Discover the fascinating blend of mythology, religion, tradition and history of the island of Crete on a day excursion from Malia to the Palace of Knossos, the Lassithi Plateau and the Cave of Zeus. This excursion will give you an insight into the ancient history of Crete as well as many aspects of Cretan life not usually found in modern areas near big cities with night clubs, five star hotels and sandy beaches.
During this tour you will see the mountains and plateau, traditional Cretan villages and monasteries, and even visit a family-owned olive mill farm with ancient and modern olive processing machines. Also this guided tour is a true journey to the origins of Crete’s history and mythology – this is one of our most varied and informative excursions!
First off, let’s highlight the key destinations on our route. Throughout this tour, you’ll have the chance to explore the following attractions:
By exploring both the Palace of Knossos and the Lassithi Plateau in a single day, you’ll gain insight into the deep-rooted traditions and compelling myths that have shaped the island’s identity for centuries. So, here’s the plan for our big day out!
We will begin our tour heading up to the mountains and discover the famous Plateau of Lassithi with its beautiful landscapes and traditional villages. We will make a stop next to the village of Psychro, which is near the mysterious Dictean or Zeus Cave. From this point we will have a short (15 minute) hike up the mountains to the entrance of the Cave of Zeus. The ascent may be a bit challenging (it’s like a stone road and steps), but trust us, the stunning stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave make it all worth it. And how can you resist visiting the birthplace of a legendary god? According to Greek mythology, this cave is the birthplace of Zeus, the King of all Gods! The cave is also of great archaeological importance, having served as a sanctuary during the Minoan period. Many artifacts from this cave are now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, adding to its historical significance. Take your time and explore this beautiful place.
We will then move on to see the Vidiani Monastery, a peaceful place nestled at the foot of Mount Louloudaki, before strolling through the charming village of Krasi. Here we will admire the ancient plane trees (the largest and oldest in Crete) and bubbling freshwater springs in the central square of this small traditional Cretan village.
Speaking of traditions, the next point on our tour itinerary will be the family olive mill, where you will have a guided tour by the owners. You will explore the ancient craft of olive oil production using both ancient and modern machinery. Once it will be the middle of the day, you can indulge in a delicious meal made from local ingredients at the same place!
At the end of the day we will visit the palace of Knossos. Located just 5 kilometres south of Heraklion, this palace holds a special place in the history of Crete.
The time of our visit was not chosen by chance – it avoids the large number of other tourists, crowds and confusion that can happen there in the morning. Also, the extreme heat of the day is gone by this time, so our journey will continue with a relaxing, but very informative guided tour of Knossos Palace.
It is one of four Minoan palaces on the island and holds the title of the largest. Led by our knowledgeable guide, we will take our time to explore all the wonders of the palace, from the majestic throne room to the tranquil royal apartments. As you stroll through the palace, you’ll get a sense of its multifaceted role as a centre of economic, religious and political activity. You’ll learn about its architecture, see ancient frescoes and a water supply system that is over 4000 years old! Of course, you can also recall myths such as the Labyrinth and the heroic story of Theseus and the Minotaur.
During the guided tour of Knossos Palace, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the palace grounds at your own pace and take plenty of photos.
With us you can go on an excursion from Malia to the Palace of Knossos, the Lassithi Plateau and the Cave of Zeus and this trip will take you most of the day. It will be a very rich day as the excursion is exceptionally good for those who want to enjoy beautiful nature and landscapes and learn as much as possible about the history, myths and traditions of Crete.
If you want to visit the Knossos Palace with a guided tour, explore the Lassithi Plateau and the Cave of Zeus, see, feel and even taste the traditional flavours of Crete, the price of the trip in 2025 is:
This tour is sometimes included in special promotions and sold cheaper for our followers – keep an eye out for discounts on Facebook!
Are you traveling as a big family or a group? Contact us in advance or visit our offices and we will try to make you the best offer.
You are welcome! We will run this personalised tour in a suitable car or minivan for you on any day. No large groups, long pick-ups or waiting – just you, your family or friends and the guide! You can ask us in advance – and we will organise everything for you.
