Small Group Tour to Knossos Palace Lasithi Plateau & Olive Mill

Discover the captivating wonders of Crete’s ancient history and natural beauty on this small group tour. Explore the iconic Knossos Palace, uncover the serene landscapes of Lasithi Plateau, and learn about the island’s renowned olive oil production. With a maximum of 15 travelers, this personalized adventure promises an immersive and budget-friendly experience led by knowledgeable guides. Prepare to be enchanted by the island’s rich cultural heritage and picturesque vistas – there’s so much more to uncover.

Key Points

• This small group tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, and a traditional olive oil factory.
• The tour features a maximum of 15 travelers for a personalized experience, with air-conditioned transportation and knowledgeable English-speaking driver guides.
• Highlights include a 1.5-hour tour of the iconic Knossos Palace, a 1-hour visit to an olive oil factory, and a 1.5-hour exploration of the Lasithi Plateau.
• The tour includes entry fees and offers opportunities to learn about Minoan history, traditional olive oil production, and the pastoral lifestyle of the Lasithi Plateau.
• However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and a 15-20 minute uphill walk is required to reach the Knossos Palace site.

Tour Overview

The small group tour to Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, and an olive mill offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s rich history and culture.

Priced from $111.16 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Transportation is provided via air-conditioned vehicles, with pickup and drop-off at select locations. The knowledgeable English-speaking driver guides provide insight into the sites, and admission to Knossos Palace is included.

Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most, though a 15-20 minute uphill walk to a cave is required.

Bottled water and optional lunch are provided.

Itinerary

A typical itinerary for the small group tour begins with a pickup from the traveler’s accommodation in Heraklion, Hersonissos, or Malia. The tour then heads to the legendary Knossos Palace, where a knowledgeable guide provides an in-depth exploration of this ancient Minoan site. Afterward, the group ventures to the picturesque Lasithi Plateau, stopping at an olive oil factory to learn about traditional production methods. The final leg of the tour includes a visit to a local farm, where travelers can enjoy refreshments and browse handcrafted pottery. Throughout the day, the air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable experience.

| Itinerary | Duration |

| — | — |

| Pickup from Accommodation | 8:30 AM |

| Knossos Palace Tour | 1.5 Hours |

| Olive Oil Factory Visit | 1 Hour |

| Lasithi Plateau Exploration | 1.5 Hours |

| Local Farm and Pottery Stop | 1 Hour |

Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace, an iconic archaeological site nestled in the heart of Crete, captivates visitors with its rich history and well-preserved Minoan ruins.

As the centerpiece of the tour, guests can explore the intricate layout of the palace, marveling at the advanced architectural features and insights into Minoan civilization.

The knowledgeable local guides provide in-depth commentary, bringing the site’s past to life.

With entry fees included in the tour price, travelers can enjoy this ancient wonder without additional costs.

The 15-20 minute uphill walk to the palace encourages guests to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for an engaging cultural experience.

Lasithi Plateau

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Crete, the Lasithi Plateau captivates visitors with its serene charm and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the plateau’s traditional windmills, marvel at the stunning vistas, and gain insights into the local way of life. To enhance the experience, the tour includes stops at:

| Attraction | Highlight |

| — | — |

| Windmills | Iconic structures that dot the landscape |

| Diktaean Cave | An ancient site with mythological significance |

| Shepherd’s Hut | Glimpse the traditional pastoral lifestyle |

| Cheese Tasting | Sample the region’s renowned dairy products |

The Lasithi Plateau offers a unique opportunity to immerse in Crete’s natural beauty and timeless traditions.

Olive Mill Visit

As part of the small group tour, travelers have the opportunity to visit a local olive mill and learn about the time-honored tradition of olive oil production in Crete.

At the mill, guides provide an in-depth explanation of the olive oil-making process, from harvesting the olives to extracting the pure, flavorful oil.

Guides provide an in-depth look at the olive oil-making process, from harvesting to extracting the pure, flavorful oil.

Guests can observe the traditional methods used, such as stone grinding and cold-pressing, which contribute to the high quality of Cretan olive oil.

The visit offers a chance to sample the product and purchase bottles to take home, immersing travelers in the local culture and cuisine.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The small group tour to Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau, and an Olive Mill includes a comprehensive package of services and amenities.

The tour provides:

• Pickup and drop-off from your accommodations in select areas

• An air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable transportation

• A knowledgeable, English-speaking driver guide to enhance your experience

• All necessary fees and taxes, as well as liability insurance

While lunch is an optional add-on, the tour includes complimentary coffee, refreshments, and bottled water.

Knossos Palace tickets are an additional 15 euros per person.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with back problems.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points are available for this tour, and travelers must select one during booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems. Travelers will need to walk uphill for 15-20 minutes to reach the Cave, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Infant seats are available upon request.

The tour provides pick-up and drop-off from accommodations in Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Malia, but excludes Chania, Rethimno, Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Sitia.

The air-conditioned vehicle and local English-speaking driver guide ensure a comfortable and informative experience.

Traveler Reviews and Host Responses

Travelers have awarded the tour a 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews. Guests praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides, particularly Spyros and Nicholas.

The highlights included:

• Visits to olive oil factories, strawberry farms, pottery stores, and local cafes

• In-depth cultural experiences and personal touches from the guides

• Appreciation for the hosts’ passion and hospitality

• Recommendation of the tour to others

The hosts express gratitude for the positive reviews and encourage guests to return for future tours, emphasizing the guides’ expertise and the overall enriching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Join the Tour With My Pet?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour company’s policy is to keep the experience enjoyable for all travelers, and pets could distract from the cultural and historical aspects of the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Local Residents?

The tour company doesn’t offer discounts for local residents. However, they may provide special packages or deals for groups. It’s best to check with the tour provider directly to see if any discounts or promotions are available.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility to accommodate your interests and needs, ensuring you have an enjoyable and personalized experience. Feel free to discuss any customization requests with the team.

What Language Options Are Available for the Guided Tour?

The tour offers English-speaking guides, ensuring a seamless experience for English-speaking travelers. While other language options aren’t explicitly mentioned, the hosts’ focus on personalized service suggests they’d accommodate guests’ needs where possible.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Guests can add additional stops or activities to the itinerary, like visiting more local shops or spending more time at the Knossos Palace. This can be arranged directly with the tour provider.

The Sum Up

This small group tour offers a comprehensive experience, exploring Crete’s rich history, natural beauty, and culinary traditions. Visitors can enjoy the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace, marvel at the scenic Lasithi Plateau, and gain insight into the local olive oil production. With knowledgeable guides, a personalized approach, and a range of inclusions, this tour provides an affordable and rewarding way to discover the highlights of Crete.