Ithaca Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Kefalonia

Explore the Mythical Land of Ithaca from Kefalonia for $167.85

The Ithaca Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Kefalonia offers an intimate exploration of this legendary island. Priced at $167.85 per person, this 10-hour journey is perfect for those seeking a personalized experience, with pickup included and private transportation. The tour departs early in the morning at 7:00 am, giving ample time to enjoy the highlights of Ithaca, the home of Odysseus, at a relaxed pace.

What makes this tour stand out is its private format, allowing your group to explore without the hustle of large crowds. The itinerary includes key stops such as Vathy, Stavros, and Kioni, along with visits to historical sites like the Monastery of Panagia Katharon and Anogi village. The tour also features a ferry ride from Sami port, connecting you directly from Kefalonia to Ithaca, making the journey both scenic and efficient.

While the tour offers a rich array of stops and sights, it does not include guide services unless arranged separately. The focus remains on exploring at your own pace, with the opportunity to purchase local crafts and souvenirs along the way. This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy flexibility, scenic ferry crossings, and discovering lesser-known villages.

Key Points

• Private, full-day experience focused on Ithaca’s top sights from Kefalonia
• Includes ferry tickets from Sami port to Ithaca and back
• Visits Vathy, Stavros, Anogi, and Kioni, each offering unique charm and history
• Guided or self-guided options available; guide can be arranged separately
• Most travelers book this tour 117 days in advance, highlighting its popularity
• Excellent reviews with a perfect 5.0/5 rating, praising the professionalism and friendliness of the guides

How the Tour Starts and Ends at Sami Port

This full-day adventure begins with a pickup at your accommodation (or designated meeting point) early in the morning. From there, it travels to the Port of Sami, where your ferry tickets are included to cross to Ithaca. The ferry ride offers scenic views as you move from Kefalonia to the mythical island, setting the tone for a memorable day.

The tour concludes at Pisaetos port, from where your transport returns to Kefalonia. The entire experience is designed to fit into a roughly 10-hour window, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The private transport ensures a comfortable ride throughout the day.

Visiting Vathy: Ithaca’s Charming Capital

The first major stop is Vathy, the capital town of Ithaca. Here, you find an inviting mix of handmade lace shops and local markets, making it an excellent place to browse for souvenirs. The town also hosts archaeological and folklore museums, which provide insight into the island’s history and traditions.

With about 2 hours allocated to Vathy, visitors can stroll through its narrow streets, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Since no entry fee is required for the museums, this stop offers a relaxed chance to soak in Ithaca’s authentic charm.

Panagia Katharon Monastery at Mt. Neritos

Next, the tour takes you up to Mt. Neritos, where the Monastery of Panagia Katharon sits at 600 meters high. This site offers spectacular panoramic views over the southern part of Ithaca, making it a favorite for photography and quiet reflection.

The monastery, which is free to visit, stands as a peaceful retreat with a long history. Visitors can appreciate the serenity of the location while taking in sweeping vistas across the island’s landscape.

Anogi Village and Byzantine Frescos

The picturesque village of Anogi is home to a church dedicated to Panagia, believed to date back to the 12th century and renovated at the end of the 17th century. The church’s notably preserved Byzantine frescos are a highlight for those interested in religious art and history.

Spending around an hour in Anogi offers a quiet break from the busier towns. The village’s traditional houses and peaceful ambiance provide a glimpse into local life, making it a memorable stop on the itinerary.

Discovering Stavros and Its Archaeological Museum

Further north, Stavros is the largest town in this part of Ithaca, featuring an Ulysses effigy in its main square. The town’s archaeological museum displays findings from local excavations, including artifacts from the Mycenaean and Corinthian periods.

With about 2 hours at Stavros, visitors have time to explore the small but interesting museum and enjoy the atmosphere of this lively town. The area’s historical significance adds depth to the visit, especially for history enthusiasts.

Kioni Village: A Photoshoot Favorite

The picturesque village of Kioni is renowned for its amphitheatrically built houses and a small, wind-protected cove. This traditional settlement offers a perfect setting for casual exploration, sightseeing, and taking photos.

You’ll have approximately 2 hours to wander its quaint cafes and browse through local souvenir shops. Kioni’s charm lies in its authentic architecture and peaceful waters, making it an ideal place for a relaxed afternoon.

Return Journey from Pisaetos Port

After exploring Kioni, the tour heads back to Pisaetos port for the ferry ride back to Kefalonia. The 1-hour transfer from Kioni provides time to reflect on the day’s discoveries before heading home.

The entire round-trip journey emphasizes comfort and scenic views, with ferry tickets included to ensure smooth travel between the islands.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The tour features air-conditioned private transportation, ensuring comfortable transfers between stops. It is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join. Service animals are allowed, and confirmation is received at booking.

While a guide is optional, the hosts are praised for their professional attitude and adaptability. If a guide is desired, arrangements can be made with the tour provider ahead of time.

Summary of What Sets This Tour Apart

This private full-day tour shines through its combination of scenic ferry crossings, visits to authentic villages, and stops at archaeological sites. The flexibility and personalized approach make it a strong choice for those who prefer tailored experiences over large group tours.

The excellent reviews reflect high satisfaction, particularly highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly guides. The 10-hour itinerary balances sightseeing with leisure, avoiding rushed pacing while covering top sights.

Final Thoughts on the Ithaca Private Tour from Kefalonia

This tour provides a comprehensive and flexible way to explore Ithaca’s highlights without the need for self-driving or planning individual transfers. Its private format caters well to families, friends, or couples seeking a customized day filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty.

While it does not include lunch or guide services by default, the ferry tickets, private transport, and key stops make it a valuable experience. The early start and pick-up service streamline the day, giving you more time to enjoy the island’s treasures.

Travelers who value authentic villages, archaeological insights, and stunning viewpoints will find this tour rewarding. However, those looking for guided commentary might want to arrange a guide separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is breakfast included in this tour?
No, meals are not included, but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants at stops like Kioni and Vathy.

How long is the ferry ride between Kefalonia and Ithaca?
The ferry trip is included in the schedule and provides scenic views, but the exact duration is not specified. It’s part of the approximately 10-hour total experience.

Can I customize the stops on this tour?
Since this is a private tour, customization is possible with prior arrangement, especially if a guide is booked.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility limitations?
Most stops involve walking through villages or around sites; it’s advisable to consider individual mobility needs before booking.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The tour operates most days and requires good weather. It can be enjoyed from spring to early autumn, with the weather influencing the experience.

How do I get to the pickup point?
Pickup is offered, and the meeting point is typically arranged based on your accommodation or location in Kefalonia.

Are tips included?
Tipping is not included and is at your discretion, based on your satisfaction with the experience.

What if I want a guide during the tour?
Guides are available upon request. Contact the tour provider in advance to arrange this service.

Can children participate in this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the walking involved and the age of children when planning.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The experience is weather-dependent, with options for rescheduling or full refunds if canceled due to poor weather or minimum participant numbers.