Enjoy stay at Capsis Astoria Heraklion Crete
The unique energy of the location, in the middle of nature, creates a positive aura attracting those who are inclined to introspection
Crete -
Crete, Greece
Day 1 :Arrival to Crete Airport
Meet and assist and transfer to your hotel in Crete
Hotel check in / early check in subject to availability
Day2: Optional Tour SUP & Snorkeling
Price 84 Euro
The ideal spot for SUP regardless of your level! Marathi’s and Loutraki’s crystal clear and calm waters create the perfect environment for you to stand on your paddleboard!
Enhance your travel experience and get your body moving. Come and see the western coast of Crete on a SUP board! Paddle around the most crystal clear, turquoise waters and discover the amazing spots that not even the locals know, guided by our experienced SUP instructors.
After an introductory course on the basic paddling techniques, how to stand up, turn and stop, we set course within the bay, explore the caves that lie hidden across the coastline, swim, take pictures, go snorkeling and enjoy what is considered to be the highlight of our guests’ vacations in Crete. We will provide you with all equipment (masks, snorkels) to safely enjoy snorkeling around our coastline and record all these unique memories with our action cameras. All footage will be send to you as reminiscent of this unequalled experience.
There is absolutely no need for prior paddling experience, we make sure you feel confident and ready to go within the first few minutes! Our tour is specially designed to please all levels of paddlers, from first timers to pros.
While previous paddle boarding experience isn’t necessary and our instructors are certified in water rescue and first aid, participants should still know how to swim.
Dress according to the weather, preferably in clothing that’s comfortable to move in and can tolerate getting wet. A hat/cap and sunscreen are recommended on sunny days. A second change of clothes, that will be kept out of the water, within our premises, during the tour, is also recommended.
Duration 2 hours
Day3:Optional Tour Samaria Long
price 84 Euro
One of the highlights of West Crete is the famous Samaria gorge (Entrance and Boat trip included) which sprouts on the south side of the Omalos-Plateau in the White Mountain Ranges of Western Crete. Proclaimed a National Park in 1962, it offers a wealth of natural beauty which is recognized far beyond Greece's borders. Are you ready for this ultimate walking-challenge? The 17kms hike through this very imposing gorge is tough but unforgettable and takes 5 to 6 hours (average time). The landscape at the Samaria gorge is astounding and most impressive you will find the narrowest pass "The Iron Gate", which is only 3m wide and 300 to 700m high from both sides. The walk starts at Xyloskalo at an altitude of 1.200m and runs down to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli at the south coast where you may enjoy a refreshing swim in the Libyan sea or a good meal at one of the local taverns. The trip continues by boat to our bus for the return to your hotel. Many visitors to Crete regard the Samaria experience as being one of their favorites!
Duration 7 hours
Day4:Optional Tour Excursion to Spinalonga Island with BBQ
price 68 Euro
This once-in-a-lifetime experience brings you to the sparkling sea of the Mirabello Bay in East Crete. Luxury air-conditioned coaches will deliver you to the village of Elounda – certainly one of the most beautiful locations on the island.After a short cruise across the clear blue waters we reach the tiny island of Spinalonga. With its amazingly rich history, Spinalonga is a truly magical place. Due to its strategic location at the entrance to Elounda Bay, the Venetians created a fortified stronghold on Spinalonga – ‘The Rock’ - in the 16th Century AD. This fort protected East Crete from invasion by pirates and its extremely strong walls, even after so many cannon ball strikes, stand proud to this day. In the middle of the 17th century Spinalonga was attacked and conquered by the Turkish Ottoman Empire and remained a Turkish stronghold until the liberation of Crete in 1821.
In 1903, historical circumstances gave Spinalonga another role, that of Leper colony. For more than half a century the unfortunate ‘living dead’ were taken to live out their lives in an isolated community upon Spinalonga. The village with its tiny houses, shops, church, workshops and sanitarium still stands today. British author Victoria Hislop has immortalized the heartbreaking story of the lepers in her internationally acclaimed book ‘The Island’ and the story, based on true fact, has now been made into a film using Elounda. And the village of Plaka across the water as its setting. Our professional tour guide will escort you onto the island and you will hear all about the long history of this fascinating place.
Close your eyes and imagine, listen to the sea and taste the salt water on your lips and you will be transported back in time in an experience you will never forget.After our visit to Spinalonga we continue on our cruise across the bay and you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the calm, crystal clear sea at Kolokytha. Here your crew will prepare a delicious barbeque while you swim and relax under the Cretan sun. Enjoy a refreshing glass of Ouzo perhaps, or a cold beer or soft drink from the bar.On our return we take time for a stop at the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos where you may take a stroll around the ‘bottomless’ lake, the pretty harbor and cosmopolitan shops and tree-lined avenues. Enjoy a relaxing coffee in any of the lakeside cafes and sit back and watch the world go by in this beautiful setting.Voted one of the very best trips on Crete, this is a tour not to be missed.
Entrances and boat tickets included.
Duration 7 hours
Day5:Departure
Check out your hotel in Crete and transfer to Crete Airport for departure
Hotel check out / late check out subject to availability
Crete Airport
Crete Airport
4 Nights Accommodation at Capsis Astoria Heraklion Crete subject to availability
Daily Buffet Breakfast at the hotel
transfers from airport to hotel and vice versa by private transfer
Optional Tour Sup and Snorkeling 84 euroOptional Tour Samaria Long 84 euroOptional Tour Excursion to Spinalonga Island with BBQ 68 euro
Cancelation 48 hours prior to the tour date (Free Cancelation)
Cancelation within 48 hours prior to the tour date (Full Charge / No Refund)
No Show or early release (Full Charge / No Refund)
Time based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)