Full-Day Small-Group Tour in Crete & the Cave of Zeus

Crete, the largest and most diverse of the Greek islands, offers an intriguing blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural heritage. This full-day small-group tour promises an immersive experience, guiding visitors through off-the-beaten-path destinations and unraveling the island’s captivating stories. From the sunken village in the Aposelemis Dam to the iconic Cave of Zeus, where the king of the Greek gods was said to have been born, this tour invites travelers to step back in time and discover the wonders that have long captured the imagination of visitors to this remarkable Mediterranean gem.

Just The Basics

• Full-day small-group tour that offers an engaging introduction to Crete’s rich culture and history, including off-road destinations and visits to the Aposelemis Dam, Lasithi Plateau, and the Cave of Zeus.
• Stress-free transportation and tour experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, and an experienced and informative driver.
• Includes lunch and admission to the Cave of Zeus, with discounted rates for students and seniors.
• Highlights Crete’s natural wonders, ancient mythology, and provides an immersive and memorable experience.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour, but no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.

Tour Overview

This small-group sightseeing tour on Crete offers travelers an engaging introduction to the island’s rich culture and history.

The tour, limited to just 8 participants, takes visitors to off-road destinations aboard a 4×4 vehicle.

Along the way, they’ll discover the sunken village in Aposelemis Dam, the iconic Windmills of Lasithi Plateau, and the legendary Cave of Zeus.

Throughout the day, the experienced and informative drivers will share tales and trivia that are unlikely to be found in guidebooks, providing a unique and personalized experience.

With seamless transportation, a included lunch, and hassle-free logistics, this full-day tour promises a stress-free way to explore the highlights of Crete.

Included in Tour

The tour includes lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, experienced and informative drivers, and admission to the Cave of Zeus (€6 for normal, free for students, €3 for over 65s). This comprehensive package ensures a stress-free and enriching experience for travelers.

• Savor a delicious local lunch, providing sustenance for the day’s activities.
• Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door transportation, eliminating the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads.
• Benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable drivers who can provide valuable insights about Crete’s culture and history.
• Explore the legendary Cave of Zeus, the mythical birthplace of the king of the Greek gods, at a discounted rate.
• Experience the tour with peace of mind, knowing that all the logistics have been taken care of.

Tour Highlights

Travelers can expect an engaging introduction to Crete’s captivating culture and history throughout the tour. They’ll uncover tales and trivia unlikely to be found in typical guidebooks, enriching their understanding of this unique Mediterranean island.

The stress-free transportation and tour experience allow visitors to fully enjoy the destinations without worrying about logistics.

Highlights include visiting the sunken village in Aposelemis Dam, witnessing the iconic Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau, and exploring the legendary Cave of Zeus. These off-the-beaten-path locations provide a glimpse into Crete’s natural wonders and ancient mythology, offering a truly immersive and memorable experience.

Tour Details

On this full-day small-group tour, participants embark on a journey starting at 8:00 AM, with pickups arranged from hotels in the wider Heraklion area. The tour group is capped at a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Travel in a 4×4 vehicle to reach off-road destinations.

Visit the sunken village in Aposelemis Dam.

Explore the Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau.

Venture into the legendary Cave of Zeus.

Enjoy a included lunch during the tour.

The tour duration is a full day, providing ample time to immerse in Crete’s rich culture and history.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time are eligible for a full refund, but those made less than 24 hours prior won’t qualify for a refund.

The experience may also get canceled due to poor weather or insufficient participants, with alternative dates or full refunds offered in such cases.

Travelers have a generous window to cancel their bookings without penalty. However, last-minute cancellations won’t be refunded, as the tour operator needs to plan accordingly.

Unexpected circumstances like inclement weather or low enrollment may also force the cancellation of the tour, but in these instances, the company will work to provide flexibility or a full refund to accommodate the travelers.

Sunken Village in Aposelemis Dam

The tour takes visitors to the sunken village in the Aposelemis Dam, a unique and eerie archaeological site. This former settlement was flooded in the 1980s when the dam was constructed, leaving the buildings and ruins submerged under the water’s surface.

Visitors can observe:

• The partially submerged houses, churches, and roads of the once-thriving village
• Ancient artifacts and relics peeking out from the depths
• Schools of fish swimming amongst the remnants of the town

The haunting atmosphere created by the contrast of nature reclaiming the man-made structures.

The opportunity to imagine what daily life was like in this now-vanished community.

Windmills of Lasithi Plateau

The Windmills of Lasithi Plateau stand as iconic symbols of Crete’s agricultural heritage, dotting the picturesque landscape with their distinctive white sails and wooden frames.

Visitors can marvel at these historical structures, which have been used for centuries to harness the power of the wind and grind grain.

The plateau itself is a stunning natural wonder, surrounded by rugged mountains and offering breathtaking vistas.

As part of the tour, guests will have the chance to explore this enchanting area, learning about the local culture and traditions that have shaped the region over time.

It’s a truly immersive experience that provides a glimpse into Crete’s rich past.

Cave of Zeus

Nestled within the rugged Idean mountains, the Cave of Zeus captivates visitors with its mythological grandeur and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

As the mythological birthplace of the King of the Greek Gods, the cave features:

• Towering limestone formations and stalactites that drip from the ceiling
• An underground spring that feeds a crystalline pool, where Zeus was supposedly bathed as an infant
• Echoes of the ancient rituals and offerings that were once made here in reverence to the mighty deity

Opportunities for exploration and discovery, with winding passages and hidden chambers waiting to be uncovered.

A serene and contemplative atmosphere, inviting visitors to connect with the site’s rich history and spiritual significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations for the Tour?

The tour provides pickup and drop-off from hotels in the wider Heraklion area. Customers will be transported to and from the tour’s destinations throughout the day in the small-group vehicle.

Is There Any Additional Cost for Activities or Entrance Fees Not Included?

The tour includes admission to the Cave of Zeus, which costs €6 for normal tickets, €3 for seniors, and is free for students. There are no additional activity or entrance fees beyond what’s stated in the tour details.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences or Interests?

The tour can likely be customized to individual preferences or interests. Customers should contact the tour operator to discuss any special requests or modifications they’d like to make to the standard itinerary.

Are There Any Restrictions or Requirements for the 4×4 Vehicle Transportation?

The 4×4 vehicle transportation has no special restrictions or requirements. It provides off-road accessibility to reach remote destinations on the tour, offering a more adventurous and immersive sightseeing experience for the small group of travelers.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Special Needs for Lunch?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and special needs for lunch, but guests should notify the provider in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements. The tour give you a customized experience to meet individual requirements.

Final Words

This small-group tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience of Crete’s rich cultural heritage.

Guests will explore off-road destinations, marvel at the natural wonders, and explore the ancient mythology, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a 4×4 vehicle and an experienced driver.

With hotel pickup, lunch, and admission to the Cave of Zeus included, it’s an enriching and stress-free way to discover the island’s hidden gems.