The Full Day Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa, and Olive Tour offers a captivating journey through Crete’s rich history and culture. Travelers will explore the haunting ruins of Spinalonga, a former leper colony, before discovering the charming fishing village of Elounda and the picturesque beauty of Agios Nikolaos. The tour also includes a visit to the traditional village of Kritsa and the Vassilakis Estate for an olive oil tasting, providing a deeper understanding of Crete’s culinary heritage. With a range of inclusions and optional add-ons, this tour promises an immersive experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of Crete’s captivating stories.
Key Points
- This full-day tour covers historical sites like Spinalonga, a former leper colony, as well as the charming towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.
- The tour includes a visit to the Vassilakis Estate to learn about Crete’s olive oil production and taste award-winning products.
- Participants can explore the Byzantine church and traditional architecture in the village of Kritsa.
- The tour offers free pickup from 12 locations and transportation in a VIP mini bus with a licensed guide.
- The price includes admission to Spinalonga and offers up to 11% savings for groups of up to 10 people.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The ‘Spinalonga Ag Nikolaos Kritsa Olive Tour’ offers a full-day experience that covers historical sites, charming towns, and an olive oil estate, promising savings of up to 11% from the original price of $980.12 per group (up to 10 participants).
This 8-hour tour allows for convenient cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and guests can reserve their spot without any upfront cost.
With free pickup from 12 locations, travelers will enjoy private transportation in a VIP mini bus, along with a professional driver and licensed tour guide, complimentary WiFi, and bottled water.
Itinerary and Destinations
This tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Crete’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
It begins with a visit to the historical site of Spinalonga, where guests will spend 2 hours exploring the island that was once a leper colony.
From there, the tour moves to the charming fishing village of Elounda, allowing 30 minutes to wander its picturesque streets and luxury hotels.
Next, the group will discover the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, spending 2 hours exploring its beautiful lake.
The tour then visits one of the oldest villages on the island, Kritsa, where guests can admire its Byzantine Church for 1 hour.
Transportation and Pickup
Pickup from 12 convenient locations throughout Crete, including Sisi, Malia, and Heraklion, allows for easy access to this comprehensive tour.
Private transportation in a VIP mini bus is provided, along with a professional driver and licensed tour guide to ensure a comfortable and informative journey.
Passengers can stay connected with WiFi on board and enjoy complimentary water throughout the day.
This door-to-door service takes the hassle out of travel, allowing you to fully learn about the sights and experiences of the tour.
With pickup and drop-off tailored to your location, this tour offers a seamless and convenient way to explore the highlights of Crete.
Inclusions and Optional Add-ons
Along With the comprehensive tour itinerary, this Spinalonga Ag Nikolaos Kritsa Olive Tour offers several inclusions and optional add-ons to enhance the experience. Visitors can expect the admission fee to Spinalonga, a historically significant site for leprosy isolation, to be included in the tour price. Plus, a boat tour ticket to Spinalonga is available as an optional add-on, allowing guests to fully enjoy the island’s rich history. To further enrich the tour, a meal option is also offered. The tour also includes liability insurance coverage, ensuring a worry-free experience.
| Included | Optional | Additional |
|---|---|---|
| Spinalonga Admission Fee | Spinalonga Boat Tour | Meal Option |
| Liability Insurance Coverage | – | – |
| – | – | – |
Important Information for Participants
Participants should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and pack sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to fully enjoy the tour.
Smoking isn’t permitted inside the vehicle. Availability and group size should be checked for specific tour dates.
Key information for tour participants:
- Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen
- Smoking isn’t allowed in the vehicle
- Check availability and group size for desired tour dates
- Liability insurance coverage is included
- Boat tour ticket to Spinalonga (€12) and Spinalonga admission fee (€8) are optional add-ons
Spinalonga: Historical Site for Leprosy
Spinalonga, a small island off the coast of Crete, holds a significant place in history as a former leper colony. Established in 1903, it was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe, serving as a quarantine site for those diagnosed with the disease until its closure in 1962.
Over the decades, the island saw the suffering and isolation of thousands of patients, who were forcibly removed from their homes and families to live out their lives on Spinalonga.
Today, the ruins of the former colony stand as a poignant reminder of this dark chapter in medical history, and the site has become a popular tourist destination for those interested in Crete’s rich cultural heritage.
Exploring Elounda and Agios Nikolaos
After exploring the historical significance of Spinalonga, the tour ventures to the charming fishing village of Elounda, nestled along the azure shores of Crete.
Elounda’s picturesque setting and luxury hotels provide a serene contrast to the island’s somber past.
Next, the tour arrives in Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town renowned for its captivating lake.
Visitors can:
- Stroll along the promenade and admire the stunning natural scenery
- Browse the quaint shops and boutiques lining the lake’s edge
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the waterfront cafes or restaurants
- Visit the town’s archaeological museum to learn about Crete’s rich history
- Take a boat ride on the tranquil lake for a unique perspective of the area.
Kritsa and Vassilakis Estate
The tour then journeys to the historic village of Kritsa, one of the oldest settlements on the island. Visitors can explore its Byzantine church and wander through the charming narrow streets lined with traditional Cretan architecture.
After Kritsa, the tour heads to the Vassilakis Estate, where guests learn about the production of olive oil, Crete’s ‘liquid gold.’ They’ll tour the facilities, see the olive presses in action, and have the opportunity to taste the estate’s award-winning products.
This provides a unique insight into the island’s agricultural heritage and the integral role olive oil plays in Cretan cuisine and culture. The tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending history, culture, and culinary exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the tour. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the tour.
Can We Customize the Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit the preferences of the participants. The tour provider offers flexibility to adjust the destinations and duration based on the group’s interests and needs.
Do We Need to Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
No, participants don’t need to bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes water, and a meal option is available for purchase. The tour provider takes care of all transportation and logistics.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour allows participants to extend the duration for an additional fee. Travelers can discuss extending the tour with the licensed guide and request any customizations to the itinerary before or during the tour.
Can We Book This Tour in Multiple Languages?
The tour can be booked in multiple languages. Customers can select their preferred language when making the reservation, and the licensed tour guide will provide the commentary in the chosen language throughout the tour.
Recap
This full-day tour offers a captivating glimpse into Crete’s past and present.
Visiting the haunting ruins of Spinalonga, strolling through the charming towns of Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and Kritsa, and experiencing a traditional olive oil tasting, travelers can enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s history, natural beauty, and culinary traditions, making it an enriching experience for visitors.
