Kefalonia &IthacaWalking
Walks & Treks
$2039
7 nights in Kefalonia
What to expect
Guided Walks
Enjoy six fully exclusive guided walks, offering plenty of invigorating exploration across the islands.
Traditional Greek Cuisine
Savor delicious meals in local traditional tavernas, experiencing the authentic flavors of Greece.
Island Hopping
Enjoy the unique opportunity to discover the distinct beauty of two captivating Greek islands.
About this trip...
What's included?
Airport Transfer-
Ferries between islands
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Private boat transfer from Kioni
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Airport taxes & charges
Private Room
Breakfast & dinner daily
Fruits, local delicatessens, mineral water on the walks-
Welcome drink
6 fully exclusive guided hikes-
Wine Tasting - Avithos
Luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's Extra
- International flights not included. Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
- Entrance to Melissani lake/cave optional, entry $10 pp
- Climate Crisis Resilience Tax – 3 Star Hotel $8 per night, 4 star Hotel $15 per night payable locally
Itinerary
- Arrive in Kefalonia
- Kefalonia Walk
- Kefalonia to Ithaca
- North Ithaca
- South Ithaca
- Ithaca to Kefalonia
- Last Day On Kefalonia
- Departure Kefalonia
What you’ll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Kefalonia
- Dinner Included
Day Two: Kefalonia Hike
Our first walk starts at the village of Drakopoulata where time has stood still since the earthquake of 1953 with only the Venetian styled ruins as silent witnesses. The only signs of life are goat bells on the mountainside. The road becomes a narrow path and for about ½ km ascends steeply before a descent down a shady canyon before it reaches the coast. Different views rapidly succeed. Far away you can spot the island of Ithaca, while enjoying a wide panorama over the fertile valley of Sami.
•Walking Distance +11 ½ km
•Ascent 388m approx
•Descent 504m approx
Breakfast & Dinner at taverna Karavomilos
Day Three: Kefalonia to Ithaca
After an early breakfast we’ll check out of our hotel. First, we’ll walk to our ferry, which is just a 15-minute stroll. Upon arrival on Ithaca, we’ll be brought to our hotel and after some shopping we’ll hike to the remote beach of Gidaki. This secluded cove is simply stunning, white beach with azure, blue waters. Here we could have a picnic with our fresh bought lunch. When returning to the hotel, our rooms are ready and we can unpack for a 3 night stay.
- Transfer Piso Aetos to hotel 15 min
- Ferry to Ithaca 45 min
- Hike Vathi-Gidaki-Vathi 9 km approX
- Ascent 155m approx
- Descent 155m approx
Day Four: North Ithaca
Our hike today starts at the Katheron Monastery, as the narrow paths circle the flanks of the Neriton mountain and ends in the village of Anoghi. If you wish less of a challenge today, you have the option to join the hike at the halfway point in the village of Anoghi. The hike continues (or starts) via a pleasant trail, meandering through dense vegetation with immense views over the south Ionian Sea where we arrive into Kioni around lunchtime. After a spot of lunch (at own cost) a fast boat will take us to the intimate capital of the island, Vathi.
- Hike Katheron – Kioni approx. 9.01 miles (or approx. 3.42 miles from Anoghi)
- Ascent approx. 427 feet
- Descent approx. 2133 feet
- Transfer Piso Aetos – Katheron 30 min
- Private boat transfer Kioni – hotel 30 min including swim stop on Nissaki Beach
Day Five: South Ithaca
Our last hike on Ithaca takes us to the south part of the island with its stunning views. From Marathia, we hike up to the view point where we will be able to see the entire East coast of Ithaca. The trail meanders through dense forests of tall cypress trees and finishes in Vathi.
- Hike Marathia – hotel approx. 6.84 miles
- Ascent approx. 558 feet
- Descent approx. 1378 feet
- Transfer hotel – Marathia 15 min
Day Six: Ithaca to Kefalonia
After breakfast, we check-out of our hotel and transfer to the port to catch our ferry back to Kefalonia for today's hike. Starting at the Byzantine Monastery of Agios Fanentes, with amazing views over Sami, our hike takes us past the Acropolis of Same - a unique archaeological site hidden between old olive trees. You are free to roam around and climb the old Mycenaen entrance, which is still quite intact. Our route descends through a dense pine tree wood with indigenous mastic trees and continues to Karavomilos. Here, we have the option to visit one of the island's bucket list attractions -the Melissani Caves ($9 payable locally). The cave is partially collapsed, allowing sunlight to filter through and create mesmerizing reflections on the water's surface - a true natural spectacle. After lunch along the waterfront (at own cost), our minibus will take us to Argostoli.
