Spinalonga Tour With Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos

Spinalonga, a small island off the coast of Crete, holds a captivating history as a former leper colony. The Spinalonga Tour with Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos promises an immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time while showcasing the island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the serene Byzantine-era church to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s remarkable landscape and its poignant past. With a professional guide and convenient transportation, the journey promises to be both enlightening and visually stunning, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of this remarkable corner of the world.

Key Points

The tour provides a 9.5-hour excursion to explore the 12th-century Panagia Kera Church, the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, and the former leper colony of Spinalonga.
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, boat transfers, a €20 lunch, and the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the region.
Participants can enjoy free time for swimming in Plaka and optional lunch at Taverna Spinalonga, as well as experience local cuisine during the tour.
The tour is suitable for adults, children, and infants, with guided tours available in English, Italian, and Spanish.
The tour has received excellent customer reviews, with a 5/5 rating from a verified review, highlighting it as a must-do experience.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Spinalonga Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of historic and scenic destinations in Crete. Priced from €120 per person, this 9.5-hour excursion takes visitors to the 12th-century Byzantine Panagia Kera Church, the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, and the former leper colony of Spinalonga.

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, boat transfers, and a €20 lunch. While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tour welcomes adults, children, and infants.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available. Reviews for this tour are excellent, with one guest describing it as a must-do experience.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour offers an enthralling exploration of Crete’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.

Visitors will begin by touring the 12th-century Byzantine Panagia Kera Church, admiring its well-preserved frescoes.

Next, they’ll discover the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its serene Voulismeni Lake.

The highlight of the day is a boat trip to the former leper colony of Spinalonga, where guests can explore the island’s fascinating history.

After exploring Spinalonga, there’s free time for swimming in Plaka and an optional lunch at Taverna Spinalonga, providing a chance to savor local cuisine.

Transportation and Meeting Point

Departing from the Astoria Capsis Hotel in Eleftherias Square at 10:00, this tour provides air-conditioned motorcoach transportation and pick-up/drop-off transfers to ensure a seamless journey.

Guests will be transported to the stunning destinations of Panagia Kera Church, Agios Nikolaos, and the former leper colony of Spinalonga.

The return to Heraklion is scheduled for 18:00, allowing ample time to explore the highlights of the tour.

All boat transfers are included, providing a comfortable and efficient way to reach the island of Spinalonga and other scenic locations throughout the day.

Inclusions and Exclusions

For the Spinalonga Tour, the inclusions encompass a professional guide, VAT, entry fees, a €20.00 lunch, and drinks during the meal.

However, gratuities and anything not specified in the program are excluded. The tour is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Travelers should come prepared with comfortable shoes, as the itinerary involves walking. Plus, unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed on the tour.

Participant Information

The Spinalonga Tour caters to a range of participants, including adults aged 13 to 99, children between 3 and 12, and infants 2 years old and younger.

Guided tours are available in English, Italian, and Spanish, accommodating diverse language preferences.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking.

Unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted on the tour.

The overall rating for the tour is 5/5 based on a single verified review, suggesting a positive customer experience.

Customer Feedback

According to a single verified review, the Spinalonga Tour has received an overall rating of 5/5.

The reviewer, Moises from the United Kingdom, booked the tour on September 26, 2023 and provided the following feedback:

The tour was an exceptional experience, exceeding expectations.
The guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and provided valuable insights throughout the day.
The itinerary, including the visits to Panagia Kera, Agios Nikolaos, and Spinalonga, was well-organized and allowed ample time for exploration.
The transportation and boat transfers were comfortable and efficient, contributing to the overall seamless experience.

Tour Duration and Cancellation

The tour’s 9.5-hour duration allows ample time for participants to enjoy the region’s captivating history and natural beauty.

Guests can explore the 12th-century Panagia Kera Church, marvel at the well-preserved Byzantine frescoes, and discover the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its picturesque Voulismeni Lake.

The highlight is the boat trip to the former leper colony of Spinalonga, where visitors can explore the island’s poignant past.

The tour also offers the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing travelers with the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

Boat Trip to Spinalonga

Guests embark on a captivating boat trip to the former leper colony of Spinalonga, an island that holds a profound and poignant history.

The tour offers visitors a chance to explore this unique destination:

Discover the island’s haunting past as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957.
Wander through the eerie ruins and abandoned buildings, imagining the lives of those who were once isolated here.
Gain insight into the island’s significance and the challenges faced by its former inhabitants.
Marvel at the stunning natural landscapes and picturesque surroundings that belie Spinalonga’s somber history.

The boat trip transports guests to this remarkable island, allowing them to enjoy a captivating chapter of Crete’s history.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Photos and videos are allowed during the tour. The tour overview does not mention any restrictions on photography or videography. Participants are encouraged to capture their experience and memories throughout the excursion.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Included Lunch?

According to the tour overview, the included lunch can accommodate dietary restrictions. Customers are encouraged to inform the tour provider of any special dietary needs when booking the tour for appropriate accommodations.

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size requirement. Individuals can book the tour independently, and the tour will run regardless of the number of participants.

Is There an Option for a Private or Smaller Group Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum group size, and there’s no indication of a private or smaller group option. Customers can book the tour as individuals or in their own party, subject to availability.

Can the Tour Start or End at a Different Location?

The tour doesn’t offer alternative starting or ending locations. However, the company may be willing to accommodate special requests for a different meeting point if it’s feasible and doesn’t significantly impact the overall tour itinerary or pricing.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

Recap

The Spinalonga Tour with Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos offers an immersive experience blending Crete’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Participants visit a 12th-century church, explore a charming town, and take a poignant boat trip to the former leper colony of Spinalonga. With air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and a delightful lunch included, this tour promises an enriching journey through Crete’s remarkable heritage.