OPTIONAL TOURS

DATE: 4 SEPTEMBER 2026

SPINALONGA HISTORICAL ISLAND TOUR


Duration From Elounda – 4hrs


Explore the town of Agios Nikolaos and the island of Spinalonga on a private guided tour through Eastern Crete, combining local history, traditional villages, and important historical landmarks. The tour begins in Agios Nikolaos, a coastal town built around the famous Lake Voulismeni. Today, Agios Nikolaos is known for its harbor, neoclassical buildings, and its role as one of the main towns of Eastern Crete. Guests will have time to walk through the town, enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, and take photos around the lake and marina area. The journey continues through the Mirabello Bay region, with a stop either in the traditional fishing village of Plaka or in Elounda. Plaka developed as a small fishing settlement opposite Spinalonga and later became connected to the island’s history during the leper colony period. From there, the group travels to the island of Spinalonga, one of the most historically significant sites in Crete. Originally fortified by the Venetians in the late 16th century to protect the Gulf of Mirabello and control maritime trade routes, the island later came under Ottoman rule before becoming a leper colony in 1903. Spinalonga served as one of the last active leper colonies in Europe until 1957.

Rate for 20-30 persons: €140 per person and includes – Personal pick up & drop off, A chauffeured premium vehicle, Professional driver/escort, Licensed and local guide, Island’s entrance fee, Boat ticket, All taxes, fees and VAT.

DATE: 5 SEPTEMBER 2026

THE MINOAN TOUR OF KNOSSOS & HERAKLION MUSEUM


Duration From Elounda – 6hrs


The tour offers the opportunity to explore two of Crete’s most important historical sites and learn more about the Minoan civilization, considered the earliest advanced civilization in Europe. The first stop is the Palace of Knossos, located just outside Heraklion. Dating back to around 2000 BC. The palace is connected to Greek mythology through the legend of King Minos, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur. Visitors can see the remains of ceremonial halls, royal apartments, storage rooms, and sections of the original drainage and water systems.


The tour continues to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, one of the most important museums in Greece for Minoan history and archaeology. The museum houses findings from Knossos and other ancient sites across Crete, covering a period of more than 5,000 years. During the journey between sites, guests can enjoy views of the Cretan countryside and learn more about the history of Heraklion and the island’s role throughout different historical periods, including the Venetian and Ottoman eras.


Rate for 20-30 persons: €127 per person and includes – Personal pick up & drop off, a chauffeured premium vehicle, Ancient city & museum entrance fees, Licensed/ professional local guide, Whispers (when necessary), All taxes, fees and VAT.

HERAKLION’S GASTRONOMIC TREASURES – WINE, OLIVE OIL & CHEESE


Duration From Elounda – 5hrs


Embark on a gastronomic journey through the mainland of Heraklion and discover some of the most important products of the Cretan diet and culture. This tour offers an introduction to the traditional production methods of olive oil, wine, and cheese. The experience begins with a drive through the countryside of Heraklion, passing vineyards, olive groves, mountain villages, and agricultural areas that reflect the rural character of Crete. Along the route, guests will learn about the history, traditions, and agricultural practices. One of the main stops is a traditional olive mill, where visitors will discover the process of olive oil production, from harvesting to pressing. Olive oil has been produced in Crete for thousands of years, with evidence dating back to the Minoan civilization. The tour also includes a visit to a local winery, where guests can explore the wine production facilities and learn about Crete’s long winemaking tradition, which dates back more than 4,000 years. Visitors will sample a selection of local wines made from indigenous Cretan grape varieties while learning about traditional and modern production techniques. Another stop is a local cheese factory or production area, where guests will discover how traditional Cretan cheeses are made using methods passed down through generations. The tasting may include well-known local cheeses such as graviera, mizithra, or anthotyro, offering insight into the island’s culinary heritage and pastoral traditions.


Rate for 20 persons: €115 per person with maximum participation: 60 persons* and includes – Personal pick up & drop off, A chauffeured premium vehicle, Professional driver/ escort, Winery tasting fees, Olive mill tasting fees, Cheese tasting, All taxes, fees and VAT