A journey into the ancient Minoan civilization unfolds through the remarkable remains of Knossos Palace, where architecture, symbolism, and mythology offer insight into Europe’s earliest advanced society. From May 1, 2026, the visit to Knossos Palace is offered as an optional component of this private experience and requires approximately 90 minutes.
You will discover how ‘liquid gold’ is produced from ancient times to the present day. During the olive oil tasting experience that follows, you will be enchanted by the flavors. Purchasing products is optional.
The plane tree is approximately 2,400 years old and has a perimeter of 24 meters, generously offering its shade and coolness. Some say that it is haunted by the spirits of famous writers, historic deals, and oaths kept forever.
The plateau is dotted with windmills, the most important of which used to mill grain. These imperious windmills have withstood the test of time and the battles with would-be Don Quixotes.
The route through concealed villages will lead us to a tavern offering mouthwatering local delicacies. - A stop for lunch here is optional but highly recommended.
Cave of Zeus (Dikteon Cave) — Optional visit Depending on the itinerary version you choose, the legendary birthplace of Zeus can be included as part of this private experience. The visit takes approximately 80 minutes total and includes a ~1 mile (1.6 km) uphill walk on stone-paved paths, plus steps leading to and from the cave entrance. The cave is seasonal and scheduled to operate from June 1 – 31 October 2026, subject to local authority conditions. When the cave is not visited, the tour naturally focuses on the Lassithi Plateau, traditional villages, viewpoints, and the wider mythological and cultural landscape connected to Zeus.
Leaving the plateau behind, captivated by the panoramic views, we'll descend the mountain until we reach the sunken village of Sfendyli in the Aposelemis Dam. A brief stop will allow us to imagine how life in the village used to be, where one can almost see and hear children playing in a once vibrant community.
Georgios was a great guide and had a wonderful agenda including Konoss site, olive oil factory (just a fascinating process) and a Pottery Studio. Our day was interesting, the people welcoming. In all a grat day
We had such a fun time with Dimitri. We traveled with our three daughters and he was great with tailoring our day to our kids. We saw so much and learned so much history about the island.
This tour is so educational and beautiful. We had 2 couples and George was amazing. So knowledgeable and interesting. We ate authentic food. We saw the windmills, tasted the different olive oils and honeys. We walked around so small villages and the views from Table Mountain was amazing and breathtaking. Knossos and the pots that are preserved there are not to be missed. You will miss out if you do not check out SunSud and George while in Crete.
Dimitris was a fabulous guide! We learned so much, saw more than we ever could have on our own in our one day on Crete, and were able to avoid crowds. Can’t recommend this highly enough!
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Dimitris was an amazing guide and we definitely saw more unique features of Crete, and learned more about the island, in the one day we had than we could have hoped for. For instance, we were taken to Knossos well before the crowds and practically had the place to ourselves! Can’t recommend this highly enough!
George is an exceptional tour guide. He showed us all the highlights of Heraklion and it was interesting to hear the history of most of the sites. We all agreed this was one of our better tours we have been. George kept in contact with me from beginning to end with what’s app and he was always quick with his responses. We were on a cruise and he picked us up on time and dropped us back to port on time. Thank you George!
George is an exceptional tour guide. He showed us all the highlights of Heraklion and it was interesting to hear the history of most of the sites. We all agreed this was one of our better tours we have been. George kept contact with me from beginning to end with what's app and he was always quick with his responses. We were on a cruise and he picked us up on time and dropped us back to port on time. Thank you George!
Our afternoon tour into the heart of Crete was exceptional. We started at a local olive mill, learning about production and enjoying fresh tastings. Our journey then led us through a traditional village featuring a centuries-old tree, to a peaceful monastery, and even included picking fresh strawberries straight from the field. Lunch at the plateau's finest tavern proved a real highlight, offering authentic Cretan flavors amidst a stunning backdrop. We concluded our day with an early evening visit to the Palace of Knossos, the ideal time to explore this historic site, avoiding both crowds and heat. The entire experience was smooth and perfectly paced. George, our host and guide, was knowledgeable, caring, and his passion for Crete's beauty and culture truly shone through. For a relaxed and enriching Cretan adventure, SunSud Tours comes highly recommended!
