Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ithaca’s coastline with the Ithaca Cruise. Departing from Agia Effimia, this tour takes you on a journey to the picturesque Gidaki Beach and the charming town of Kioni. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Gidaki, then stroll through Kioni’s flower-filled alleys and local shops. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or cultural exploration, this tour offers a captivating blend of the Ionian Sea’s natural wonders and the island’s rich history. Discover why Ithaca, the mythical homeland of Odysseus, continues to captivate travelers from around the world.
Key Points
- This 7-hour daily sightseeing cruise departs from Agia Effimia, offering visits to Gidaki Beach, Vathy, Kioni, and Ammoudi Beach.
- The cruise provides opportunities for 40-60 minutes of swimming in crystal-clear waters at Gidaki and Ammoudi beaches.
- Visitors can explore local shops, museums, and the waterfront promenade in Vathy during a 1-hour stop.
- The 1.5-hour stop in Kioni allows for strolling through charming, flower-filled alleys and immersion in the local culture.
- The tour highlights Ithaca’s literary connections to Homer’s Odyssey, including the Odysseus Cave and ancient ruins.
Tour Overview
The Ithaca Cruise and Beach Tour offers a daily sightseeing cruise around the island that lasts 7 hours. Priced from Kč1,753 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so travelers should check availability.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The cruise includes stops at Gidaki Beach for 40 minutes of swimming, Vathy for a 1-hour visit, Kioni for 1.5 hours, and Ammoudi Beach for 30 minutes of swimming.
The tour has a total of 5 drop-off locations, making it a convenient way to explore Ithaca’s picturesque sights.
Itinerary Highlights
Highlighted within the itinerary are several key destinations.
The cruise includes a stop at Gidaki Beach, where visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters for around 40 minutes.
Following this, the tour makes its way to Vathy, allowing for a 1-hour visit to explore the local shops and museums.
Next, the cruise sails to Kioni, where guests can stroll through the flower-filled alleys and relax for approximately 1.5 hours.
The final swimming stop is at Ammoudi Beach, where visitors can take a dip for 30 minutes.
In total, the cruise features 5 drop-off locations across the island, providing a well-rounded exploration of Ithaca’s scenic wonders.
Swim in Crystal Clear Waters
One of the key highlights of the Ithaca Cruise and Beach Tour is the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters at Gidaki and Ammoudi Beaches. The turquoise waters are perfect for refreshing dips, with Gidaki offering 40 minutes to enjoy the serene setting, and Ammoudi providing 30 minutes of swimming time. Guests can cool off, take in the breathtaking scenery, and perhaps even spot some marine life during these swimming stops.
| Location | Duration | Water Temperature | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gidaki Beach | 40 minutes | 22°C (72°F) | 2-4 meters (6-13 feet) |
| Ammoudi Beach | 30 minutes | 24°C (75°F) | 1-3 meters (3-10 feet) |
The crystal-clear waters of these Ithaca beaches offer a refreshing and picturesque experience for tour participants.
Explore Local Shops and Museums
Visitors on the Ithaca Cruise and Beach Tour can explore local shops and museums during the 1-hour stop in the charming town of Vathy. The town is known for its quaint, flower-filled alleys and relaxed atmosphere.
Guests can:
- Browse the local shops, which offer a variety of traditional handicrafts, pottery, and souvenirs.
- Visit the Ithaca Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the island’s rich history and connection to Homer’s Odyssey.
- Stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
With ample time to soak in the local culture, the Vathy stop provides a well-rounded experience during the Ithaca Cruise and Beach Tour.
Stroll Through Flower-Filled Alleys
Flower-filled alleyways beckon visitors to the charming town of Kioni during the Ithaca Cruise and Beach Tour.
Strolling through these quaint streets, travelers can admire the colorful blooms cascading from window boxes and potted plants. The peaceful atmosphere invites guests to wander at a leisurely pace, popping in and out of local shops and cafes.
Kioni’s picturesque architecture, with its whitewashed buildings and red-tiled roofs, creates a quintessential Greek island ambiance.
This 1.5-hour visit allows ample time to soak in the town’s tranquil charms and take in the local Ithacian culture and way of life.
Discover Homer’s Homeland
On the Ithaca Cruise and Beach Tour, travelers can uncover the rich history and literary connections of this enchanting Greek island.
Ithaca is believed to be the legendary homeland of Homer’s Odyssey, the epic tale of Odysseus’ journey after the Trojan War.
Some key highlights include:
- Visiting the Odysseus Cave, where the hero is said to have hidden the treasures he brought back from Troy.
- Exploring the ruins of ancient Ithaca, which date back to the 8th century BC and offer a glimpse into the island’s storied past.
- Discovering the many landmarks and landscapes that inspired Homer’s timeless work, from the rugged coastline to the lush olive groves.
Booking Information
Travelers can conveniently reserve the Ithaca Cruise and Beach Tour with a "reserve now, pay later" option. The tour includes pickup from selected hotels or meeting points, with the pickup time confirmed 24 hours prior via WhatsApp. The tour caters to both adults (aged 10-99) and children (9 and younger).
| Booking Information | |
|---|---|
| Reserve Now & Pay Later | Available |
| Pickup | From selected hotels/meeting points |
| Pickup Time Confirmation | 24 hours prior via WhatsApp |
| Participants | Adults (10-99), Children (9 and younger) |
| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund |
Customer Feedback
The Ithaca Cruise and Beach Tour has received a solid overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 37 customer reviews.
While the transportation rating scored a respectable 4.1, the value for money rating was slightly lower at 3.6.
Reviewers had mixed opinions on the time spent at each location, with some preferring longer stays at fewer sites.
The top three customer feedback points are:
- Crystal clear waters at Gidaki and Ammoudi beaches were a highlight.
- Opportunities to explore local shops and museums in Vathy were appreciated.
- Some customers wished for more time to stroll through the flower-filled alleys and relax in Kioni.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food and Drink Provided on the Cruise?
The tour does not include food or drinks. Passengers are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. Some light snacks may be available for purchase on board, but the cruise primarily focuses on sightseeing and swimming.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own snorkeling gear on the cruise. However, the tour operator does not provide or rent snorkeling equipment. Guests should plan to bring their own if they wish to snorkel during the swim stops.
What Should I Bring for the Beach Visits?
For the beach visits, you should bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water shoes, and any personal snorkeling gear you’d like to use. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and a small beach bag to carry your items.
Is There Live Entertainment on the Cruise?
Based on the tour overview, there doesn’t seem to be any mention of live entertainment during the cruise. The focus appears to be on sightseeing, swimming, and exploring the various locations along the itinerary.
Can I Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Tour?
Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day of the tour, but it’s best to book in advance as the tour is likely to sell out. Same-day tickets are subject to availability.
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Recap
This tour offers a delightful blend of relaxation, culture, and breathtaking scenery in the picturesque Ionian Sea. Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Gidaki Beach, followed by a leisurely exploration of Kioni’s charming, flower-filled alleys and local shops. With a duration of 7 hours, it’s the perfect day out in Homer’s homeland.