Full-Day Tour: Spinalonga ,Elounda & Ag. Nikolaos With Lunch

Exploring the captivating Spinalonga Island, once Europe’s last leper colony, is an unforgettable experience. Visitors can marvel at the Venetian ruins and enjoy a scenic boat ride before indulging in a delicious local lunch in Elounda. The tour then takes them to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its picturesque lake, offering the perfect blend of culture and leisure. What secrets and stories await those who embark on this remarkable journey?

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers a guided visit to the historical Spinalonga Island, a local lunch in Elounda, and free time to explore the scenic town of Agios Nikolaos.
• The tour includes boat transportation to and from Spinalonga Island, where visitors can explore the well-preserved Venetian fortifications and ruins.
• Guests will enjoy a delicious local lunch featuring pita gyros with vegetarian options, along with free time to explore Elounda or relax on the beach.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Greek, and provides convenient pickup locations across multiple towns.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with certain health conditions or disabilities, and tips and personal expenses are not included in the tour price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Full-Day Tour: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch," is priced from $54.29 per person and lasts approximately 9 hours.

It’s available in English, German, French, and Greek. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes a guided visit to the historical Spinalonga Island, lunch in Elounda, and time in the scenic town of Agios Nikolaos.

Transportation is provided via air-conditioned bus, and the tour includes boat tickets, guided tours, lunch, and all necessary fees and taxes.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Spinalonga Island, a historical site of great significance, features as the first highlight of the tour. Originally fortified by the Venetians in 1579, the island’s well-preserved walls and ruins provide a glimpse into its past as the last leper colony in Europe.

Guests will enjoy a guided tour, exploring the market streets, shops, and hospital on the island. Boat transportation to and from Spinalonga is included, with the journey taking just 15 minutes each way.

Guided tours explore Spinalonga’s market streets, shops, and hospital, with boat transportation taking just 15 minutes each way.

Next, the tour visits Elounda, where guests will enjoy a local lunch of pita gyros, with vegetarian options available.

They’ll then have free time to explore or relax on the beach.

The final highlight is Agios Nikolaos, known for its scenic lake and shopping opportunities.

Photo stops and leisure time allow guests to soak in the town’s charm.

Spinalonga Island Exploration

Steeped in history, Spinalonga Island‘s well-preserved Venetian fortifications and ruins invite visitors to step back in time.

Originally fortified in 1579, the island’s market streets, shops, and hospital remain largely intact, offering a glimpse into its past as the last leper colony in Europe.

Guided tours lead travelers through these evocative ruins, bringing the island’s storied past to life.

Boat transport to and from the island takes just 15 minutes each way, allowing ample time to explore this unique historical site at leisure.

With its compelling history and well-preserved structures, Spinalonga Island is a captivating highlight of the day’s tour.

Lunch and Leisure in Elounda

After exploring the historic Spinalonga Island, the tour continues to the charming coastal town of Elounda.

Here, guests enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, with options for Pita Gyros, both chicken and vegetarian.

Following the meal, the group is granted free time to explore the town or relax on the beach.

This leisure period offers several benefits:

1. Taking in the local culture and scenery.

2. Recharging before the next leg of the tour.

3. Capturing memorable photos of the picturesque seaside setting.

4. Engaging in optional activities like swimming or shopping.

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Discovering Agios Nikolaos

As the tour continues, guests are treated to a scenic drive to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.

Known for its picturesque Voulismeni Lake, the town offers ample opportunities for shopping and photography. Guests can explore the lively streets, browse local boutiques, and capture the scenic vistas.

The tour makes photo stops at key landmarks, allowing visitors to soak in the unique atmosphere. With 85 minutes of free time, guests can wander at their own pace, indulging in the town’s laidback charm and vibrant character.

This final destination caps off a day filled with historical discoveries and culture.

Olive Oil Factory Visit

Leaving the charming streets of Agios Nikolaos behind, the tour now heads to a nearby olive oil factory. This stop offers a unique opportunity to learn about the region’s rich agricultural heritage and the importance of olive oil in the local cuisine.

The guided visit includes:

1. A tour of the production facilities, providing insight into the traditional methods used to extract and refine the golden liquid.

2. A tasting session, allowing visitors to sample the distinct flavors and aromas of the locally produced olive oils.

3. An explanation of the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet’s reliance on this versatile ingredient.

4. Time to browse the on-site shop, where visitors can purchase their preferred olive oil varieties to take home.

Transportation and Pickup Arrangements

The tour provides convenient pickup locations across several towns, catering to guests staying in various accommodations.

Pickup is available at 71 designated spots, including major hotels and bus stops in Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Karteros, Heraklion, and Ammoudara.

Transport is by air-conditioned bus for different segments of the tour. This arrangement ensures guests can easily join the tour from their respective lodgings, making the experience seamless and accessible.

Important Considerations and Exclusions

Although the tour offers a comprehensive itinerary, there are a few important considerations for prospective guests.

First, the tour may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions, such as heart problems or seasickness. Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users, vegans, or individuals with food allergies, gluten intolerance, or those over 95 years old.

Guests are advised to inform the tour provider of any allergies or disabilities.

On top of that, the tour provider isn’t responsible for weather conditions or traffic, which may impact the schedule.

Finally, the tour excludes tips and personal expenses.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour company generally does not allow guests to bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes lunch and water, so there’s no need to bring additional items unless guests have special dietary requirements.

Do I Need to Book Tickets for Spinalonga in Advance?

It’s recommended to book Spinalonga tickets in advance to ensure availability. The tour operator provides round-trip boat tickets as part of the package, so there’s no need to purchase them separately.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Lunch to a Different Cuisine?

Unfortunately, the tour’s lunch options are limited to pita gyros, either chicken or vegetarian. There doesn’t appear to be an option to upgrade the lunch to a different cuisine based on the information provided.

Can I Skip Certain Stops on the Itinerary if I Prefer?

While the tour provider offers a set itinerary, guests can’t skip certain stops. However, they may be able to spend less time at specific locations by communicating their preferences to the guide in advance, subject to the provider’s approval.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour With a Group?

The tour provider offers group discounts, but the specific discount amount is not stated. Travelers should inquire about group pricing when booking to see if they qualify for any savings.

Final Words

This full-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and leisure. Visitors can explore the captivating Spinalonga Island, savor a delicious local lunch in Elounda, and discover the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. With scenic boat rides, free time for relaxation, and an optional olive oil factory visit, this tour provides a well-rounded experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy the beauty and heritage of Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: