Small Group Tour to Knossos Palace Lasithi Plateau & Olive Mill

Exploring Crete becomes truly memorable with the Small Group Tour to Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, and Olive Mill. Priced at $133.81 per person and lasting approximately 7 hours, this tour offers a comprehensive taste of Crete’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Its intimate size limits group numbers to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace. The tour departs from Heraklion, with pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, making logistics straightforward and hassle-free.

What makes this tour stand out is its carefully curated itinerary, blending archaeological sites, traditional villages, and local culinary experiences. The expert local driver guides enrich each stop with insightful stories, fostering a genuine connection with the region. While the Knossos Palace entrance fee of 20 euros is not included, the tour’s overall value shines through its diverse stops and the chance to see authentic Cretan life beyond the usual tourist spots.

This experience is ideal for those interested in history, culture, and scenic landscapes. It suits travelers who appreciate a well-paced, small-group environment, with an emphasis on local traditions and natural beauty. The flexible itinerary and various stops also allow some tailoring depending on your interests, all within a day that feels both enriching and relaxed.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $133.81, this 7-hour tour provides an affordable way to see major Crete highlights.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 guests, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable pace.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes visits to Olive Oil Mill, Krasi village, Windmills of Lasithi, and Knossos Palace.
• Authentic Cultural Stops: Enjoy local Cretan coffee and raki in Lasithi Mesa, explore traditional villages, and learn about local olive oil and dairy products.
• Expert Guide: A local English-speaking driver guide shares stories about each site, making the experience engaging and informative.
• Convenient Logistics: Pickup and drop-off from hotels, ports, or airports in Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Malia.

Starting the Day at Omalia Olive Press in Malia

The tour begins with a visit to the Olive Oil Mill in Malia, operated by the 4th generation. Here, you learn about olive oil production and get to taste various extra virgin olive oils. This stop provides a practical insight into Crete’s dominant agricultural tradition and the importance of olives in local life. The visit lasts about an hour, with free admission, offering a relaxed start to the day.

Exploring the Krasi Village and the 2400-Year-Old Platanus Tree

Next, the tour takes you to Krasi village, a place where ancient history is visible in the Platanus tree. This 2400-year-old tree is a striking natural monument, and the visit lasts around 30 minutes. The setting offers a peaceful glimpse into traditional Cretan village life, with no admission fee, making it an easy and meaningful stop.

Discovering the Windmills of Lasithi Plateau

The Lasithi windmills are a highlight for their historical significance and picturesque charm. You visit 26 stone windmills dating back to the 1800s, which were operational until World War II. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you time to admire the architecture and learn about their role in local life. The windmills symbolize the ingenuity of traditional Cretan farming and are an iconic photo opportunity.

Enjoying Coffee and Raki at Lasithi Mesa

A visit to Lasithi Mesa offers a chance to relax at a traditional Greek café. Here, you can enjoy Greek coffee paired with Cretan raki, immersing in local customs. This stop lasts about an hour and provides a comfortable break to soak in the countryside atmosphere.

Exploring Marmaketo and Picking Strawberries

Driving through the villages, the guide shares stories about Lasithi Plateau’s history and traditions. One stop is at Marmaketo, where you can pick fresh strawberries from a local garden. The visit lasts 30 minutes, emphasizing the freshness of local produce and the simplicity of village life.

Tasting Dairy Products in Tzermiado

In Tzermiado, the tour highlights Cretan dairy products, offering a tasting of yogurt with honey. This stop lasts 30 minutes, giving a flavor of the island’s culinary traditions rooted in dairy farming. It’s a delicious way to connect with local cuisine.

Sampling the Cuisine in Ano Kera

No visit to Lasithi Plateau is complete without experiencing local Crete cuisine. In Ano Kera, the tour dedicates 1 hour 30 minutes to enjoy a meal made from fresh, local ingredients. Although the specific restaurants are not named, this stop promises authentic flavors and a chance to relax before the visit to Knossos.

Visiting the World-Famous Knossos Palace

The tour culminates with a visit to Knossos Archaeological Site, Crete’s most visited attraction. The 1-hour visit offers an overview of the ancient Minoan palace, with entrance fees of 20 euros not included in the tour price. The site is famed for its impressive ruins and labyrinthine architecture, providing a tangible link to Crete’s distant past.

Practicalities and Inclusions

Included in the tour are pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, local English-speaking guide, liability insurance, and refreshments like bottled water and coffee. The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with most participants able to join and a maximum group size of 12.

Considerations and Additional Costs

While the Knossos entrance fee is not included, the overall experience balances this out with the rich stops and guide insights. Lunch is optional and not included in the price, giving flexibility in dining choices. The tour operates in good weather, with a full refund available if canceled due to poor conditions.

A Day Filled with Culture and Scenery

This tour excels at offering a variety of experiences—from exploring ancient windmills to tasting local dairy, and discovering traditional villages—making it suitable for history enthusiasts, food lovers, and those who want a scenic escape from the city. The small group format ensures an intimate, personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy the landscape at a leisurely pace.

Final Thoughts on the Small Group Crete Tour

The Small Group Tour to Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, and Olive Mill offers a well-rounded, engaging day in Crete. The expert guides and thoughtfully planned stops make it a rewarding experience for those seeking a deeper connection with local culture and history. While the Knossos ticket is an extra, the inclusion of visits to traditional villages, an olive mill, and scenic sites makes it a competitive choice for exploring Crete’s highlights.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate personalized service, culture, and scenic views, especially those with an interest in history, local food, and authentic villages. It provides a practical, enjoyable way to see some of Crete’s most cherished spots—all within a manageable day, supported by knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Heraklion, Hersonissos, or Malia.

How long does the tour last? The total duration is approximately 7 hours.

What is the price per person? The tour costs $133.81, excluding the 20 euro entrance fee for Knossos.

Are meals included? No, lunch is optional and not included, giving flexibility to choose where to dine.

What stops are included in the itinerary? Stops include Olive Oil Mill, Krasi village, windmills of Lasithi, Lasithi Mesa, Marmaketo, Tzermiado, Ano Kera, and Knossos Palace.

How many people are in each group? The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Is the tour suitable for all physical abilities? Most travelers can participate, but walking around sites like Knossos may require some mobility.

Can the itinerary be adjusted? Yes, the itinerary can be tailored based on your preferences and available time.

Is the tour operated in good weather? Yes, the tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refundable.

How do I book this tour? You can reserve through the provided platform, with most bookings made 22 days in advance on average.