14th-century monastery, preserving centuries of spiritual heritage. This serene retreat is famous for the bees that create honeycombs on the monastery walls, and for its peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. The complex features two charming churches, a small Natural History Museum with local wildlife exhibits, and free-roaming chickens and ducks that enhance its rural charm. As a special highlight, you’ll discover a secret known only to the monks, adding a unique and unforgettable touch to this spiritual sanctuary.

Cave of Zeus (Pass by)

Where the King of the Gods Was Raised: While driving through the dramatic Lassithi Plateau, you’ll pass by the legendary Zeus Cave, where mythology tells us the mighty god Zeus was raised in secret to protect him from his father, Kronos. Nestled high in the rugged mountains, the cave has inspired generations with its mysterious stalactites and ancient legends. Although the cave is currently closed for restoration, you’ll still have the chance to pass it by and admire the surrounding landscape, imagining the hidden world where the king of the gods spent his earliest days.

Kronio Caves (Pass by)

Legends of the Titan King: As you travel through the Lassithi Plateau, you’ll pass by Kronos Cave, tied to the ancient myths of the Titan king, Kronos. Nestled in the rugged mountains, the cave is steeped in legend, said to be a place of ancient rituals and secret gatherings of the Titans. Although we won’t stop here, its dramatic landscape offer a glimpse into Crete’s mythological past, sparking the imagination as you continue your scenic journey across this legendary landscape.

Restaurant Tzanakis Michael

1h
Admission ticket not included

During your journey across the Lassithi Plateau, you’ll have the option to enjoy lunch at a charming family-owned taverna nestled amid the hills. The restaurant serves authentic Cretan dishes cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, preserving the flavors and techniques passed down through generations. From this elevated spot, you can savor your meal while taking in panoramic views of the entire Lassithi Plateau, with its patchwork fields and villages, framed by the towering Dikti Mountains behind. This optional stop combines culinary delight, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery, offering a memorable break in your private tour. Please note: lunch is not included.

Platanus Tree

A Living Piece of History: Step into the charming Krasi Village, home to the remarkable 2,000-year-old Platanus Tree, a silent witness to centuries of Cretan life. Wander past old traditional buildings and glimpse the historic aqueducts, over 200 years old, that still hint at the village’s engineering heritage. This village has welcomed many notable historical figures, giving it a deep cultural resonance. Its cobbled streets, sunlit squares, and serene atmosphere offer a true sense of timeless Cretan life — a perfect stop to admire history, nature, and architecture blending seamlessly together.

Mochos (Pass by)

As we continue our journey, you’ll drive past the picturesque Mochos Village, a serene mountain settlement full of traditional Cretan charm. Admire the stone-built houses, narrow streets, and sunlit squares, catching glimpses of sheep grazing nearby and locals going about their daily routines. As we descend from the mountains toward the northern coast, you’ll have the opportunity to take in panoramic views of Crete’s northern coastline, with sparkling waters, rolling hills, and charming villages dotting the landscape. This drive-by segment allows you to enjoy both the highland culture and breathtaking coastal scenery.

The Palace of Knossos

1h 15m
Admission ticket not included

Step Into the Heart of Minoan Civilization: End your tour at the legendary Palace of Knossos, the ancient Minoan palace that inspired myths of King Minos, the Minotaur, and the labyrinth. You’ll visit at the least busy time of the day, avoiding crowds and enjoying a more relaxed experience. While tickets and palace guides are not included, your private driver will walk you to the entrance, show you the ticket booth, or (if there is a line) provide a link to purchase skip-the-line tickets on the spot, ensuring you can enter without waiting. Once inside, explore at your own pace or hire a guide at the palace to uncover the secrets of the frescoed walls, grand staircases, and ceremonial halls. This private, flexible experience allows you to immerse yourself in over 4,000 years of Minoan history, culture, and mythology — a truly unforgettable highlight of your Crete adventure.

Location

Activity location

Aposelemis Dam
- Chersonisos
- 700 05, Potamies, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- 1 Chatzidaki
- 712 02, Iraklio, Greece
Heraklion Port Passenger Station
- Leoforos Nearchou
- 713 07, Iraklio, Greece
Chania gate
- 712 01, Heraklion, Greece

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