2-day tour of classical Crete and Spinalonga

Program:

Day 1: 

• Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at Eleftherias Square in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at 08:30.
• The tour starts by driving along the Northern coast of the island were we will visit the 12th century Byzantine church of Panagia Kera located 1km from the village of Kritsa. The church contains the finestpreserved Byzantine-era frescoes in Crete, and for that reason , has become one of the most culturally and historically significant churches on the island.
• We continue our tour driving through the beautiful coastal road and village of Elounda, which lies 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos Town. Elounda retains its authentic character and offers a unique landscape with many coves and pristine beaches. One of them is the sea-front village of Plaka where we will board the boat to take us on the now deserted island of Spinalonga. Our guide will guide us through the ruins of what used to be a lepercolony from 1903 to 1957 where lepers could have a better life, medical help and economic support. After our visit to Spinalonga, you will enjoy some free time to swim in the crystal clear waters of Plaka and optional lunch at Taverna Spinalonga (Plaka).
• After we will visit Agios Nikolaos town, the capital town of Lassithi. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the area. A narrow channel of water connects the lake with the sea, while an imposing backdrop of red rock and trees adds to the natural beauty of the scenery. A small pine tree park lies above the lake, and a stone path leads to its southern section to a cute small harbour for fishing boats. The city boasts interesting Archaeological, Folklore, and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organised marina, bustling pedestrian streets (ideal for leisurely walks), and traditional squares with buzzing cafés and restaurants. Late in the afternoon at 18:00, we return to Heraklion. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2:

• After breakfast at the hotel, at 08.30, the guide will pick you up to start the visit of the Heraklion Archeological Museum, the second biggest in Greece, after the Museum of Athens.
• The tour begin with introduction of the oldest findings of Crete from 6000bc, then of the highlight Minoan palaces of Knossos, Festos, Mallia and Zakros. The tour continues with objects from cemeteries, shrines, houses and ends with the Minoan frescoes of Knossos.
• When we finish with the visit of the Archaeological Museum, at approximately 10.30, we will drive 5km to southeast off the city to visit the Knossos Palace which was built from 1700 to 1400 BC. Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high. Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization. Knossos Palace featured 1,300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans and olives – often with gold hidden beneath. The site was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos. The excavations in Knossos began in 1900 A.D. by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and they continued for 35 years. After the visit of the site we return to our terminal in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at 13:30. 

Important information:

• Every Sunday – Duration 2 days & 1 night.
• The reservation can be made no later than 7 days before the day of the activity.