Crete is a captivating destination known for its rich history and stunning natural landscapes. The Heraklion: Palace of Minoa & Spinaloga/Elounda Village Tour promises to immerse visitors in the island’s cultural heritage. Exploring the impressive Malia Palace offers a glimpse into the advanced Minoan civilization, while the charming Kritsa Village showcases traditional weaving. As the tour continues, the picturesque Agios Nikolaos harbor and serene Elounda fishing village await, inviting travelers to discover the island’s tranquil beauty. With private transportation, guided insights, and all entrance fees included, this tour promises a seamless and enlightening experience.
Key Points
- This private day tour takes visitors to the third-largest Minoan palace in Malia, dating back to the Middle Bronze Age.
- The tour also includes a visit to the picturesque Kritsa Village, known for its traditional weaving and embroidery.
- Participants will explore the Church of Panagia Kera, featuring Byzantine wall paintings, and the scenic towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.
- The tour covers historical and cultural highlights of Crete, providing insights into the region’s heritage.
- The tour includes pickup, transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable English-speaking driver, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The private day tour in Crete costs €670.00 per group (up to 4 participants) and lasts for 8 hours.
Guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour also offers a ‘reserve now & pay later‘ option, allowing travelers to book their spot without upfront payment.
Pick-up is included, with the driver waiting in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
This private tour provides a comprehensive experience, covering the highlights of Crete, including the Minoan palace in Malia, the picturesque Kritsa Village, and the historical sites of Spinalonga and Elounda.
Tour Highlights
This private day tour takes visitors on a journey through Crete’s rich Minoan heritage, beginning with a visit to the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete at Malia, dating back to the Middle Bronze Age.
Next, the tour explores Kritsa Village, renowned for its picturesque setting and skilled weavers.
Guests will then visit the Church of Panagia Kera, featuring well-preserved Byzantine wall paintings.
The tour continues to Agios Nikolaos, a key city in Crete’s tourist development, where visitors can admire the harbor and lakes.
The itinerary also includes a stop at the traditional fishing village of Elounda and a visit to the former Venetian Fortress and Leper Colony of Spinalonga to learn about its intriguing history.
Inclusions
This private day tour includes pickup and drop-off from the designated meeting point, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking driver.
Plus, all taxes and entrance fees, as well as tickets for the boat to Spinalonga, are covered under the tour price. Tips are also included.
This ensures a hassle-free experience for participants, who can simply sit back and enjoy the tour without worrying about additional costs.
The inclusions make this tour a great value, as visitors can experience the highlights of Crete without having to manage multiple bookings or payments.
Important Information
Notably, this tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Participants should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes and clothes, and sunglasses. Drones aren’t allowed on the tour. On top of that, the tour operates rain or shine, so it’s recommended to eat breakfast before starting.
The tour covers a range of historical and scenic attractions in Crete, including the third-largest Minoan palace, a picturesque village known for its skilled weavers, a Byzantine church with well-preserved wall paintings, and the former Venetian Fortress and Leper Colony of Spinalonga.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore these sites and learn about their cultural and historical significance throughout the 8-hour tour.
Booking and Availability
Customers can check availability for starting times on the tour’s booking page.
Afterward, they can select the desired number of participants and a suitable date to secure their reservation.
The tour operates daily, so guests have plenty of flexibility in scheduling their experience.
Once the booking is confirmed, customers don’t need to worry about upfront payment – they can pay later.
This ‘reserve now, pay later’ policy makes it easy to plan the tour in advance without any financial commitment until the day arrives.
With multiple timeslots available, guests can choose the option that best fits their Crete itinerary and ensure they don’t miss out on this immersive cultural excursion.
Malia Palace
The third-largest Minoan palace in Crete, the Palace of Malia, dates back to the Middle Bronze Age and offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich ancient history.
Excavation work has revealed the palace’s impressive architectural features, including royal apartments, storerooms, workshops, and religious sanctuaries.
Visitors can explore the site’s ruins and learn about the advanced Minoan civilization that flourished here.
The palace’s strategic location near the sea also highlights Crete’s importance as a hub of maritime trade during this period.
With its well-preserved remains and fascinating history, the Palace of Malia is a must-see for anyone interested in Crete’s ancient Minoan heritage.
Kritsa Village
Nestled in the rugged Cretan landscape, Kritsa Village captivates visitors with its picturesque setting and skilled local weavers.
This charming mountain town is known for its traditional weaving and embroidery, which have been practiced by the locals for generations.
Strolling through the narrow streets, you’ll come across quaint shops and studios where artisans showcase their intricate handmade textiles.
From vibrant rugs to delicate lace, the products of Kritsa’s talented weavers are a testament to the enduring cultural heritage of the region.
Beyond the textile arts, the village also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the opportunity to take in the authentic Cretan way of life.
Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
After exploring the charming Kritsa Village, the tour proceeds to Agios Nikolaos, a key city in Crete’s tourist development. Perched along the shores of a scenic lagoon, Agios Nikolaos captivates visitors with its picturesque harbor and serene lakes, offering a glimpse into the island’s thriving tourism industry.
From there, the journey continues to the traditional fishing village of Elounda, known for its idyllic scenery. Visitors can stroll through the charming streets, admiring the local architecture and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
This tranquil destination provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling activity of Agios Nikolaos, allowing travelers to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Guide Included in the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes an English-speaking driver who serves as the guide. According to the information provided, the tour includes "English-speaking driver" as one of the inclusions, indicating a guide is part of the private day tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to individual preferences. The private day tour allows flexibility to adjust the itinerary and visit sites of specific interest to the participants within the 8-hour duration.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?
The tour provider doesn’t seem to offer any discounts or special offers at this time. However, they do allow flexible booking and cancellation policies, which could provide some savings. Customers should check the website for any promotions or deals that may be available.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, transportation, and all entrance fees, so you’re free to pack a picnic or bring snacks and beverages to enjoy during the day.
What Is the Minimum/Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour allows for groups of up to 4 participants. There’s no minimum group size specified, so it can be booked for solo travellers or small groups. The price is fixed at €670 per group.
Recap
This private tour showcases Crete’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
Visitors will explore the impressive Malia Palace, the charming Kritsa Village, and the picturesque Agios Nikolaos and Elounda fishing villages.
With private transportation, guided insights, and all entrance fees included, this hassle-free experience offers a comprehensive look at the island’s Minoan heritage and natural beauty.
