Ithaca Exploration with Extra Boat Trip & Swim stom

Explore Ithaca’s Charm for $85: A Full-Day Adventure with Boat and Cultural Highlights

The Ithaca Exploration with Extra Boat Trip & Swim tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into one of Greece’s most enchanting islands. Priced at $85 per person, this 10-hour private excursion combines cultural visits, scenic boat rides, and time for relaxing swims. Starting from several pickup points in Argostoli and surrounding areas, the tour takes visitors through iconic locations like Kathara Monastery, Stavros, Kioni, and Vathy, with the highlight being a traditional kaiki boat trip to Gidaki Beach.

While the itinerary is packed with sights and activities, the tour is designed for those who enjoy a balanced mix of exploration and leisure, and who are comfortable with a full day on the move. The inclusion of ferry tickets, boat rides, and visits to unspoiled villages makes it a value-rich experience, though food and drinks are not included. This tour stands out for its combination of culture, scenic views, and the chance to swim at a renowned beach.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $85 per person for a 10-hour private group experience.
• Includes Ferry & Boat: All ferry tickets are covered, with a traditional kaiki boat trip to Gidaki Beach.
• Cultural Highlights: Visits to Kathara Monastery, Stavros, Kioni, and Vathy.
• Swimming Opportunity: Time at Gidaki Beach for 30 minutes of swimming in crystal-clear waters.
• Scenic Views and Photos: The Kathara Monastery offers panoramic views perfect for photos.
• Not Included: Food and drinks are not included, so plan to enjoy lunch in Kioni’s harbor side taverns.

Starting Points and Schedule Logistics

The tour departs from up to 16 pickup locations across Argostoli and surrounding towns, including Makris Gialos, Vagelati Food Market, and Dolphin Supermarket in Lassi. Pickups begin as early as 7:00 am, with the tour wrapping up back at the drop-off points around 7:00 pm.

The day starts with a bus or coach transfer that takes approximately 1 hour to reach the port. From there, a ferry ride of about 40 minutes leads to Aetos Pisaetos Port, where the adventure begins. The schedule includes multiple stops for sightseeing, walking, and swimming, ensuring a well-paced experience.

Visiting Kathara Monastery and the Highest Point of Ithaca

The tour’s first major stop is Kathara Monastery, which sits at the highest point of Ithaca. Here, visitors have about 30 minutes of free time to explore and take photographs. The monastery’s location offers sweeping views of the island, making it a perfect spot for capturing memorable images. The calm atmosphere and historic architecture enhance the sense of stepping into a different time.

Exploring Picturesque Villages of Stavros and Kioni

Next, the tour guides you to Stavros, a charming village where time seems to slow down. Highlights include the church of Sotiras, located in the central square, and a small archaeological museum. Visitors get an authentic feel of local life in this traditional setting.

Continuing on, the harbor town of Kioni welcomes visitors for about 1.5 hours. Here, travelers can stroll along narrow streets, enjoy the seafront taverns, and soak in the lively yet relaxing atmosphere. This stop provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy a traditional Greek lunch next to the water, with plenty of local taverns to choose from.

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Traditional Kaiki Ride to Gidaki Beach

One of the tour’s standout moments is the boat trip on a traditional kaiki, a classic Greek fishing boat, to Gidaki Beach. This shiny white pebble beach is renowned for its placid, crystal-clear waters and stunning backdrop. The boat ride itself offers fantastic views of the coastline, and the 30-minute swim allows travelers to cool off in the calm waters and appreciate Gidaki’s natural beauty.

Discovering the Capital Vathy

The trip continues to Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. The town is a hub of activity, with the main square where locals gather for coffee. Visitors can explore quaint narrow streets, visit local museums, and enjoy the relaxed ambiance of this historic port. The 70-minute visit provides insight into the island’s heritage and a chance to absorb its authentic character.

Scenic Return via Water and Land Transport

The return journey involves water transport from Gidaki Beach back to the port, followed by a bus or coach ride to the final stop at Aetos Pisaetos Port. After a brief visit, the tour takes the ferry again for 40 minutes before returning to the initial pick-up points. The entire schedule is carefully planned to maximize sightseeing and leisure, with a total of multiple stops designed to suit different interests.

Practical Aspects and Group Size

This private group experience features English-speaking guides and includes ferry tickets and boat rides, ensuring a smooth and organized day. The group is kept small, making for a personalized experience, and pickup is included from many central locations. Travelers should arrive 10 minutes early for pickup and be prepared for a full day of light walking and boat trips.

Considerations for Participants

Since food and drinks are not included, travelers should plan to purchase lunch in Kioni or bring snacks. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those over 95 years old, due to walking and boat activity levels. The tour operates rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for all weather conditions is advisable.

Why This Tour Offers Genuine Value

The combination of cultural visits, scenic boat rides, and swimming at Gidaki Beach makes this tour a well-rounded way to experience Ithaca. The price of $85 covers ferry tickets and the traditional boat trip, which are often the highlights for visitors. The length of 10 hours offers a deep look at the island’s main sights without feeling rushed, especially considering the leisure time at Kioni and Vathy.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This experience suits travelers who enjoy cultural exploration, scenic views, and relaxing swims. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a full day on the move and who want a guided, organized tour that covers key highlights of Ithaca. The private group setting ensures a more intimate experience, perfect for families, couples, or small groups.

Final Thoughts on the Ithaca Exploration Tour

This tour offers a great balance of sightseeing, culture, and leisure. The highlighted stops like Kathara Monastery, Gidaki Beach, and Kioni ensure travelers leave with a well-rounded impression of the island’s natural beauty and traditions. The boat trip on a traditional kaiki is a unique feature that adds authentic charm to the day.

While food is not included, the plentiful stops for exploring and dining in local taverns compensate for that. The $85 price point provides good value considering the ferry, boat ride, and multiple sightseeing stops. This tour is best suited for those who value guided experiences and want to see Ithaca’s main sights comfortably in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or over 95 years old, due to walking and boat activities involved.

Are food and drinks included?
No, lunch and beverages are not included. Travelers should plan to purchase lunch in Kioni or bring snacks.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
It’s recommended to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time at your designated location.

What should I bring for the boat trip and swim?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and waterproof footwear if you plan to walk on rocky beaches like Gidaki.

Is the tour operated rain or shine?
Yes, the tour takes place rain or shine. Dress accordingly for weather conditions.

How long is the stop at Gidaki Beach?
The swimming stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the crystal waters.

What are the main stops of this tour?
Key stops include Kathara Monastery, Stavros, Kioni, Gidaki Beach, and Vathy.

How is the group size managed?
The experience is private, ensuring a more personalized and intimate visit.

What makes this tour unique compared to others?
The traditional kaiki boat trip and visits to iconic villages combine to offer an authentic and scenic experience of Ithaca.

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