Zakynthos - Walking the Flower of the East 

Day Three: Top 3 Walks of Zakynthos - Giri, Agia Marina & Kalamaki

After breakfast, we set off for our three short hikes. Zakynthos offers three types of fantastic scenery - the mountains, the fertile plain and long sandy beaches. In one day, we’ll encounter it all. The first stop is the hamlet of Giri - the highest village on the island, tucked away in the hills. The route runs through rugged terrain where we suddenly discover amazing views over the entire island. We continue through forests of tall cypress trees and fields with wild flowers. Our next hike starts in the traditional village of Agia Marina. Our route zigzags through olive groves, descending along paths only used during harvest time. Here we experience the heart of the island, a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of the islands coastal resorts. For the third hike, we’ll be brought to Kalamaki where we walk through the dunes with eucalyptus trees. Our route ends on a long sandy beach, where we can walk barefoot along the surf.

Day Four: Day At Leisure

Perhaps relax by the pool with your favourite book or take a stroll to the nearby beach. Or if you are feeling active, try out kayaking on a Sea Kayak Tour (Approx €60 pp payable locally). Alternatively, visit Smugglers Cove & the Blue Caves (minimum 8 clients approx €50pp payable locally). Make sure you build up an appetite for the included evening meal at a local taverna.

• Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Five: Loucha Valley, Views & Cooking with the locals

After breakfast, we’ll be picked up by our coach and taken to the hidden valley of Loucha. Firstly we will stroll through fields of wildflowers with the scent of thyme, oregano and aniseed dominating the air. Taking unpaved paths through a forest of tall cypress trees, we’ll leave civilisation behind us with only the silence as a companion. A descending trail, with spectacular views over the entire island, ends at the ancient central road, now overgrown and forgotten. The route runs in between the ruins of a hidden village, where time has stood still since being abandoned after an earthquake. The buildings are covered with moss and nature has taken over, giving a fairytale feel of serene beauty.

Day Six: Cliffs, Coves & Turtle Island

Today this spectacular walk begins on the west coast edge of the island where the dramatic high limestone cliffs drop down into the dark blue waters of the Ionian Sea. Those with a feel for heights can have a peek over the edge of the bluff and take some fantastic clifftop photographs. We then follow the traditional goat herder trail that meanders upwards, where just after the summit of Mt Skopos, suddenly a spectacular panorama greets us, spanning over the south side of the island with the bay of Laganas. Via a walk along the coast line of Marathia we’ll finish in the small harbour of the village of Limni Keri. Here we rest and have lunch (not 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 & 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