This comprehensive tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Crete’s captivating historical and cultural sights. It includes a visit to the renowned Panagia Kera Church with its stunning Byzantine-era frescoes and a stroll through the picturesque pedestrian streets of Agios Nikolaos around the serene Voulismeni Lake. The tour culminates in an exploration of the intriguing ruins of the former leper colony on Spinalonga Island. With a flexible cancellation policy, air-conditioned transportation, and professional guides, this tour offers an in-depth glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Continue reading for more details on this unique Cretan adventure.

Key Points

Spinalonga Tour With Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos - Key Points

  • The tour lasts approximately 9.5 hours and is available in English, Italian, and Spanish.
  • The tour includes a visit to the Panagia Kera Church with its renowned Byzantine-era frescoes and a stroll through the pedestrian streets of Agios Nikolaos.
  • Highlights of the tour include exploring the ruins of the former leper colony on Spinalonga Island and immersing in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
  • The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and all necessary entrance fees and boat transfers.
  • Lunch is an optional add-on, and travelers are responsible for the cost of drinks and gratuities.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

Spinalonga Tour With Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos - Tour Details

The Spinalonga Tour lasts for approximately 9.5 hours and is available in English, Italian, and Spanish.

Travelers can enjoy a flexible cancellation policy, with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

This comprehensive tour allows visitors to explore the highlights of the region, including the Panagia Kera Church with its Byzantine-era frescoes and the picturesque pedestrian streets of Agios Nikolaos.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to admire the stunning Voulismeni Lake and explore the history of the former leper colony on Spinalonga Island.

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and all necessary entrance fees and boat transfers, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Highlights

Spinalonga Tour With Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos - Highlights

Visitors on the Spinalonga Tour can look forward to a captivating exploration of the region’s highlights, which include a visit to the Panagia Kera Church renowned for its Byzantine-era frescoes.

They’ll stroll through the pedestrian streets of Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town nestled around the serene Voulismeni Lake.

The tour also features a visit to the ruins of the former leper colony on Spinalonga Island, a poignant reminder of the island’s tumultuous past.

Throughout the journey, travelers will be treated to stunning natural scenery, seeing the rich cultural heritage of this captivating corner of Greece.

Inclusions

Spinalonga Tour With Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos - Inclusions

The Spinalonga Tour package includes air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and the necessary VAT and legal taxes.

It also provides pick-up and drop-off transfers, as well as boat transfers and entrance fees to the archaeological sites.

Travelers can look forward to a comprehensive experience covering the tour’s highlights. This includes a visit to the Panagia Kera Church with its Byzantine-era frescoes, a stroll through the pedestrian streets of Agios Nikolaos, and the exploration of the ruins of the former leper colony on Spinalonga Island.

The tour ensures that guests can fully enjoy the rich cultural and historical aspects of the region without worrying about the logistical details.

Exclusions

While the Spinalonga Tour package includes a wealth of amenities, it doesn’t cover certain expenses.

Lunch is an optional add-on that costs 20 euros, and travelers must cover the cost of drinks and beverages during the meal. Plus, gratuities for the guide and any other items not explicitly mentioned as included are the responsibility of the participants.

The tour provides air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, VAT and legal taxes, pick-up and drop-off transfers, as well as boat transfers and entrance fees to archaeological sites.

However, anything not specified as included, such as personal expenses or additional activities, will incur additional costs for the travelers.

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Meeting Point

Travelers meet the guide in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at Eleftherias Square. This is the designated meeting point for the Spinalonga Tour.

The guide will be there to greet participants and ensure everyone has arrived before the tour begins.

Once the group is assembled, the guide will provide a brief overview of the day’s itinerary and answer any initial questions.

From the meeting point, the group will then depart by air-conditioned transportation to begin the tour’s first stop at the Panagia Kera Church to admire its Byzantine-era frescoes.

Efficient organization at the starting location sets the stage for a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.

Panagia Kera Church

After meeting the guide at Eleftherias Square, the group heads to the first stop on the tour – the Panagia Kera Church. This Byzantine-era church features magnificent frescoes that captivate visitors with their intricate artistry and historical significance.

Year Artist Style
13th Century Unknown Byzantine
14th Century Unknown Byzantine
15th Century Unknown Byzantine
16th Century Unknown Byzantine
17th Century Unknown Byzantine

The frescoes depict religious scenes and figures, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Crete. Visitors can marvel at the exquisite details and vibrant colors that have withstood the test of time, providing a unique educational experience.

Agios Nikolaos Exploration

From Panagia Kera Church, the tour progresses to the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, where participants stroll through its pedestrian streets and admire the captivating Voulismeni Lake.

This charming coastal town is known for its unique blend of traditional Greek architecture and modern amenities. The tour invites visitors to explore the area, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant community.

Guests can wander through the narrow, winding streets, discovering local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The striking Voulismeni Lake, a natural wonder, is a focal point of the town, drawing visitors to its serene shores.

Agios Nikolaos boasts a lively harbor, where fishing boats and yachts dot the sparkling waters.

The town’s rich history and cultural heritage are evident in its landmarks and overall ambiance.

Spinalonga Island Visit

Spinalonga Tour With Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos - Spinalonga Island Visit

The tour then ventures to the captivating island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony that now stands as a haunting reminder of its past.

Visitors explore the ruins and remnants of this once-isolated community, gaining insights into the challenging lives of those who were forced to reside there. They wander through the crumbling structures and along the winding paths, imagining the daily struggles and hardships faced by the former inhabitants.

The tour provides a poignant and thought-provoking experience, allowing participants to reflect on this dark chapter in history while also appreciating the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour appears suitable for people with disabilities, as it includes air-conditioned transportation and boat transfers. However, visitors should check with the tour provider to confirm accessibility accommodations for any specific needs or mobility requirements.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour details note that lunch and beverages during the meal are not included, so guests are free to bring their own if they prefer.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour itinerary provides approximate time spent at each location, though this may vary based on the group’s pace and interests. Typically, visitors have 1-2 hours to explore each site during the 9.5-hour tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There isn’t an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 9.5-hour program, as stated in the tour details. Extending the duration would require booking a separate, custom tour.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour?

Yes, customers can typically request a private or customized tour. Many tour operators offer personalized experiences tailored to individual preferences and requirements. Guests should inquire about available options and any additional fees for a private or custom tour.

Recap

The Spinalonga Tour With Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos offers an immersive exploration of Crete’s eastern region.

Travelers will uncover the island’s rich cultural heritage, from the Byzantine-era frescoes of Panagia Kera Church to the charming streets of Agios Nikolaos.

The highlight is the haunting ruins of the former leper colony on Spinalonga Island, providing a poignant glimpse into Crete’s complex past.

You can check if your dates are available here: