Ithaca’s natural beauty beckons with the "From Kefalonia: Bus & Boat Tour." This 10-hour journey combines the convenience of bus travel and the serenity of boat trips, allowing visitors to explore the island’s renowned sights. From the charming town of Vathy to the serene Gidaki Beach, the tour showcases Ithaca’s rich history, traditional architecture, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing swim or an immersive cultural experience, this tour promises a well-rounded adventure. With flexible scheduling and a knowledgeable guide, it’s an enticing way to discover the hidden gems of this captivating Greek island.
Key Points
- This bus and boat tour from Kefalonia explores the picturesque island of Ithaca, including stops at Vathy, Gidaki Beach, Kioni, and Stavros.
- The 10-hour tour is priced from €80 per person and includes an English-speaking live guide, with 9 pickup and drop-off locations across Kefalonia.
- The tour highlights Ithaca’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty, with opportunities to swim at the crystal-clear Gidaki Beach.
- Visitors can experience the traditional architecture and charming harbor of Kioni, as well as the archaeological sites linked to Odysseus in Stavros.
- The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option.
Tour Overview and Details
This tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the picturesque island of Ithaca by bus and boat. Priced from €80 per person, the 10-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Travelers will be accompanied by an English-speaking live guide and can choose from 9 convenient pickup and drop-off locations.
The itinerary includes highlights such as the capital Vathy, the secluded Gidaki Beach, the idyllic village of Kioni, and the legendary Stavros.
Visitors are advised to bring essential items like a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen, and note that the tour is subject to weather conditions.
Itinerary Highlights
Throughout the 10-hour tour, visitors will make several captivating stops.
They’ll start by exploring Vathy, Ithaca’s picturesque capital, for an hour. Next, they’ll head to the stunning Gidaki Beach, accessible only by boat, and have 1.5 hours to swim and soak up the sun.
The tour continues to the idyllic village of Kioni, where they’ll spend an hour wandering the traditional architecture and relaxing harbor.
Finally, they’ll visit the legendary Stavros, with its archaeological sites related to Odysseus, for another hour of immersion in local lore.
The journey between locations includes a 40-minute bus ride and a 40-minute ferry crossing.
Vathy and Gidaki Beach Experience
What better way to start the tour than exploring Vathy, Ithaca’s captivating capital? Enjoy the rich Venetian history as you stroll along the waterfront, browse local shops, and indulge in traditional taverna fare.
Next, prepare for a truly unique experience – the stunning Gidaki Beach, accessible only by boat.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Crystal-clear, turquoise waters
- Pristine, golden sands
- Ample time for swimming and sunbathing
- A chance to disconnect and soak in the serene atmosphere
The Vathy and Gidaki Beach experience sets the tone for a day filled with exploration, relaxation, and the quintessential charm of Ithaca.
Kioni and Stavros Exploration
After exploring the idyllic capital of Vathy and the secluded Gidaki Beach, the tour continues its journey to the enchanting villages of Kioni and Stavros.
First, visitors will discover the picturesque Kioni, with its traditional architecture, flower-lined alleys, and a tranquil harbor. Here, travelers can stroll at their leisure, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Next, the tour heads to Stavros, a village rich in legend and history. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit archaeological sites related to the legendary Odysseus, seeing the local lore and culture.
This part of the tour offers a glimpse into Ithaca’s fascinating past and its enduring traditions.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy
The tour is priced from €80.00 per person, which covers the various modes of transportation, the guided exploration, and the opportunities to experience Ithaca’s highlights.
This tour offers flexible booking and cancellation options:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now and pay later – no upfront payment required
- Live English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off at 9 locations across Kefalonia
While the itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, this comprehensive tour allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of the island of Ithaca.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
This tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off at 9 locations across Kefalonia.
Travelers can board the bus at Argostolion, Kateleios, Skala, Lourdata, Leivathos, Svoronata, Lassi, Karavados, or Vlachata.
This ensures easy access from various parts of the island.
The tour begins and ends at these designated points, making it simple for participants to join and depart the excursion.
This flexibility caters to the needs of visitors staying in different areas of Kefalonia, providing a seamless transportation experience throughout the day’s activities on Ithaca.
Travel Modes and Duration
The tour combines various modes of transportation to provide a comprehensive Ithaca experience. Visitors will travel by:
- Bus for a 40-minute ride
- Ferry for a 40-minute boat trip
- Bus tour for 15 minutes
- Walking to explore the main stops
The total duration of the tour is 10 hours, allowing ample time to visit Vathy, Gidaki Beach, Kioni, Frikes, and Stavros.
With a mix of bus, boat, and on-foot exploration, travelers can fully enjoy Ithaca’s rich history, picturesque villages, and stunning natural landscapes.
Important Information and Recommendations
While planning for the tour, visitors should remember to bring a hat, swimwear, a camera, sunscreen, and water.
The tour is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled. To ensure a smooth experience, guests should arrive at the pick-up point 10 minutes before departure.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or non-swimmers. Following these simple recommendations will help make the Ithaca bus and boat tour a comfortable and memorable experience for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back problems, which may make it unsuitable for young children. Participants should be able to swim and handle the physical activity.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Accommodations?
The tour does not mention any specific dietary restrictions or special accommodations. Guests are advised to bring their own food and water as needed. The tour may accommodate certain requirements, but this is not explicitly stated.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour operator recommends enjoying local cuisine and beverages during the stops to fully experience the Ithaca culture and ambiance.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour may not be suitable for individuals with disabilities. It involves walking, swimming, and accessing boats which could be challenging. The operator recommends speaking with them in advance to determine if the tour can accommodate any special needs.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a fixed 10-hour tour. However, travelers can choose to explore Ithaca on their own after the tour or book additional activities for a longer experience.
Recap
The "From Kefalonia: Bus & Boat Tour" offers a comprehensive way to explore the picturesque island of Ithaca. With its seamless combination of scenic bus rides, relaxing boat trips, and opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters, the tour caters to travelers seeking a well-rounded and hassle-free experience. Priced affordably at €80 per person, it’s a convenient and flexible getaway that allows visitors to enjoy the island’s history, architecture, and natural beauty.