Cephalonia Private Shore Excursion Kefalonia Highlights

Make the most of your cruise stop in Kefalonia with this private shore excursion, offering a flexible and personalized experience. For $74.34 per person, you enjoy 5 to 6 hours of exploring some of the island’s most famous sights, from Argostoli to Myrtos Beach. The tour includes air-conditioned transport, photo stops, and bottled water, making it a comfortable way to see Kefalonia’s highlights at your own pace. The private setup means no rushed schedules or large groups, and it’s highly recommended by 100% of the 15 reviews, earning a perfect 5.0/5 score.

This tour suits those who appreciate a mix of scenic views, cultural stops, and beach time, all with the flexibility to customize the route. While it doesn’t include guide services as standard, the experienced driver ensures smooth transportation, and optional guided assistance is available at extra cost. It’s a well-rounded introduction to Kefalonia’s natural beauty, rich history, and delicious wines.

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour with flexible stops and pacing
• Includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from the port
• Visiting top sites: Argostoli, Antisamos Beach, Melissani Cave, Drogarati Cave, Assos, and Myrtos Beach
• Optional add-ons include wine tasting at the Robola Wine Cooperative, cave entrance fees, and guide services
• Tour lasts about 5 to 6 hours, with plenty of time for photos, swimming, and sightseeing
• Highly rated by previous guests for guides, views, and overall experience

Exploring Kefalonia’s Main Highlights

Convenient Pickup and Drop-off at the Cruise Terminal

This private tour begins right at the Cruise Ship Terminal in Argostoli, with pickup included. This eliminates any transportation worries for cruise passengers, ensuring a smooth start and finish at the same meeting point. The easy access makes it a practical choice for those with limited time on the island.

Comfortable Transport in an Air-conditioned Vehicle

During the tour, travelers ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, which keeps everyone comfortable as they move between sites. The spacious, private transport allows for a relaxed experience, with the flexibility to stop whenever a photo opportunity or swim beckons.

Visiting Argostoli, the Island’s Capital and Gateway

The tour’s first stop is in Argostoli, the administrative and commercial center of Kefalonia since 1757. Here, modern neo-classical buildings sit alongside historic sites, and the city overlooks the Lagoon of Koutavos. The view of Aenos Mountain adds to the scenic backdrop. Visitors can also view Katavothres, a rare seawater phenomenon where large quantities of seawater penetrate the land at Agii Theodori and re-emerge near Sami.

Wine Tasting at the Robola Wine Cooperative

Next, the tour visits the Orealios in the Omalas valley, home to the Robola Wine Cooperative. Visitors can explore the museum, learn about Robola wine, and enjoy tastings. The wide range of wines available for purchase adds a flavorful touch to the day, especially for wine enthusiasts. The visit lasts about an hour, though entrance fees are not included.

Visiting the Holy Monastery of Agios Gerasimos

A serene stop is at the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, an important religious site in the Omalas valley. Twice a year, thousands gather here to venerate the relic of Saint Gerasimos and pray. The monastery’s landscape exudes a devout atmosphere, and the free entry makes it a meaningful cultural detour.

Relaxing at Antisamos Beach

Antisamos Beach features prominently as a highlight of this tour. Known from the film “The Captain Corelli’s Mandolin,” its pebble and white sand shoreline is framed by green hills and towering pines. The azure waters are often awarded the Blue Flag, indicating excellent cleanliness and safety. The organized beach facilities—including snack bar, sun loungers, umbrellas, and water sports—offer ample relaxation options. Visitors typically spend about an hour here.

Melissani Cave: A Natural Wonder

The Melissani Cave offers a captivating experience. First explored in 1951, the cave was formed by an earthquake that created an opening in the roof. This allows sunlight to penetrate, illuminating the blue and turquoise waters inside. Visitors take a boat tour to see the interior lake and the small island where ancient ceremonies to God Pan and nymphs took place. The visit lasts about 40 minutes, with optional entrance fees.

Exploring Drogarati Cave’s Ancient Depths

The Drogarati Cave is over 100 million years old and offers a fascinating glimpse into natural history. With a depth of about 60 meters, the cave features high humidity (90%) and a constant temperature of 18°C. The journey down involves about 150 steps, and the exploration takes around 30 minutes. Its impressive formations and ancient age make it a noteworthy stop, though access requires some physical effort.

Charm of the Village of Agia Efimia

The village of Agia Efimia is known for its wide streets and well-planned layout. Its port attracts yachts from around the world during summer, creating a lively yet peaceful setting. The village provides an authentic local atmosphere, perfect for a quick walk and photo opportunities.

Assos Village: A Picture-perfect Retreat

Assos is built amphitheatrically around a lush peninsula, with traditional Ionian architecture and tall pines and cypress trees. Its blue waters and green surroundings create a postcard scene. It’s an ideal spot for a photo stop, where visitors can soak in the natural beauty and tranquil ambiance of this charming village.

Iconic Myrtos Beach: One of Europe’s Best

The tour concludes with a visit to Myrtos Beach, often ranked among Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Its snow-white sand and high surrounding cliffs form a dramatic backdrop. The colorful sea features hues from blue-green to deep blue, offering stunning photo opportunities. This paradise-like beach is perfect for a final stop for photos, with plenty of time allocated to enjoy the scenery.

Practical Details and Optional Extras

This tour includes taxes, bottled water, and private transportation, but lunch, guide services, entrance fees (for Melissani and Drogarati caves), and wine tasting are optional extras. The guide can be arranged for an additional fee, and entrance fees for caves are $10 and $6, respectively. The tour’s flexibility allows for adjustments based on your preferences, as it is only for your group.

Tour Logistics and Booking

The meeting point is at Leof. Antoni Tritsi 26, Argostoli, with the tour running daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the summer months. Most bookings are made about 69 days in advance due to its popularity. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, providing peace of mind. The recommended age and physical requirements are broad, with service animals allowed.

Summing Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This private Kefalonia tour offers a rundown of the island’s top highlights in a comfortable, flexible format. Highly praised for guides, views, and overall experience, it appeals especially to those who want a personalized day with stops for photos, swimming, and cultural visits. It’s an excellent choice for cruise passengers seeking an efficient yet relaxed way to explore, though those interested in guided tours should consider the optional guide service at extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $74.34 per person, offering a private experience with transportation and photo stops included.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, giving you plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Leof. Antoni Tritsi 26, Argostoli, with pick-up and drop-off at the cruise terminal.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for Melissani ($10) and Drogarati ($6) caves are optional and paid separately if you choose to visit.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since this is a private tour, the schedule can be adjusted to your preferences, including adding or removing stops.

Is guide service included?
Guide services are not included in the base price but can be arranged at an additional cost.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, and swimsuits if you plan to swim at Antisamos Beach.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour suits most travelers, including families, especially since it offers flexibility and can accommodate children with some physical effort for cave visits.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund available if canceled early.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, visiting Drogarati Cave involves about 150 steps, so some physical mobility is recommended.