Kefalonia Highlights

Highlights:

- Visit the monastery of St Gerassimos, the patron saint of the island of Kefalonia

- Tour around Drogarati Cave

- Boat trip to Melissani Lake and Cave

- See the sights in Argostoli, the capital city of Kefalonia

Guests will be picked up from their resorts to connect with the boat from the port.

St George's castle was the capital of Kefalonia until the end of the 17th Century. The Byzantines started the work in the 12th Century but it was the Venetians who gave the castle its present day look. 

It is this dunce's-cap of a hill which gave the castle an almost impregnable position. St George's castle was to remain the capital of Kefalonia right up until the Napoleonic wars. Rumour has it that there were even tunnels that once connected the castle to Argostoli some 5km away.

These, of course, collapsed in the 1953 earthquake!

First stop will be the monastery of St. Gerassimos, the patron of the Island. 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 you head to the impressive Drogarati Cave, located outside of Sami, with its fine stalactites & stalagmites. Experts estimate that the cave is about 150 million years old. A natural balcony was created in 1953 from the earthquake, overlooking a chamber with about 100 square meters of floor, making it possible to hold concerts for up to 500 people. (30 min stop).

Continuing on 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 colors of the water to be reflected onto the walls of the cave. 

Important archaeological finds were also discovered on the lake’s sandbank, one of them is a figurine of the nymph Melissanthe after whom the cave is named, and another is a clay figurine of the God Pan. (30/40 min stop).

Lunch will be at the town of Aghia Efimia – before the 1953 earthquake it was one of the island’s important trade centres, with stately homes, these were rebuilt with help from the French. Today it’s a wonderful town with a small harbour. You will have time here for lunch, a stroll or there’s a small beach if you would like to swim. After lunch, we drive towards Myrtos Bay, one of Kefalonia’s famous beaches, for a photo-stop.

Finally a visit to Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, here you can take refreshments, relax in the square, or have a walk and explore before re-boarding the coach to start your journey back to the port.

The boat departs at 17.30 and arrives back in Zakynthos at approx 19.00. You will then be transferred back to your resort.

Things to remember:

- 118 Steps at Drogarati cave to walk down, then obviously up, so comfortable walking shoes.

- Swimwear, towels, hat, sunscreen and money.

- Change money before tour, as no money exchange en route.

Included

- Round trip boat tickets.

- Transfers to/from resorts.

- Tour escort.

Not included

Lunch

Entrance fees Drogarati Cave & Melissani Lake

Drogarati Cave entrance fee 4€ Euro and Melissani Lake entrance fee 6€ (prices may change)