What you can expect
Organised Activities
Professional English-speaking guides and instructors during all activities
Variety of activities
Exclusive & varied activity programme
The Angela Studios
Exclusive to Solos accommodation
About this trip...
Experience the real Zakynthos and join us on an exclusive multi activity break and explore, enjoy and discover this beautiful Ionian island by foot, boat and bike. Combined with relaxing Yoga and Capoeira sessions, this week away will be sure to re-energise the mind, body and spirit Grade - Easy to Medium
Activity Level:
What's this?What's included?
Return flights & transfers-
Airport taxes & charges
Twin/double room for single use
Breakfast daily-
1 x Lunch
-
3 x Taverna evening dinners
Welcome drink
5 Day Multi-Activity programme including 1 x Boat Trip - Keri Caves & Turtle Island
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully Financially Protected
What's extra:
- Insurance click here
- Air conditioning - €5 per day, payable locally
- Climate Crisis Resilience Fee payable locally €2 per night
Itinerary
- Arrive in Zakynthos
- Olive Grove, Vineyards and the Shipwreck Beach
- Kayaking - Coast, Coves & Caves
- Yoga & Capoeira - Relax & Active
- Cycling - Village,Views & Cooking with the locals
- Sailing - Swimming & Snorkelling
- Day At Leisure
- Departure Day
What you’ll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Zakynthos
Arrive at Zakynthos Airport and transfer to the Angela Studios
- No Meals Included
Day Two: Olive Grove, Vineyards and the Shipwreck Beach
The first hike is a beautiful route on narrow paved lanes through lemon groves and vineyards. Immediately after leaving our accommodation, you’ll be walking underneath the shade of ancient olive trees. In the distance you will be able to see the spire of the small Ano Gerakari church, proudly built on top of a hill. This summit is our goal. We take a shaded path which meanders uphill and with every step the views become more spectacular.
Once in the village of Ano Gerakari, we continue to follow the road up and eventually arrive at Saint Nikolas church, with it’s amazing 360° panoramic view. To celebrate our achievement, we can stop for a well-earned drink before we head off to the coast. Our route follows narrow pathed roads meandering through olive groves back to Alykanas where we can stop for lunch(at own cost) After lunch we board our own private boat and set off to Shipwreck Beach, the highlight of the island which will be on everyone’s bucket list. This secluded cove with the azure blue sea, can only to be reached by boat, the famous smugglers ship rests on the snow-white beach and has become the picture postcard of Greece.
On our return, we’ll pass by the Blue Caves, the brave ones amongst us can jump in and swim around the caves, renowned for their crystal-clear waters. We then head back to land and back to our accommodation in time for us to have our first included evening dinner at a local Taverna
Distance 12 km Ascend ± 25% (till 150 m)
Descend ± 50% plateau ± 25 %
Duration ± 4 hrs (walking time)
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day Three: Kayaking - Coast, Coves & Caves
Today we split into two groups and the first group travel to the small cape at Mikro Nisi with its beautiful interwoven coastline and deep blue sea. Firstly we receive our briefing from our professional instructor and launch the Kayaks. During this activity we visit the sulphur beaches and thermal springs of Xigia, take in the blue flag beach of Makris Giallos and along the way explore hidden caves with azure blue waters before arriving back at Alykanas where the second group take their turn and Kayak the route back to Mikro Nisi.
Distance 5 nmi
Duration ± 2 ½ hrs (kayak time time)
- Breakfast Included
Day Four: Yoga & Capoeira - Relax & Active
After breakfast we walk to the nearby Alykes Blue Flag beach and enjoy a morning of professionally led Yoga and Capoeira sessions. Our Yoga sessions will help us meditate, relax and find our inner calm. We then bring our morning to a close with our Capoeira session, a gracious Afro -Brazilian martial art combined with aerobics, music and dance. The afternoon is at your leisure but make sure you build up an appetite for the included evening dinner at a nearby Taverna.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day Five: Cycling - Village,Views & Cooking with the locals
After breakfast, we will receive our bicycles, each has 21 gears, which will help us conquer every hill on our path. This wonderful route over the fertile plain of the island is specially designed, running over narrow paved roads with the only congestion being the odd sheep or goat that may cross our path. We then enter the quaint village of Pigadakia where we’ll visit the local museum of Vertzagio. The owner and collector Spiros has gathered a barn full of Zakynthian items of past generations. Next break is at the organic farm of Therianos. Dimitri and his family will explain how they produce their olive oil.
