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TALES OF EASTERN CRETE: TRADITIONAL VILLAGES, SPINALONGA AND HOLY TRINITY MONASTERY
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TALES OF EASTERN CRETE: TRADITIONAL VILLAGES, SPINALONGA AND HOLY TRINITY MONASTERY
Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
Journeys for Culture Lovers
Experience Seekers
About this experience
Highlights
- Visit Agios Nikolaos and walk around famous Lake Voulismeni
- Explore the fishing village of Plaka
- Travel back in time to the storied island of Spinalonga
- Engage with locals in the traditional villages of Lassithi
- Soak up the serenity of the Holy Trinity monastery in Areti
- Taste delicious Cretan recipes in a taverna off the beaten path
Description
Your deep dive into East Crete commences in the Lassithi region. Our first stop is Agios Nikolaos town and its crowning glory, Lake Voulismeni. Your dedicated destination angel will introduce you to the main attractions of this cosmopolitan seaside hub and reveal the lake’s most colourful legends.
Next, we shall venture to the small traditional fishing village of Plaka. From here, you will set out on a little boat to explore the notorious islet of Spinalonga, a mere stone’s throw away. You may well have heard of this rocky outcrop before: within the pages of the internationally best-selling novel, The Island, which was set during Spinalonga’s infamous days as a lonely place of exile for lepers. But centuries before that, in the 14th century, Spinalonga was the base for one of the most impressive Venetian castles of Crete.
Even earlier than that, Spinalonga was first inhabited by Christians who used it as a hiding place during the Roman occupation of Crete from 69BC. Intrigued? Your destination angel will reveal all of Spinalonga’s dark secrets to help you make the most of this remarkable Cretan attraction. Returning back to Plaka, get ready to go village hopping in Lassithi. You’ll tap into authentic Cretan vibes in these lovely traditional settlements while your destination angel shares local tales and gives you a glimpse of the rustic Cretan existence.
Now awaits the fortress-like Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Areti. Let’s admire its beautiful architecture and the tranquil garden; lined with 12 cypress trees to symbolize the Twelve Apostles. Shall we tell you the fascinating legend of how this landmark monastery came into being? Last but not least, we shall call in at one more village to enjoy a leisurely Cretan lunch in a traditional taverna.
Experience Details
What is included
Your English speaking destination angel
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation by air conditioned vehicle
Entrance Fees
Boat ticket to Spinalonga
Drinks (wine, tripouro, bottled water)
Lunch
What is not included
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Beverage/drinks other the ones mentioned
Things you need to know
General Terms and Conditions
General Terms and Conditions
Before proceeding with the final booking, customer has to agree on applicable terms and conditions
Payment terms
Payment terms
For payment terms click here
Deadline for reservations
The latest deadline for submitting your booking request is 4 days before the desired date
Restrictions that might influence the operation
As per terms and conditions (extraordinary cancelations)
This experience is subject to weather conditions, (rain- strong winds)
Prepare for the experience
Know before you go
- It is important to know in advance if the guests have any food allergies/dietary requirements
- To enter the Monastery, it is compulsory for men to wear long pants and for women to wear a long skirt with their shoulders covered
- Good physical condition & sturdy and comfortable shoes are required
- Guests must be without heart, lungs or breathing health problems
Starting time
09:00 am
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection cream, hat and loose fitted clothing
NOT suitable
- Wheelchair users / People with mobility impairments
Meeting point
Your hotel, villa or yacht from any location / radius -15klm from Herakleion city centre