Discover the captivating history and vibrant culture of Crete on this comprehensive tour from Heraklion. Set out on a boat trip to the renowned island of Spinalonga, where you’ll explore the ruins of Europe’s last leper colony and marvel at the well-preserved Venetian architecture. Then, venture to the charming village of Kritsa, renowned for its weaving traditions, before enjoying the rich history of olive oil production at a local factory. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises to unveil the hidden gems of Crete, leaving you eager to uncover more.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Tours In Kritsa.
Key Points
- The tour includes visits to the historic island of Spinalonga, the picturesque village of Kritsa, and a local olive factory.
- The tour duration is 8 hours, and pricing starts at $23.88 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour features round-trip transportation, a live English-speaking guide, and entrance fees, allowing visitors to explore the ruins of the last leper colony in Europe.
- In Kritsa, visitors can learn about the local weaving and embroidery traditions, while the olive factory visit provides insight into traditional olive oil production.
- The tour highlights the rich history and cultural heritage of the region, including the well-preserved Venetian walls of Spinalonga and the ancient Dorian city of Lato.
Tour Overview
The tour includes a visit to the historic island of Spinalonga, the picturesque village of Kritsa, and a tour of a local olive factory, with a duration of 8 hours and priced from $23.88 per person.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, as well as the option to reserve their spot without any upfront payment.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a live English-speaking guide, and all necessary entrance fees.
Visitors will have the chance to explore the ruins of the last leper colony in Europe, wander through the charming streets of Kritsa, and learn about the local olive oil production process.
This comprehensive tour offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kritsa.
Itinerary Details
In an article titled ‘Spinalonga, Kritsa, Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion’, the Itinerary Details are as follows:
The tour starts from Elounda, where guests will take a boat to the island of Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe that was operational from 1903 to 1957.
Once on the island, visitors can:
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Explore the ruins, including the market street, hospital, and houses of the former lepers.
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Admire the fortified Venetian walls, considered the best-preserved in Europe, dating back to 1579.
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Learn about the island’s fascinating history and its role as a quarantined settlement for those afflicted with leprosy.
After Spinalonga, the tour continues to the picturesque village of Kritsa, known for its weaving and embroidery traditions.
Historical Significance
Spinalonga’s fortified Venetian walls, dating back to 1579, represent some of the best-preserved examples in Europe. The island’s role as the last leper colony on the continent, operational from 1903 to 1957, also holds significant historical importance.
The nearby village of Kritsa, with its steep, narrow lanes, is known for its historical charm and cultural traditions, particularly in weaving and embroidery.
Visitors can also explore the ruins of the ancient Dorian city of Lato, dating back to the 5th-4th century BC, as well as the scenic Katharo plateau and gorge in the surrounding area.
This tour offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of this captivating region.
Inclusions and Pricing
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a live English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, the entrance fee to Spinalonga, and a boat ticket.
Prices for this 8-hour tour start from $23.88 per person, with the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment. Customers can also take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour offers the following inclusions:
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Spinalonga island entrance fee of 8 euros
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Round-trip boat transportation to the island
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Guided exploration of the island’s ruins and historical sites
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply seeking an immersive experience, this tour promises to deliver an unforgettable adventure.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCancellation Policy
Customers can cancel their tour reservations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy allows travelers to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they won’t lose their money if their plans change.
Whether it’s due to unexpected travel conflicts or simply a change of heart, the tour operator understands that life happens. By offering a generous 24-hour window for cancellations, they aim to provide a hassle-free booking experience.
This policy is a testament to the operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring that guests can enjoy their tour without the stress of non-refundable bookings.
Customer Reviews
While the tour’s overall rating of 1 out of 5 based on a single review suggests potential issues, the feedback specifically indicates concerns about the tour’s schedule.
The lone review highlights three key areas for improvement:
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Delays in the tour’s start and end times, leading to a rushed experience.
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Insufficient time allocated for visiting the sites, leaving little room for exploration.
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Logistical challenges, such as difficulty in meeting the tour guide and transportation coordination, which impacted the overall flow of the day.
These comments underscore the importance of a well-planned and efficiently executed tour, ensuring visitors have ample time to fully enjoy the historical and cultural experiences Spinalonga, Kritsa, and the Olive Factory have to offer.
Pick-up Information
One day prior to the tour, a voucher with pick-up details gets sent to participants. This voucher contains all the necessary information about the tour, including the pick-up location and time.
The tour operator ensures that customers have this information well in advance, allowing them to plan their day accordingly. Customers should check their email for the voucher and review the pick-up details carefully.
This advance notice allows for a smooth start to the tour, as participants can be ready and waiting at the designated location. The tour operator’s attention to these logistical details helps to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Additional Details
The tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore the historical and cultural significance of two distinct destinations – the island of Spinalonga and the picturesque village of Kritsa.
Visitors will explore the fascinating history of Spinalonga, once a former leper colony that operated from 1903 to 1957. They’ll wander through the island’s ruins, including the market street, hospital, and former houses of the lepers.
In the charming village of Kritsa, guests will experience the local culture, renowned for its weaving and embroidery traditions. The tour also includes a visit to an olive factory, allowing participants to learn about the production of this beloved Mediterranean staple.
Here are 3 key highlights of the tour:
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Explore the well-preserved Venetian fortifications on the island of Spinalonga.
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Discover the historical charm and cultural heritage of the mountain village of Kritsa.
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Gain insight into the traditional olive oil production process at a local factory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours, unless the tour provider explicitly prohibits it. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm the policy.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible. It involves walking around historical sites and villages with uneven terrain and stairs, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. Accessibility accommodations are not mentioned in the tour details.
Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Children?
The tour offers discounts for seniors aged 65 and older, and children under 12 years old. Seniors receive a 10% discount, while children get a 50% discount off the regular tour price. The discounts must be requested at the time of booking.
Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?
Unfortunately, the tour cannot be customized to visit additional sites. The itinerary is fixed, and the tour does not offer any flexibility to add extra stops. Customers must follow the predetermined schedule and activities.
What Should We Bring for the Boat Ride to Spinalonga?
When taking a boat ride to Spinalonga, it’s recommended to bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the island’s historical sites and scenic views. Bringing snacks and water is also advised for the journey.
Recap
This Spinalonga, Kritsa, and Olive Factory tour from Heraklion offers a unique opportunity to explore Crete’s rich cultural heritage.
From the historic island of Spinalonga to the charming village of Kritsa and the traditional olive oil production, this comprehensive excursion provides an immersive experience for travelers seeking to explore the essence of Crete.
With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, it’s an excellent way to discover the island’s captivating history and traditions.
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