Crete Shore Excursion: Knossos Palace, Cave of Zeus & Village

5.0 (1 reviews) Crete, Greece
  1. Home
  2. Activities
  3. Crete
Duration6h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

This private excursion in Crete is perfect for travelers interested in archaeology, mythology, and local culture. Your knowledgeable English-speaking driver will pick you up and take you to the Palace of Knossos, a major center of Minoan trade and economy, and to the Cave of Zeus, birthplace of the king of the gods in Greek mythology.

Explore traditional villages of East Crete, including Krasi, home to one of Europe’s largest plane trees, over 2,400 years old. Enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the island throughout your tour.

This flexible private tour allows plenty of time at each site, with stops tailored to your interests. Pick-up and drop-off at your cruise ship or hotel are included, and the itinerary can be customized based on your arrival and departure.

Options

Tour with driver

With this option you will have an experienced English speaking driver that may provide you with general information
Pickup included

Tour with Guide & Tickets

Get the most out of your tour with an official tour guide. The guide will be able to provide in depth information
Pickup included

What's included

  • Guide and tickets if option selected
  • Private transportation with English speaking driver
  • Chilled bottle of water per person
  • Pick up & drop off from your cruise ship or hotel
  • Gratuities

What to expect

  1. Heraklion Port - Crete
    Pass by
    Your driver meets you at Heraklion Port or hotel and from there the day unfolds across three very different corners of Crete — a Bronze Age palace, a mythological cave, and a mountain village that feels like it has barely changed in centuries.
  2. The Palace of Knossos
    2h · Admission ticket not included
    Your driver meets you at Heraklion Port and from there the day unfolds across three very different corners of Crete — a Bronze Age palace, a mythological cave, and a mountain village that feels like it has barely changed in centuries.
  3. 1h · Admission ticket not included
    The Greeks believed Zeus himself was born here. According to myth, his mother Rea hid him in this cave at Psychro to protect him from his father Cronus, who had been told by an oracle that one of his children would one day overthrow him. The cave dates back to 2800 BC and served as a cult site long before the mythology caught up with it. To reach the entrance you can walk up the hill — about 15 minutes — or take a donkey if you prefer. Inside, the temperature drops, the noise of the world disappears, and the stalactites do the rest. The views back across the plateau from the top are worth the climb alone.
  4. 1h
    The last stop is a small mountain village sitting at 600 meters, quiet in the way that only very old places tend to be. The main reason to come here is also impossible to miss: a plane tree with a trunk circumference of 14.6 meters, estimated at around 2,400 years old, one of the five largest trees in Europe. It takes more than ten people with arms outstretched to reach around it. Beneath its canopy there are tables and chairs belonging to the village taverna — a natural place to sit down for a coffee or lunch before heading back.
  5. Heraklion Port - Crete
    Pass by
    Your driver returns you to Heraklion Port or hotel with guaranteed time - we always ensure you are back before your ship departs.

Additional information

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • One day prior to your trip, we will send you the drivre's details

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (1)
From
€253.43 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Private Tours Greece · Booked through Viator
More activities in Crete
From
€253.43 per person
Check availability