- Hike Agios Fanentes & Acropolis approx. 8.08 miles
- Ascent approx. 787 feet
- Descent approx. 787 feet
- Transfer hotel – Piso Aetos
- Ferry to Sami 45 minutes T
- ransfer Sami-Argostoli 60 minutes
- Visit Melissani lake/cave optional, entry approx. $9 USD at own cost
- Stop at Gerasimos monastery
- Robola Winery
Day Seven: Last Hike On Kefalonia
Argostoli is actually quite small and within half an hour, we’ll be walking through fields, listening to the rustling of tall eucalyptus trees. The path will become narrow and ascend in a shady valley. On the rocky path, ancient chariot tracks are clearly visible as it was once a supply route to a huge settlement on top of the hill. Hidden in an olive grove, we’ll stumble upon Mycenaean cyclops walls made of huge boulders. The route continues, descending and following goat tracks. Argostoli is visible in the distance. Finally, we reach the sea, and will spot sea turtles. These Caretta Caretta turtles are being fed by local fishermen and it’s guaranteed we’ll see a few. A fitting goodbye to the natural beauty Kefalonia has to offer. Tonight’s farewell dinner will be celebrated in one of the traditional tavernas where Kantades are sung. These local songs praise the beauty of the Ionian Islands
- Krani circular hike approx. 7.46 miles
- Ascent approx. 591 feet
- Descent approx. 591 feet
Day Eight: Depart Kefalonia
After breakfast (depending on your departure time), you can enjoy the final few hours in town. Argostoli is a vibrant city with so much to do. The town has a pleasant shopping street and a lively vegetable market. Kefalonia suffered quite intensely during the Second World War. With an extra self-guided morning walk, you could visit the monument of the Italian 33rd Acqui Division commemorating the massacre by German forces as portrayed in the novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. We then transfer to the airport for our onward flight.
- Breakfast Included
Trip Reviews
Accommodations
(as specified or similar)- Day 1 - 2 | Sami Beach Hotel - Kefalonia
- Day 3 - 5 | Hotel Captain Yiannis - Ithaca
- Day 6 - 7 | Ionian Plaza Hotel - Kefalonia
Day 1 - 2 | Sami Beach Hotel - Kefalonia
Facilities include
Room includes
Day 3 - 5 | Hotel Captain Yiannis - Ithaca
Facilities Include
Rooms Include
Day 6 - 7 | Ionian Plaza Hotel - Kefalonia
Facilities Include
Rooms Include
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
First day on Kefalonia
Walking Distance +11.5km
Ascent 388m approx
Descent 504m approx
Kefalonia to Ithaca
Hike Vathi-Gidaki-Vathi 9 km approx
Ascent 155m approx
Descent 155m approx
Ferry to Ithaca 45 min
Transfer Piso Aetos to hotel 15 min
North Ithaca
Hike Katheron – Kioni 14.5km (or 5.5 km from Anoghi)
Ascent 130m
Descent 650m
Transfer Piso Aetos – Katheron 30 min
Private boat transfer Kioni – hotel 30 min including swimstop on Nissaki Beach
South Ithaca
Hike Marathia – hotel 11 km approx
Ascent 170m
Descent 420m
Transfer hotel – Marathia 15 min
Ithaca to Kefalonia
Hike Agios Fanentes & Acropolis 13 km appox
Ascent 240m approx
Descent 240m approx
transfer hotel – Piso Aetos
ferry to Sami 45 min
transfer Sami-Argostoli 60 min
Visit Melissani lake/cave optional, entry € 8 pp payable locally
Last day on Kefalonia
Krani circular hike 12 km approx
Ascent 180m approx
Descent 180m approx
Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader.
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
Guided walks are included as part of this trip. Your dedicated walking guide will brief you in resort on the daily walking programme.
The walking programme is graded by difficulty, and you can expect to walk varying distances with a range of ascents and descents. Some walks may be challenging, with uneven or rough terrain underfoot and sections at higher altitude. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for full details of each walk.
A good level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this trip.
It is important that you consider whether your chosen trip is suitable for your level of fitness, mobility and any medical conditions or additional needs. If you are unsure, please contact our team before booking. We will be happy to discuss the trip requirements and your individual circumstances to help you decide whether the trip is suitable for you.
We are committed to treating all customers fairly and will consider any reasonable adjustments where possible. Please let us know before booking if you have a disability, medical condition or any additional requirements that may affect your trip. This allows us to assess whether we can safely and appropriately accommodate your needs and to ensure you have the best possible trip experience.
Care should be taken at all times, particularly on uneven or wet terrain. If you normally use walking poles, we recommend bringing them with you. Sturdy walking boots or walking shoes are essential.
Please note that the route and content of the walking programme may need to change during the trip, at the discretion of the specialist walking guide or local organiser, if local conditions require.
If you have any concerns during your trip, please speak to your specialist walking guide or Solos Tour Leader.
For further information, please refer to our website Terms and Conditions https://www.solosholidays.com/us/terms-and-conditions/