You can book an excursion to the Knossos Palace, the Lassithi Plateau and the Cave of Zeus from Malia online (see “How to book excursions in Crete”).
In 2025 the excursion to the Knossos Palace, the Plateau of Lassithi and the Cave of Zeus from Malia takes place from 04/04 to 31/10. Available tour days – Tuesday and Friday.
Please note that trip schedules are subject to change, including cancellation. This is extremely rare and may be due to weather conditions. For example, heavy rains at the beginning (April and May) or end of the season (September and October) and other force majeure situations. If there are any changes, we will try to let you know as soon as possible.
Please make sure that you have correctly identified your vacation area in Crete and read the cancellation and refund policy.
If there is less than 24 hours before the trip, please contact the manager to check availability before you make a booking!
Firstly, you can come to one of our offices where booking for all services is available and payment can be made either by cash or card.
Secondly, in case of online booking you can choose cash payment (which is available for some areas only) or you can pay online by card. In the case of cash, we will arrange a meeting with our courier in advance, who will bring the prepared documents to your hotel or villa and collect the cash. Please note that this option is only available for bookings made well in advance (days or weeks before the trip!). In case of online payment, you will receive the tickets by e-mail or WhatsApp – as you prefer.
Please keep all documents and tickets until the end of your trip!
It depends on the location of your hotel or villa. In some cases a tour bus will literally stop at the front door of the hotel and you just have to be there, in others it may be a short walk to the nearest pick-up point. This is usually a large central street, bus stop, square, car park, etc. – somewhere where there is no risk of the tour bus getting stuck on a narrow one-way street or stuck in traffic.
You will receive full details of the time and place of the pick-up with your travel documents when you make your booking. Please read it carefully before the trip.
Not really – except in two places. From the Lassithi Plateau, the Zeus Cave is reached by a path about 800 meters long and with a height difference of about 150 meters. The path is steep in some places, but quite smooth. If you find it difficult to walk uphill, you can hire a donkey to take you to and from the cave.
Another walking tour will take place at the end of the day at Knossos Palace. Nothing serious, just a walk around the grounds with a nice path, stairs and so on.
All you need to protect yourself from the midday sun: headgear, sunglasses, sunscreen. It is advisable to bring drinking water. For this trip, choose comfortable shoes and bring some light clothes that can be changed quickly in the cave (the temperature there is only about +16C).
In the afternoon, the bus arrives at the olive farm, where the family tavern is also located. Here you can order homemade meals (from 10-15 euro per person). You can also just relax, take a walk or bring some food with you if that suits you.
Yes, absolutely. You will be accompanied by an excellent guide. We entrust these excursions to only the best guides who will tell you about the history, mythology, traditions and nature of Crete.
Yes, this is one of the most interesting and informative group tours in Crete.
Languages: English, German, French on any available day. On some days we can also organize excursions with Italian, Polish, Romanian and Russian speaking guides, so check the booking calendar or send us a request.
Please note that this is an approximate tour schedule. Times may vary depending on traffic and pick-up and drop-off locations. Exact times will be sent to you along with other information when you make your reservation and specify your hotel.
| Schedule of the excursion program | |
|---|---|
| 6:50 - 8:50 | Departure from the hotels |
| 9:40 - 11:30 | Visit to the Cave of Zeus |
| 11:40 - 12:10 | Visit to the monastery of Vidiani |
| 12:30 - 13:00 | Free time in Krasi village |
| 13:30 - 15:30 | Olive mill farm, guided tour, lunch (optional) and free time |
| 16:30 - 17:30 | Visit to the Knossos Palace |
| 18:30 - 20:30 | Return to hotels |
| Duration and travel time | |
|---|---|
| from 45 minutes | From the hotels by bus to the first stop at the Plateau of Lassithi |
| 1,5-2 hours | The plateau of Lassithi and the cave of Zeus |
| 25-30 minutes | Vidiani Monastery |
| 20-25 minutes | Krasi village |
| 2 hours | Olive mill farm |
| 10-30 minutes | Traveling between attractions |
| 1 hour | Visit to the Palace of Knossos |
| up to 1 hour | Transfer by bus from the Knossos Palace to hotels |