Cefalonia Highlights Tour: Melissani, cantina e vista sulla spiaggia di Myrtos

From the very beginning of the private tour our guide, Chris, imparted information about a great many things regarding Kefalonia and Greece. We learned about history, customs, architecture, significant locations, cuisine, politics and much more. Chris was very generous with his time and we saw all that was requested and more! It was a very full day and one we’ll not forget. Such a beautiful island! Chris had the best spots to capture this beauty in our photos and was happy to take some snaps of our family for us. He knew the right times to visit high tourist destinations so we’d avoid the hour long waits, he drove safely and adapted the tour to our requests. Chris treated us to delicious homemade bread and sausage from his mother’s kitchen and local cheese. He also shared local wine, without preservatives, with us in a mountain top setting with a story of its own. Thank you Chris. Kefalonia is all we’d hoped it would be and you helped us discover much it has to offer its visitors.

We spend a fantastic day in the wonderful company of our guide Melanie and fantastic driver (apologies I can’t recall her name). We were lucky to have a small group of just 10 of us. The whole trip was brilliant, informative and fun thanks to our 2 “crew” who kept us laughing all day, and ahead of the crowds from the 2 cruise ships! The monastery was a truly special place (even if you’re not religious) and the lake takes your breath away so is well worth the queue to get in. If you’re only going to do do one trip during your holiday then I’d highly recommend this as it’s great value and if you’re lucky enough to get Melanie as your guide you’ll have the best time seeing the gems Kefalonia has to offer!!

We spent the day exploring Kefalonia with Ace Travel and from start to finish it was absolutely magical. Our tour guide, Melanie, was fantastic. She was warm, knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the history, traditions and stories behind everything we visited. Our coach driver, Regina, was equally wonderful. Her driving was excellent, and her infectious laugh brought so much joy to the day. We sat just behind them on the coach and loved listening to them chatting away in Greek. Even though we couldn’t understand most of what they were saying, their friendship and good humour were impossible not to enjoy. One of the highlights of the day was visiting the Chapel of Saint George. Melanie explained the history of Saint George and the Orthodox traditions associated with him before we arrived. Walking into the chapel was an incredibly moving experience. The atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve felt before, and I was unexpectedly overcome with emotion. We had actually left the church when we heard the bell ringing and discovered that this meant visitors could return inside to witness the opening of the immense silver casket containing Saint George’s body. We were privileged to receive a blessing from the priest and kiss st georges feet – a truly unforgettable and deeply spiritual experience! We then visited a local winery, where we sampled some delicious locally produced wines while learning about the vineyards and the cooperative behind them. Melanie’s commentary brought the experience to life. We tasted a white, rosé and red wine, and enjoyed them so much that we returned home with three bottles of white, one red, some local moonshine, olive oil and honey. The drogorati caves were another breathtaking part of the tour. Melanie once again filled the journey there with fascinating information. There are quite a few steps down to the viewing platforms, and while I decided not to tackle every last one on the way down, my husband James carried on to explore further. The caves themselves were magnificent, the pictures incredible and the climb back up certainly gave our legs a workout! Later, we moved on to the Mellisani caves, boarded small boats to explore the cave system from the water, which was simply magical. At one point, we drifted beneath an opening in the cave ceiling where sunlight streamed through from above. James captured beautiful photographs of the sun shining directly overhead – a moment we’ll never forget. Throughout the entire day, Regina safely guided us around the island while Melanie ensured we understood and appreciated everything we were seeing. Their enthusiasm and genuine love for what they do made all the difference. What a wonderful way to round off an already amazing holiday! Ps the Kefalonia meat pie and lamb at Foinikas in Agea Effimia were well recommended and perfectly served. We also joined the Ace Travel trip boat trip around Ithaca the previous day aboard the Romantika with Captain Vengalis, which was equally fantastic. The captain and crew were fantastic and ensured everyone (including the magnificent boat) were taken care of at all times Again, Melanies knowledge of the island, the port villages, what foods to eat and where plus the swim stop beaches was second to none and made the day amazing! We honestly cannot praise Ace Travel enough. The value for money is exceptional, and both excursions helped turn an already wonderful holiday into something truly special. Thank you to Melanie, Regina, Captain Vengalis and everyone at Ace Travel for helping us end our week perfectly. We will treasure these memories for years to come.

