Elounda, Spinalonga Island, and Agios Nikolaos offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can embark on a scenic boat ride to the once-notorious Spinalonga Island, where they’ll uncover the haunting past of its former leper colony. After exploring the island’s rich heritage, they’ll discover the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, with its picturesque lake, quaint streets, and inviting waterfront cafes. This tour promises to showcase the best of Crete’s remarkable landscapes and uncover the region’s fascinating stories. Those eager to delve deeper into this captivating destination won’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy this remarkable journey.
Key Points
- Explore the historic Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony, on a scenic boat ride from Elounda.
- Discover the quaint town of Agios Nikolaos with its charming lakefront promenade, local shops, and traditional Greek dining.
- Experience an 8-hour private group tour covering the highlights of Elounda, Spinalonga, and Agios Nikolaos.
- Benefit from flexible cancellation, no upfront payment, and convenient pickup options.
- Budget for additional costs like Spinalonga entrance fees and local spending on souvenirs, food, and drinks.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour offers a captivating exploration of the picturesque Elounda region, Spinalonga Island, and the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, all within an 8-hour itinerary.
The tour is priced at $520.98 for a group of up to 11 participants, providing a private and personalized experience.
Guests will be picked up from their accommodation in Heraklion between 8:00-12:00 and returned between 20:00-22:00, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s itinerary highlights a captivating boat cruise from Elounda to the mystical Spinalonga Island, followed by a visit to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. Guests can explore picture-perfect beaches, a serene lake, and the town’s picturesque cobblestone streets, local shops, and cafes.
The key highlights include:
- Scenic boat ride to the historic Spinalonga Island.
- Guided tour of Spinalonga’s captivating past as a leper colony.
- Strolling through the quaint streets of Agios Nikolaos, admiring the charming architecture and local shops.
- Enjoying the serene beauty of Agios Nikolaos’ famous lake, surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
This comprehensive tour provides a perfect blend of history, nature, and local culture, making it an unforgettable experience.
Transportation and Amenities
Although this is a private group experience accommodating up to 11 persons, the tour provides an excellent English-speaking driver and a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Passengers can stay connected throughout the tour with the free Wi-Fi provided on board. To ensure a refreshing experience, each guest receives a complimentary bottle of water.
For families or groups with young children, child seats are available upon request.
On top of that, the vehicle is regularly disinfected, and antiseptics are provided to prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants.
This comprehensive transportation and amenities package elevates the overall tour experience.
Costs and Fees
Visitors to the Elounda, Spinalonga Island, and Agios Nikolaos tour can expect to pay an entrance fee of €8 per person to access Spinalonga Island, as well as a €10 per person boat trip from Elounda to the island.
Plus, guests should budget for any local spending, such as souvenirs, food, and drinks, which aren’t included in the tour price. All applicable taxes of 24% are already incorporated into the overall tour cost.
The key costs and fees include:
- Spinalonga Island entrance fee: €8 per person
- Boat trip from Elounda to Spinalonga: €10 per person
- Estimated local cash needed for souvenirs, food, and drinks
- 24% taxes included in the tour price
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel their tour at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Those who cancel less than 48 hours in advance will receive a 50% refund, while no-shows won’t be eligible for any refund.
This flexible cancellation policy allows guests to book their tour with confidence, knowing they can easily adjust their plans if needed.
The tour operator understands that travel plans can change, so they’ve implemented this fair and transparent policy to provide a hassle-free experience.
Customers can rest assured that their booking is protected, and they can plan their trip without worrying about unexpected changes.
Pickup Locations
The tour offers pickup locations from a variety of convenient spots, including the Cruise Ship Port, Hotels, Villas, and the City Centre. This flexibility ensures that travelers can seamlessly begin their Elounda, Spinalonga Island, and Agios Nikolaos adventure from their preferred starting point.
The pickup locations include:
- Cruise Ship Port: For those arriving by cruise ship, the tour offers a convenient pickup directly from the port.
- Hotels: Travelers staying at hotels in the area can be picked up directly from their accommodation.
- Villas: Guests at private villas can also arrange for a pickup from their villa’s doorstep.
- City Centre: Those exploring Crete’s cities can join the tour from the central meeting point in the city.
This wide range of pickup options caters to the diverse needs of travelers, making the tour accessible and hassle-free.
Boat Cruise to Spinalonga
From the various pickup locations, participants embark on a scenic boat cruise from Elounda to the captivating island of Spinalonga. This 10-minute boat ride offers stunning views of the Mirabello Gulf and the rugged coastline.
Upon arrival at Spinalonga, visitors can explore the island’s rich history, including its time as a leper colony. The guided tour provides insights into the island’s past while allowing ample time for independent exploration.
Travelers can wander through the well-preserved Venetian fortifications, visit historical sites, and soak in the island’s serene atmosphere.
The boat cruise back to Elounda completes this immersive experience, leaving participants with lasting memories of Spinalonga’s unique blend of natural beauty and captivating history.
Exploring Agios Nikolaos
After exploring the captivating island of Spinalonga, the tour then continues to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. Situated along the shores of a tranquil lake, this picturesque destination captivates visitors with its quaint cobblestone streets, local shops, and inviting cafes. Participants can wander through the vibrant center, admiring the unique architecture and soaking in the lively atmosphere of this beloved Cretan town.
The highlights of visiting Agios Nikolaos include:
- Strolling along the lake’s promenade and taking in the serene views.
- Browsing the artisanal shops for local crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Indulging in a traditional Greek meal or refreshing drink at one of the waterfront cafes.
- Exploring the charming side streets and discovering hidden gems throughout the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Different Group Size?
Yes, the tour can accommodate different group sizes. The tour is priced per group of up to 11 participants, so you can book it for a smaller or larger party as needed. The operator is flexible in accommodating your group size.
Is the Tour Available on a Specific Day or Date?
The tour is available on a daily basis, with multiple departure times between 8 AM and 12 PM. You can reserve your spot without any upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Does the Tour Include Any Meals or Snacks?
The tour doesn’t include any meals or snacks. However, it allows free time for passengers to explore local shops and cafes where they can purchase food and drinks at their own expense.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to include additional activities. Travelers can speak with the tour operator about their preferences and request modifications to the standard itinerary for a personalized experience.
What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for This Tour?
Comfortable, casual attire is recommended for this tour. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun. Light layers may be needed for boat rides or cooler temperatures.
Recap
This captivating tour showcases the historic, cultural, and natural wonders of Crete’s Elounda, Spinalonga Island, and Agios Nikolaos.
Visitors can explore Spinalonga’s haunting past as a leper colony, then enjoy the charming ambiance of Agios Nikolaos, with its picturesque lake and inviting waterfront cafes.
This unforgettable experience offers a unique glimpse into Crete’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
