Unique Minoan Crete: Zeus Cave, Winery Visit, Knossos Palace
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Unique Minoan Crete: Zeus Cave, Winery Visit, Knossos Palace

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(5 reviews)
7h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

*A CERTIFIED GUIDE TO ZEUS CAVE AND KNOSSOS IS NOT INCLUDED*

Indulge in personalized service from our top local drivers with specialist knowledge in the comfort of a chauffeured luxury vehicle.

Take in the stellar ruins and sumptuous frescoes of the Palace of Knossos, appreciating it in a way that few will have the opportunity to do. Immerse yourself in labyrinthine wonder as we transport you back to a time when myth and history were indistinguishable.
Where there is culture, there is wine. Let us take you to the heart of Central Crete and specifically to the enchanting valley of Peza, a rich Minoan land with olive groves and red soils. Here you will discover a winery to taste Cretan indigenous varieties with divine aromas and flavors.

Visit Lasithi Plateau, at 835 meters above sea level, and be speechless with the beautiful surroundings and the archaeological structures of the villages. Be brave to walk up the hill and Visit Psychro Cave, the birthplace of Zeus, and live the myth.

Available options

Elounda - Agios Nikolaos Area

Pick-up Areas: Elounda, Plaka, Agios Nikolaos<br/>Private<br/>Duration: 9 hours<br/>Lunch: Four-course meal with wine at the beautiful village of Archanes<br/>Premium SUV Vehicles<br/>Pickup included

Pick-up Heraklion Area

Pick-up Areas: Agia Pelagia, Amoudara, Heraklion, Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Analipsi, Anisaras, Herasonissos, Stalis, Malia <br/>Private Tour: Maximum 4 people per vehicle<br/>Duration: 8 hours<br/>Traditional Lunch<br/>Premium Vehicle: 4WD SUV<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Complementary bottle of water
Private Wine Tasting of 5 Indigenous varieties
Air-conditioned vehicle
Full Course Traditional Lunch
Winery and Cellar Tour - Wine Tasting of 5 Indigenous Varieties.

Detailed itinerary

1

On the way back we will drive towards the villages of Mochos and Krasi and visit the oldest plane tree in Crete! In the center of village KRASI "PLATANOS" a tree over 2000 years old! 24 men hold around it! 1 hour • Free Admission Ticket

2
Stop 2

Our next stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, inhabited and run by nuns. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes, and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.

3

Then we head to Lassithi Plateau, which is situated 850 m. higher than the sea level. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau. Pass by old villages and the fertile valley of the Lasithi Plateau.

4

Stop for lunch at the very best restaurant in the area with home-cooked meals. Four-course menu and wine.

5

The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.
Note: there is a 10-15 min walk uphill to reach Cave and then we have around 100 steps down to get in and explore the Cave. You can also hire a small donkey from a local guide to get you up and down the hill for an extra charge. • Admission Ticket Not Included

6

Visiting one of the oldest and most well-known wineries in Kounavoi Village, 30 kilometers from Heraklion city. Arriving at the winery a host of the premises will arrange for you to join the vineyard tour as well as the cellar tour and then will arrange you a private table to proceed with a tasting. The wine tasting will consist of five (5) indigenous varieties.
A perfect place to relax with great views.

7
Stop 7

Knossos is the main Bronze Age archaeological site at Heraklion, a modern port city on the north-central coast of Crete. The site was excavated and the palace complex found there was partially restored under the direction of Arthur Evans in the earliest years of the 20th century. The palace complex is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. It was undoubtedly the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture.

In order to purchase tickets online for the archeological site of Knossos visit the official e-ticketing service of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports

What's not included

Admission Fee at Kera Monastery
Admision Fee Knossos Palace Archeological Site

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
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Tripadvisor 5.0
4 reviews
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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

This ticket includes round trip transfer from your accommodation, winery visit, tour, and tasting as well as lunch at a local tavern.

IT DOES NOT include tickets to the Knossos Archeological site or the cost of a Certified Guide to the Knossos Archeological Site. A private Archeologist can be booked for a private tour at Knossos Palace. The cost of the Certified Archaeologist for small groups ups to 4 people, is 100 Euros per group. To be payable by the clients to the Archaeologist directly.

As for Cave of Diktaion Andron entrance is 6.00€ for 8 years old and older and 3.00€ for kids up to 7 years

About Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Known as the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, it offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and traditional villages.

Top Attractions

Palace of Knossos

The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is associated with the mythological Minotaur and the Labyrinth.

Historical 2-3 hours €15 (included in multi-site ticket)

Samaria Gorge

One of Europe's longest gorges, Samaria is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Nature 5-7 hours €5 entry fee

Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is famous for its pink sands and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dakos

A traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomato, myzithra cheese, and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Moussaka

A layered dish with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains meat

Rakomelo

A warm drink made with rakia (a local brandy) and honey.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Hiking in Samaria Gorge Scuba diving in Elafonisi Beach Sunbathing at Balos Lagoon Wine tasting at local wineries Exploring the Palace of Knossos Visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum Snorkeling in Balos Lagoon Boat tours around Crete

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm, sunny weather and clear skies. It's ideal for beach activities and exploring the island's historical sites.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Greek
  • Widely spoken: English, German, French
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Crete is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use licensed taxis
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering services

Getting there

By air
  • Heraklion International Airport • 3 km from Heraklion city center
  • Chania International Airport • 13 km from Chania city center
By bus

Heraklion Bus Station, Chania Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable and cover most parts of the island.

Taxis

Available • Apps: TaxiBeat, Beat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Heraklion Old Town Chania Old Town

Day trips

Balos Lagoon
55 km from Chania • Full day

A stunning lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand, accessible by car or boat.

Rethymno Old Town
65 km from Heraklion • Half day to full day

A charming old town with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, offering a rich cultural experience.

Festivals

Cretan Festival • June to August Easter Celebrations • March or April (varies by year)

Pro tips

  • Visit smaller towns and villages for a more authentic experience
  • Try local street food for a taste of traditional Cretan cuisine
  • Explore the island's diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains and gorges
  • Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
  • Consider renting a car for flexibility and to explore remote areas
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Childs
Age 5-17
0
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 7
  • Adult required for booking
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Free cancellation available
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