Athens, Zakynthos and Kefalonia

Voyage en liberté Les îles grecques Voyage d’île en île en Grèce

Athens, Zakynthos and Kefalonia

To go to Greece is to visit a nation at the very heart of the foundations of our current world. A rich country, whether in terms of history, culture or places to discover. Moreover, there are between 1,200 and 6,000 islands (depending on how you define them). Among the latter, Zakynthos and Kefalonia. Two islands with idyllic beaches, for a stay that will take place between swimming and hiking, without forgetting stops at some of the best local taverns, bars and restaurants. Places that we invite you to discover, for a few days, for an unforgettable trip.

This itinerary can be adjusted to your personnel needs and preferences.

Highlights

  • Independent tour
  • Explore the Acropolis in Athens
  • Zakynthos’ captivating nature and unforgettable views
  • Explore Kefalonia’s secluded beaches and its impressive caves
  • Hang out in Greek picturesque villages
  • Walk along beautiful beaches
  • Swim in the stunning crystal-clear blue waters
  • Sample regional wines and fresh seafood

Included

Grèce

Flights

Grèce

All Transfers

Grèce

All Ferries

Grèce

Accommodation

Grèce

All Breakfasts

Grèce

Half Day Acropolis tour and its Museum

Travel Information

Coded: GRE5

Journey intensity

Grèce

Price

9 days

Departure from Montreal to Athens

Arrival in Athens, welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

Take advantage of this day to discover the city and its surroundings at your leisure. In particular, go to the district of Plaka, also known as “The Quarter of the Gods”, a lively area a few hundred meters from the Acropolis. If you have time, visit Monastiraki, the second liveliest district of the capital.

Later head to the Museum of Cycladic Art which focuses on two types of art in particular: works from the classical period and those from the Bronze Age (third millennium). After your visit, stop at one of the many taverns of Athens. Finish the day with a short walk to the top of Mount Lycabettus, 277 meters high, from where you will have a splendid view of the capital.

Main attractions to discover : Plaka, Monastiraki and Museum of Cycladic Arts

Overnight in Athens

Your third day begins with a half-day tour of the city during which you will discover some important sights of Athens such as the Panathenaic Stadium, the Academy of Athens, the temple of Olympian Zeus and of course the Acropolis as well as its museum, inaugurated in 2009. These important sites make for an informative and interesting tour which will immerse you in the heart of ancient Greece.
 
Rest of the day free.
 
You can choose between visiting a museum such as the Benaki Museum with its many collections (Islamic art, Greek history, archives and architecture) or discovering other aspects of local life such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located next to Syntagma Square, where there is a changing of the guards every hour. Conclude your day by strolling through the closed market where the smells, flavors and sounds will entice you.
 
Discovering Athens and Greece is more than just sightseeing; tasting Greek cuisine is an integral part of enjoying a fresh and colorful Mediterranean diet. Typical dishes include Horitaki (Greek salad), Spanakopita (puff pastry filled with Feta and spinach) and dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves). To try the many local flavors, head to Ama Lachei Stis Nefelis for Kritharioti (a local version of risotto) or Apaki (a pork-based meal). Don’t forget to wash it all down with Raki, a typical alcoholic beverage, the best of which you can find at the Aster!
 
Main attractions to discover: the Panathenaic Stadium, the Academy of Athens, the temple of Olympian Zeus, the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and Greek culinary culture.
 
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Athens

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Zakynthos. Welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day
free.

About fifteen miles from the Peloponnese is the island of Zakynthos. Under Venetian influence between 1484 and 1797, the island reveals the remains of a glorious past. The Italian influence of the 15 th century is still present in its architecture, cuisine and even in its dialects, although it is fading quickly.

After your arrival, go to Navagio Beach (the bay of the shipwreck) with its fine, warm sand, sparkling blue sea and rocky cliffs. Or head to Zante, capital of the island, where you can see several important monuments such as the Agos Dyonysios Church, dating from 1708, which houses the relics of the patron saint of the island.

For a more aerial view 2.5 kilometers away, climb up to the village of Bohali toward the ruins of a Venetian castle situated in a pine forest. Although this area was largely destroyed by an earthquake, you can still see the main gate (bearing the Lion of St. Mark, symbol of Venice), the exterior walls and the ramparts. If you have time, make your way to the north of the island and discover the Blue Caves. Inside, the sea reflects the blue of the sky on the walls. You can visit this magical place by glass bottom boat!