This tour lasted about 4 hours. George was great to work with. He always answered our emails with our detailed list of questions. He was very understanding of any concerns that we had considering this was our first cruise and our first excursion in Greece. Dimitri was our tour guide. He was very helpful and at times informative with some areas of Heraklion. We visited at olive press factory (Omalia Olive Press). We even bought some olive oil for us and friends. We saw the Windmills on Lasithi Plateau. Boy, was it windy but a beautiful site to see! We visited a strawberry field which we were able to pick some and eat. We stopped at a monastery and lunch afterwards. Dimitri stopped at locations for great photos. We briefly visited the little village of Ano Mera and saw the old Platanus Tree in Krasi, and saw the Aposelemis Dam. We finally stopped at Knossos Palace where our licensed professional guide, Poppy, showed us around. She was a wealth of knowledge and certainly knows her history. She was very thorough and gave us suggestions where we should take great pics. She didn't rush us at all and when my son wanted to go back to the last stop to take pics, she patiently waited for him. They returned us to the cruise ship on time. No rushing and we felt that we were able to really see a lot of the countryside of Heraklion/Crete. This was an amazing tour and we highly recommend using Sun Sud Tours for any of your private tours. Each of the staff members were so helpful, thoughtful, informative, and knowledgeable: George, Dimitri, and Poppy. Thank you guys!!! Loved it!
We had such a fantastic day touring Crete with George! Right from the start, he made us feel comfortable and welcomed. What stood out most was how he took the time to get to know us and then tailored the tour to match our interests t felt so personal and thoughtful, not just a cokie-cutter experience. We started off at the Omalos Olive Press, which was such a cool intro to local traditions. Tasting the olive oil there set the tone for the day authentic, flavorful, and full of little surprises. We then stopped at a beautiful old platanus tree and got to see the iconic windmills at the Lassithi Plateau. The scenery was absolutely stunning, and George shared so many interesting stories and bits of history along the way. Even though the Cave of Zeus was closed, it didn’t take away from the experience at all. George filled the day with incredible stops and local gems we never would’ve found on our own. The highlight for us was how the day wrapped up in the charming Stilianou Winery, where we enjoyed some amazing wines and olive oils alongside Yaya’s homemade Cretan pies. It was so cozy and warm, like being invited into someone’s home for a true local meal. Just perfect. George is more than a guide he’s a passionate storyteller and a genuinely kind person. This was one of the best days of our trip, and we couldn’t recommend him more highly. Don’t miss this experience if you're in Crete!
George's explanation enhanced our understanding of the site, making the tour both informative and enjoyable. We have a great time with him. Highly recommended!
This was our second trip with George from SunSud Tours, and once again, he exceeded all expectations! From the grandeur of Knossos Palace to the charm of old villages, every stop was thoughtfully planned and brought to life by George’s passion and knowledge. A highlight was the Greek coffee under a huge, 2000 + years old plane tree—a simple yet unforgettable moment of local tradition. The Cretan lunch in a cozy tavern was beyond expectations. Each stop revealed a stunning side of Crete, blending breathtaking landscapes with vibrant culture. Experiencing the island through our guide’s eyes was truly special, and we can’t wait to book another journey with him next year! We couldn't have asked for more!
From start to finish, this day trip was beyond exceptional! Despite the Cave of Zeus being closed for restoration, our driver and guide, George, tailored the experience with thoughtful alternatives that truly captured the spirit of Crete. The visit to Vidiani Monastery was serene and inspiring. Inside, we discovered a remarkable icon surrounded by numerous offerings, believed to have therapeutic powers—a truly moving experience. The unexpected stop at a breathtaking viewpoint was another highlight, where George surprised us with chilled Cretan rosé wine and fresh strawberries, a touch of hospitality that left us speechless. George’s knowledge, professionalism, and passion for sharing Crete’s treasures made this journey incredibly special. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide, and we’re so grateful for the memories he helped create. We enjoyed it so much that we booked more journeys in the following days, listening to George’s excellent suggestions.
