Private tour in Heraklion Nikolina K
5.0
(3) reviews
4 hours
1
4 hours
1
Nikolina K.
5.0
Guide rating
22
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Tours delivered
9 hrs
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Hello, my name is Nikol and I am a true Cretan in every sense of the word - I think I embody all the good and the bad things that people from the rest of Greece say about us. What are these? Well I'll tell you in person! :) My name comes from Saint Nikolas, who for us is the patron saint of all seamen. My father was a merchant ship captain and when he was still young and unmarried, his crew came upon a tremendous storm threatening to sink their ship. He then desperately prayed to St Nikolas and promised that if he saved them, he would name his first child after him. And that was me, many years later! That is what Crete is made of - thousands of stories hidden underneath common, everyday things. Wouldn't you like to know them and impress your other friends who may have been to Crete but had no one to tell them what it's all about? Coming to Crete you have chosen a unique, magical destination. Not only because every corner bears the mark of the Roman, the Arab, the Venetian, the Ottoman and the German people who have made this island their home throughout history, but also because the rugged, harsh landscape has shaped our character to match it. Still, we fall in love in delicate iambic verses (imagine short, rhyming, ad lib poems) and we have raised hospitality to a high ideal since antiquity. Yes, this is a land of stark contrasts that will remain hidden in plain sight if you incorrectly believe that a guide book or online encyclopedia can unlock its secrets for you. For this, you will need someone with genuine love for their roots and for people. For this, you will need someone like me! *25 years of experience in the Tourism industry *Degree in Hotel Entertainment *Degree in International Business *Degree & Certification in Tour Guiding by Greek Ministry of Tourism I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. I can converse in and understand many languages, but the main body of my tours is delivered in English, Greek or Italian.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Nikolina K.
The Minoan civilization is one of wonders and surprises, and this tour will immerse you in it and leave you in awe at how advanced and complex the life of its people was some 4000 years ago. . . As an officially certified and up to date guide, I will shutter myths that have been disproved by the latest research and bring the Minoan culture to life right before your eyes. This is not only the second most popular site in the whole country after the Parthenon, but also home to the feared mythical monster of Minotaur, half bull and half man, whose shadow lurks in every corner of this impressive palace. I will answer questions like: Why did the Minoans paint monkeys in blue color? How can we tell the sex and age of human figures in Minoan frescoes? Why and how did the Minoans engage in bull leaping? What's with the Minoan dress leaving the breasts uncovered? And last but not least. . . Where is the labyrinth?
We enjoyed our Knossos and Heraklion Archeological Museum tour with Nikolina. She really brought Knossos to life during our tour. She had visual aids and explained everything so clearly. The pace of the tour was perfect. Nikolina was very friendly and easy to talk to. Her English was very good. In addition, we appreciated her good suggestions for restaurants and Cretan foods to try. I definitely recommend Nikolina as a tour guide.
This was wonderful. There are a lot of ancient sites in Greece and Crete, but touring with Nikolina brought the remarkable Knossos site to life. She is very knowledgeable, articulate, and fun to be with. It was especially helpful having her guidance at the site followed by the interpretation at the museum. The entire experience was fabulous and you will be lucky if you can book the tour with her. Don’t hesitate.
What a fascinating tour with a wonderful guide. Not only was she knowledgeable about the time period but she helped us learn about the culture of those who lived here. She has an engaging personality and was passionate about the subject. Additionally she paced the tour exceptionally well as my husband is 90 but our granddaughter and his husband are in their early 30s. I would highly recommend her.
·At first, we will gather in Knossos Archeological Site, outside the city of Heraklion. ·In the site, we will follow the path the ancient visitors took entering from the main gate at the west side, and then through the south west entrance, we will have a chance to admire the impressive storage rooms and elite gatherings' first floor. ·We will then come down to the main plaza, stop at the sanctuary and the south entrance. ·Next, we'll admire the must-see throne room, as well as the the grand staircase and the east wing from above. ·We will then continue towards north to the customs house, the lustral basin and theatral area. ·We'll then exit the site and head towards the Heraklion Archeological Museum in the city centre. ·On arrival, we'll walk the rooms in chronological order to see the room of neolithic findings, first and second palatial periods, religion, everyday life, sports, weapons, jewelry and fumerary traditions and of course the original frescoes room to finish with a bang!
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The only transportation needed will be between Knossos and the Museum, the rest is on foot. This transportation can be done via taxi or public bus, or any other vehicle you might have procured.
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Entrance to Knossos Archaelogical Site.
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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