Small Group Tour to Knossos Palace Lasithi Plateau & Olive Mill

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Crete is an enthralling experience, and this small group tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the island’s storied past. From the ancient Minoan ruins of Knossos Palace to the serene Lasithi Plateau and a traditional olive mill, this immersive journey delves into Crete’s captivating traditions and natural wonders. With personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide and a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, travelers can expect an insightful and memorable adventure. But the true magic lies in the unexpected discoveries that await, as this tour promises to unveil the island’s enchanting secrets.

Good To Know

• This small group tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, and a local olive oil factory.
• The tour is led by a professional English-speaking driver guide and includes pickup and drop-off from select locations.
• Highlights include visiting an olive oil factory, tasting homemade yogurt and local delicacies, and exploring a traditional pottery store.
• The tour provides an immersive experience of the island’s culture, history, and lifestyle, with stops at local cafes.
• The tour receives excellent reviews from travelers for its knowledgeable guide, memorable experiences, and personalized small group format.

Overview of the Tour

This small group tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Knossos Palace, the Lasithi Plateau, and an olive mill, all within a single day.

Led by a professional English-speaking driver guide, the tour provides a deep dive into Crete’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Highlights include visiting the iconic Knossos Palace, trekking to the Cave of Zeus, and experiencing local cuisine and traditions.

With comfortable transportation and a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

Suitable for most travelers, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from select locations and allows for optional add-ons such as lunch.

Highlights and Inclusions

The tour includes a range of highlights and experiences that immerse visitors in Crete’s cultural and natural wonders. Highlights include:

1. Visiting an olive oil factory to learn about the island’s renowned olive production.

2. Tasting homemade yogurt and other local delicacies at a family-owned strawberry farm.

3. Exploring a traditional pottery store, where visitors can observe the artisans at work.

4. Stopping at local cafes to experience the authentic island lifestyle and hospitality.

The tour also includes Knossos Palace tickets, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional English-speaking driver guide, and all necessary fees and taxes.

Bottled water and optional lunch are provided, making this a comprehensive and convenient way to discover the best of Crete.

Pickup and Confirmation

From your hotel, port, or airport, pickup is arranged for this tour. The tour company will pick you up and take you to the meeting point.

Confirmation of your booking is received at the time of booking. You’ll know your pickup time and location after the booking is complete.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems due to some uphill walking required. However, infant seats are available on request.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, this small group tour ensures a personalized experience as you explore Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, and an olive mill.

Exploring Knossos Palace

After getting picked up from your starting location, the main highlight of the tour begins as you arrive at the iconic Knossos Palace. This ancient Minoan archaeological site dates back over 4,000 years and was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization.

You’ll explore the palace’s intricate layout, including:

1. The impressive Grand Staircase, leading to the upper floors.
2. The vibrant frescoes that once adorned the palace walls.
3. The throne room, where the Minoan king would have held court.
4. The extensive labyrinth of rooms and corridors that make up the palace complex.

Your knowledgeable guide will bring the history of Knossos to life, sharing insights and stories that enrich your understanding of this remarkable ancient site.

Visiting the Lasithi Plateau

Next, the tour takes visitors to the stunning Lasithi Plateau. Situated at an elevation of around 850 meters, this picturesque region is known for its fertile soil and traditional windmills.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore a local olive oil factory, where they can learn about the process of olive oil production and sample the freshly pressed oils.

The tour also includes a visit to a strawberry farm, where travelers can pick and taste the juicy, locally-grown berries.

Throughout the Lasithi Plateau, the guide will share insights into the region’s history, culture, and way of life, providing a deeper understanding of this unique and captivating corner of Crete.

Discovering the Olive Mill

One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to a local olive oil factory. Guests will learn about the traditional olive oil production process and have the opportunity to taste the freshly pressed olive oil.

The tour includes:

1. A guided tour of the olive mill, where travelers can see the different stages of olive oil production.

2. An explanation of the health benefits and unique flavor profiles of the region’s olive oils.

3. A tasting session, where visitors can sample a variety of olive oils and learn how to identify the different notes and aromas.

4. The chance to purchase high-quality, local olive oil to take home as a souvenir.

Traveler Experiences and Reviews

Travelers who have experienced this small group tour to Knossos Palace and the surrounding region rave about the unique culture and local experiences it provides. As the table below highlights, reviewers praise the tour guide’s knowledge, friendliness, and hospitality, as well as the variety of highlights featured, from an olive oil factory to a pottery store. One reviewer called it "The Best of Greece in 1 Day!", while another described it as a "Great family day full of new experiences!" The tour earns a perfect 5-star rating based on 3 reviews, demonstrating its popularity and ability to deliver memorable, immersive experiences.

Reviewer	Rating	Review Highlight
Sarah_N	5/5	"Great family day full of new experiences!"
Andy_P	5/5	"The Best of Greece in 1 Day!"
Taylor_P	5/5	"Spyros was amazing!!!"

The Sum Up

Enjoy Crete’s rich history and culture on this small group tour. Discover the ancient Minoan site of Knossos Palace, explore the stunning Lasithi Plateau, and visit a local olive mill to taste the island’s renowned olive oil and other delicacies. With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, this tour offers an authentic and personalized experience of Crete’s traditions and natural beauty.