'MYTHOLOGICAL ITHAKI' 4 daysDate: 21-25 June 2009PRICE PER PERSON: AUST $800/€400 |
Duration: 4 days + Arrival day/5 nights |
Kayak around Odysseus mythological kingdom of Ithaki:
Discover Ithaki –made famous by Homer's mythological tale "The Odyssey", yet unffected by tourism. On this tour we kayak locally, on half day trips to explore Ithaki’s unspoiled beaches, swim & snorkel the crystal waters. We explore the island on foot- trekking over windmill covered mountains and rustic villages.
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ITINERARY:
ARRIVAL DAY VASILIKI TOWN, LEFKADA ISLAND
Arrive at Vasiliki Vasiliki guesthouse 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
Morning transfer by local ferry from Vasiliki to Ithaki Island (2 hour trip). We stay 3 nights in a local guesthouse in Frikes, using it as our base from where we begin our kayak day trips.
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.
After mid morning arrival in Frikes by we check into our local guesthouse -walking distance (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 of your chioice. We highly reccommend family run ‘Calypso’ – 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
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 Frikes guesthouse.
DAY 4 ITHAKI - LEFKADA
Mid morning we board local ferry back to Lefkada. Return to our Vasilki guesthouse to drop off our gear then enjoy a free afternoon around Vasilki. Overnight in our Vasiliki guesthouse.
DAY 5 VASILIKI- CHECK OUT
End of services.
INCLUSIONS:
- Kayak hire and all equipment, including camping gear
- Experienced local guide
- 5 nights in charming local guesthouses- twin share rooms /private bath
- 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.
