Kefalonia & Ithaca Walking 

Day Three: Kefalonia to Ithaca

After breakfast we’ll check out of our hotel and hop on our private coach. First stop is the viewpoint over Mirtos beach. The sight over this famous bay is simply breathtaking - a white sandy cove which sharply contrasts against the azure blue sea and is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, so cameras at the ready! Before we start hiking, we’ll have another short stop in the small harbour of Agia Efimia, to visit the local bakery for a snack (at own cost) to be taken during our hike. We start in the village of Drakopoulata, where time has stood still since the earthquake of 1953, with the Venetian styled ruins,  a silent witness to this event. The only signs of life are the ringing of goat bells from the mountainside.

Day Four: North Ithaca

Our walk 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 walk 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.

Day Five: South Ithaca

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 trail meanders through dense forests of tall cypress trees and finishes in Vathi.

• Hike Marathia – hotel 11 km approx
• Ascent 170m
• Descent 420m
• 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 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. 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 (€8 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.

Day Seven: Last Day 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 12 km approx
• Ascent 180m approx
• Descent 180m approx

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