Guided tour on Spinalonga island with lunch (2023)

Excursions and day trips

Knossos Palace and Heraklion Tour with Transfer

"The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete, as it was here that the first European civilization began", says Veta, one of our guides. As a native native, she is well acquainted with the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. Spend a day delving into the palace's history before sailing to Heraklion for some free time in the capital. Once the center of Minoan civilization on Crete, the Palace of Knossos sits at the heart of the oldest settlement in Europe. On a guided tour of the Palace Treasures, see the Throne Room, Royal Apartments, frescoes and more. You might even catch a glimpse of the labyrinth where the Minotaur, a terrifying half-man, half-bull creature, is said to have lurked. And thanks to skip-the-line access, there are no queues. After this visit, continue to the capital of the island, Heraklion. On a guided city tour, visit the 17th-century Morosini Fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian loggia that became the town hall. At the end of the day we will take you to the market where you will have some free time. Browse the stalls selling handcrafted jewelry and fresh local produce, or grab a drink at one of the cafes and watch the world go by. The Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos are also worth a visit.

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Excursions and day trips

Spinalonga Island Guided Tour with Lunch

The tiny island of Spinalonga is just a short drive away from Crete, but visiting it is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are hidden within the walls that surround the island. See the island through the eyes of a local on this exclusive full-day tour that also includes two beach towns in Mirabello Bay. Veta, one of our tour guides, says, “You will visit the pretty fishing village of Elounda and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos on your tour. In a tavern you will enjoy typical Cretan dishes.” Spinalonga has had many meanings over time, including a Venetian outpost and an Ottoman city. A leper colony was founded here, earning it the nickname “Island of Tears”. You'll walk with our local guide, who will lead you through narrow streets lined with abandoned shacks and show you the fort and the colony closed in the 1950s. Its advantage is that you will arrive before the usual crowds on the first ferry of the day. On the return journey, stop at the coastal town of Elounda. There you will have some free time. Take a dip, sunbathe or watch the world go by at one of the many family-run beach bars. Then, enjoy a delicious Cretan lunch at a nearby tavern. End your day with a visit to Agios Nikolaos, an elegant seaside town sheltered by two coastal islands. Many frequent the bars overlooking the harbor full of boats.

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Excursions and day trips

Sightseeing de Chania e Rethymno

Rich in history and blessed with beautiful harbors, Crete's second and third largest cities are among the island's highlights. In the morning you will explore Rethymno and in the afternoon Chania, also known as "Little Venice". The fun starts in Rethymno. Here a labyrinth of narrow streets connects the old port with the Fortezza citadel. All between the dates of the Venetian and Ottoman periods. On your guided tour you will find churches of all styles and several mosques. Of course, you'll also have free time for lunch at one of the charming taverns. Then, make the hour-long journey west to Chania, the second-largest city on the island. Venice's influence can be seen throughout the historic center, but nowhere is it more evident than in the port. Venetian shipyards are next to pleasant terraced cafes. Enjoy a guided tour of the old town, market and famous Ledergasse and explore the city on your own.

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Activities

ATV ride through the mountains

Do you like adrenaline? Action is the order of the day on this off-road vehicle tour. Explore Crete's most rural regions and beautiful nature as you drive through the mountains in a small group. They race down dirt roads, jump over potholes and drive through nondescript cities. Also, you will see many sights along the way. Your driver is also your guide, bringing you closer to Crete's hidden gems.

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Excursions and day trips

West Crete Tour with Monastery, Wine Tasting and Chania

Western Crete offers a combination of rugged landscapes and Venetian romance, and you'll experience both on this day trip. Katerina, one of our local guides, says: “In addition to the Venetian port of Chania, you will also visit Lake Kournas and the tombs of the Venizelos.” ​​A visit to the monastery of Agia Triada and its winery is also on the program. You'll start in style with a visit to the Venetian-era monastery of Agia Triada. Perched on a rock at the foot of the Akrotiri Peninsula, it is one of the most important monastic complexes of its time. Stroll through salmon-colored courtyards and gilded chapels, then visit the winery to sample some local wines. Continue to the Hill of Prophet Elias with the tombs of a Greek father and son who were prime ministers of Crete. From here you have a fabulous panoramic view of Chania and the coast. Your next port of call is Chania, considered by many to be the most beautiful town on Crete. Take a look at the city's picturesque harbor with its preserved Venetian shipyard and cobbled streets. After a guided tour, there is time for souvenir hunting. Stroll along the famous Leather Lane and buy local handicrafts at the market, directly contributing to the local economy. End the day with free time at Lake Kournas with its abundant wildlife. Katerina loves this place. She says: “This is the only freshwater lake on Crete, surrounded by the White Mountains. Simply gorgeous." Learn about the local flora and fauna and the lake's ecosystem before the tour ends.

