SPINALONGA & ELOUNDA & AGIOS NIKOLAOS, CRETE Guide&Lunch Included

The "Spinalonga & Elounda & Agios Nikolaos" tour promises a captivating journey through Crete’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. Accompanied by a professional guide, travelers will explore the intriguing Spinalonga fortress, once a leper colony, before indulging in a delicious lunch and a refreshing swim at Kolothika beach. With ample time for personal exploration in the charming towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, this full-day adventure offers a well-balanced blend of culture and leisure. Whether you’re a history buff or a beach enthusiast, this tour is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of Crete’s captivating essence.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Guided Tours In Heraklion.

Key Points

• Full-day boat and coach tour covering landmarks in Crete, including the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, Kolothika beach, and the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos.
• Guided tour of Spinalonga with entrance fee and boat fare included, along with lunch options such as pita giros.
• Hotel pickup available from Malia to Amoudara (Heraklion), with tour operating in multiple languages on designated days.
• Scenic boat ride to Spinalonga, swimming at Kolothika beach, and ample time for shopping and cafes in Agios Nikolaos.
• Highlights include insights into Spinalonga’s history as a former leper colony and an educational stop at an olive oil factory in Malia.

Tour Overview

This full-day boat and coach tour takes visitors to several landmarks and attractions in Crete.

The tour includes a visit to the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, a stop at the sandy bay of Kolothika for swimming, and time spent in the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos for shopping and cafes.

Pickup is provided from hotels in Malia to Amoudara (Heraklion), and the tour operates in English, German, French, and Polish on specific days.

Highlights include a guided tour of Spinalonga, time to relax at Kolothika beach, and exploration of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.

The tour also includes a brief stop at an olive oil factory in Malia.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes a professional guided tour on Spinalonga and by coach, as well as transportation via air-conditioned coach.

The tour pricing includes:

1. Entrance fee for Spinalonga: €8 per person (reduced admission €4 per person).
2. Boat fare: €15 per adult, €7.5 per child (paid on coach).
3. Lunch options: Pita Giros (chicken, pork, vegetarian) with water.
4. Gasoline and liability insurance coverage by Allianz.

Guests can also expect the convenience of hotel pickup from Malia to Amoudara (Heraklion) and the flexibility of the tour operating in English, German, French, and Polish on specific days.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a cruise to the captivating island of Spinalonga, where guests can enjoy the historical insights provided by the professional guide.

After the Spinalonga visit, the group will head to the sandy bay of Kolothika, where they can swim and relax.

Next, the tour explores the charming town of Elounda for approximately 2 hours, allowing ample time for personal discovery.

The final destination is Agios Nikolaos, a coastal town renowned for its shopping and cafes, where guests will spend around 1 hour.

En route, the tour makes a brief stop at an olive oil factory in Malia.

Pickup Locations

Convenient pickup times are provided for locations spanning from Malia to Amoudara (Heraklion), ensuring a seamless start to the tour.

Guests can board the coach at their chosen pickup point, with the earliest departure from Amoudara (Gazi) at 7:00 am and the latest from Malia at around 9:00 am.

The pickup schedule includes:

1. Amoudara (Gazi): 7:00 am
2. Heraklion: 7:20 am
3. Karteros: 7:40 am
4. Malia: around 9:00 am

Travelers should confirm their specific pickup point and time in advance to ensure a smooth and punctual departure for the day’s adventure.

Additional Details

Confirmation of the booking is received immediately after purchase.

Infants can sit on laps, but children must be accompanied by adults.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but operates in most weather conditions. A maximum of 50 travelers can join each tour.

Guests can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour provider offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers receive the best value.

Reviews indicate the tour provides good value and flexibility, though some criticize the lunch timing and guide engagement.

Reviews Summary

According to the reviews, travelers offer a mixed assessment of the tour. Some praise its value and flexibility, while others critique the lunch timing and guide engagement.

The reviews highlight a few key points:

1. Overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.
2. Positive feedback on the tour’s value and flexibility, allowing for personal exploration.
3. Criticism regarding the lunch timing and a lack of guide engagement during the tour.
4. Mixed experiences with the lunch provisions, as some expected a BBQ that wasn’t provided.

Boat and Coach Experience

The tour commences with a scenic boat ride to the former leper colony of Spinalonga, where travelers can explore the Venetian fortress and learn about the island’s captivating history. An air-conditioned coach then transports guests to Kolothika, a picturesque sandy bay, for a refreshing swim. The tour continues to the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, offering ample time for shopping and café-hopping. A brief stop at an olive oil factory in Malia provides an opportunity to learn about the region’s agricultural heritage.

Tour Inclusions	Transportation	Dining
Professional guided tour	Air-conditioned coach	Pita Giros (chicken, pork, vegetarian) with water
Entrance fee for Spinalonga	Boat fare	Lunch options
Gasoline and liability insurance coverage

Landmarks and Activities

The tour’s Spinalonga fortress excursion allows visitors to explore the island’s captivating past as a former leper colony.

Highlights of the tour include:

1. Exploring the Venetian-built fortress on the island, which served as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957.
2. Enjoying a relaxing swim at the sandy Kolothika beach.
3. Discovering the charming coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its shops, cafes, and picturesque harbor.
4. Visiting an olive oil factory in Malia, where guests can learn about the local production process.

Throughout the day, participants have the opportunity to enjoy Crete’s rich history and natural beauty, making this tour a well-rounded experience.

Since You Asked

What Are the Restroom Facilities Like During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom breaks at various stops along the route. Facilities are generally available at the landmarks visited, such as Spinalonga and the coastal towns. However, the availability and quality may vary depending on the specific location.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Families?

The tour offers reduced admission for seniors at €4 per person. Children’s boat fare is also discounted at €7.5 per child. However, there don’t appear to be any family-specific discounts mentioned in the provided information.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though lunch options are provided. The tour includes an included lunch of pita giros with water. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is permitted.

What Is the Policy for Cancellations or Rescheduling the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Guests can rebook the tour at no additional cost if they need to reschedule within the cancellation period.

Are There Any Photo Opportunities During the Stops on the Tour?

There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the tour. Visitors can take photos at the historic Spinalonga fortress, the scenic Kolothika beach, and the picturesque coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, allowing them to capture the highlights of the day.

The Sum Up

The "Spinalonga & Elounda & Agios Nikolaos" tour offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and leisure. Visitors can explore the fascinating Spinalonga fortress, enjoy a refreshing swim, and discover the charming towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. With a professional guide and delicious lunch included, this full-day adventure promises an immersive experience in the stunning island of Crete.