More about the route
All hikes are mainly on ‘kalderimia’, which are old donkey trails through forgotten areas. The routes go over narrow paths, sometimes from cliff to cliff as you descend and ascend. If there are days when you don't want to hike, there are so many other things to do. Enjoy the pool, visit the local market or hunt for bargains in the shops. The emphasis is on the island atmosphere; no stress, relax, experience and enjoy.
Itinerary
Here you can see the programme for the week.
Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver who will take you to the first hotel in Alykanas. You can adjust to your new surroundings by taking a walk to the beach or enjoying the swimming pool. At check-in, you'll be given your ferry timetable, which is crucial for your upcoming island hopping adventure.
Perhaps you'll arrive early enough to do a hike today and we have an easy route that's an ideal way to get to know the area and test the terrain. Once you leave Alykanas, you'll leave the hustle and bustle behind. A path winds through vineyards and zigzags up through groves of ancient olive trees. Once you reach the top (75m), you'll have a great view of the sea. The final stage follows the long sandy beach of Alykanas.
Hotel (example): Zante Dolphin Hotel
Your first hike is an easy one and the route starts at the endless vineyards that lie just behind your hotel. Today's destination is the small Saint Nicolas church, beautifully situated on a hilltop surrounded by the village of Ano Gerakari, from where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the whole of eastern Zakynthos. The village is also the perfect place to enjoy a Frappe´ (cold Greek coffee) and get an even better sense of island life. The walk back to the hotel takes you through olive groves along paths that are only used during the harvest.
In the late afternoon, you will be picked up from the hotel and driven to Agios Nikolaos harbour to catch the ferry to Kefalonia. Upon arrival in Kefalonia, a taxi will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Argostoli - the capital of Kefalonia.
Please note: If the weather is unfavourable, it may be necessary to travel to Kefalonia by the slightly larger ferries that go via the mainland. You will be informed about this at the welcome meeting.
Hotel (example): Sunrise Inn
Argostoli is actually quite small and within half an hour you'll be walking through the fields, hearing only the rustle of the tall eucalyptus trees. The path becomes narrow and ascends through a shady valley, but it is slightly overgrown and you are not the first walkers to take this path. Carved into the rock, old cart tracks are clearly visible; this used to be a supply road to a large settlement at the top of the hill. Hidden in an olive grove, you stumble upon Mycenaean cyclopean walls made of large boulders, an ideal place for a picnic. The route continues downwards, following goat tracks.
Argostoli is visible in the distance. Finally, in the town, behind the vegetable market, you can see sea turtles. These Caretta Caretta turtles are fed by local fishermen and you're sure to see a few. There's no better way to say goodbye to all the natural beauty that Kefalonia has to offer. Our recommendation is to celebrate your last night at one of the traditional tavernas where Kantades are sung. These local songs celebrate the beauty of the Ionian Islands and with all that you've seen, you can sing along.
Hotel (example): Mirabel
Early in the morning, right after breakfast, you'll be taken by taxi to the starting point of your hike (your luggage will be transported to the end of the hike). In the village of Drakopoulata, time has stood still since the 1953 earthquake, with the Venetian-style ruins as silent witnesses. The only signs of life are goat bells on the mountainside. The route will immediately ascend, steeply but not for long, following an old path through a narrow valley. The descent follows through a shady gorge before finally reaching the coast. Various views quickly follow with wide panoramas of the fertile Sami delta with cypress trees jutting out.
At sea level you can visit the Melissani Caves, which is actually one of the biggest attractions in Kefalonia. It's a lake with crystal clear water, in a cave with an opening in the ceiling. The sun's rays shine through and create a prism in the deep clear water; a truly photogenic sight. The afternoon ferry to Ithaca takes approximately half an hour. Upon arrival, a taxi will take you to Vathi, the cosy capital city sheltered in a natural bay. Enjoy this charming town, stroll through the many narrow streets and visit the small archaeological museum. Here you can see local finds from the Mycenaean era. In the evenings, Vathi is a lively village and you can enjoy freshly caught fish at one of the traditional fish tavernas on the quay.
Hotel (example): Mentor
Today's hike takes you to the southern part of the island. The area around Marathia is pure nature with no human activity. First, you'll be taken by taxi to where the road ends, then continue on foot. After an hour, consider an extra loop to Spiliotissa, a hidden church in a cave and a peaceful place where you can enjoy true silence. Via an old path that has recently been made passable again, the route slowly descends along the mountainside. On your right, you'll have a stunning view of the Ionian Sea with the high peaks of the mainland on the horizon. The path winds through dense forests of tall cypress trees and passes through the village of Perachori. At the local café, Spiridoula makes her own walnut cake and it's definitely worth a break. Next stop is the ancient Byzantine church of Theotokou, a protected monument of ancient frescoes in the interior of the old church. Finally, the route ends in the square of Vathi, where we recommend a cool drink.
Hotel (example): Mentor
Keen hikers can walk to the secluded beach of Gidaki, a paradise that can only be reached on foot. The first part follows a quiet tarmac road, past Minimata and over Skinios beach. The road turns into a path and continues through a shady, dense forest of pine trees.
