Argostoli & Beyond: Villages, Olive Oil & Honey Tasting
Description
Explore traditional villages, historic landmarks, sacred monasteries, and stunning coastal scenery. Begin your journey at Katavothres, a rare geological phenomenon where seawater mysteriously disappears underground. Continue to the beautiful Fanari Lighthouse. Travel to the charming village of Kastro, known for its stone houses, quiet alleys, and timeless atmosphere. Enjoy free time in the village or take an optional walk up to St. George’s Castle. From Kastro, your journey continues through scenic mountainous villages to the fertile Omala Valley. Visit the sacred Monastery of St. Gerasimos, the most important religious site on the island and home to the relics of Kefalonia’s patron saint. Continue your journey with a tasting of two premium Kefalonian extra virgin olive oils and two varieties of local honey at a traditional cultural boutique. Before returning to Argostoli, enjoy a scenic photo stop at Koutavos Lagoon, a tranquil natural habitat surrounded by lush greenery
Tour Options
Itinerary
Witness the mesmerizing natural occurrence where seawater mysteriously disappears into sinkholes. Marvel at the phenomenon of seawater entering underground channels and resurfacing in the nearby Melissani Lake. Enjoy the scenic surroundings of Katavothres, situated along the rugged coastline. The location offers beautiful views of the sea, providing an opportunity for relaxation and contemplation.
The lighthouse is located in a picturesque setting, offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas and capture memorable photos of the scenic landscape.
Wander through the charming streets of Kastro Village, where time seems to stand still. An optional visit to the imposing St. George Castle offers breathtaking views and insights into Kefalonia’s medieval past.
St. Gerasimos Monastery is a place where time seems to stand still. The peaceful atmosphere and lush gardens create an oasis of calm, allowing you to reconnect with your inner self. The monastery's architecture is a testament to the island's heritage. Marvel at the intricate details of the church and the monastery buildings, each with its own story to tell. Wander through the monastery's gardens, where vibrant flowers and aromatic herbs flourish. The beautifully tended grounds are an invitation to reflection and inner peace.
Continue your cultural journey with a tasting of premium local products at a traditional cultural boutique. Enjoy two premium Kefalonian extra virgin olive oils and two varieties of local honey, while learning about the island’s centuries-old agricultural traditions and artisanal production methods.
Enjoy a scenic photo stop at Koutavos Lagoon, a tranquil natural habitat surrounded by lush greenery
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Customers arriving by cruise ship will be collected directly at Argostoli Port. Our staff with signs "Avalon Travel" will be waiting at the Argostoli Cruise Ship Terminal. Holidaymakers staying in Kefalonia will be picked up from the listed hotels or designated meeting points. Please note that pick-up time may vary depending on the distance from Argostoli, and travel time from hotels outside Argostoli is not included in the tour duration.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour involves walking on uneven surfaces in villages and at cultural sites.
- Entry to St. George’s Castle is optional and may require an additional fee.
- Monastery of St. Gerasimos is an active religious site; modest clothing is recommended.
- Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended.
Reviews(14)
Catherine was an amazing tour guide. She had such fun insights about the island and fielded all of our questions!
A fantastic way to experience the area! We had an excellent guide who shared a lot of information! Our driver was amazing ! Some if the streets were extremely narrow!
Fabulous island just beautiful quaint pretty kept in keeping with its history no huge modern hotels blighting the landscape this is one of my favourite places I have ever been and will go back again and again. Stunning scenery and lovely friendly people and of course lovely Greek food xx Nostiman Emar apartments in Lourdas Tay run by Terri were stunning and she was just an amazing host so friendly and
the tour did not seem to be well organized and the tour guide was not prepared. We were taken to two monasteries, which were only mildly interesting. We also went to a local village which was 90% deserted. Our tour guide was not aware that most of the restaurants and shops were closed. We walked up and down one street and then went into the only open establishment to eat, along with everyone else on our bus (plus a few others). By then we were short on time and barely had time to order and eat before being hurried back out the door. It was definitely not worth the time or money.
This was a very informative tour. It was a larger group than expected, but everybody was very pleased. We tasted some olive oil and some wine and had a lot of fun.
Excellent Bus tour of Beyond Kefalonia Argostali. Tour guide knowledgeable, great winery stop with tasting.
Poor value for money. Guide was reading information (badly) from crib sheet. We were told we could get coffee but no shops open. Had to find someone where in shade to stand whilst waiting for rest of group to come back from visiting castle. 2 of the churches at monastery closed.
Sanda was great. Nice 4 hours of seeing the area. Would miss a lot if you did it on your own. You still have time to see the town. We were off a cruise ship.
Our guide was wonderful - it was a miserable rainy day, but she compensated for our inability to walk around the fort by calling a friend and gaining entrance into a 3 story ecclesiastical museum, which was quite impressive. She also did allow those who wanted to to get off and take pics of the lighthouse and the sinkholes even though we all were sipping wet on our return. Winery was nothing spectacular, but it was interesting - and dry - so glad we went. Making all the arrangements and meeting at the appointed spot was flawless.
This tour had a good variety of things to see. The Caves and the Melissani lake are must-sees in Kefalonia.
