This Heraklion cruise offers a chance to explore Spinalonga, a historic fortified island, and the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. The day-long tour includes a delightful BBQ lunch at the scenic Kolokytha Beach, allowing visitors to soak in the stunning landscapes of Crete. With ample time for swimming and relaxation, this guided excursion promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re interested in history, natural beauty, or simply seeking a memorable day out, this cruise has something to captivate every traveler. The only question is, where will your Cretan adventure begin?
Key Points
- A guided cruise from Heraklion to the historic Spinalonga island and the town of Agios Nikolaos, with a duration of 9-11 hours and multilingual guides.
- Highlights include a guided tour of Spinalonga, swimming at Kolokytha Beach, and free time in Agios Nikolaos.
- A BBQ lunch with grilled chicken, fresh bread, salad, and a glass of wine or juice is provided at Kolokytha Beach.
- Pickup and drop-off from 12 locations, air-conditioned transportation, boat tickets, and entry fee for Spinalonga are included.
- The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
This guided cruise from Heraklion provides travelers with the opportunity to explore the historic island of Spinalonga and the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.
The 9-11 hour activity features an English, German, French, Italian and Polish speaking guide. Guests can be picked up from 12 convenient locations, including Kokkini Hani, Heraklion, and Malia.
The tour is priced from €1,203 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include a guided tour of Spinalonga, swimming at Kolokytha Beach, and free time in Agios Nikolaos for shopping and refreshments.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour includes an approximately 2-hour bus or coach journey to the town of Agios Nikolaos.
Visitors will then embark on a guided tour of Spinalonga, one of the last leper colonies, for 80 minutes.
Next, they’ll have 1.5 hours to enjoy swimming and a BBQ lunch on the beautiful Kolokytha Beach.
The final stop is Agios Nikolaos, where travelers can spend 1.5 hours exploring the town, doing some shopping, and grabbing a coffee.
The return journey back to the accommodations also takes around 2 hours.
Meal Details
As part of the tour, a BBQ lunch is provided on the picturesque Kolokytha Beach. The menu includes:
- Grilled chicken
- Fresh bread
- Salad (with vegetarian/vegan options available)
Plus, a glass of wine or juice is included with the meal.
For dessert, guests can enjoy fresh fruit.
The BBQ lunch offers a delicious and refreshing mid-day break, allowing travelers to fuel up and rejuvenate before continuing their exploration of the stunning Spinalonga island and the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.
Included Amenities
Pickup and drop-off from selected locations are provided as part of this tour. Transportation to and from the destinations is by an air-conditioned bus. During the cruise, visitors will receive a guided tour of the historic Spinalonga island. As part of the package, an enjoyable BBQ lunch with a glass of wine or juice is included at the scenic Kolokytha Beach. The tour also covers the boat tickets and liability insurance, as well as the entry fee for Spinalonga.
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Pickup and drop-off | Additional drinks |
| Air-conditioned transportation | Not suitable for wheelchair users |
| Guided tour of Spinalonga | Recent surgeries |
| BBQ lunch and beverage | – |
| Boat tickets and insurance | – |
Excluded Amenities
Additional drinks aren’t included in the tour price. While the tour provides a glass of wine or juice with the BBQ lunch, any other beverages will need to be purchased separately.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those who’ve recently undergone surgery. This is likely due to the uneven terrain and multiple transportation changes throughout the day.
Lastly, guests should come prepared with:
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothing
Pickup Locations
The tour offers pickup from a total of 12 convenient locations, including Kokkini Hani, Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, Malia, and Sisi, among others. Whether you’re staying in the city center or a nearby resort, you can easily access the tour’s starting point.
| Pickup Locations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kokkini Hani | Heraklion | Agia Pelagia | Malia |
| Sisi | Stalida | Gouves | Hersonissos |
| Analipsi | Limenas Chersonisou | Koutouloufari | Lyttos Beach |
The wide range of pickup options ensures that you can join the tour conveniently from your accommodation, making it a hassle-free experience.
Cancellation Policy
The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides customers with peace of mind and the ability to adjust their plans if necessary.
Some key points about the cancellation policy:
-
Customers can cancel their booking and receive a 100% refund if they do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
-
This flexible policy helps accommodate any last-minute changes in travel plans.
-
The free cancellation ensures that customers don’t lose their money if they’re unable to participate in the tour for any reason.
Customer Feedback
Based on feedback from over 260 customers, the Heraklion Cruise with BBQ Lunch tour earns a solid overall rating of 4.2 out of 5.
Travelers praised the efficient pickups, informative guide, and the relaxing boat tour that showcased the beautiful Spinalonga island and Kolokytha beach. Many highlighted the highlight of the BBQ lunch on the beach.
However, some noted the long commute time with multiple vehicle changes, so it’s advised to bring comfortable clothing and be prepared for an extended day of travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Reliable Is the Boat Transportation?
The boat transportation appears reliable based on the 4.2/5 overall rating and positive customer feedback. With included liability insurance, the boat tour seems well-organized and safe for the majority of travelers.
Are There Any Tour Options for Solo Travelers?
Yes, the tour offers options for solo travelers. The activity is available for individual bookings, and the tour price is per person, making it suitable for those traveling on their own.
Can the Cruise Accommodate Large Groups or Families?
The cruise can accommodate large groups and families. It offers pickup from multiple locations and includes a guided tour, BBQ lunch, and round-trip transportation, making it a convenient option for groups.
What Are the Accessibility Options for Disabled Passengers?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with recent surgeries. Limited accessibility options are available. Passengers with special needs should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss potential accommodations.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
There are no specific student or senior discounts mentioned for this tour. However, the tour provider may offer general discounts which can be checked at the time of booking. Customers should inquire about any applicable discounts when making their reservation.
Recap
This captivating cruise offers a chance to explore Spinalonga’s historic island and the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. Enjoy a delightful BBQ lunch at Kolokytha Beach, and soak in the stunning landscapes of Crete. With transportation, guided tours, and ample time for swimming and relaxation, it’s a perfect day out for a memorable experience.