Day 24 Crete trip to Spinalonga Island

Here is the write up about today's tour:

Explore the environs of Crete on a six-hour tour that takes you to the fascinating island of Spinalonga and winds its way through the narrow streets of the town of Elounda. A one-hour scenic motorcoach ride brings you to the seaside resort of Elounda.

From here, take a short 20-minute boat ride over the sea to the island of Spinalonga.

Occupied by the Venetians for 150 years, the small island gained fame when it was converted into a leper colony in the 1900s. Enter through a tunnel called Dante's Gate

 

and explore the abandoned village, small shops and church.

 

Sail back across Mirabello Bay into the harbor of Elounda and explore this elegant resort town on your own. Wander along pedestrian lanes, relax on the pristine beach or just sit and people watch in a taverna.

Return at the designated time and relax on the ride to port.

  Here is our version: The Vista Lounge, the shipboard venue where everyone gathers for show excursions, was crowded, but we finally left to board our bus for the 1 hour drive with 150 of our closest friends. Three buses. Then we had our 20 minute boat ride. We had a guided tour of Spinalonga Island, which was an army post, then a place to live tax free, and then got replaced by a leper colony. Then the island was abandoned and eventually became a tourist thing. Now we're on the boat ride back to the island of Crete. It's pretty warm.

I got a spanikopita and a lemon sorbet, and Paul got apple pie and ice cream. Then we boarded our bus for the long ride back to the port.