Zeuss Birthplace- Old Villages-Olive Oil Factory- Small Group

Discover Crete’s Hidden Corners on a Full-Day Small Group Tour

This 8-hour Crete tour priced at $131.37 per person offers an immersive look into the island’s traditional side. With a small group size (maximum of 12 travelers), the experience emphasizes personalized attention and authentic encounters. The tour features pickup service from your hotel or cruise port, making logistics smooth, and includes transport in air-conditioned vehicles with free Wi-Fi onboard.

You’ll visit Zeus’ birthplace, explore old villages, and tour an olive oil factory where you can learn about production and taste the oils. The trip ascends the Lasithi Plateau, reaching around 900 meters above sea level, to take in spectacular mountain views and discover old wind mills. A traditional Cretan lunch at a mountain family restaurant is available optionally, and the iconic Knossos Palace can be added as an optional final stop.

This tour suits those eager to learn about local traditions, history, and culture away from crowded resorts. Its flexible options allow customizing the itinerary to include wineries or archaeological sites, making it adaptable to your interests.

Key Points

• Full-day experience exploring Crete’s authentic villages and sites
• Small group ensures a personalized, relaxed atmosphere
• Visits Zeus’ birthplace, an olive oil factory, and Lasithi Plateau
• Optional visit to Knossos Palace or a winery
• Includes transportation, olive oil and raki tasting, water, coffee, and tea
• Tour duration around 8 hours with pickup and drop-off included

Zeuss’ Birthplace and Traditional Villages in Crete

The tour begins at Zeus’ birthplace, the legendary site where Greek mythology says Zeus was born. This stop offers a chance to appreciate the significance of this mythic location in Greek culture. Moving into traditional villages, the guide leads you through narrow streets, where time seems to stand still and local life persists much as it did generations ago.

These villages provide a genuine glimpse into Crete’s rural charm. The guide is known for being knowledgeable, sharing stories about local traditions and historical insights. Strolling through these authentic settings helps visitors feel more connected to the island’s cultural roots.

Exploring the Olive Oil Factory and Tasting Crete’s Finest Oils

A highlight of the tour is the visit to an olive oil factory, where you learn about the olive oil production process. The guide explains how olive oil is made, from fruit harvesting to pressing, offering insight into this important local industry. You have the opportunity to taste different kinds of olive oils, appreciating the nuances in flavor and quality.

The olive oil tasting is a key moment, especially appreciated by those interested in Cretan cuisine and local products. The tour operator has responded to feedback by adding more olive oils for tasting, enhancing this experience further.

The Scenic Drive to Lasithi Plateau at 900 Meters

After the factory, the journey continues up to the Lasithi Plateau, set at an altitude of around 900 meters. The drive reveals stunning mountain scenery and views of old wind mills, which are characteristic features of this highland region. The guide shares stories about local history and traditional windmills, giving context to this once vital wind energy source.

At the plateau, travelers can enjoy the breathtaking landscape and learn about local agriculture. The air-conditioned comfort of the vehicle makes the ascent pleasant, even on warmer days.

Optional Mountain Lunch at a Family Restaurant

A mountain-top family restaurant offers a traditional Cretan lunch that is optional but highly recommended for those wanting to experience local cuisine. The meal provides a chance to relax and savor authentic dishes prepared by locals, adding a culinary dimension to the tour.

The lunch is set at a family-run hotel, known for its warm atmosphere and mountain views. This stop enhances the overall experience without feeling rushed, thanks to the flexibility provided by the tour operator.

Discovering the Wonders of Knossos Palace (Optional)

The final major stop is Knossos Palace, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and home to the Minoan civilization. This optional visit allows travelers to explore the ruins, marvel at the prehistoric architecture, and learn about ancient Crete’s history.

The tour offers the flexibility to include this iconic site, making it an ideal choice for history enthusiasts. The guided exploration of Knossos provides insights into mythology, ancient culture, and archaeology.

Logistics and Comfort: Seamless Transportation for Small Groups

The tour departs from Capis Astoria Heraklion and ends back at the same location. Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels, cruise ports, or meeting points, providing convenience. The air-conditioned minivans ensure a comfortable ride, especially during warmer days.

With free Wi-Fi onboard and liability insurance, the experience emphasizes ease and safety. The group size is limited to 12 travelers, allowing for personalized attention and meaningful interactions.

Customization and Flexibility: Tailor the Tour to Your Interests

One of the strengths of this tour is its customization potential. Travelers can request to visit wineries, museums, or focus solely on archaeological sites like Knossos. The local driver-guide is open to adjusting the itinerary, making this a personalized experience aligned with your preferences.

This flexibility makes the tour suitable for history buffs, culinary enthusiasts, or those simply wanting a relaxed exploration of Crete’s authentic villages and landscapes.

Honest Review Highlights from Past Guests

Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides, with comments about Mike’s attentive and caring manner. Guests appreciate that the tour is not a sales-driven experience; products like olive oils are offered as tastings, not sales pitches. The climate-controlled vehicles and well-organized schedule add to the ease of the day.

Some suggest that more olive oil and honey tastings could enhance the experience, which the operator has acknowledged and is working to improve. The high rating of 5.0 out of 5 reflects consistent satisfaction.

Final Thoughts on the Crete Small Group Experience

This full-day tour offers a balanced mix of cultural, historical, and scenic sights. Its small group size and personalized approach distinguish it from larger, more generic excursions. The combination of authentic villages, olive oil tasting, and mountain vistas makes it particularly appealing for those wanting to explore beyond the typical tourist routes.

The optional visits to Knossos or wineries add a layer of flexibility that caters to different interests. The affordable price and inclusion of transport, tastings, and water make this a value-packed choice for travelers eager to see Crete’s real side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is optional and takes place at a mountain family restaurant. It can be added upon request.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the driver-guide is happy to adapt the tour, including visits to wineries, museums, or focusing on archaeological sites like Knossos.

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour begins at Capsis Astoria Heraklion.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour involves some walking but is generally accessible.

How long is the tour?
The duration is approximately 8 hours, including travel time and stops.

What is included in the price?
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, local driver guide, bottled water, coffee/tea, and olive oil and raki tastings.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, the tour is booked about 86 days ahead, reflecting strong interest and availability planning.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the air-conditioned minivans provide a comfortable ride, with free Wi-Fi for convenience.

The Zeuss’ Birthplace, Old Villages, Olive Oil Factory, and Lasithi Plateau tour offers a genuine taste of Crete’s landscapes, history, and local life, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic island experience.