Silversea Luxury Cruises A AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (Crete)

Discover the seaside beauty and ancient history of Crete during this half-day walking tour of Aghios Nikolaos, and visit to Spinalonga Island via boat.

Aghios Nikolaos Walking Tour

Depart the pier for a guided, approximate 45-minute walking tour of Aghios Nikolaos. Built on the western recess of Mirabello Bay, Aghios Nikolaos is undoubtedly the most picturesque harbour in Crete. A Byzantine church of the same name is located on the peninsula of the port. This ancient town served as a harbour during Roman times and the first Byzantine period. A fortress, Mirabello, was erected here during a period of Venetian occupation due to its beautiful view. Following your walking tour, board a coach for the brief drive to Elounda.

Elounda and Spinalonga Island

Upon arrival in Elounda, embark a boat for the approximate 30-minute ride to the nearby island of Spinalonga, also known as 'Kalidon'. Located on the eastern section of Crete, Spinalonga was once linked with the adjacent peninsula of Kolokitha and fortified to protect the entranceway of the ancient port of Olous. Spinalonga also served as the setting for Victoria Hislop's best-selling novel, The Island, and Werner Herzog's experimental short film, Last Words. Today, this unoccupied island is one of the main attractions in Crete.

Following an hour-long visit to Spinalonga, embark your boat for the approximate 30-minute return ride to Elounda. Upon arrival, a stop is made for some free time to explore your surroundings or have a refreshment on your own before commencing the brief drive back to the pier in Aghios Nikolaos.

Explore the scenic ancient countryside and mountains of Crete during this half-day journey to Kera's Monastery and the Lassithi Plateau.

Mt. Dikti

Depart the pier for the approximate 60-minute drive into the interior of Crete, then ascend 3,000 feet (about 914 metres) to Mt. Dikti; the island's easternmost mountain range. En route, pass through the fertile countryside and many picturesque villages.

Kera's Monastery

Your first stop is a guided walking tour at Kera's Monastery, or 'Kardiotissa'. Built in the 17th century and dedicated to the Virgin of Kera, this structure is adorned with lovely Byzantine icons and 14th-century wall paintings.

Lassithi Plateau

Next, you will continue on through wooded villages to the Lassithi Plateau and Seli Village to admire the breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the surrounding mountains, which are dotted with over 100 picturesque windmills for which the area is famous. Following your photo stop, walk to a nearby tavern to enjoy local treats and the hospitality that these warm people are known for before returning to the pier.

Explore the storied past of the Palace of Knossos during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion to Heraklion.

Palace of Knossos

Depart the pier for the approximate 70-minute drive to Knossos, the ancient capital of the great King Minos. Constructed around 1900 B.C., the original Palace of Knossos was destroyed by an earthquake about 200 years later, then rebuilt on a grander scale. Knossos was devastated again with the eruption of the volcano in Santorini around 1500-1450 B.C. Despite this blow, people continued to live here for another fifty years until a fire swept throughout the city circa 1400 B.C.

Upon arrival, take a guided tour through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centres for the whole region. Along the way, see the living quarters of the king, queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, the theatre area, store rooms, and potters' workshops.

Following your tour, re-board the coach and proceed to the pier.

Explore Aghios Nikolaos at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Aghios Nikolaos at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Aghios Nikolaos at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Aghios Nikolaos at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the storied past of the Palace of Knossos during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion to Heraklion.

Palace of Knossos

Depart the pier for the approximate 70-minute drive to Knossos, the ancient capital of the great King Minos. Constructed around 1900 B.C., the original Palace of Knossos was destroyed by an earthquake about 200 years later, then rebuilt on a grander scale. Knossos was devastated again with the eruption of the volcano in Santorini around 1500-1450 B.C. Despite this blow, people continued to live here for another fifty years until a fire swept throughout the city circa 1400 B.C.

Upon arrival, take a guided tour through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centres for the whole region. Along the way, see the living quarters of the king, queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, the theatre area, store rooms, and potters' workshops.

Following your tour, re-board the coach and proceed to the pier.