Tour to Agios Nikolaos, Plaka and Spinalonga From Heraklion

Crete’s captivating charm beckons visitors to explore its picturesque towns and historic sites. One such journey takes travelers from Heraklion to the lakeside town of Agios Nikolaos, the quaint fishing village of Plaka, and the renowned island of Spinalonga. This guided tour, priced at $42.77 per person, promises a seamless blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. With hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and included entrance fees, the experience awaits those seeking to uncover the island’s enchanting secrets. But what hidden treasures and poignant tales lie in wait for those who embark on this captivating adventure?

Key Points

• This tour takes visitors to the picturesque towns of Agios Nikolaos and Plaka, as well as the historic island fortress of Spinalonga, from Heraklion.
• The tour is operated by TravelPath AllcreteTours, priced at $42.77 per person, and accommodates up to 50 travelers with air-conditioned transportation and a guide.
• Highlights include exploring the lakeside setting of Agios Nikolaos, the quaint fishing village of Plaka, and the poignant history of Spinalonga as a former leper colony.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance to Spinalonga, and boat tickets, providing a seamless and comprehensive experience.
• Visitors can enjoy Crete’s captivating history and natural beauty through this tour.

Tour Overview

This tour provides an opportunity to explore the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, the picturesque village of Plaka, and the historic island of Spinalonga, all located in the stunning region of Crete, Greece.

Operated by TravelPath AllcreteTours, the tour is priced from $42.77 per person and can accommodate up to 50 travelers.

The inclusions feature an air-conditioned bus, a guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance to Spinalonga and a boat ticket.

Participants will receive their pickup details the day before the tour, which starts at 8:00 am.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and confirmation is provided upon booking.

Highlights of the Tour

On this comprehensive tour, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the captivating history and natural beauty of Crete’s Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, and Spinalonga.

Explore the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its picturesque lakeside setting.

Then, venture to the quaint fishing village of Plaka, where you’ll board a boat to the island of Spinalonga. This once-leper colony offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s turbulent past.

Visitors can wander the ruins and learn about the island’s poignant history from the knowledgeable guide.

With included transportation, admission tickets, and hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience.

Exploring Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos captivates visitors with its picturesque lakeside setting, a charming blend of ancient history and modern Greek charm.

The town’s centerpiece is the Lake Voulismeni, a dramatic sinkhole that’s fed by underground springs. Strolling along the lake’s edge, you’ll discover quaint cafés, boutiques, and restaurants.

Don’t miss the Church of Agios Nikolaos, dating back to the 13th century, and the nearby Archaeological Museum showcasing artifacts from the Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine eras.

Wander through the narrow streets, stopping to admire the vibrant architecture and local handicrafts.

With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Agios Nikolaos offers a glimpse into the heart of Crete’s captivating coastal towns.

Visiting the Village of Plaka

After exploring the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, the tour moves on to the picturesque village of Plaka.

Situated along the coast, Plaka offers stunning views of the Mirabello Gulf and the island of Spinalonga. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the traditional Greek architecture and the vibrant local shops and tavernas.

Some highlights of Plaka include:

• Wandering through the quaint harbor area
• Visiting the 13th-century Panagia Kera Church
• Sampling local cuisine and wines at the waterfront restaurants
• Browsing the artisan boutiques and local crafts
• Taking a boat ride to the nearby island of Spinalonga

With its laid-back atmosphere and picturesque setting, Plaka provides a delightful contrast to the lively town of Agios Nikolaos.

The Fortress of Spinalonga

The tour next takes visitors to the historic fortress of Spinalonga, a small island just off the coast of Plaka.

Once a leper colony, the island is now a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Greece’s fascinating history.

Visitors can explore the eerie ruins, wander through the narrow streets, and imagine the lives of those who were once isolated here.

The journey to Spinalonga is by boat, providing stunning views of the island and the surrounding Mirabello Bay.

With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, Spinalonga is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the beauty and culture of Crete.

Boat Ride to Spinalonga

From the shores of Plaka, visitors board a boat that ferries them across the sparkling waters of Mirabello Bay to the island of Spinalonga. The 10-minute boat ride offers stunning views of the island’s imposing fortifications and the rugged coastline.

Upon arrival, visitors disembark and begin their exploration of this historic fortress:

• Spinalonga served as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957, housing those afflicted by the disease.

• The island’s strategic location made it an important defensive outpost throughout its history.

• Visitors can wander the narrow streets and alleyways, peering into the abandoned buildings that once housed the island’s inhabitants.

• The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the island’s fascinating past and the lives of those who lived in isolation on Spinalonga.

• After the tour, the boat returns visitors to the mainland, completing the journey to this unique and captivating island.

What’s Included in the Tour

Included in the tour is an air-conditioned bus that transports guests throughout the day.

A knowledgeable guide accompanies the group, providing insights and information about the history and culture of the sites visited.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from the hotel or a nearby location, ensuring a seamless experience.

Admission to the island of Spinalonga is covered, as well as the boat ticket to reach the island.

The tour runs from 8:00 am, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants can join, sitting on their parents’ laps.

Most travelers can participate in this comprehensive tour of Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, and Spinalonga.

Practical Information

Vouchers containing pick-up details are sent to guests the day prior to the tour.

The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants are welcome to join, sitting on laps.

Most travelers are able to participate, with the remaining hours allocated for travel between the different locations.

• Voucher with pick-up details sent one day prior to tour
• Check email for pick-up time and point
• Start time: 8:00 am
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
• Not wheelchair accessible, infants must sit on laps
• Most travelers can participate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator’s policies state that only service animals are permitted to accompany guests. Travelers should leave their pets at home or make alternative arrangements for their care during the tour.

How Long Is the Bus Ride Between Each Location?

The tour operator doesn’t provide the exact duration of the bus rides between each location. However, the tour overview states that the remaining hours are allocated for travel between the destinations on Crete.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The schedule is fixed, with the remaining hours allocated for travel between locations. The tour operator doesn’t offer any extensions or customizations to the standard itinerary.

Can I Purchase Additional Items During the Stops?

Yes, there may be opportunities to purchase additional items during the stops on this tour. The tour description indicates there is free time allocated for exploring the various locations, so travelers can likely browse local shops and markets.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Ride?

The tour’s boat ticket pricing indicates there’s a child discount, suggesting there’s no strict age restriction. However, infants must sit on laps, so there may be guidelines around young children’s participation on the boat ride.

The Sum Up

This guided tour provides a captivating glimpse into Crete’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. From the picturesque lakeside town of Agios Nikolaos to the quaint fishing village of Plaka and the poignant island of Spinalonga, it offers a seamless blend of culture and breathtaking scenery. It’s an excellent way to experience the enchanting charm of Crete.