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From Heraklion | Knossos Palace & Olive Mill Tour and Lunch at Peskesi Famous Awarded Restaurant

Heraklion6 hours and 30 minutesDay Trips and Excursions
  • Free cancellation up to 2 days before
  • Instant confirmation
  • Hotel pickup
  • Guided tour in English

About this experience

🏛️ Private Tour from Heraklion Prefecture to Knossos Palace, Olive Mill & Authentic Cretan Lunch

⏰ Start Time: 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, or 09:30

⏳ Duration: 6.5 Hours (3/4 Day)

📍 Pick-up & Drop-off: From your accommodation in Heraklion Prefecture (From Agia Pelagia to Malia)

🚐 Type: Private Tour (Premium SUV or Minivan)

🏺 Stop 1: Knossos Palace – Step into the Minoan World

Your day begins with a 1-hour & 10-minute scenic drive toward Heraklion, leading to the legendary Palace of Knossos — the heart of the Minoan civilization and home of the mythical Minotaur.

Walk through its courtyards, grand staircases, and frescoes at your own pace using the Knossos Application and QR codes placed throughout the site for a self-guided digital experience.

🎟️ Admission tickets (€20 per person) not included.

👩‍🏫 Certified Guide available upon request (€120–€130 per group of 2–4 people).

🕓 Average visit duration: 1h15 (self-guided) or 2h (with guide).

🌿 Stop 2: Family-Run Olive Mill Experience – From Tree to Bottle

After Knossos, enjoy a 20-minute drive through the countryside to a family-owned olive mill. Here, the owner himself welcomes you for a guided walk through his olive grove, sharing his knowledge of cultivation, pruning, and the seasonal rhythm of harvesting.

Inside the mill, witness the entire process of olive oil production — from fresh fruit to the final “liquid gold” — using both traditional and modern extraction methods.

Finish the visit with a tasting of three premium extra virgin olive oils, learning to recognize quality and choose the right one to take home.

🫒 Olive Mill Tour & Tastings are included in your tour price.

🍷 Stop 3: Peskesi Restaurant – The Soul of Cretan Cuisine

Next, head back to Heraklion city for an unforgettable farm-to-table lunch at Peskesi Restaurant, one of the island’s most celebrated culinary destinations.

Housed in a restored Venetian mansion, Peskesi revives traditional Cretan recipes using ingredients from its own organic farm near Archanes. Expect dishes like slow-cooked lamb with wild greens, organic cheeses, and seasonal vegetables bathed in olive oil and herbs.

It’s a true celebration of Crete’s gastronomy — no time limits, just good food and genuine hospitality.

🍽️ Lunch is not included in the tour price and is paid directly at the restaurant.

🚐 Return to your original Pick-up Point

After a day rich in history, flavors, and aromas, relax as we drive you back to your accommodation — full of memories and the warmth of real Cretan life.

Next available dates

What’s included

  • 🚗 Private Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned premium vehicle throughout the tour
  • 🧑‍✈️ English-speaking Driver / Guide: Friendly, knowledgeable, and Cretan to the core
  • 🟡 Optional Add-ons (Extra Charge)
  • 🏛️ Entrance Tickets to the Archaeological Museum: Upgrade your tour with access to Crete’s treasure trove of history
  • 👩‍🏫 Licensed Archaeological Guide at Knossos: For those who want every fresco and artifact to speak even louder

Not included

  • 💸 Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, extra snacks, or that irresistible bottle of olive oil you’ll want to smuggle home
  • 🙏 Tips / Gratuities: Never expected, always appreciated – left to your kind discretion
  • 🎟️ Entrance Tickets to Knossos Palace: Skip-the-line access to the heart of Minoan civilization
  • 🍽️ All Food & Drinks on the Food Tour: From traditional bites to local spirits – it’s all on us
  • 👩‍🏫 Licensed Archaeological Guide at Knossos: For those who want every fresco and artifact to speak even louder, 120 - 150 Euros for a group of up to 4 people

Good to know

Duration
6 hours and 30 minutes
How you meet
Hotel pickup
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 2 days before
Difficulty
Easy
Guide
Guided tour in English
Start times
08:00 · 08:30 · 09:00 · 09:30

Know before you go

  • ⚠️ Important Information Before Booking
  • 🧍‍♂️ Physical Requirements: Moderate walking is required at Knossos Palace and the olive mill. The ground at Knossos includes steps, uneven stone paths, and limited shaded areas.
  • ♿ Accessibility: Unfortunately, the archaeological site of Knossos and the olive mill are not wheelchair accessible due to their terrain and layout.
  • 👶 Children & Families: Infant and child seats are available upon request at no extra charge. This tour is suitable for families with children who enjoy interactive and cultural experiences.
  • ☀️ Health & Comfort: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen — especially during summer months when temperatures can exceed 35°C.
  • 💧 Hydration: Bottled water is provided during transfers, but it’s advised to carry an extra bottle while walking through Knossos Palace.
  • 🚫 Mobility Issues: Travelers with limited mobility or balance difficulties may find some areas at Knossos challenging to navigate.
  • 🕰️ Timing: Total duration of 8–9 hours includes driving time and free time for lunch; tour pace is relaxed but steady.
  • 👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes: You'll be wandering through ancient ruins and lively city streets — not the time for stilettos or brand-new sandals.
  • 🧴 Sunscreen & Hat: The Cretan sun is generous... and relentless. A hat and some SPF will keep you smiling in those Knossos courtyards.
  • 🧊 Reusable Water Bottle: Stay refreshed the smart way — many stops offer refills, and it’s better for the island.
  • 📸 Camera or Smartphone: From Minoan frescoes to baklava close-ups — you’ll want to remember it all.
  • 💶 Small Cash & Card: Just in case something tasty or handmade tempts you outside the planned tastings.
  • 🧥 Light Jacket (Spring & Autumn): Crete can surprise you with a breeze, especially in the mornings or late afternoons.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 2 days before the experience starts.

  • 2 days or more before: full refund
  • 24–47 hours before: 50% refund
  • Less than 1 day before: no refund

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Provided by
Luxury Services Crete

Frequently asked questions

How long does this experience last?

It lasts 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Can I cancel this booking?

Free cancellation up to 2 days before the experience starts. 2 days or more before: full refund · 24–47 hours before: 50% refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund

Is this experience guided, and in what language?

Guided tour in English

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes — hotel pickup is included.

Still have a question?

Message our team on WhatsApp — we can help with dates, group bookings and anything else before you book.

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From AED 230 per person (7 travelers)Free cancellation