Destination |
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Zakynthos, Greece |
Highlights
• Visit the monastery of St Gerassimos, the patron saint of the island of Kefalonia
• Optional trips to Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave
• See the sights in Argostoli, the capital city of Kefalonia
• Agia Efimia photo stop opportunities
A superb day out exploring our closest neighbour - the island of Kefalonia, which is famous for being the location for the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Visit all the highlights that Kefalonia has to offer ranging from ancient times to the present day. You will be picked up from your resorts and will go to the port to meet the ferry boat for Kefalonia.
The first stop will be the monastery of St Gerassimos, the patron saint of the island of Kefalonia. St Gerassimos was known for his miraculous abilities to cure people with mental illness. The monastery is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Kefalonia and is situated under the imposing Mount Ainos. Today the monastery has been reconstructed and it is an imposing building with a newly built church.
Next, the tour will head to the impressive Drogorati Cave, located outside of Sami, with its fine stalactites and stalagmites. Experts estimate that the cave is about 150 million years old. A natural balcony was created in 1953 from the earthquake, it overlooks a chamber with about 100 square metres of floor space, making it possible to hold concerts for up to 500 people. Continuing to Melissani Lake and Cave. Explore by boat, the cave stalactites, which are over 20,000 years old. Following a roof cave-in, an impressive sight has been created causing the colours of the water to be reflected onto the walls of the cave.
Lunch will be at the town of Agia Efimia (lunch is not included) - before the 1953 earthquake it was one of the island's most important trade centres, with stately homes, these were rebuilt with help from the French. Today it's a wonderful town with a small harbour. There will be time here for lunch, a stroll or there's a small beach for anyone who would like to swim. After lunch, the driver continues towards Myrtos Bay, one of Kefalonia's most famous beaches, for a photo stop.
Finally a visit to Argostoli, the capital city of Kefalonia, here there will opportunity for refreshments, relaxing in the square or having a walk to explore the town, before reboarding the coach to start the journey back to the port. The ferry will arrive back at the port of Skinari in Zakynthos at about 6 pm and arrive back in Zakynthos at approximately 7:45 pm.
Itinerary
Kefalonia - Monastery of St Gerassimos - Melissani Lake and Cave - Agia Efimia - Myrtos Bay - Argostoli
Important information
The order of the itinerary may be subject to change.