Four-day trip Kefalonia – Ithaki
Friday 7th July – Monday 10th July 2023
Day 1st Friday 07/07: Piraeus – Kyllini – Kefalonia – Katavothres – Argostoli
Our departure point is at Larissis Station at 7.30 a.m. and our trip is about to set off. We arrive at Isthmos of Corinth for a rapid stopover for coffee. We Then departure for the port of Kyllini, boarding the ship of LEVANTE FERRIES and departure at 12:15 for Poros Kefalonia. After an hour and a half of floating we will reach the seaside town of Poros, where the homonymous port is located. We will be impressed with the green slope of the mountain ending in the blue waters of the Ionian Sea, with the houses built amphitheatrically, and harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape. Boarding our bus and through a beautiful route, we will reach the area of Lassi. There are two of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan beaches of Kefalonia, Makris and Platis Gialos. It is sandy, without rocks and pebbles, with crystal clear waters. Every year they are awarded with the Blue Flag for their cleanliness and are known for the golden sand that exists along the entire length of the beach. Free time available for swimming and eating. Then we will depart to visit Katavothres. It is one of the most important geological phenomena observed in Kefalonia, and has occupied scientists around the world.
We continue to Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, and the largest city of the island, where our hotel IONIAN PLAZA 3* is situated. It is a picturesque town built on the hills around the Koutavos Lagoon, and the natural harbor formed there. We will settle in our hotel and we will have free time to get some rest and walk around the picturesque city with its architectural value, public and private buildings. We recommend a walk on the characteristic De Pose Bridge. One of the most beautiful bridges in Greece, on Rizospaston Avenue, where you will see the statue of the poet Nikos Kavvadias and the central cobbled pedestrian street. Most shops are located here or in parallel and vertical alleys. It was one of the first streets to be paved and almost immediately became the center of city life. Today, the old slabs have been replaced by white “tiles”, which make Lithostroto one of the brightest streets of Kefalonia. It is the place where the people of Argostolian people take their walk, drink their coffee, serenade and it is Lithostroto again, and the place where they revive the customs of the Kefalonian tradition. Return and overnight sleep in the hotel.
Day 2nd Saturday 08/07: Optional Cruise at Ithaki
Breakfast in our hotel. Today, you can choose between two optional excursions.
Optional Cruise for those who wish to get to know the homeland of Odysseus the neighboring Ithaki, we recommend a beautiful cruise. Transfer by bus from our hotel to the port of Sami, boarding the speedboat and departure at 09:00 for our Cruise! First stop for swimming at Gidaki beach, an excellent beach that has access only by sea. Then, departure for the port of Pisaetos and visit Vathi, the capital of Ithaki. We will stay about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to know the small cute town. Vathy is filled with beautiful colored houses, it’s full of color but at the same time peaceful city. The capital of Ithaki has its own charm that you will discover walking through its quiet streets. The houses are built in the traditional way and most of them are colorful and have tiled roofs. Here you will find several small restaurants and shops. A visit to Kioni follows. It is a traditional settlement in Northern Ithaki. Some say Kioni is the most beautiful island of Ithaki. A picturesque fishing village, with beautiful beaches. Its sheltered harbor is ideal for sailing boats. Some traditional captains’ houses testify to the impressive architectural influence of both the Venetians and the English. In this wonderful bay, a small beautiful beach with crystal clear waters is waiting to be discovered. Available free time 1 hour and 30 minutes for eating and swimming. Our cruise will end with one more stop for swimming at Filiatro beach. Return to Kefalonia around 17:30 in the afternoon. Boarding our bus and transfer to our hotel. Free time and evening optional nightlife, Overnight.
Alternatively, those who do not want the Optional cruise, we recommend visiting Lixouri! We will embark on the boat from Argostoli, which operates public transport (every half hour) connecting Argostoli, the picturesque Lixouri or otherwise “Piccolo Paris”. The second largest town of the island, built with respect to the traditional architecture. Free time to get to know the city and enjoy our coffee in the central square. Then, we recommend swimming and lunch. Return with it to Argostoli and our hotel.
Day 3rd Sunday 09/07: Road Tour of the Island H.M. Agios Gerasimos – Drogarati Cave – Sami – Melissani Cave – Agia Efimia – Fiskardo.
Today, we will get to know Kefalonia and its natural wonders. Breakfast and departure for the monastery of Agios Gerasimos, patron saint and protector of the island. It was founded by the Saint himself in 1560, as a women’s convent, and today his hermitage is preserved here, as well as the Holy Relic of the Saint, even the three large plane trees that he planted himself and today accompany pilgrims with their shadow, where we will see his Cave. Pilgrimage to the Holy Relic. We continue with our visit to the local wine cooperative. There, after touring, we will have the opportunity to taste the famous Robola wines produced by the island. Then, we will visit the Cave of Drogarati. Its central hall is a work of art of nature, with incredible stalactite decoration, making the cave the only one in Greece that occasionally hosts concert events! A living cave that continues to grow (optional visit).
Then, we continue to the port of Sami, where “embraced” by dense vegetation, it is a summer resort with a Hollywood air (this is where a large part of the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” was filmed). Sami is also world famous for Melissani Cave, probably the top attraction of Kefalonia. Melissani is a magical cave! When its roof collapsed (a lot of years ago), a large lake was revealed, larger than it appears in the photos. The cave itself would be a great reason to come here. What makes it special is the sunlight that illuminates the incredibly clear waters of the lake differently every second, forming incredible iridescences and shades that constantly alternate. After this unique experience (optional), we continue to Agia Efimia, a beautiful seaside village in a green bay, which gathers many sailing boats. An ancient Roman villa with mosaics has been found in the village, for which efforts are being made to highlight and promote it. Our beautiful route continues to its northern end, in beautiful Fiskardo, a beautiful fishing village, today a cosmopolitan destination that apart from its crystal clear turquoise waters, one can also enjoy nice views of neighboring Ithaki. Here we will have free time for swimming and lunch. Taking the way back, we see the historic peninsula of Assos, with its Venetian castle, while we will also make a stop to admire the panoramic view of Myrtos beach, one of the timeless best and famous beaches in Europe! Return to the hotel free time, overnight.
Day 4th Monday 10/07: Argostoli – Poros – Kyllini – Athens
Breakfast, arrange our luggage on the bus and take the way back to the port of Poros. Embarkation on the ferry of Levante Ferries to Kyllini. On the way to Athens, we will stop at the seaside village of Aigeira, for our lunch. Late afternoon, arrival in Athens.
