Hafen
Agios Nikolaos (Kreta)

Experience the exquisite beauty of Kolokytha Island and Saint Luke Beach in a healthy new way during this invigorating, half-day hiking excursion.

Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Guided Hike to Kolokytha Island, Spinalonga Peninsula

Depart the pier for the short drive north to Elounda. Upon arrival, begin your guided, approximately 80-minute hiking trek towards Kolokytha (the Pumpkin), a small island just opposite the Spinalonga Peninsula, approximately 7.4 miles (about 12 kilometres) north of Agios Nikolaos and close to Elounda.

Saint Luke Beach, White Sands, Blue-Green Water, Swimming, Spinalonga Island

Opposite Kolokytha Island is the small, idyllic Saint Luke Beach, which features white sands, blue-green water and a few tamarisks for shade. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to relax and take a refreshing swim (weather dependent). The water is sparkling clean, and the island of Spinalonga in the background is a reminder of the past. Spinalonga was the last leper colony in Europe, which closed in 1957. The branches of the aged olive trees cast their shadows like strokes of an artist's brush.

Guided Hike Back to Elounda, Local Taverna, Refreshments and Snacks

Following your beach visit, depart for the approximately 80-minute walk back to Elounda. Upon arrival, proceed for refreshments and snacks at a local taverna. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore the scenic ancient countryside and mountains of Crete including sweeping views of gorges and quaint valleys during this half-day journey to Kera's Monastery and the Lassithi Plateau.

Mt. Dikti

Depart the pier for the approximate 75-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, Seli Village, Photo Stop, Light Lunch

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 delicious Greek snacks and the hospitality that these warm people are known for before returning to the pier.

Explore central Crete and its two different plateaus in an exciting new way during this scenic and exhilarating, full-day Jeep excursion.

Agios Nikolaos, Central Crete, Forest, Katharo Plateau, Selikiano Forest, Mountains, Valleys, Rivers

Depart the pier for a scenic and exhilarating Jeep tour, the ideal way to explore the central part of Crete with its two different plateaus. Along the way, have lots of fun, take in splendid views of your surrounds, and learn interesting facts about mythology, Crete, and the local lifestyles and traditions. Your journey takes you to the Katharo Plateau by way of the Selikiano Forest, the biggest forest on the island, where the roads are non-existent and the mountains reach a height of approximately 4,921 feet (about 1.5 kilometres). Enjoy a refreshment at a local 'kafenion' in the middle of the wilderness, then continue through dirt tracks, goat valleys and across rivers, where the journey really gets exciting.

Photo Stops, Barbecue Lunch, Lassithi Plateau, Selinari

Next, enjoy an opportunity to take postcard-worthy photographs from a vantage point overlooking the Lassithi Plateau. After your photo stop, re-board your Jeep and drop down to the plateau for a barbecue lunch. After lunch, a visit is made to the Lassithi Plateau, where time has virtually stood still, the local people are mainly farmers and you can see many donkeys at work. From here, drive to Selinari, where another photo stop is made to marvel at this unique scenery.

Krassi Village, Old Plane Tree, Natural Spring, Vultures

Your drive continues on to the village of Krassi, which is famous for a 2,000-year-old plane tree and derives its water from a natural spring. Leaving Krassi Village, head back through the Selinari area. Here, you can see vultures, which are now an endangered species. At the conclusion of your unforgettable tour, commence the approximately 1.75-hour back to the pier.

In Crete, there is something special about the food - and this starts with the olive oil, the base for many Greek dishes and a product that has played a key role in the Cretan diet ever since the Minoan civilization in 2000 BC.

Vassilakis Estate Tour, Olive Oil Sampling

Depart the pier for an approximately 1-hour panoramic drive to Neapoli village, where you will visit Vassilakis Estate, a renowned olive oil estate that has been established for the past 156 years. It has won gold and silver medals in various international contests for the excellent quality of its products. Explore how olive oil used to be made at the old hand-operated olive press at the outdoor museum. Next, continue the experience with a presentation of how olive oil is made today, and learn what defines a high-quality olive oil while sampling a variety of olive oils.

After your experience, re-board your coach for a return 30-minute drive through the beautiful countryside back to the port of Agios Nikolaos.

Discover the origins of Cretan history during this memorable, full-day excursion to the Knossos Palace and Museum of Heraklion.

Agios Nikolaos, Knossos Palace

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the Knossos Palace, one of the most important palaces of the Minoan civilisation and the seat of the legendary King Minos. Here, Sir Arthur Evan's archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts that were found, Evans theorised that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom.

Hall of the Royal Guard, Hall of the Double Axes, King's Chamber, Queen's Apartment, Courtyards

During your visit, a guided tour enables you to view these findings in detail, and learn about the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island. The Knossos Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields, houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, Hall of the Double Axes, King's Chamber with its alabaster throne, Queen's Apartment, and beautiful courtyards and shrines.

