Rethymno, a charming town on the island of Crete, offers a captivating day trip that explores the nearby gems of Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island. For just $33.23 per person, this 12-hour excursion whisks travelers away to discover stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and cultural insights. From the serene Lake Voulismeni to the archaeological site of Olous and the former leper colony of Spinalonga, this tour promises an immersive experience that’ll leave you eager to uncover more of Crete’s wonders. With hotel pickup, transportation, and a multilingual guide, it’s an enticing option for those seeking to maximize their time in this captivating region.
Key Points
- A day trip exploring Rethymno region, Agios Nikolaos, and Spinalonga Island, priced from $33.23 per person for a 12-hour excursion.
- Highlights include Lake Voulismeni, archaeological site of Olous, Kolokythas bay, and a 1.5-hour guided tour of the former Spinalonga leper colony.
- Includes hotel pickup, transportation, and multilingual live guide, with additional fees for boat tickets and entry to Spinalonga Island.
- Itinerary features scenic views, historical insights, and opportunities for swimming, with a special guide for the Spinalonga Island tour.
- Recommended items are swimwear, towel, and cash, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with medical conditions.
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Trip Overview
Exploring the picturesque Rethymno region, this day trip takes travelers on an immersive journey to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos and the historic Spinalonga Island.
Priced from $33.23 per person, the 12-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, comfortable transportation, and a multilingual live guide.
Participants can explore the scenic Lake Voulismeni, marina, and pedestrian roads of Agios Nikolaos, as well as the archaeological site of Olous and Kolokythas bay.
The highlight is a visit to Spinalonga Island, where they’ll spend 1.5 hours exploring the former leper colony and surrounding beaches.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this day trip offers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price.
Pricing and Inclusions
The day trip from Rethymno is priced from $33.23 per person, which covers a range of inclusions.
The 12-hour excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off from designated locations. Boat tickets to Spinalonga Island and the entry fee are an additional 12 EUR and 8 EUR per person, respectively.
Travelers from the Kavros and Gerani areas will incur an 18 EUR transfer fee. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Participants can expect air-conditioned transportation and multilingual live guides. While the trip isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with medical conditions, it promises an informative and immersive experience in Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga.
Itinerary Highlights
This day trip offers a chance to discover the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, featuring the serene Lake Voulismeni, charming marina, neoclassical buildings, and inviting pedestrian roads. Participants will also enjoy a boat ride to view the archaeological site of Olous and a refreshing swim in the waters of Kolokythas bay. The highlight of the day is the visit to Spinalonga Island, where a dedicated guide will lead a 1.5-hour exploration of the former leper colony and its surrounding beaches.
| Highlights | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Agios Nikolaos | – | Explore the town, lake, and marina |
| Olous | – | Boat ride to the archaeological site |
| Kolokythas Bay | – | Swimming opportunity |
| Spinalonga Island | 1.5 hours | Tour of the former leper colony |
Transportation Details
The tour package includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from designated locations within Rethymno, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the day.
Participants will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus with regular rest stops.
A multilingual live tour guide is available in English, German, and French to provide informative commentary throughout the journey.
For the visit to Spinalonga Island, a special guide is included to lead the tour and share insights about the historical leper colony.
Guide Services
Along With the comfortable transportation, the tour includes the services of a multilingual live guide who’s available in English, German, and French to provide informative commentary throughout the journey.
The guide will accompany the group during the entire day, offering insights into the history, culture, and natural beauty of the destinations.
Travelers will also receive a special guide for the tour of Spinalonga Island, ensuring a deeper understanding of the site’s rich history as a former leper colony.
Important Considerations
What important considerations should participants keep in mind for this day trip? Firstly, the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with pre-existing medical conditions, so caution is advised. Participants should bring essential items like swimwear, towels, and cash, as there may be limited meal options during the boat ride. It’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t use double-decker buses, and participants can choose their preferred date and language. To help with planning, here’s a breakdown of key details:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with medical conditions |
| Recommended Items | Swimwear, towel, cash |
| Transportation | No double-decker buses used |
| Customization | Tour date and language selection available |
| Boat Ride Meals | Limited options provided |
Customer Feedback
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Rethymno day trip, with an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 62 reviews.
The transportation received a stellar 4.8/5 rating, and the value for money was also highly regarded at 4.6/5. Reviewers highlighted the multilingual guide‘s informative commentary and support.
Key areas for improvement include:
- Offering meal options during the boat ride
- Considering accessibility for wheelchair users or those with pre-existing conditions
- Providing more details on the exact pickup and drop-off locations
- Expanding the range of languages for the tour
- Enhancing the overall experience with additional cultural or historical insights.
Booking and Availability
To book the Rethymno day trip, travelers can conveniently select their preferred date and tour language on the provider’s website.
The price for the full-day excursion starts at $33.23 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Pickup and drop-off are included from designated locations. Additional fees apply for those in the Kavros and Gerani areas.
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours and features visits to Agios Nikolaos, Olous, Kolokythas bay, and the historic Spinalonga Island.
Participants should bring swimwear, towels, and cash, as the tour isn’t suitable for those with medical conditions or wheelchair users.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Trip?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the trip. The tour description does not mention any restrictions on outside food and beverage, so travelers are free to pack their own snacks and refreshments.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
The tour offers discounts for children under 12, who pay 50% of the adult price. However, there are no senior discounts available. The full tour price applies for all adults and seniors.
Can I Modify the Itinerary or Make Any Special Requests?
Customers can request modifications to the itinerary, though specific requests may incur additional fees. The tour operator generally aims to accommodate special needs and preferences to ensure a personalized experience for each guest.
How Reliable Is the Tour Operator in Terms of Punctuality and Adherence to Schedule?
The tour operator is highly reliable, consistently adhering to schedules and punctuality, according to customer reviews. Travelers praise the efficient transportation and smooth logistics, indicating a well-organized and dependable experience.
What Type of Cuisine Is Typically Served During the Boat Ride?
The tour operator doesn’t provide meals during the boat ride to Spinalonga Island. Participants should bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy on the journey, as there are no catering services offered on the boat.
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Recap
This day trip to Rethymno provides an opportunity to explore the captivating beauty of Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island. With a range of activities, including a boat ride, swimming, and a guided tour of the former leper colony, it offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for those interested in history and natural scenery. The tour’s reasonable price and inclusion of transportation and a multilingual guide make it an accessible and convenient option for visitors to the region.