Heraklion: Spinalonga Only French Guide Lunch in Restaurant

Exploring the captivating island of Spinalonga is a must-do activity for visitors to Heraklion. This full-day tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the island’s fascinating past as a former leper colony and Venetian fortress, led by a knowledgeable French-speaking guide. Guests can look forward to a scenic boat cruise, a guided walking tour, and a leisurely lunch at a traditional restaurant in the picturesque town of Elounda. With convenient pickup and a flexible cancellation policy, this excursion promises to be a memorable adventure. But there’s more to discover about this captivating island getaway.

Key Points

• The tour includes a guided walking tour of the former leper colony of Spinalonga, with an expert French-speaking guide and audio assistance provided.
• Lunch is included at a traditional restaurant in Elounda, offering meal options and drinks, as well as an opportunity for swimming.
• Pickup and drop-off are provided from 40 locations across various towns, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the tour.
• The tour package includes transportation via air-conditioned bus, Spinalonga entry fee, and use of whisper headsets for clear guidance.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and preparation is essential for a comfortable experience.

Tour Overview

Offering visitors a glimpse into Crete’s fascinating history, this tour takes guests to the former leper colony and Venetian fortress of Spinalonga.

Over 9-10 hours, the excursion includes a boat cruise to the island, a guided walking tour, and free time to explore the historic site.

After Spinalonga, the group will enjoy lunch in the picturesque town of Elounda and have the opportunity to swim.

The tour also features a visit to Agios Nikolaos, where travelers can browse the shops and take in the local atmosphere.

With an expert French-speaking guide and audio assistance, this comprehensive experience provides an immersive look at some of Crete’s most fascinating destinations.

Booking and Cancellation

To book this tour, visitors don’t need to pay upfront. They can simply reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund.

Pickup details, including 40 different locations across Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, and Amnissos, will be sent via email the day before the tour.

This ensures convenient transportation to and from the tour sites, making it easy for travelers to join the experience.

Pickup Information

The tour offers pickup from a variety of locations across Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, and Amnissos.

In total, there are 40 pickup options, including various hotels and bus stops. The exact pickup details will be sent via email the day before the tour.

This convenient pickup service ensures a hassle-free start to the day’s activities. Guests simply need to wait at their designated pickup location, and the air-conditioned bus will arrive to transport them to the first stop on the itinerary.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup from one of the 40 available locations, including hotels and bus stops across Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, and Amnissos.

Guests will then travel by air-conditioned bus to Spinalonga, where they’ll take a 20-minute boat cruise.

A 1.5-hour guided walking tour follows, providing a detailed exploration of the former leper colony and Venetian fortress.

After the tour, the group will head to Elounda for a 2-hour lunch and swimming break at a traditional restaurant.

The final stop is Agios Nikolaos, where travelers will have 1.5 hours of free time to explore and shop.

Inclusions

Inclusion in the tour package encompasses hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation via air-conditioned bus, a French-led guided walking tour of Spinalonga, and use of whisper headsets for clear guidance.

Lunch at a traditional restaurant with options for fish, pork, or vegetarian meals is provided, along with drinks. The Spinalonga entry fee of €8 is also included.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear, and beach attire.

Infants will sit with their parents on the bus, as no separate seats are provided.

Important Information

Although the tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the historical site of Spinalonga, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sun hats, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and beachwear. Infants will sit with their parents on the bus, as no separate seats are provided.

The tour’s schedule allows for free time in Agios Nikolaos, where visitors can explore and shop at their leisure.

Pricing

The tour’s pricing starts at $83.95 per person, making it an affordable option for travelers exploring the historical site of Spinalonga and the surrounding areas.

This includes pick-up and drop-off from various locations in the region, as well as an air-conditioned bus for transportation.

The package also covers the guided walking tour of Spinalonga, with the use of whisper headsets to ensure clear guidance.

Lunch at a traditional restaurant in Elounda, with options for fish, pork, or vegetarian meals, and drinks, is also included in the price.

The tour offers great value for the duration and activities provided, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive Spinalonga experience.

Availability

According to the tour details, the Spinalonga excursion from Heraklion offers availability across a range of pickup locations.

Guests can be picked up from 40 different spots, including various hotels and bus stops in Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, and Amnissos.

The exact pickup details are sent via email the day before the tour. The transportation is provided by an air-conditioned bus, ensuring a comfortable journey.

The booking process is flexible, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later without any upfront payment required.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed on this tour. The tour includes a traditional lunch at a restaurant in Elounda, as well as drinks at the restaurant. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

There is no information provided about discounts for seniors or children. The tour details indicate the standard price is $83.95 per person, with no mention of any age-related pricing variations.

Can I Extend My Stay on Spinalonga After the Tour?

No, the tour does not allow visitors to extend their stay on Spinalonga after the guided tour. The itinerary is fixed, and participants must return to the bus at the scheduled time to continue the tour program.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour does not offer the option to customize the itinerary. It’s a set package that includes the boat cruise, guided tour, lunch, and free time in Agios Nikolaos. Extending the stay on Spinalonga is not possible after the tour.

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the tour. Visitors can capture photos during the boat cruise, guided tour of Spinalonga, and free time in Agios Nikolaos. However, there may be some restrictions in certain areas – participants should check with the guide.

Recap

The Spinalonga excursion from Heraklion offers a captivating way to explore the island’s rich history as a former leper colony and Venetian fortress. With a knowledgeable French-speaking guide, a scenic boat cruise, and a leisurely lunch at a traditional restaurant, this tour provides a memorable adventure. The convenient pickup options and flexible cancellation policy make it an accessible and hassle-free experience for visitors.