The "Heraklion: Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos Tour with BBQ & Swim" offers an enriching experience for those interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. At just $39.88 per person, the 8.5-hour tour takes visitors to the historic Spinalonga, a former leper colony, followed by a scenic boat ride and a chance to swim and enjoy a BBQ lunch. The tour also includes a visit to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, where guests can explore the picturesque Voulismeni lake and browse local shops. With a multilingual expert guide, this tour promises an immersive and enjoyable day in Crete’s highlights.
Key Points
- This 8.5-hour tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a guided exploration of the former leper colony of Spinalonga, a scenic boat cruise, a BBQ lunch, and a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos.
- The tour is priced at $39.88 per person and includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a multilingual guide, and entrance fees, with a free cancellation option available up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highlights of the tour include the historical significance of Spinalonga, the opportunity to swim at Kolokitha bay, and the chance to explore the charming town of Agios Nikolaos with its Voulismeni lake and shopping opportunities.
- The tour is suitable for those who can walk comfortably, and it is not recommended for wheelchair users due to the terrain on Spinalonga.
- Based on 7 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.3/5, indicating strong customer satisfaction with the ease of booking, the friendly and informative guide, and the enjoyable boat trip and BBQ lunch.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour, titled "Heraklion: Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos Tour with BBQ & Swim," is priced from $39.88 per person and lasts 8.5 hours.
It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.
Visitors can explore the former leper colony of Spinalonga, take a guided tour of the site, and enjoy a boat trip with a stop for swimming and a BBQ lunch.
The tour also includes a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its Voulismeni lake and shopping opportunities.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, a multilingual guide, and entrance fees are all included in the price.
Itinerary and Highlights
Visitors kick off the tour by exploring Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe that operated from 1903 to 1957. A guided tour leads them through the ruins of the market street, hospital, and lepers’ houses. Next, they board a boat for a scenic cruise, stopping at Kolokitha bay to swim and enjoy a BBQ lunch. The tour then moves on to Agios Nikolaos, a charming town with 14,000 inhabitants. Guests can explore the scenic Voulismeni lake and take advantage of the town’s shopping opportunities before heading back.
| Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Spinalonga guided tour | Explore the ruins of the leper colony |
| Boat cruise | Stop at Kolokitha bay for swimming and BBQ |
| Agios Nikolaos | Visit the scenic Voulismeni lake and shop |
Inclusions and Costs
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a multilingual guide, a BBQ meal (with pork, chicken, or vegetarian options), and entrance fees to Spinalonga at €8 per person.
The cost of the BBQ and boat tickets is €12 for adults, and €6 for children up to 12 years old.
Additional transfer costs are €12 per person from Agia Pelagia and €6 per person from Heraklion Center.
The tour provides a comprehensive experience, ensuring visitors can explore the historical sites and enjoy the local cuisine and scenery without worrying about the details.
Preparation and Recommendations
Usually, guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel to fully enjoy the tour’s activities. They should also pack a camera to capture the stunning scenery and a bottle of sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun. Plus, visitors should be aware that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
| What to Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Comfortable Shoes | For walking during the guided tour of Spinalonga |
| Swimwear | To enjoy a refreshing swim at Kolokitha bay |
| Towel | To dry off after the swim |
This well-rounded preparation will ensure participants have an enjoyable and comfortable experience throughout the Heraklion: Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos Tour with BBQ & Swim.
Customer Feedback
Reviewing the customer reviews, the tour seems to have overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 7 reviews is a strong indication of customer satisfaction. Positive comments highlight the ease of booking, the friendly and informative guide, the enjoyable boat trip, and the simple yet tasty BBQ lunch.
Many customers recommended the tour as a great way to experience the historical site of Spinalonga and the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos.
With no major complaints, this tour appears to offer a well-organized and fulfilling excursion for those interested in exploring Crete’s cultural and natural attractions.
Visiting Spinalonga
Upon arriving at the Spinalonga peninsula, visitors are immediately struck by its haunting yet captivating history. This former leper colony, which operated from 1903 to 1957, offers a glimpse into a profound and often misunderstood chapter of human history.
The guided tour takes guests through the ruins of the market street, hospital, and lepers’ houses, providing a poignant perspective on the lives of those who were isolated here.
As visitors explore the island, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and resilience of the people who called Spinalonga home. This stop on the tour offers a thought-provoking and memorable experience.
Boat Tour and BBQ Lunch
After the thought-provoking visit to Spinalonga, the tour continues with a boat trip and a delightful BBQ lunch. Guests will have the opportunity to take in the stunning coastal scenery as they sail to Kolokitha bay. There, they can enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters before indulging in a tasty BBQ meal. The menu offers a choice of pork, chicken, or vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for all’s taste. This relaxing boat tour and BBQ experience provides a well-deserved break after the educational tour of Spinalonga.
| Included | Cost |
|---|---|
| BBQ Meal | €12 |
| Boat Tickets | €12 |
| Children (up to 12 years) | €6 |
Exploring Agios Nikolaos
The tour then ventures to the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, which boasts a population of 14,000 residents.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the town’s highlights, including the striking Voulismeni lake, a naturally formed lake connected to the sea.
Plus, the town offers ample shopping opportunities, allowing guests to browse local shops and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two.
With its charming atmosphere and scenic views, Agios Nikolaos provides a delightful contrast to the historical significance of Spinalonga, rounding out the diverse experiences offered by this comprehensive tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour in Advance?
Yes, there is a discount for booking the tour in advance. The tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing customers to lock in the current price and pay later.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?
The tour doesn’t allow bringing your own food or beverages. However, it includes a complimentary BBQ lunch. Dietary options like vegetarian are available. The guided tour package covers all necessary expenses, so you don’t need to bring extra food or drinks.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The tour duration cannot be extended. The tour is 8.5 hours long and any request to extend the duration would need to be arranged separately with the tour operator. There’s no option to extend the tour time as part of the standard package.
Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Activities?
Customers can’t customize the tour directly, but they can inquire about adding extra activities or extending the duration. The tour operator may be able to accommodate special requests for an additional fee.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Children under 12 get a discounted rate for the BBQ and boat tickets. Participants should be able to walk and climb on their own.
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Recap
The Heraklion: Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos Tour offers an enriching 8.5-hour experience for just $39.88 per person. Visitors explore the historic Spinalonga, enjoy a scenic boat cruise and BBQ lunch, and discover the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, all with the guidance of a multilingual expert. This comprehensive tour provides an excellent opportunity to take in the rich cultural and natural wonders of the region.