Crete Tour: Lasithii Plateau, Zeus Cave & Olive Oil Tasting

Walk through villages where time stopped, taste olive oil where it's made

A full-day guided tour of Crete takes you into traditional mountain villages, up to the Lasithii Plateau at 900 meters, through the Cave of Zeus, and to a working olive oil factory. You taste local olive oils and raki, learn about Cretan traditions and the old windmills, and have the option to eat a traditional lunch at a family restaurant on the mountain. Hotel or cruise port pickup is included.

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel or cruise port, then heads into the real Crete: away from the resorts and into narrow streets of villages where daily life moves at a different pace. Your English-speaking local driver-guide navigates the winding roads up to the Lasithii Plateau, where you reach an altitude of around 900 meters and see the old windmills that once powered the region. The air-conditioned minivan keeps you comfortable as the landscape opens up to mountain views.

At the olive oil factory, you learn how Cretan olive oil is produced, from harvest to pressing, then taste several varieties straight from the source. You'll also sample local raki, a traditional spirit, and have coffee or tea included. The Cave of Zeus comes next: the legendary birthplace of the king of the Greek gods, set deep in the mountain. After exploring the cave and the plateau, you have the option to sit down for a Cretan traditional lunch at a family-run restaurant on the mountain, or skip it and head back. The day ends with return transport to your hotel or ship.

The tour can be customized to fit what you want to see and how long you want to spend at each stop. You travel in a small group or as a private party, depending on which option you book, and Wi-Fi is available on board if you need to stay connected.

What’s included

• Hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off.
• English-speaking local driver-guide.
• transport in an air-conditioned minivan or minibus with free Wi-Fi.
• olive oil and raki tasting.
• bottled water, coffee and tea.
• liability insurance.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private TourUp to 30 per booking · Guide in English · 08:30 and 09:00Private tour, pickup is included

Small GroupUp to 12 per booking · Guide in English · 08:00 and 08:30Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 15

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Explore Real Crete

Is this one for you?Choose the private tour option if you want the full day customized to your pace and interests, or book the small group departure if you prefer to share the experience and the cost with other travelers. Both follow the same route and stops. The difference is who you travel with and how flexible the timing can be.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Cave of Zeus actually like inside?

The Cave of Zeus is a natural cavern set into the mountain where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus was born and hidden as an infant. It's a real archaeological site that you walk into and explore as part of the tour.

How high up is the Lasithii Plateau, and what will I see there?

The Lasithii Plateau sits at around 900 meters above sea level. You'll see the old windmills that once irrigated the plateau's farmland, and the views across the mountains are part of why the drive up is worth the time.

Can I skip lunch and still do the rest of the tour?

Yes. Lunch at the family restaurant on the mountain is optional, so you can choose to eat or skip it and spend more time at the other stops or head back earlier.

What kind of olive oils will I taste at the factory?

The tour includes tasting several different kinds of Cretan olive oils at the working factory where they're made. You'll learn how they're produced and what makes each one different.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the tour, or is pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or cruise port is included in the tour price, so you don't need to arrange separate transport to meet the group.