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Excursions and day trips

Palmenstrand Preveli – ab Rethymnon

Today you can enjoy a tropical landscape with lush palm forests jutting out into the turquoise sea. Experience the diversity of southern Crete during the boat ride from Damnoni to the palm-fringed beach of Preveli and while visiting the impressive depths of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge.

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Activities

Cretan Experience 4x4

Combining rural Cretan villages, scenic drives and a visit to a typical shepherd's hut, this small group 4x4 tour is designed for the young and wild at heart. Climb the mountains of Rethymnon to Halepa Monastery, then visit a winery for a typical meze dish. The tour starts with a panoramic view and then passes through lush green landscapes and traditional villages like Milopotamos. Climb the slopes of the Psiloritis Massif to Halepa Monastery and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the verdant valley. Your off-road adventure continues along the mountain trails of the massif. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as eagles and wild goats. And to satisfy your cravings, stop at a winery where a traditional meal awaits.

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Excursions and day trips

Visit to Loutro village with typical Cretan lunch

Loutro is an idyllic seaside town that can only be reached by water. Here you can completely turn off. Take a boat from Sfakia to Loutro and spend a day exploring the village at your own pace. Enjoy lunch at a local tavern and relax in the bright Cretan sun. Rena, one of our local tour guides, says: “Loutro is the hidden gem of southern Crete, a magical place with incredible blue waters, clear blue almost green, crystal clear and no sign of cars or traffic”. a scenic drive to Sfakia and a stop on the Askifou plateau for a Greek coffee overlooking the majestic White Mountains. Then hop on a boat and take a 20-minute mini-boat ride to Loutro, a picturesque and remote fishing village with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Here you have enough time to stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the postcard idyll of the whitewashed houses. Take the opportunity to buy a souvenir and support the local economy. At a traditional, family-run waterfront tavern overlooking the bay, savor what Rena calls “the flavors of the south” for lunch. You will try local specialties like cheesecake, fried zucchini, Cretan salad and much more while sipping on local wine. Afterwards, you can lie on the beach, dive into the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea and watch the world go by. The peaceful, traffic-free environment guarantees pure relaxation.

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Excursions and day trips

Elafonisi Island Tour with Agia Sofia Monastery and Cave

The uninhabited island of Elafonisi, in southwest Crete, is rich in natural beauty and cultural treasures. Highlights of your full-day tour include Topolia Gorge, Agia Sofia Cave, Chrissoskalitissa Monastery and what many consider the best beach on the island. Rena, one of our local guides, says, "This tour combines the best of the Cretan highlands with the idyllic pink sand beach of Elafonisi on the south coast." The view of the deep gorge to your left is magnificent. Then visit the cave of Agia Sofia with its famous stalactites, the subject of countless legends. It is said that St George's footprint was found here and if you look closely you will find what appears to be a horseshoe in a rock. Continue to Chrissoskalitissa Monastery. This 1,000-year-old monastery with its timeless charm is built on a hill overlooking the coast. Its name means "golden staircase" and it is surrounded by legends: they say that one of the steps is made of gold, but only believers can see it. The terminal is worth a postcard. Rena says, “From Elafonisi Beach, you reach the small island of Elafonisi via a shallow stretch of water.” Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing in beautiful surroundings.

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Activities

Kreta 4x4 Safari da cidade de Rethymno

Craggy mountain peaks, sun-drenched plains and rustic Cretan villages are the focus of this 4x4 tour. Visit Klados Winery and Halepa Monastery and taste local olive oil and wine. Board a 4x4 vehicle and drive to the first stop of the day: Klados Winery. Here, enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting before visiting the traditional villages of Dafnedes, Apladiana and Agridia. Next on the itinerary is a stop at Halepa Monastery. The history-filled monastery once served Cretans as a place of refuge from the hustle and bustle. Panoramic views from the hill make the monastery a great spot for Instagramable photos. Spend the rest of the morning driving through extensive vineyards and visiting a traditional olive press. Here you will learn everything you need to know about olive oil harvesting and production on the island and you can taste it yourself. Finally, you can taste Cretan delicacies in the village of Melidoni before heading back to Rethymno.

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