Sail from the port of Elounda and visit Spinalonga, a small rocky islet at the entrance of the Elounda lagoon. Venetian in origin, its name means “long thorn.” Since antiquity, Spinalonga protected the harbor of ancient Olous, now submerged beneath the sea, with ruins still visible on the seabed.
Spinalonga was one of the strongest fortresses of Venetian Crete and was never conquered. Its impressive walls, built in 1579, remain intact today. After the Ottoman conquest of Crete, the island stayed under Venetian control for another 50 years before being handed over in 1715. From 1912 to 1958, it served as a leper colony, and the remaining buildings still reflect daily life from that period.
After the visit, return by boat to Elounda and continue by car to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lassithi. The town is centered around Lake Voulismeni, a small circular lake at the foot of the cliffs, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops, offering free time to explore and relax.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
- Transportation
- English-speaking guide
- Round-trip Public boat tickets Elounda-Spinalonga
- Entrance fees to Spinalonga
- Gratuities (optional)
- Lunch
Start the day with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most impressive Minoan palace, excavated and restored by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. Step back 4,000 years to the time of Europe’s oldest civilization and explore the center of Minoan culture, where advanced technology and remarkable facilities of the era will leave you in awe.
The tour continues to Heraklion, a city where history comes vividly to life. Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to discover outstanding artifacts from Crete’s past, then enjoy time exploring the city itself. The central square, surrounded by cafés, shops, and restaurants, is dominated by the Lion Fountain built by the Venetian governor Morozini in 1628, while the Town Hall is housed in the Venetian Loggia from the same period. A leisurely stroll through Heraklion during your free time reveals even more landmarks and makes for a memorable conclusion to the day.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Transfer to the port of Elounda and visit Spinalonga, a historic islet that once protected the ancient harbor of Olous, now submerged beneath the sea. Famous for its powerful Venetian fortress, built in 1579 and still well preserved, Spinalonga later served as a refuge during Ottoman times and as a leper colony from 1912 to 1958. After the visit, continue to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the Lassithi region. Enjoy free time around Lake Voulismeni, the town’s landmark, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and shops.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Drive through Crete’s fertile countryside, once admired by ancient Rome, to the 17th-century Keras Monastery, famous for its beautiful frescoes. Continue through traditional villages to the Lassithi Plateau, where stunning views reveal a mountain-surrounded valley dotted with thousands of iconic windmills.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
