'ITHAKI & KEFALONIA' 7 days
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Duration: 6 days kayaking + Arrival day/ 7 nights |
From low-key Ithaki & high class Fiskardo: We explore quiet, unspoiled Ithaki Island- mythological kingdom of Homer's hero 'Odysseus', then hop over to Kefalonia's flashy Fiscardo - home to million Euro yachts.
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ITINERARY:
ARRIVAL DAY VASILIKI TOWN, LEFKADA ISLAND
Arrive at Vasiliki hotel before 5pm and meet your guide. We check kayaking equipment and help pack your gear into supplied dry-bags for the trip. Excess luggage is safely stored at our Vasilki guesthouse. Full briefing over Welcome dinner at local taverna.
DAY 1 ITHAKI ISLAND paddling distance 5km
Discover Ithaki –unffected by tourism & admired for unspoiled nature. Depending on weather, guide will advise the group on best itinerary for the day. The itinerary below is a guide for our kayaking and other activities.
Morning transfer by local ferry to Ithaki’s Frikes Harbour (2 hour trip). Arrive mid morning- leave kayaks by the port and walk short distance to our local guesthouse - (300m). Before lunch we walk to Stavros village on the hill above Frikes, visit beautiful Orthodox church and 'Odysseus museum' housing artefacts from Homeric period. Optional lunch in Stavros village or return to our guesthouse to prepare our self catered lunch. Minimarket is nearby for all provisions.
Afternoon we run through basic kayaking instruction and safety briefing followed by short familiarity paddle to nearby beaches. Return to Frikes late afternoon. Dinner at taverna of your choice by the harbour. Overnight in Frikes guesthouse.
DAY 2 FRIKES –KIONI-RETURN paddling distance 10 km
Early start for our day paddle to picturesque Kioni (15km return), a traditonal little fishing port with excellent waterfront restaurants, cafés, and quality shops selling local handcrafts. Optional lunch at local restaurant which serves authentic home cooked dishes prepared by local village women. You are encouraged to walk into kitchen and chose your meal straight from the pots. After lunch paddle back to Frikes. Free afternoon to relax or swim at nearby coves. Evening we prepare self catered dinner in our own apartments- to enjoy on our terrace with lovely view across Frikes port and surrounding mountains. Frikes overnight.
DAY 3 ITHAKI paddling distance 12 km paddling
On our paddle today we discover the pristine coves and tranquil beaches of the unspoiled coastline north of Frikes – offering good snorkelling and swimming. Enjoy self catered picnic lunch on a secluded beach under the shade of Eucalypts and Olive trees. Paddle back to Frikes after lunch. Afternoon we trek across the island to an ancient windmill on Ithaki’s west coast, located high above the cliffs of Afales Bay. From here there are 360 degree views to small villages nestled high up in the mountains, and the spectacular sunset over the Ionian Sea to the west. Return to Frikes early evening. Optional dinner at taverna of your choice on the waterfront at Frikes Harbour. Overnight in our guesthouse.
DAY 4 KEFALONIA ISLAND
Morning transfer by local ferry to Fiskardo Harbour on Kefalonia (1 hour).
Arrive in Fiscardo by 11am. Check into our local guesthouse located near the town, for 2 nights stay. ‘Italianate’ Fiskardo is a picture postcard harbour town which attracts ritzy yachts- for its stylish restaurants and upmarket shopping, including fashion boutiques, jewelery & quality souvenirs. Sample some of Greece’s best wine produced in Kefalonia, and the local honey nougat.
Depending on weather conditions, your guide will advise on the best option for the day. Itinerary below is a guide for our kayaking and other activities.
On arrival day we either explore Fiskardo and nearby villages on foot, or
we rent hire car for overland scenic drive- highly recommend**
*Hire car option- by group decision- cost shared by participants.
We take a scenic drive along Kefalonia’s west coast to breathtaking Myrtos Beach- a bay of dazzling blue water, and long white beach dramatically set at the foot of soaring limestone cliffs. After a morning swim we drive on to spectacular Assos -a picturesque village of pastel coloured houses draped in Bougainvillea, situated on a narrow peninsular below a Venetian fortress. Those who enjoy trekking can walk up the hill to explore the fortress. Optional lunch at a restaurant by the water. Drive back to Fiscardo late afternoon- free evening in Fiskardo.
Option of self catered dinner in our guesthouse or dine at one of the exceptional harbor restaurants - where you can watch million- Euro yachts jostling for position along the marina. Overnight in Fiskardo guesthouse.
DAY 5 KEFALONIA paddling distance 12km
Start early morning for our day paddle to visit the single little church on Daskalio islet, which lies in the narrow channel between Kafalonia & Ithaki islands. We follow Kefalonia’s gentle east coast, via dozens of unpopulated small beaches to stop for swimming and picnic lunch. Paddle inside a fascinating sea cave and disused mine nearby Fiskardo.
Free time in the afternoon to explore around Fiskardo on foot, -including stroll to nearby ruins of Norman church and old lighthouse on the headland at the entrance to the port.
If you enjoy mountain walks, there are some very pretty villages with restored stone houses tucked amongst the hills behind Fiskardo.
Optional dinner in local restaurant. Overnight in our Fiskardo guesthouse.
DAY 6 KEFALONIA paddling distance 15km
Start early morning for day paddle around the northern headland to visit isolated beaches, unusual snorkelling reefs and sea caves. Enjoy swimming and picnic lunch inside a sheltered cove. After lunch paddle back to Fiskardo. Afternoon pack our overnight bags ready to depart Kefalonia -5pm by local ferry to Vasilki (1 hour). Return to our Vasilki guesthouse and collect our stored luggage. Evening free in vasilki. Optional farewell dinner in local restaurant at Vasilki port. Overnight in Vasilki guesthouse.
DAY 7 VASILIKI- CHECK OUT
Check out of Vasilki guesthouse- end of services.
INCLUSIONS:
- Kayak hire and all equipment, including camping gear
- Experienced local guide
- 7 nights in charming local guesthouses- twin share rooms /private bath
- 3 nights camping ‘wild’ non organised campgrounds
- One welcome dinner in local Vasilki taverna
- All ferry fares between islands on route
- free transfer from main bus depot in Lefkada town ( not from airport)
NOT INCLUDED :
- Does not include meals or provisions for self catering. Restaurant meals are ‘pay as you go’ and paddlers contribute to provisions kitty for self catered meals and snacks
- Emergency rescue:€120-200, depending on distance and time of rescue
- Hire Car for overland siteseeing- this will be a group decision where all participants contribute to cost of car hire.
