PRIVATE TOUR -Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Old Traditional Villages

Uncover the authentic side of Crete on this private tour. Venture beyond the tourist hotspots and learn about the island’s rich culture and traditions. Gain insider knowledge from an experienced English-speaking guide as you explore the iconic Knossos Palace, the legendary Cave of Zeus, and charming traditional villages. With a flexible itinerary and seamless transportation, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience tailored to your interests. Discover the off-the-beaten-path gems that reveal the true essence of this captivating Mediterranean island. Ready to go beyond the typical Crete experience?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Private Tours In Crete.

Key Points

• Offers a private tour that explores Knossos Palace, Cave of Zeus, and old traditional villages in Crete.
• Provides a more intimate and immersive experience with a private guide who offers insights into local culture and traditions.
• Includes complimentary coffee, water, and liability insurance, as well as optional entrance to Knossos Palace and Cave of Zeus.
• Offers convenient pickup and drop-off service from the Heraklion Port Passenger Station.
• Received a 5-star rating across 58 reviews for its personalized and informative tour experience.

Tour Overview

This private day trip allows visitors to explore Crete’s off-the-tourist-map sites, discovering the island’s real essence through visits to an olive oil producer, traditional windmills, sleepy inland villages, and the Cave of Zeus.

Travelers will enjoy a more intimate tour experience with a private guide, avoiding the rushed feeling of a larger group. The knowledgeable driver-guide will share insights into the local culture and traditions throughout the day.

With complimentary coffee and water, liability insurance, and entrance fees included, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for those seeking to enjoy the authentic side of Crete, away from the typical tourist crowds.

Included in the Tour

The tour includes private transportation, complimentary coffee and water, and liability insurance. Travelers will also have an informative English-speaking driver guide who can provide insights into local culture and traditions.

The tour also includes:

Feature	Price
Olive oil and honey tasting	Included
Entrance to the Cave of Zeus	6 EUR per person
Entrance to Knossos Palace	15 EUR per person
Optional private guide at Knossos Palace	100 EUR per group

Pickup and drop-off locations are available from various coastal towns, though no pickup is provided from Chania, Ierapetra or Sitia. The tour ends back at the Heraklion Port Passenger Station.

Pickup and Drop-off

Pickup is available from various coastal towns, including Elounda, Heraklion port and city area, Agios Nikolaous, Agia Pelagia, Malia, Hersonisos, Milatos, Fodele, Rethimno, and Bali, but no pickup is provided from Chania, Ierapetra or Sitia.

The meeting point for the tour is the Heraklion Port Passenger Station. At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off back at the same location.

This convenient pickup and drop-off service ensures a seamless start and finish to the private day trip exploring Crete’s off-the-tourist-map sites. Guests can relax and enjoy the journey without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.

Additional Information

Confirmation for the tour is received at the time of booking, unless it’s booked within one day of travel. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available.

Walking up to the Cave of Zeus is optional, requiring a 20-minute uphill walk and around 100 steps, so suitable footwear is advised for those visiting the cave. Guests have the option to skip the cave and visit another place instead.

The tour offers a deeper, more immersive experience:

• Avoid the crowds and discover real Crete off the beaten path
• Learn about local culture and traditions from an expert guide
• Tailor the itinerary to your interests for a personalized adventure

Reviews

Visitors have overwhelmingly praised this private tour, awarding it a stellar 5-star rating across 58 reviews.

Travelers highlight the tour’s intimate and personalized experience, led by an informative English-speaking guide who brings Crete’s off-the-beaten-path sights to life.

Exploring the iconic Knossos Palace and the legendary Cave of Zeus are consistently cited as highlights, with the opportunity to learn about local culture and traditions through stops at an olive oil producer and traditional villages.

The flexibility to customize the itinerary and avoid feeling rushed is also widely appreciated.

Explore Crete’s Off-the-Tourist-Map Sites

Leaving the bustling tourist hotspots behind, this private day trip allows travelers to discover Crete’s authentic, off-the-beaten-path treasures.

Venture beyond the crowded beaches and cruise ship stops to uncover the island’s true essence. The experience includes:

• Visiting an olive oil producer to learn about the age-old tradition of olive cultivation and production.
• Exploring sleepy inland villages, where time seems to stand still and local customs are still observed.
• Encountering the mystical Cave of Zeus, said to be the birthplace of the king of the Greek gods, and enjoying the island’s rich mythology.

This immersive tour offers a chance to connect with Crete’s timeless culture and natural wonders, away from the tourist throngs.

Discover Real Crete

This private day trip allows travelers to uncover Crete’s authentic, off-the-beaten-path treasures, immersing them in the island’s timeless culture and natural wonders.

The tour explores remote olive oil producers, traditional windmills, and sleepy inland villages, giving guests a glimpse into the real Crete.

At the Cave of Zeus, they’ll learn about the island’s ancient mythology and have the option to hike up to the entrance.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable driver-guide shares insights into local customs and traditions, enriching the experience.

With a flexible itinerary and private transportation, travelers can savor each destination at their own pace, making for a truly immersive and memorable exploration of Crete’s hidden gems.

Travel With Private Guide

With a private guide leading the way, travelers can expect a more personalized and enriching exploration of Crete’s hidden gems.

The knowledgeable driver-guide shares insights into local customs and traditions, providing valuable context that enhances the experience.

By traveling in a private group, guests can savor each destination at their own pace, avoiding the feeling of being rushed that sometimes accompanies larger tours.

The advantages of a private tour include:

• Tailored itinerary and flexible schedule to suit individual preferences
• Opportunity to ask questions and engage in deeper discussions with the guide
• More intimate and authentic experience, fostering a stronger connection to the local culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Private Tour?

The group size for this private tour is just the traveler’s personal group. As it’s a private tour, there’s no set group size – the traveler explores with only their companions, without feeling rushed.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

This private tour can be customized to your preferences. The driver-guide is flexible and happy to adjust the itinerary to focus on the sites that most interest you during the day.

Is Photography Allowed at the Historical Sites?

Yes, photography is generally allowed at the historical sites on this tour. However, visitors should follow any site-specific rules and exercise caution when taking photos to avoid damaging the artifacts or structures.

Can We Make Unplanned Stops Along the Way?

Yes, the tour allows for unplanned stops along the way. The private nature of the tour provides flexibility, and the driver-guide can accommodate any requests to visit additional sites or make spontaneous stops during the journey.

Do We Get Free Time to Explore on Our Own?

Yes, the tour includes free time for travelers to explore on their own. The private nature of the tour allows for a flexible itinerary, giving participants the opportunity to discover sites and villages at their own pace.

Recap

Explore Crete’s authentic side on this private tour. Enjoy the island’s rich culture and traditions, visiting iconic landmarks like Knossos Palace and the Cave of Zeus, as well as charming traditional villages.

With a knowledgeable guide, flexible itinerary, and private transportation, you’ll enjoy a seamless and personalized experience. Numerous 5-star reviews attest to the tour’s quality, promising a deeper appreciation of the real Crete.