We continue zigzagging through endless vineyards, our turning point is the taverna Thea ston Riza well off the beaten track and only known to the locals, the proud owner of this taverna will show us some traditional recipes, which he will prepare and cook our included lunch (drinks extra) where we can eat together underneath the lemon trees. The owner is specialised in making his own wine and we can taste his pride from the barrel. After lunch we head back to Alykanas along meandering paths through fields and olive groves where we will arrive late afternoon with enough time for a refreshing dip in the pool.
Distance ± 28 km Ascend ± 40 %
Descend ± 40 % Plateau ± 20 %
Duration ± 3 hrs (cycling time)
- Breakfast and Lunch Included
Day Six: Sailing - Swimming & Snorkelling
This morning we transfer from the Angela studios to the small harbor of Limni Keri where we board our private 'kaiki' style motorboat to start our day on the water. Near the Keri Caves we’ll anchor in a secluded cove and take the opportunity to swim and cool off in the crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling.
Around lunch time we’ll moor in the small port of Limni Keri where the best fresh fish of the islands is served and if we so wish we can take lunch (at own cost).
After lunch we continue to Turtle Island, the natural habitat of the Caretta Caretta loggerhead sea turtles. The Turtles are not always easy to find but your captain knows exactly where to spot them. We end this amazing day by heading back to Alykanas.
- Breakfast Included
Day Seven: Day At Leisure
Take the opportunity to catch the local bus or a taxi and visit Zante Town and discover a selection of museums, churches and perhaps a spot of shopping. Make sure you are back in time for our last night, farewell Taverna dinner!!!
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day Eight: Departure Day
It's time to say "Ya Sou"! After transferring to the airport, we will board our flight home.
- Breakfast Included
Accommodation
The Angela Studios
Our small, simple and friendly family owned property is ideally located in a quiet corner of Alykanas, surrounded by pine and olive trees and just minutes from the sandy beach. There are a number of bars, restaurants, convenience shops and a supermarket all located nearby.
Facilities include
Facilities include a private outdoor swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas and a poolside changing room with toilet and shower. Breakfast and lounge area, honesty bar and common outdoor gardens complete this lovely property.
Hotel Advisory
Lifts are available at this property. Please inform us if you have mobility issues so that we can assign a room accordingly. Ground floor rooms cannot be guaranteed.
Room includes
Our pleasant rooms feature Air Conditioning (payable locally) a kitchenette with fridge and safety deposit box. The sleeping area is equipped with an LCD TV and a private balcony furnished with a small table and chairs. A number of hairdryers are available to hire (with an additional charge, payable locally) Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Pool/Beach towel is provided (€10 refundable deposit).
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Passport and visas
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport.
For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Greece Foreign Advice If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements.
Health requirements
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Greece
Transfer Time
The transfer time from Zakynthos Airport to our hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Walking
Your activity guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The programme is graded as Easy to Medium and you can expect to walk 12km with ascents/descents, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved. Below are the distances for the walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions. We have highlighted the maximum ascent and descent where applicable.
Olive groves, Vineyards and the Shipwreck Beach
Length approx 12km
Ascend +25%
Descend +50%
Plateau +25%
Walking Time 4 hours
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday.
If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking. Each activity is not compulsory and you can opt out if you so wish. You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it.
Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence.
The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
What to Wear
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:
- 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.
Kayaking
All necessary equipment supplied – Lycra jacket, life vest, dry bag, snorkelling gear (full face mask). It is recommended to wear waterproof/non slip footwear.
Kayaking - Coast, Coves & Caves
Distance 5 nmi (approx)
Duration ± 2 ½ hrs (kayak time time approx)
Cycling
21 gear bicycle included
Distance +28km
Ascend + 40%
Descend + 40%
Plateau + 20%
Duration + 3hrs (cycling time)
It is recommended to wear comfortable shorts/trousers and suitable footwear for cycling, along with a light rain jacket and a small rucksack to store your light items while cycling.
More to Explore
Zakynthos Island Tour Approximate cost: £35
Please note:- Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers.
Currency
Euro
Gratuities
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25 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 % to add on.
