Excursion Description
Private Tour
Once a Venetian stronghold and later one of the last leper colonies in Europe, Spinalonga is a place where history, drama and beauty meet. Walking through its narrow alleys and timeworn fortifications, you step into stories of courage, survival and human spirit. The island became world-known thanks to the TV series “The Island”, filmed here among its atmospheric ruins and breathtaking seascapes.
Your private journey begins with a scenic drive through Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, where you will enjoy panoramic views and photo stops along the Mirabello Gulf. Traveling in luxury - on a Private Tour (up to 8 guests) with a Premium Mercedes-Vito "VIP", you continue with a short boat ride to Spinalonga, where Venetian walls rise proudly above the turquoise waters. Built in the 16th century, the fortress protected Crete from pirates and Ottoman forces, and later became home to Turkish families during the Ottoman rule. In the 20th century, Spinalonga was transformed into one of the last leper colonies in Europe, where isolated residents created their own small community with a church, school and shops.
Exploring the island today, you will encounter centuries of history layered in one place - from Venetian bastions and Ottoman houses to the poignant memories of the leprosarium. This unique blend of heritage and natural beauty makes Spinalonga one of Crete’s most unforgettable destinations.
Optional bio-hacking gift experience: On the way back, you may also choose to enjoy a short mini-retreat at Almyros beach - with guided breathing exercises and refreshing cold-water immersion, designed to recharge body and mind in a super-natural setting
What’s Included:
- Pick-up from your place, hotel, apartment, villa, port, or airport.
- Brand new luxury Mercedes Vito with VIP leather seats.
- Private driver & guide with local insights (ENG/UA/RUS/POL/GR).
- Premium air-conditioning (all levels).
- Free onboard Wi-Fi for your comfort.
- Panoramic views from large tinted windows.
- Ample separate luggage storage space (up to 8 large bags, also suitable for wet swimwear after the beach).
- Welcoming with a "World Awarded" bottle of cold Cretan mineral water during the ride.
- Complimentary coffee at an exclusive local "Secret Spot".
- Scenic drive along the northern coast with photo stops.
- Coffee stop and short stroll in Agios Nikolaos (Lake Voulismeni).
- Arrival to Famous Plaka (Elounda area). Optionally: lunch in local restaurant or taverna with views of Spinalonga Island (~€15–€35 p.p., extra).
- Boat trip and guided walk around Spinalonga coastline and island village. Optionally: Boat ticket to Spinalonga (~€12) & entrance fee (€20, extra).
- Free time on Spinalonga for exploration and photos.
- Boat trip back (included).
- Transfer to the special beach of Almyros where the Cretan sea merges with the Almyros river for swimming and relaxing.
- Organized beach: fully equipped with W.C., changing rooms, and showers.
- Bio-hacking master class (optionally included).
- Private transfer back to your place.
- Volanna Travel "Memory Presents" — handpicked local gift pack.
Optionally:
- Lunch/dinner at a local taverna (~€15–€35, extra).
- Boat ticket to Spinalonga (~€12–€14, extra).
- Entrance fee to Spinalonga (€20, extra).
- Optional Add-on: Capture All the Magic! Professional photo and video coverage with drone shots from the start to the end of the trip.
- Group Pack – €100 total (covers everyone).
- Solo Option – €15 per person.
- Optionally: Professional bodyguard (€75 per hour, extra).
Perfect For
Groups or independent explorers who value comfort and flexibility without stress, unique for travelers who appreciates comfort, privacy and want the lagoon & fortress experience without crowds, hustle & bustle. Ideal for families, couples, adventure seekers, history buffs, photo hunters, nature lovers and small groups up to 8 people.
Tour Timeline
- 08:00 - 08:45: Private pick-up from your location. Complimentary cold bottle of Cretan mineral water on board.
- 08:45 - 10:00: Drive in a premium luxury Mercedes through scenic seascapes and mountain valleys. Local tales about Crete and relaxing music included.
- 10:00 - 10:45: Stop in Agios Nikolaos. Stroll around Lake Voulismeni and waterfront promenade. Complimentary premium coffee as a welcome present from Volanna Travel.
- 10:45 - 11:15: Transfer to Plaka (boat departure point).
- 11:15 - 11:30: Boat trip to Spinalonga Island. Optional purchase: boat ticket €12–14 & entrance fee €20 (extra).
- 11:30 - 12:45: Explore Spinalonga Island independently (free) or optionally with a professional guide (extra).
- 12:45 - 13:00: Boat trip back to Plaka (tickets included).
- 13:00 - 13:45: Transfer to Almyros beach (Agios Nikolaos area) and Biohacking Master class.
- 13:45 - 16:00: Swimming stop at the unique merge of Cretan sea and Almyros river. Relaxing time at secret beach. Fully equipped with W.C., toilets, changing rooms, showers. Optional sunbeds (extra). Bio-hacking included.
- 16:00 - 17:00: Luxury private transfer back to your place.
- 17:00: Final touch - "The Volanna Way": handpicked local gift box as a surprise, crafted with love and inspired by Cretan tradition. Includes a thank-you note welcoming you to the Volanna Travel family.
P.s. It’s our way of saying: "Thank you for trusting us - you are no longer a guest, but part of our big Volanna Travel Family."