Great experience from start to Finish. I would highly recommend this tour. We were picked up close to our hotel and visited a monastery (knees and shoulders must be covered), a cooperative winery with wine tasting and the Drogarati and Melissani caves. We also had the chance to buy authentic local herbs and honey. We had super lunch in the beautiful coastal town of Agia Efima. I had thought about hiring a car to see these places but in the end I was glad I did not. A tour was much more relaxing and informative. Our guide was superb, Loads of interesting local information and history. She rang ahead to see what the queues were like at Melissani and apparently they were huge so she swapped the itinerary around and we went to lunch first. This worked out really well as the queues had died down when we got to the cave. My partner left her hat on the coach and after dropping a message to ACE the hat was handed back into our Hotel reception the next day.

Excellent trip to give a glimpse into the beautiful Kefalonia. Our guide Melanie was superb at describing the wonderful sights and history of the island. Her knowledge and advice was incredible. Gladly do this tour again.

Excellent full days trip to discover Kefalonia…visiting the main attractions and also seeing the beautiful coastline as well. Mel the guide was absolutely brilliant and gave so much information along the way so we really learnt so much that we wouldn’t have done if we were doing the sights on our own. A worthwhile trip that we wouldn’t highly recommend! Thank you for a fab day!

I have used Viator before. Today was the worst experience with their third-party company, Ace. I was not given the correct information as far as the meeting point. I finally got on the bus. I was told by the tour guy Melanie💑💑💑 that we will be returning by 4:30. I had made it very clear that I was on a Royal Caribbean cruise and I needed to be back to the ship by 6:30 PM. One of the stops along the way took over an hour just to enter. After we finish the tour and went to lunch I asked what time would I be expected to arrive back to my original pick up point I was informed not until after 6 PM. Again, I had to remind Melanie💑💑💑 that , I was on a cruise. At the end of the day I had to take a cab ride back alone 45 minutes at a $50 charge back to my original destination. This was so upsetting and scary for me being a single woman and an unfamiliar location. , I was on a cruise. At the end of the day I had to take a cab ride back alone 45 minutes at a $50 charge back to my original destination. This was so upsetting and scary for me being a single woman in an unfamiliar location and feeling like no one cared . I would never use this company again.

We both thoroughly enjoyed this tour around the main part of the island. The chief ingredients making it such a success were obviously the places we visited but a relaxed commentary from our guide Melanie made the day. So much helpful information from someone who has a great affinity with the local community, farmers, vineyards,fishermen, conservationists - you name it ! All laced with a quiet sense of humour. But she was also speaking in a way everyone could hear and understand - invaluable. The organisation of the day was an accomplishment in itself ! The timing, arrangement of (optional) entry tickets for a couple of the locations, and lunch for those who wanted it, was so smooth and perfectly on schedule, remarkably without any hassle at all. Comfortable coach and excellent driver completed the formula. Price? Not cheap but good value for money. Highly recommended - thank you, Melanie and ACE.

Booked this trip with Ace Travel Services via Jet2 as keen to see a bit of kefelonia without having to hire a car etc... met our guide Melanie at the bus stop at svoronata ... friendly and down to earth straight away......when it came to historical and relevant information this was both interesting and enjoyable. Organisation skills were great and to be honest we didn't have to think...Melanie ensured we all understood what to do and when to do it. The trip was great value for money and the various stops made for a fun informative day. ..... I'm not the biggest fan of organised trips but Melanie made it a great day with a mix of humour professionalism and clearly a knowledge and passion for the island. Looking forward to the cruise on Friday. 1 ACE well done for a great day out. Oh and as a USP.......attention to detail from an experienced guide and looked after everyone with an emphasis on customer safety. Highly recommend.

As ever Melanie gave us a well organised tour in her individual style! Thanks Mike for your Dutch humour!! Melanie has still not written her book- there - maybe a number of gentlemen on Kefalonia are quaking in their boots! Best tour of Kefalonia - the Melanie way 😀!