From Heraklion: Elounda And Spinalonga Full-Day Tour

Explore Crete’s captivating history and stunning landscapes with the "From Heraklion: Elounda and Spinalonga Full-Day Tour." For just €48 per person, this 10-hour excursion immerses you in the island’s rich cultural heritage. Uncover the secrets of the former defense site on Spinalonga, then bask in the beauty of Elounda’s beach town. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy a coffee break, a refreshing swim, and a delicious BBQ lunch – all while gaining insights from a knowledgeable local guide. Embark on this comprehensive journey, and discover why Crete is a must-visit destination.

Key Points

The full-day tour departs from Heraklion and includes visits to the picturesque town of Elounda and the historic island of Spinalonga.
Highlights include exploring the ancient history of Spinalonga, relaxing at the beautiful Bay of Kolokitha, and enjoying a coffee break in Agios Nikolaos.
The tour includes a BBQ lunch, and an additional fee applies for the boat trip to Spinalonga and entrance to the island.
Free pickup is available from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, and the bus ride from Heraklion to Elounda takes approximately 2 hours.
The tour is led by a local, English-speaking guide who provides insights and information about the sites visited.

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Tour Overview

This private tour from Heraklion to Elounda and Spinalonga lasts 10 hours and costs €48.00 per person.

Visitors can explore the ancient history of Spinalonga, a former defense site and later Saracen outpost.

The tour also includes a visit to the picturesque town of Elounda, known for its beautiful beach, as well as a coffee break in Agios Nikolaos and swimming at the Bay of Kolokitha.

A light box lunch is provided, with an additional cost for a boat trip to Spinalonga and entrance fees.

Free pickup is available from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, with a bus ride of approximately 2 hours from Heraklion to Elounda.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors to the Elounda and Spinalonga Tour can explore the ancient history of Spinalonga, a former defense site for the city of Olous that was later used by the Saracens.

The tour also includes a visit to the picturesque town of Elounda, known for its beautiful beach. Guests will enjoy a coffee break in Agios Nikolaos and a stroll around the lake.

They can also take a dip in the Aegean Sea and relax at the sandy Bay of Kolokitha. A BBQ lunch is included, with an additional cost for a boat trip to Spinalonga and entrance to the island.

Transportation and Pickup

Free pickup is available from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos for this tour, though an additional fee may apply for pickup from other areas.

The bus ride from Heraklion to Elounda takes approximately 2 hours. Travelers will be transported comfortably to the various destinations throughout the day, including Elounda, Spinalonga, and Agios Nikolaos.

A local guide fluent in English will accompany the group, providing insights and information along the way.

This comprehensive tour package ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region.

Included Services

The included services for this tour cover the essentials, providing participants with a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Hotel pickup is included, ensuring a hassle-free start to the day. A local guide fluent in English accompanies the group, sharing insightful information about the sites visited.

The boat ticket to Spinalonga is provided, granting access to the intriguing former leper colony. A light box lunch, consisting of a sandwich, croissant, juice, and water, is also included.

While tips and personal expenses aren’t covered, these inclusions make for a well-rounded tour experience.

Customer Reviews

According to customer reviews, this tour has received an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 19 evaluations. Reviewers praised the knowledgeable guide, who provided multilingual information, and the tour’s flexible structure.

Notable highlights include:

Exploring Spinalonga’s fascinating history and architecture
Swimming in the Aegean Sea’s clear waters at the Bay of Kolokitha
Enjoying a relaxing coffee break and stroll around Agios Nikolaos’ picturesque lake
The convenience of free pickup from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos
The included light box lunch with sandwich, croissant, juice, and water

The transportation and service aspects of the tour also received high marks, with ratings of 4 out of 5 and 4.3 out of 5, respectively.

Ancient History of Spinalonga

Spinalonga, a small island located off the coast of Crete, boasts a rich and storied past.

Once a defense site for the ancient city of Olous, the island later served as a Venetian fortress and was even occupied by the Saracens. Visitors can explore the remnants of these historical fortifications, including imposing walls, towers, and other architectural marvels.

The island’s strategic location made it a coveted prize over the centuries, and its transformation from a military outpost to a leper colony in the 20th century adds to its captivating historical narrative.

Exploring Spinalonga offers a glimpse into the island’s diverse past and the opportunity to take in its captivating ancient history.

Elounda’s Beautiful Beach

Along With its historical significance, Elounda is renowned for its picturesque beach, drawing visitors from around the world.

The sandy Bay of Kolokitha offers:

Sparkling azure waters of the Aegean Sea
Gentle waves perfect for swimming and relaxing
Stunning views of the nearby island of Spinalonga
Shaded areas with sun loungers for visitors to unwind
Nearby tavernas and cafes serving traditional Greek cuisine

After exploring the ancient ruins of Spinalonga, the tour provides the opportunity to escape the heat and take in the serene, coastal atmosphere of Elounda’s breathtaking beach.

Agios Nikolaos and Kolokitha Bay

After exploring the ancient ruins of Spinalonga, the tour makes a stop in Agios Nikolaos, a charming coastal town known for its picturesque lake.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing coffee break while strolling around the serene lake.

The tour then heads to the Bay of Kolokitha, a sandy beach along the Aegean Sea, where travelers can take a refreshing swim in the clear waters.

The BBQ lunch is included in the tour price, though an additional fee applies for the boat trip to Spinalonga.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many People Are Typically in a Private Tour Group?

This is a private tour, so the group size is typically small, usually just 1 to 6 people. The tour allows for a more personalized experience and flexibility compared to larger group tours.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Exclude Certain Activities?

The tour can be customized to exclude certain activities, allowing flexibility in the itinerary. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator and request modifications to the standard package.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Boat Trip to Spinalonga?

There are no explicit restrictions on the boat trip to Spinalonga. Travelers can choose to take the boat or not, as it’s an optional activity with an additional cost. The tour includes the boat ticket, but participation is at the discretion of the traveler.

Is There a Discounted Rate for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounted rates for children or seniors. It appears the full price of €48 per person applies to all participants, regardless of age. There’s no additional information provided about special pricing options.

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

The tour provider allows guests to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a light box lunch is included in the tour price. Bringing additional snacks or water is permitted, though a BBQ lunch is also provided.

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Recap

The "From Heraklion: Elounda and Spinalonga Full-Day Tour" offers a comprehensive experience exploring Crete’s history and natural beauty. Travelers can visit the island of Spinalonga, enjoy the beaches of Elounda, and savor a delicious BBQ lunch, all while being guided by a knowledgeable local expert. At €48 per person, this 10-hour tour provides an excellent value for anyone seeking an immersive Cretan adventure.