Shore Excursion from Heraklion port: Mirabello Mountains – Panagia Kera & Kritsa Village

Overview

When you arrive at the Port of Heraklion you will meet your professional guide to start your tour of the area of ​​the Mirabello Mountains. During the tour you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the Elounda Bay. From the north closes the bay the Ιsland of Spinalonga, a small rocky island with a long history, as it was the first base for the strongest fortresses of the Venetians and then a refuge for Christians during the Ottoman era. Finally in the period 1904-1957 the island functioned as a sanatorium for lepers.

Our destination is one of the most important temples of the Byzantine era, the Church of Panagia Kera built in the 13th and 14th century. There you will admire many important Byzantine frescoes of the 14th and 15th century as well as 14 scenes depicting the secret life of the Virgin Mary after the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

Our next visit is in the enchanting traditional village of Kritsa. Kritsa is considered one of the most important centers of Cretan folk and weaving art. You will have free time to explore the picturesque village as you walk through its narrow streets.

However, you cannot leave the island without a stop in the town of Agios Nikolaos where you can find the 2nd natural lake of Crete, Lake Voulismeni, famous for the urban myths that exist around it. The city of Agios Nikolaos until today includes the original tradition and culture of the Cretans. Take advantage of your free time to take a walk, relax and shop for some souvenirs.

You will start your return trip to Heraklion Port full of memories and beautiful images.

Highlights

• Mirabello Mountains
• Spinalonga
• Church of Panagia Kera
• Kritsa village
• Agios Nicolaos

Additional Info

• Bring sun protection (sun cream, hat, sunglasses); temperatures can reach over 86°F (30°C) during summer.
• Low heeled comfortable shoes are recommended due to some uneven and slippery paths.
• Appropriate clothing should be worn in places like monasteries and churches (no shorts, no hats; shoulders should be covered).
• Last minute reservations: We do accept reservations up to 48 hrs prior the tour. Full payment for the trip is required upon the confirmation of the reservations. All the last minute reservations are non-refundable.
• Lower rates for larger groups (20+pax) available upon request!

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES 

At GeoTravel our highest priorities are compliance, environmental protection, health, safety and well-being of our staff and clients.

Our staff and partners are informed and trained in accordance with the guidelines set by Greece’s public health organization (EODY) to meticulously maintain the last hygiene protocols and cleaning procedures.

Our staff always uses personal protective equipment (face masks, shields and optional gloves) and the temperature is monitored daily to ensure a safe travel experience for our clients.

All our vehicles are regularly sanitized and all seats, armrest, sidewalls, overhead bins are intensively cleaned and disinfected between use.

In addition, hand sanitizers are available to travelers and staff before entering the office or the vehicle.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a whisper audio system (for an extra charge) is recommended to be used by all the travelers and the staff in order to keep social distance guidelines.

Terms & Conditions

Amendments
Geo Travel reserves the right to accomplish any amendments on regular shore excursions’, one day tours’ programs & timings and also abort a specific program/timing during the season. For any previous booked tour/timings which have been cancelled, a new tour program or timing will be suggested as a replacement. If the replacement does not satisfy you, you will be granted with a full refund.

Any scheduled tour or visit, in case of delay due to bad weather, damage of the vehicle used for transportation or any other reason is postponed to the next few days, and if this is not possible it is permanently canceled and no claim is made against the office for compensation as the reason of the cancellation is “force majeure”.

 It is emphasized that the travel agency is not able to anticipate or control circumstances that are foreign to its sphere of influence and may lead to the cancellation of the trip or damages due to non-performance or faulty performance of the agreed travel services.

Typical examples of such cases are: strikes, accidents, diseases, epidemics-pandemics, organic disturbances due to local conditions, altitude, climate, due to meals not included in the itinerary or due to insufficient hygiene conditions due to external factors, external factors, injuries, wars or terrorist acts, airstrikes, earthquakes, weather conditions, fires, epidemics, toxic infections and any other emergency or «force majeure». In the above cases, the travel agency is not responsible for repairing any damage caused by them.

Insurance
Our clients are covered by the professional indemnity insurance of our office as well as from the bus transfer insurance which is obligatory in Greece. Our buses are fully insured. Concerning the rest of the tour, if the clients wish to be covered by commercial general liability, it is upon request and a matter upon negotiation with our clients with an extra cost.

Cancellations

In case of cancellation due to withdrawal the following cancellation policy is acceptable:
7 days prior service:                    pay 50% on the total
3 days prior service:                    pay 75% on the total
24 hrs and less prior service:     pay 100% total

Notes

1/ In all above cases, bank expenses that occur for the refund will be deducted from the payment.

2/ For large groups (15 people or more), some expenses, due to their nature, (example: restaurants, prepaid entrance fees) might not be refundable, if the cancellation comes within 4 days before service, whatever the cancellation reason is.

3/ by reserving one of our services you agree with the above terms.