The road smells of wild herbs such as sage, aniseed, oregano and thyme. Suddenly, a stunning view of Gidaki Beach appears. A snow-white beach contrasting with the azure sea and grassy green hills, it's a picture postcard, so don't forget your camera for a great selfie.
If you don't feel like hiking, you can relax on your balcony or enjoy the beach. Within a short distance there are several beautiful beaches. Filiatro beach is where the locals hang out to see and be seen, Dexia beach offers natural shade from overhanging olive trees, and Loutsa is an intimate sandy beach. Or you can explore the charming town of Vathi and enjoy a cold Greek frappe coffee in the main square and watch the slow island life pass by. Why not hire a small motorboat to reach the most deserted beaches? But the best way to visit such beaches is by kayak. Jorgos is the only kayak instructor on the island and he will be happy to guide you around.
Hotel (example): Mentor
After breakfast, a taxi will take you to the harbour of Piso Aetos and it's time to say goodbye to beautiful Ithaca. Once back on Kefalonia, you'll take a beautiful route through the nearby hills. First, the path goes up to the summit at Agios Fanentes, a ruin of a Byzantine monastery. After a sloping road, take a break at the Acropolis of Same, a unique archaeological site hidden between ancient olive trees. The site is not protected and you are free to roam around and climb the ancient Mycenaen entrance, which is still intact. The descending path continues through a dense pine forest with native mastic trees. At sea level, the route follows the boulevard and ends at the lovely lake Karavomilos. After lunchtime, a taxi will take you to Poros, from where you will take the ferry back to Zakynthos. Our recommendation is to celebrate your last night at one of the traditional tavernas where they sing Kantades. These local songs celebrate the beauty of the Ionian Islands; with all that you've seen, you can easily sing along.
Hotel (example): Strada Marina
Your walking holiday in Kefalonia and Ithaca is now over. You'll be driven back to the airport in time to catch your flight.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
Price includes
- 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels
- Breakfast every day (half board available on request)
- Detailed route descriptions, maps and other materials (in English)
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Transport from/to the airport or harbour
- GPS data option
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline (one access per room)
- 10% discount in certain equipment stores
- 24-hour manned Danish emergency phone throughout the journey
- This is a package holiday and is covered by the Travel Guarantee Fund and the Package Travel Act - see what benefits this brings you - click here
- Half board (7 evening meals)
- Single room
- Transport to Zakynthos
- Ferry costs (approx. 60 euros per person in total - payable at the ferry)
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Administration fee (145,-)
- Any tourist taxes at the hotels
- Air conditioning costs (payable locally at each hotel)
Praktisk information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
To get to Zakynthos. Flights are not included in the trip price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-4 business days)
- You arrange your transportation
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
On this trip, you will stay at 2-3-star hotels (Category B). It is possible to upgrade to 4-star hotels (Category A).
When booking, you choose whether you want accommodation in a double room or a single room. Please note that if you are traveling alone, you must select "single room."
In the itinerary, you can see examples of the hotels we typically use for this tour. If these hotels are fully booked when you make your reservation, we will arrange for hotels of equivalent quality.
Breakfast is included every day. It is easy to find both lunch and dinner in the towns along the route.
Half Board
It is possible to choose half board for the trip. If you select this option, 7x 3-course dinners are included in the trip's price. Beverages are not included with the dinners. The dinners will be served at local restaurants. Since there are many restaurants to choose from, half board is really only suitable if you know you do not want to choose where to eat yourself.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
This trip has difficulty level 2-3, which means that most hiking days are level 2, with a few at level 3.
Grade 2
Easier hikes on reasonably good trails. Daily hikes will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in generally good physical condition can participate. Luggage is transported, and you only carry a light daypack. Requires well-fitting footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Grade 3
Hiking in mountainous terrain with longer ascents and descents. You will hike 5-7 hours a day. Requires generally good fitness and health, but no special technical skills or prior experience. Requires good shoes, such as trekking or mountain boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
On this journey there is a discount for children and people sharing a room with "two fully paying adults". The amount of discount depends on age; thus:
Children under 5.99 years: free
Children between 6 and 11.99 years: 50% discount
Children between 12 - 14.99 years: 25% discount
People from 15 years and up: 10% discount
Example 1
You are 2 adults and 1 child. Here it's very simple because you're staying in the same room. The child gets a discount compared to the prices above.
Example 2
You are 2 adults and 2 children (aged 5 and 13). Here you have two options. If you want to stay in two double rooms, it will be full price for all participants. If you want to stay in the same room (e.g. a family room), then both children will get a discount (free and 25% discount respectively).
Example 3
You are 2 adults and 3 children (age: 7, 13 and 15). In this case, you will probably need two double rooms where the youngest child sleeps with the parents. Therefore, there will only be a discount for the youngest child aged 7, who will receive a 50% discount.
Example 4
You are 3 adults who want to sleep in the same double room. The extra adult will receive a 10% discount.
Please note
It is important that you understand that it is your own responsibility when you choose to bring children on the tours. You should check the descriptions of the difficulty levels and decide whether the specific tour is suitable for your child.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
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"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"