Spinalonga, Elounda, Ag. Nikolaos, Olive Factory From Heraklion

Crete, the largest and most populous Greek island, boasts a rich history and stunning natural beauty. One tour invites visitors to discover the island’s captivating past, starting with a visit to Spinalonga – the last leper colony in Europe. After exploring its historical ruins, guests can indulge in a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Elounda Bay before visiting the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. The journey also includes a stop at an olive factory in Malia, providing a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. This comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable experience that unveils Crete’s multifaceted allure.

Key Points

• This 11-hour tour from Heraklion takes you to the historic leper colony of Spinalonga, the scenic town of Elounda, and the cultural hub of Agios Nikolaos.
• The tour includes entrance fees, transportation, food, and boat fare, providing a comprehensive experience of Crete’s historical, natural, and cultural attractions.
• Visitors can explore the ruins of Spinalonga, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Elounda Bay, and visit an olive factory in Malia.
• The tour offers flexibility with a 24-hour cancellation policy and a ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ option for added convenience.
• Customer feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and the overall memorable and enriching experience of the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Spinalonga and Surrounding Attractions tour is priced at €30.00 per person and lasts approximately 11 hours. Travelers have the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, participants can reserve their spot without any upfront payment, making it a convenient option. The tour includes transportation via air-conditioned bus, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a knowledgeable guide to lead the way.

Entrance fees to the historical site of Spinalonga, as well as food and boat fare, are also included in the price. With a mix of historical exploration, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the region’s highlights.

Itinerary Highlights

The Spinalonga and Surrounding Attractions tour takes visitors on a captivating journey, beginning with a visit to Spinalonga – the last leper colony in Europe, boasting historical significance dating back to 1579.

Explorers will then venture to the charming village of Elounda, where they can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of Elounda Bay.

Next, the tour leads to Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town of 14,000 inhabitants, featuring the stunning Lake Voulismeni.

The final stop is an olive factory in Malia, where participants can sample the renowned Cretan olive oil.

This comprehensive tour promises an immersive experience, blending history, natural beauty, and culture.

Historical Significance of Spinalonga

Originally fortified by the Venetians in 1579 with 40 cannons, Spinalonga has a rich historical significance that continues to captivate visitors. This small island served as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957, providing medical help and economic support to those afflicted. Visitors can explore the island’s ruins, including market streets, shops, and remnants of the hospital. To highlight the island’s unique history, consider the following facts:

Year	Event
1579	Venetians fortify Spinalonga with 40 cannons
1903	Spinalonga becomes a leper colony
1957	Leper colony is shut down
1962	Spinalonga is declared a protected historical site
2013	Spinalonga is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour includes an air-conditioned bus for transportation, with pickup and drop-off from hotels, harbors, or designated meeting points. A guide is also included, and the entrance fee to Spinalonga is €8.

Plus, the cost covers food (gyros-souvlaki and water) as well as the boat fare. This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors.

The transportation arrangements make it convenient for participants to focus on exploring the historical sites and scenic locations without worrying about logistics.

With the guide’s expertise, travelers can delve deeper into the rich history and cultural significance of the areas visited, enhancing the overall tour experience.

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Recommendations

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen to ensure a pleasant and comfortable experience during the tour. The weather in Crete can be quite warm, so packing appropriately is crucial. Plus, visitors should be prepared to do some walking, as the tour includes exploring the historical sites and villages.

What to Bring	Why
Comfortable Shoes	For walking around the sites
Sunglasses	To protect your eyes from the bright Mediterranean sun
Hat	To shield your head from the sun’s rays
Swimwear	To take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Elounda Bay
Sunscreen	To prevent sunburn and keep your skin protected

Customer Feedback

Based on the reviews, customers had mixed experiences regarding the tour’s pickup times, but overall, they found the tours enjoyable.

Some noted that the pickup times were inconsistent, with a few instances of buses arriving late or departing early.

However, the majority of customers praised the tour’s itinerary, highlighting the historical significance of Spinalonga and the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding areas.

Reviewers also appreciated the knowledgeable guides, who provided insightful information about the sites visited.

Despite the occasional logistical hiccup, customers generally reported having a memorable and enriching experience exploring Crete’s cultural and natural wonders on this comprehensive day tour.

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

This tour’s duration spans 11 hours, providing ample time to thoroughly explore Spinalonga and the surrounding attractions.

With the ability to explore the historical island of Spinalonga and enjoy the picturesque villages of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, this comprehensive tour offers an unforgettable experience in Crete.

Travelers can conveniently cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for flexibility in planning their Crete getaway.

This generous cancellation policy ensures that visitors can book their spot without worrying about unexpected schedule changes.

Whether it’s a last-minute decision or a well-planned trip, the tour’s duration and cancellation policy cater to the needs of all travelers.

Reserve Now & Pay Later

The tour’s ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later‘ option allows visitors to book their spot without the need for upfront payment, providing added convenience and flexibility in planning their Crete adventure.

This hassle-free booking process ensures travelers can secure their place on the tour without any immediate financial commitment.

Once the reservation is made, participants can pay the full amount closer to the tour date, making it easier to budget and coordinate their overall trip.

This flexible payment method caters to the needs of modern travelers, allowing them to lock in their spot while having the freedom to pay at a later time that suits their schedule and financial situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities?

This tour can likely be combined with other activities, but it’s best to check with the tour operator. They’ll be able to provide guidance on whether additional activities can be added and how to coordinate the logistics.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Lunch?

No, you don’t need to bring your own lunch. The tour includes food (gyros-souvlaki and water) as part of the €15 cost for inclusions like transportation, guide, and entrance fees.

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for people with disabilities. While the bus is air-conditioned, the historical site of Spinalonga involves uneven terrain. Visitors should check with the tour provider about accommodations and accessibility before booking.

Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location?

Yes, travelers can request specific pickup locations for this tour. The tour provider offers pickup and drop-off services from hotels, harbors, or designated meeting points to accommodate guest preferences and ensure a convenient start to the day’s activities.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The group size typically ranges from 10 to 20 people on this tour. The exact number can vary, as the tour operator accommodates bookings and group preferences. It’s recommended to inquire about the expected group size when making your reservation.

Recap

This tour offers a captivating glimpse into Crete’s rich history and natural beauty.

Visitors will explore the poignant Spinalonga leper colony, swim in Elounda Bay’s crystal-clear waters, and discover the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.

The journey also includes a visit to an olive factory, providing insight into the region’s vibrant cultural traditions.

This comprehensive itinerary promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to enjoy Crete’s remarkable heritage and stunning landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: