Plenty of invigorating walking!
6 guided walks during the week
Traditional Greek food
Eat in local traditional tavernas
Island Hopping!
Enjoy two islands during your week away
Kefalonia and Ithaca are two of Greece’s most beautiful and tranquil islands – join us to discover and enjoy this stunning twin-centre walking holiday.
Grade: Medium
Extras
Upon arrival in Kefalonia we transfer to the Sami Beach Hotel in Sami. We will enjoy our welcome drink and information meeting before dinner in a local seafront taverna.
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.
After breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel for our morning walk. Starting at the Byzantine monastery of Agios Fanentes, with amazing views over Sami, our walk takes us past the Acropolis of Same; a unique archaeological site hidden between old olive trees. The site isn’t exploited and you’re free to roam around and climb the 3500 years old Mycenaen walls, which are still quite intact. The descending path continues through a dense pine tree wood with indigenous mastic trees. Your afternoon is at leisure where you will have the option to take an island tour or just simply relax and enjoy the facilities at our beachfront hotel.
Today we depart to Ithaca and if you fancy a challenge, our walk today starts at the Katheron monastery; the narrow paths circle the flanks of the Neriton mountain and ends in the village of Anoghi. If you are wanting a less challenging walk today your walk will start in Anoghi. The walk continues (or starts) via a nicely pathed trail, meandering through dense vegetation with immense views over the south Ionian Sea arriving into Kioni around lunch time. After a spot of lunch (payable locally) a fast sea-taxi will take us to the intimate capital of the island, Vathi.
This morning your time is your own to use the facilities at our hotel or take in the local sights in Vathi. Our walk this afternoon takes us to Gidaki Beach, a perfect place to spend some time swimming. During this walk we see diverse views and plant life. Once in Gidaki, we get to see the snow-white pebbles and azure blue sea, only to be reached on foot.
Our last walk on Ithaca takes us to the south part of the island with its stunning views. From Marathia we walk up to the view point where we will be able to see the entire East coast of Ithaca. The trails meanders through dense forests of tall cypress trees finishing in Vathi.
This morning we take the ferry to Kefalonia. Upon arrival in Sami, our mini-bus will take us to Argostoli where our hotel is for our final night. On the way we will have a break at the Robola winery and the Gerasimos monastery, home to the sacred patron saint of Kefalonia. After this stop you may prefer to walk the final stretch of our journey back to Argostoli, the route will take you past the Mycenaean cyclops walls of Krani.
After breakfast, we will have a little time to do some last minute local shopping before heading to the airport for our flight home.
We stay in comfortable hotels throughout as detailed below (or similar).
The transfer from Kefalonia Airport to the hotel is approximately 45 minutes.
You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Full details will be given at the Information Meeting. The prices quoted, are a guideline only, as these can vary, depending on numbers etc. All tours should be paid for in Euros and only payable by cash. Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount will be given at your Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you.
*prices are a guideline
Casual, cotton, lightweight daytime wear is the order of the day. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing. Smart casual clothes will be ideal for the evening, with the emphasis throughout being informal but with no shorts or vests in the restaurants in the evenings. Early and late season evenings can be cool so do ensure that you take a cardigan or jacket and even some rainwear – particularly in May and June when you may experience some spring thunderstorms follow
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate percentage add on.
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive.
The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Agia Efimia
Distance 10 km / Descend 40 % / Ascend 40 % / Plateau 20 % / Duration 3 ½ hrs (walking time)
Agios Fanentes
Distance 8 km / Descend 80 % /Ascend 5 % /Plateau 15 % / Duration 2 ½ hrs (walking time)
Over to Ithaca!
Distance 14 km (or 9 km) / Descend 20 % / Ascend 70 % / Plateau 10 % / Duration 4 hrs (walking time)
Gidaki Beach
Distance 6 km / Descend 40 % / Ascend 40 % / Plateau 20 % / Duration 1 ½ hrs (walking time)
Marathia
Distance 12 km / Descend 60 % / Ascend 20 % / Plateau 20 % / Duration 4 hrs (walking time)
Krani to Argostoli
Krani hike Distance 8 km / Descend 45 % / Ascend 5 % / Plateau 50 % / Duration 2 ½ hrs (walking time)
3rd Acqui Divisione hike Distance 5 km / Descend 20 % / Ascend 20 % / Plateau 60 % / Duration 1 ½ hrs (walking time)
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 2 °C | 5 °C |
| March | 14 °C | 6 °C |
| April | 17 °C | 9 °C |
| May | 22 °C | 12 °C |
| June | 26 °C | 16 °C |
| July - August | 29 °C | 18 °C |
| September | 26 °C | 16 °C |
| October | 21 °C | 13 °C |
| November | 17 °C | 9 °C |
| December | 13 °C | 7 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
