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Discover Agios Nikolaos |
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Sail in Kolokitha Bay |
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| Explore Spinalonga Follow the guide around the island of Spinalonga and find yourself admiring the history of the leper's fort. |
The excursion begins with collecting the group of all explorers from their pick up points in the morning. The bus tour will then be heading towards Agios Nikolaos for a guided tour in the town center and relaxation time.
The town of Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi prefecture and stands on the shore of Mirabello bay on the east part of Crete's island. The point of attention is the lake of Voulismeni, found in the town center, surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The lake connects to the sea under a tiny road blue bridge and has a historical and geological significance due to its high depth. In the town, you can find many shops and on Wednesdays even an open-air market bazaar. Take your time for a walk to enjoy the views, enjoy some shopping or have a drink in one of the numerous cafes around the lake.
The bus tour continues with the group heading to Elounda town, where we will embark on the boat and begin our sailing trip to Kolokitha Bay.
Elounda is a former fishing village on the northern coast of the island. Modern Elounda is very well known for the Five and Six stars luxury Hotels built in the area. A lot of them can be seen on the way to the port, where we embark to our private boat for the coastal cruise to Mirabello Gulf. Following the coastline of Agios Nikolaos will get us to the Bay of Kolokytha, an unspoiled and away from civilization spot. While the BBQ meal is prepared from the crew and the captain, enjoy a swim in crystal clear turquoise water. The meal will be served on board, accompanied by a glass of wine or a soft drink.
At last but not least, make your way with the guided tour to Spinalonga where the legacy of the lepers marked its initials.
Spinalonga, the main attraction of the day, is a small island very close to Elounda and on the east part of the island of Crete. It is a place of historical memory as it accommodated in isolation people suffering from lepra until 1957. Through the centuries it has been inhabited from the Venetians, the Turks before it isolated the lepers. It has always been a tourist attraction, however after 2005 when Victoria Hislop a British writer wrote a historical novel “The Island” about how lepers lived on Spinalonga, hundreds of people come every day to honor a visit and learn the history of the place first hand.
| 09:00 | - | 09:30 | Bus trip to Agios Nikolaos |
| 09:30 | - | 11:00 | Arrival in Agios Nikolaos walk with the guide in the town center and free time |
| 11:00 | - | 11:40 | Bus trip to the village of Elounda |
| 11:40 | - | 11:50 | Arrival in Elounda embarkation and departure for Kolokytha island |
| 11:50 | - | 12:15 | Departure and coastal cruise towards Kolokitha Bay |
| 12:15 | - | 14:00 | Arrival at Kolokitha, time for swimming until the BBQ lunch is prepared and served on the boat |
| 14:00 | - | 14:25 | Departure from Kolokytha and cruise towards Spinalonga island |
| 14:25 | - | 16:00 | Arrival on the island of Spinalonga. Guided tour and free time on the island | 16:00 | - | 16:30 | Departure from Spinalonga, arrival at Elounda, disembarkation and departure of the bus |
| 16:30 | - | Return bus trip |
** Itinerary is subject to minor alterations depending on traffic, weather conditions or any other unpredictable circumstance.
- Swimsuit and towel
- Snorkeling equipment
- Hat
- Sun protection lotion
- Camera
- The BBQ meal includes pork chop on the BBQ, season salad, feta cheese, bread, season fruit, a soft drink or a glass of wine
- A vegetarian meal can also be offered upon request
- In Agios Nikolaos you can purchase food and drinks
- On board of the boat, apart from the BBQ included, there is a bar where you purchase drinks, sandwiches and ice-creams
- A small kiosk bar is available in Spinalonga island
- No facilities are available on board of the bus
- In Agios Nikolaos you can use WC in most of cafes and restaurants
- Facilities are available on board of the boat
- Facilities are available on the island of Spinalonga