Museum of Heraklion, Free Time and Lunch on Your Own in Heraklion

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Museum of Heraklion. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the museum, which boasts a stunning collection of artefacts from Cretan history and pre-history, and offers a unique opportunity to earn about the rich legacy of this ancient civilisation. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the bustling town of Heraklion at your leisure, and stop for lunch at your own expense. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Immerse yourself in the traditions, customs and local village life in Crete during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Agios Nikolaos, Bioaroma Farm, Organic Products, Church of Panagia Kera, Frescoes

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Bioaroma Farm, which features a shop boasting a wide selection of locally-sourced, organic plant products, aromas and herbs. Afterward, re-board your coach and continue on to the old Byzantine Church of Panagia Kera, which boasts a collection of important frescoes dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

Kritsa Village, Countryside Views, Guided Walking Tour

Next, re-board your coach and head to the traditional village of Kritsa. Perched dramatically on a rock hill, the town's amphitheatre-like construction affords incredible views of the countryside. An important centre of Cretan folk and weaving art, Kritsa is one of the most traditional villages in Crete, with locals nurturing local Cretan customs and traditions. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

The food of Crete has been called "the heart and soul of all Greek cooking." The food of the largest of the Greek isles stands dramatically apart from its neighbors. It benefits from access to both mountains and sea, the livestock grazing on fresh wild herbs and grasses, plus incredible seafood. In Crete, old traditions like open-fire cooking methods once prevalent around the country but now vanishingly rare elsewhere are kept alive. It's been said that the staples of the Cretan table - local olive oil, barley, broad beans and wild fennel, goat's cheeses and honey - would be familiar in the dining habits of their Minoan ancestors from 3000 BC. Set on a beautiful hillside, with stunning views of the mountainous area of Herasso, the remote and private organic farm Peskesi is the ideal place to explore and enjoy the unique landscape and cuisine of this most delicious Greek island and experience the pleasures of the Cretan table on this full-day immersive S.A.L.T. experience. Learn about sustainable farming practices, pick and taste some of the ancient varieties of products grown in the fields here, taste and appreciate a variety of local olive oils and wine and join together around the wood-fired hearth to learn to cook some staples of the Cretan diet.

Peskesi Organic Active Farm

Truly a special place cultivated with care and real passion for the land and dedicated to the revival, preservation and promotion of the wealth of the Cretan Diet and sharing the rich history and culture of the wild and beautiful island. In addition to olive groves and nearly forgotten varieties of produce including local nutrient-rich greens like papoules, the fragrant gardens are planted with zucchini, tomatoes, eggpalants, melons, wildflowers and many others. This special way of cultivation and breeding, based on the long-standing experience of traditional farming, enables them to produce healthy, seasonal products and top quality ingredients on a daily basis. There is a small open-air museum of ancient olive making vessels. At the center of the site and the experience is a huge and amazing stone fireplace under the shade of a pergola, where the bounty of the land is cooked slowly in old clay vessels on the embers of wood fires. Lamb antikristo (cooked for many hours in front of the flames) and stuffed zucchini blossoms and grape leaves are a few of the delicacies that come from this unforgettable hearth.

A Complete Culinary Experience

Depart the pier for approximately 1-hour drive to the farm. Upon arrival, be greeted by the owners who will then take you on a walk around the farm. Learn to recognize local varieties of vegetables and herbs that will be the basis of your dishes. Discover the high nutritional value of Cretan honey, and the way their ancestors produced excellent extra virgin olive oil. Together collect all the pure raw materials that will be used for cooking, discussing the value of the seasonal cultivation used on the farm. Following authentic traditional recipes and practices but also the expertise of the chef, you will be introduced step by step to Cretan cuisine and its secrets. Around a table, like each important moment in Cretan culture, enjoy today's culinary creation and the unique experience of Cretan hospitality.

Your Host - Mr. Panagiotis Maganas

Mr. Panagiotis Maganas, the owner of Peskesi Organic Farm started as a nutritionist in his own diet centers in Athens but his interest and love for the Cretan diet determined his next steps. After 22 years of research, he decided to create in his own homeland, Crete, a "school" for Cretan diet and cuisine. Its aim until today is to inform and educate in relation to the nutritional and cultural benefits of the Cretan gastronomic tradition.

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.

Discover scenic Plaka on-foot and explore Spinalonga Island via boat during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Agios Nikolaos, Plaka Village, Walking Tour, Main Promenade, Cafés and Shops, Boat-Ride

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the charming fishing village of Plaka. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through the village's main promenade, exploring the small town's cafés and shops. Following your tour, embark a traditional wooden boat for the short ride to the small island of Spinalonga.

Spinalonga Island, Venetian Fort, Fortress, Return Boat-Ride, Refreshment Stop

First inhabited by the Christians, Spinalonga was later occupied by the Venetians, who constructed an impressive fortress on the island. The island was eventually turned into a restricted leper colony by the Greek state. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the island and learn about its rich history. Afterward, embark your traditional wooden boat for the return ride to Plaka Village. Upon arrival, proceed for a refreshment stop to a local taverna situated on the sea rocks of the village overlooking the island of Spinalonga.  

At the conclusion of your tour, commence your return drive back to the pier.