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 reboarding 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:
Ø 118 Steps at Drogarati cave to walk down, then obviously up, so
comfortable walking shoes.
Ø Swimwear, towels, hat, sunscreen and money.
Ø Change money before tour, as no money exchange en route.
Start time: 08.00
End Time: 19.00