Heraklion:Gramvousa & Balos Bus and Boat Tour With Lunch .

The Heraklion: Gramvousa & Balos Bus and Boat Tour is a popular excursion in Crete that promises an unforgettable day of exploration and relaxation. At $65.27 per person, this 10.5 to 14-hour adventure takes visitors on a scenic bus ride, a ferry journey to Gramvousa Island, and a visit to the stunning Balos Lagoon. With opportunities to hike, swim, and enjoy a delicious lunch, this tour offers nature lovers a chance to enjoy Crete’s breathtaking landscapes. But there’s more to this tour than meets the eye.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Heraklion takes visitors to the remote Gramvousa Island and the picturesque Balos Lagoon, including transportation, ferry rides, guided tours, and lunch.
• The tour offers opportunities to swim in turquoise waters, hike to a Venetian castle, and relax on the white sandy beaches of Balos Lagoon.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Greek, catering to a diverse range of visitors.
• The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, non-swimmers, seniors over 80, or those prone to seasickness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Heraklion: Gramvousa & Balos Bus and Boat Tour with Lunch offers a comprehensive day trip experience.

Priced at $65.27 per person, the tour lasts 10.5 to 14 hours and is available in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Greek.

This comprehensive day trip experience is priced at $65.27 per person and lasts 10.5 to 14 hours, with multi-language availability.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pick-up is available from 86 pre-designated locations across Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, and Heraklion.

The tour includes transportation, professional guides, visits to Gramvousa and Balos, lunch, and ferry tickets, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable excursion.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a 3.25-hour bus or coach journey from the pickup locations to Kissamos Port.

From there, travelers take a 15-minute ferry ride to Gramvousa Island. On the island, they’ve about 1.5 hours to explore, including hiking to a Venetian castle, swimming, and snorkeling.

The next stop is the stunning Balos Lagoon, where guests spend around 3 hours swimming, guided touring, and enjoying a provided lunch.

The return trip involves a 75-minute ferry ride back to Kissamos and a 3.25-hour bus ride to the drop-off points.

Highlights and Activities

Visitors can swim in the turquoise waters, sunbathe, and explore the scenic landscapes during this tour.

They can hike to the Venetian castle on Gramvousa Island for panoramic views of the Cretan coastline.

The tour also includes time at the renowned Balos Lagoon, known for its shallow, warm waters and white sandy beaches.

Guests can enjoy a guided tour and have the opportunity to swim and relax on the picturesque shores.

The diverse activities on this comprehensive excursion allow travelers to fully enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning region of Greece.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a range of services, such as pickup and drop-off, a professional driver, a tour guide, visits to Gramvousa and Balos, a lunch on board, ferry tickets, and environmental taxes.

However, it excludes soft drinks, snacks, towels, personal toiletries, gratuities, and rental for umbrellas and sun loungers.

Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, snacks, hiking shoes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a garbage bag.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, non-swimmers, seniors over 80, and those prone to seasickness.

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, snacks, hiking shoes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a garbage bag are essential items to bring on this tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, non-swimmers, seniors over 80, and those prone to seasickness.

Prohibited items include high-heeled shoes, pets, smoking, alcohol, littering, unaccompanied minors, and nudity. Bringing these items could result in being denied participation or removal from the tour.

Guests are expected to respect the rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Customer Reviews

Based on the provided customer reviews, the Heraklion: Gramvousa & Balos Tour has received an overall rating of 5/5 from 3 reviews.

The positive feedback highlights several aspects of the tour:

• The tour’s nice beaches, friendly guides, and enjoyable experiences.

• Although some customers suggest a more direct route to Balos for efficiency.

What to Expect From the Tour

As one embarks on the Heraklion: Gramvousa & Balos Tour, they can expect a well-curated itinerary that showcases the stunning natural landscapes of this region.

The tour begins with a scenic bus ride to Kissamos Port, followed by a 15-minute boat crossing to the picturesque Gramvousa Island. Here, visitors can explore the Venetian castle, swim in the turquoise waters, and enjoy the natural splendor.

The next stop is the iconic Balos Lagoon, renowned for its shallow, warm waters and white sandy beaches. Guests can relax, take a guided tour, and savor a delicious lunch on board before the return journey.

Getting the Most Out of Your Experience

To make the most of the Heraklion: Gramvousa & Balos Tour, visitors should come prepared. Packing the right gear, such as comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a swimsuit, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Plus, it’s important to be aware of the tour’s limitations, as it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or a tendency for seasickness.

Finally, travelers should be mindful of the tour’s rules and regulations, such as avoiding high-heeled shoes and littering, to ensure a smooth and respectful outing for all participants.

• Pack appropriate gear (comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimsuit)

• Be aware of tour limitations (mobility, seasickness)

• Follow tour rules and regulations (no high heels, no littering)

Since You Asked

What Is the Departure Time of the Tour?

The specific departure time for the tour is not provided in the information given. However, it notes that pickup is available from various locations, with the overall tour duration estimated to be between 10.5 to 14 hours.

Is the Boat Ride Comfortable for Those Prone to Seasickness?

Those prone to seasickness may find the boat ride uncomfortable, as the tour involves a 15-minute ferry crossing to Gramvousa and a 75-minute return ferry to Kissamos. Bringing motion sickness medication is recommended for those susceptible to seasickness.

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

You’re allowed to bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, lunch is provided on board the boat, so you may not need to bring your own. Be sure to pack a reusable water bottle and any snacks you might want.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration at Balos Lagoon?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration at Balos Lagoon. The schedule allocates approximately 3 hours for activities at Balos, which may limit the time visitors can spend there.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for Hiking or Swimming?

The tour recommends bringing comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a towel. No specialized equipment is required for hiking or swimming, though hikers may want sturdy walking shoes. The tour provides basic gear like life jackets for water activities.

Final Words

The Heraklion: Gramvousa & Balos Bus and Boat Tour offers an unforgettable day of exploration and relaxation in Crete. With a scenic bus ride, ferry journey, and visits to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, this tour provides an opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty and enjoy a fulfilling day of swimming, hiking, and professional guidance. It’s a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: