- Home
- Experiences
- Greece
- Greek Islands
- Experience in Crete - on Sundays
TourExperience in Crete - on Sundays
Tour location:Greek Islands
From R$3,334.21 /person
Day 1
The tour begins with a drive along the island's north coast, where we will visit the 12th-century Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, located 1 km from the village of Kritsa. The church houses the best-preserved Byzantine frescoes in Crete and, for this reason, has become one of the most important cultural and historical monuments on the island.
We continue our journey along the beautiful coastal road to the village of Elounda, located 11 km north of the city of Agios Nikolaos. Elounda preserves its authentic character and offers a unique landscape, with several coves and pristine beaches. One of them is the seaside village of Plaka, where we will board a boat bound for the now uninhabited island of Spinalonga.
During the visit, the guide will lead us through the ruins of what was a leper colony between 1903 and 1957, a place where patients had better living conditions, medical care, and economic support.
After visiting Spinalonga, there will be free time for swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Plaka and an optional lunch at Taverna Spinalonga (Plaka).
Next, we will visit the city of Agios Nikolaos, capital of the Lassithi region. The area is dominated by the salt lake Voulismeni, considered bottomless. A narrow channel connects the lake to the sea, while the scenery is framed by reddish rocks and trees, creating a landscape of rare natural beauty. Above the lake, there is a small park with pine trees, and a stone path leads to its southern end, where there is a charming harbor for fishing boats.
The city also boasts interesting Archaeological, Folklore and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organized marina, pedestrian-only streets (ideal for leisurely walks) and traditional squares filled with cafes and restaurants.
In the late afternoon, around 6:00 PM, I return to Heraklion.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, the guide will transfer you at 8:30 AM to the Palace of Knossos, the largest Minoan palace, built between 1700 and 1400 BC. The complex showcases advanced architectural techniques, with structures up to five stories high. The first settlements in Knossos date back to the Neolithic period, around 7000 BC.
Explore approximately 1,300 rooms, corridors, storage areas, and a theater, discovering the fascinating Minoan civilization. The site was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos, and excavations began in 1900 under the direction of Sir Arthur Evans, extending over 35 years.
Around 11:30 AM, I return to Heraklion to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the second largest in Greece, after the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. The tour includes finds dating back to 6000 BC, highlights from the Minoan palaces of Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros, as well as artifacts from cemeteries, sanctuaries, and residences, concluding with the famous Minoan frescoes of Knossos.
After visiting the museum, return to the Cretan Spiti Travel terminal at 1:30 PM.
.
Encontro com o guia no terminal da Cretan Spiti Travel, em frente à entrada do Museu Arqueológico de Heraklion, em frente à Creperia Hari’s, em Heraklion, às 08:30.
Doubt or unforeseen? Send a message via Chat.
Check the discounts according to each experience.
2 days
Regular tour
Available
(Tour of Spinalonga & Archaeological Museum, Palace of Knossos)
Departures every Sunday – Duration: 2 days / 1 night
3rd adult: 10% discount