Main attractions to discover: Navagio Beach, Bohali, Blue Caves, hiking

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Zakynthos

Start your second day by visiting the Marine National Park where nature’s spectacle is absolutely splendid. If you like animals, head to Askos Animal Park. In the afternoon the Byzantine Museum welcomes you with its artifacts dating from the 12 th century. If you still have time for an expedition, the Keri Caves are a must.

As for cuisine, Zakynthos and Zante offer fresh seafood. You can try pita bread and meat cooked on a spit at places such as Ladolemono. The Pirunaki also has typical local dishes accompanied by a good Greek wine or a Mythos, the local beer. Finally, at the Varkarola, you can enjoy the local fare accompanied by Zakynthonian folk songs called the Kantades.

Main attractions to discover: Shipwreck Bay, Zante, Blue Caves, Venetian Castle, the Byzantine Museum

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Zakynthos

Transfer to the port and ferry to Kefalonia. Welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

Your sixth day of you trip in Greece is devoted to visiting Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands located north of Zakynthos. Known for its natural beauty, this is the place for lovers of the outdoors, nature and road trips.

Begin your stay by visiting Argostoli, the main city of the island that was once under Venetian influence. The city centre with its pedestrian street lined with palm trees is very lively and so is the marina. To the south you will find Kabana Square with its historic clock tower.

Next, head to Petani on the west of the island where you can swim in an idyllic setting. You can rent your own small boat or take a boat tour which will give you a different perspective of Kefalonia.

Main attractions to discover: Argostoli, Petani

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Kefalonia

Free day to discover the island and its small villages such as Fiskardo, a typical fishing village with a marina, an old Byzantine church and the ruins of a Venetian lighthouse. Continue to Assos, another small village between the mountains and the sea. Finally, visit the underground Lake of Melissani, 20 to 30 meters deep, it was the home of ancient nymphs according to myth.

Where to eat? The island produces wine, cheeses (feta, mizithra and kefalotyri), and exceptional thyme honey. Besides visiting the local markets, we recommend Elli’s in Fiskardo, where grilled halloumi, squid soaked in lemon juice and roasted vegetables are on the menu. Also try the Ampelaki, on the Argostoli side of the island, where you can savour kreatopita, a Kefalonian pie filled with minced meat specially spiced with marjoram.

Main attractions to discover: Fiskardo, Assos, Underground Lake of Melissani, swimming and hiking

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Kefalonia

Transfer to the port and ferry to Athens. Welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

This is your chance to return to the capital and discover the national garden, a veritable green oasis a few meters from Syntagma Square. You can also visit the Cycladic district of Anafiotika, or the authentic and unusual Anargyroi Church. For lovers of the genre, street art is very visible in Athens, particularly in the districts of Exarchia and Psiri, something else to discover in the Greek capital.​

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Athens

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Montreal.

Meals: Breakfast

Greece
Kefalonia Island, Greece
Greece

DATES

Daily departures from May to October 2022

INCLUSIONS

This trip includes:

  • Round trip flights Montreal Athens
  • Internal flights Athens-Zakynthos / Kefalonia-Athens
  • Ferry Zakynthos-Kefalonia
  • All transfers between airport/ports and hotels
  • 7 nights in double occupancy in a standard room, hotels according to the chosen category
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Half day Athens city tour with Acropolis and its museum
  • Airport taxes

This trip does not include:

  • Any activities, tours or entrance fees to monuments
  • Items of personal nature such as mini-bar, safety-box, wi-fi etc.
  • Tips and baggage handling at airports/ports & hotels
  • Greek Tourist tax
  • All types of travel or personal insurance
  • PCR tests
  • Anything not stated explicitly in the inclusions
  • Contribution to the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents: 3.50$ per 1000$

Featured Hotels

Package in standard hotels (or similar)

Athens Central 3*
Zakynthos Palatino 4* (sea view room)
Kefalonia Mediterranean 4* (sea view room)

Package in superior hotels (or similar)

Athens Amalia 4* (deluxe room)
Zakynthos Lesante Classic 5* (deluxe room)
Kefalonia Kefalonia Grand 4* (superior room/partial sea view)

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