The Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour from Heraklion offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich history and witness the time-honored traditions of olive oil production. Departing early in the morning, travelers embark on a guided journey to the former leper colony of Spinalonga, followed by a visit to the family-owned Kritsa Olive Factory. Here, they’ll discover the intricate processes behind creating high-quality olive oil and have the chance to sample a variety of flavors. But the true highlight of this tour may lie in the unspoken stories waiting to be uncovered.

Key Points

Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion - Key Points

  • A guided tour that combines a visit to the historic island of Spinalonga and an exploration of a family-owned olive oil factory in Kritsa.
  • Departure from Heraklion, Greece at 8:30 AM and includes roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, boat ticket, and a lunch box.
  • Suitable for up to 50 travelers, but not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
  • Provides an immersive experience to learn about Spinalonga’s history as a former leper colony and the traditional olive oil production process.
  • Allows for the opportunity to purchase distinct Kritsa olive oil flavors after a guided tour and sampling at the family-owned factory.

Tour Overview

Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion - Tour Overview

The Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the historic Spinalonga island and discover the fascinating process of olive oil production.

The tour takes place in Heraklion, Greece, starting at 8:30 AM, and can accommodate up to 50 travelers.

Inclusions feature pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned bus, a guide, the Spinalonga entrance fee, and a boat ticket that includes a lunch box.

Travelers will receive a voucher with pickup details one day before the tour.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps, most travelers can participate.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour is operated by TravelPath AllcreteTours.

Inclusions

This tour includes a comprehensive package to enhance the experience.

The tour provides pickup and drop-off service, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Travelers will enjoy an air-conditioned bus throughout the journey, offering comfort and convenience.

The highlight of the tour is the Spinalonga entrance fee and boat ticket, including a lunch box, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the historical and cultural aspects of the day.

The inclusions of this tour are:

  1. Pickup/Drop Off
  2. Air Conditioned Bus
  3. Spinalonga Entrance Fee and Boat Ticket with Lunch Box

Pickup Information

Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion - Pickup Information

Travelers can select a pickup point for the Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour.

The tour operators will provide a voucher with pickup details one day before the scheduled departure. Travelers should check their spam or junk folders to ensure they receive the voucher, which contains the designated meeting location and time.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate, though.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the total tour duration includes travel time.

This Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour is operated by TravelPath AllcreteTours.

Accessibility

Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion - Accessibility

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. However, most travelers can participate in the excursion. The accessibility details are as follows:

  1. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, as the terrain may pose challenges.

  2. Infants are welcome, but they must be held on laps during the tour and boat ride.

  3. The majority of travelers should be able to comfortably join the Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour, provided they can navigate the walking and boat components.

Operated by TravelPath AllcreteTours, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Spinalonga and the Kritsa Olive Factory, despite the accessibility limitations.

Additional Information

Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion - Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour. Travel time is included in the total tour duration of this excursion, which is operated by TravelPath AllcreteTours. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but infants can sit on laps. Most travelers can participate in this experience.

Tour Inclusions Tour Exclusions
Pickup/Drop Off Meals not mentioned
Air Conditioned Bus Personal Expenses
Guide Tips
Spinalonga Entrance Fee Optional Activities
Boat Ticket (with lunch box)

Visiting Spinalonga

One of the highlights of this tour is the visit to the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony that has become a significant historical and architectural site.

Visitors can explore the island’s ruins, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once called it home.

The tour includes the following:

  1. A boat ride to the island, providing stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
  2. A guided tour of the island, where you’ll learn about its fascinating history and the challenges faced by its former residents.
  3. Time to wander the island’s narrow streets and imagine the daily lives of the people who once lived there.

Spinalonga’s haunting beauty and poignant history make it a truly memorable part of this tour.

Exploring Kritsa Olive Factory

After the captivating visit to Spinalonga, the tour takes visitors to the Kritsa Olive Factory, a family-owned business that has been producing high-quality olive oil for generations.

Guests will learn about the traditional olive oil production methods used at the factory, including the pressing and bottling processes.

They’ll have the opportunity to sample the distinct flavors of the Kritsa olive oil and purchase bottles to take home.

The tour provides an authentic look into the rich olive oil heritage of the region, complementing the historical exploration of Spinalonga.

Visitors can expect an engaging and educational experience at the Kritsa Olive Factory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Food and Water?

No, the tour includes a boat ticket that provides a lunch box. Travelers don’t need to bring their own food and water as they’ll be provided during the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for This Tour?

There is no specified dress code for this tour. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe walking shoes. It’s best to dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.

Can I Use My Own Camera and Take Pictures?

Yes, travelers can use their own cameras and take pictures during the tour. The tour allows for photography, so visitors are free to capture their experiences at Spinalonga and the olive factory.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends about 2 hours at the Spinalonga island and 1 hour at the Kritsa Olive Factory. Travelers will have ample time to explore both sites and take photos during the tour.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English. Travelers can check with the tour operator for language options when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour combines Spinalonga’s history and Kritsa’s olive oil heritage, offering a unique glimpse into Crete’s cultural richness. Visitors can explore the former leper colony, witness traditional olive oil production, and sample the region’s finest flavors, all while surrounded by stunning coastal views. It’s an engaging experience that highlights the enduring importance of olive oil in this Greek island’s legacy.