After marveling at the wonders of Knossos, we visited an olive mill, where we tasted the finest olive oil and a spectacular carob honey. As we ascended Table Mountain, we felt like modern-day gods returning to their natural domain. Exploring the Cave of Zeus and the timeless villages, followed by a tavern offering an array of delicious vegan dishes, left us thrilled. Our driver, who also happened to be our travel agent, was absolutely amazing, tailoring every detail of the tour to suit our preferences. Thanks to George’s incredible service and insider knowledge, this was truly an unforgettable journey—we experienced Crete in a way that left us deeply moved!
Our experience with SunSud Tours was absolutely amazing! This tour was everything we hoped for and more. The itinerary offered a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature. Walking through the legendary Knossos Palace was like stepping back in time, and the Cave of Zeus added a mythical touch that truly captivated us. We were lucky enough to have George, the travel agent himself, as our driver and guide. His passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm for Crete made the trip incredibly special. The serene landscapes of the Lassithi Plateau were breathtaking, and the olive oil and honey tasting was a delicious and insightful experience. The chosen taverna for lunch was fantastic, with outstanding Cretan food and a view that made the meal unforgettable. As a family, we all found something to enjoy—there was a balance of adventure, relaxation, and learning that made it ideal for everyone. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants a real taste of Crete. We’ll be back!
Our family had an unforgettable experience on this tour! George, our driver/ guide, was amazing—his deep knowledge of the local history, and culture made every stop fascinating. Since we had already visited the Palace of Knossos on a previous trip with SunSud Tours, George kindly adjusted the itinerary to include Vidiani Monastery and a ceramic workshop, which was a wonderful addition. He went above and beyond to ensure we felt welcome and comfortable, sharing insider tips and local traditions. The mix of beautiful landscapes, delicious olive oil and honey tastings, and cultural sites was perfect for both adults and kids. To top it all off, we enjoyed the most delicious meal ever at a traditional tavern on Lassithi Plateau. Highly recommend for families and anyone looking to truly experience Crete!
This tour exceeded our family's expectations! We loved seeing such a variety of sites in the short time we had to visit - we covered a lot of territory! Due to our wonderful tour guide, we were able to squeeze in as many sites as possible during our time frame! Besides being a great guy and wonderful driver, he regaled us with interesting information and stories, and had answers to all our questions. To top it off, we were blown away by an amazing lunch at a beautiful family-run restaurant overlooking the lovely mountainside. Truly a day we will fondly remember for years to come!
We had an amazing time in Crete and on this tour. George was such an awesome person and guide. He is very knowledgeable about the history and island. We saw many things and enjoyed them all. From the cave of Zeus to the olive oil factory. One part that was fun and interesting was going to a small village to have coffee and to visit a two thousand year of oil tree. We also visited the Minoan ruins and he found us a great guide to explain what we saw. We went to a great restaurant where we had moussaka and lamb shank that was to die for. Can say enough about George. He is a very friendly person and very funny. We all enjoy a few good rounds of Raki and he made our stay memorable. I recommend taking this tour and definitely having George host it. Thanks again my friend, you gave us a memory we will never forget. Regards, Chris Conti and family
We had a wonderful tour of the Palace of Knossos, the Cave of Zeus and the Lasithi Plateau, where we ate the most delicious local food. Excellent tour, in the presence of an experienced guide, with his comfortable vehicle, everything was well organized. The highlight, however, was having George as a guide. Friendly, knowledgeable, he helped us discover the beauty of the place. I love this turist guide, amazing this tour. It s a day very fun, the guide was fantastic.
So glad I chose Sun Sud tours for my trips on the amazing island of Crete with whom I got to experience the authentic Greece. On my first trip I visited Zeus cave, Knossos Palace, the windmills & taste the most delicious food. George, the driver & guide was very professional, informative & friendly. Great value, I highly recommend this service.
A warm welcome from George in French, switching perfectly to English. A tailor-made itinerary, perfectly adapted to our wishes. We explored its breathtaking views from the top of the mountains then the majestic Knossos, it was like a movie. Delicious olive oils, carob honey and authentic local cuisine. An exceptional professionalism that I highly recommend George and SunSud Tours!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email