Sail & Walk the Greek Islands of Ionian
Sail&Walk is a programme of enjoyable adventure. Over a week, we sail in Ionian Sea between the islands of Ithaca, Kefalonia and Lefkas. In the so-called ‘Inland sea’, we could visit up to six islands, covering around 120 nautical miles by sea and up to 70km on foot. We walk through quiet fishing villages, sailing on the deep blue, conquering the highest mountain of the Seven Islands of Ionian Sea, swimming at refreshing locations, being rewarded with great views of the overall area and sleeping with the sounds of the waves. Sail&Walk is a beautiful way to experience the sense of freedom that adventure can offer!
While we aim to follow the itinerary as it’s printed below, a degree of flexibility is necessary. This is to accommodate weather interference and unexpected opportunities to experience a unique event!
Our course has been plotted based on the most probable wind speeds and directions in the Ionian Sea. However, should adverse conditions prevail (the wind is too strong or is blowing in a direction that does not allow us to anchor in specific bays, then it is sometimes necessary to amend our itinerary with alternative hikes and by mooring in different locations/ports to the advertised itinerary. The final decision on any route change is always made by the captain. There are always agreeable alternatives to be found and you are sure to enjoy your holiday no matter what the final route!
Meals
- Food included: All Breakfasts, all lunches and 3 dinners
Transfers
- All transfers, as mentioned in the itinerary, are included. ? Transfers to joining place are not included.
- Ending point is Sami harbour. Transfers from there are not included.
- We can arrange a group minibus transfer (additional cost to be applied) from/to
Igoumenitsa port, located in between Thessaloniki, Ioannina and Corfu island. The actual time depends on the transfer requests we will receive by email. If you wish to be on the transfer, it’s very important to complete and send us the Flight Details form that we supply with the ‘Guarantee to Go’ email and we will be able to inform you about the possibility to get the transfers.
- We can also arrange a transfer (group or individual) at additional cost between Argostoli airport and joining place.
Price
The price is 1169£/person for the week trip.
Dates
2-9th October 2021
Single Supplement option
This holiday is priced on a 2-person-sharing basis and guaranteed to run with the minimum of four guests. If you are travelling by yourself and do not request single room occupancy, we will make every effort to pair you up with another single traveler of the same sex in a cabin.
Although, if there are less than the minimum bookings, we will get in touch* with you and discuss the viable options, as the tour might not be operable on the given prices. Depending on availability, you can ask and book a Single Supplement at the extra cost of £340.
Itinerary
Day 1: | Come in the joining place and meet with a leader of the tour. Argostoli is the capital town of Kefallonia and where our journey starts. Tonight, we will rest here before we venture into the adventure. We will have the opportunity to slowly be introduced into the Greek vibes. | |
Day 2: | We drive to the northernmost point of Kefalonia and one of its most picturesque villages, Fiscardo. Here, you will be introduced to our sailing home for the coming week. On arrival there is an opportunity to stretch our legs with a short walk following the Cypress Trail, which passes through little villages covering the area around Fiscardo. Length: 4.5 km (2.8 miles) Total Ascent: 300m Min. Elevation: Sea level Total Descent: 250m Max. Elevation: 160m Approx. Walking Time: 1h30’ | |
Day 3: | This morning we explore the surrounding area of the northern tip of Kefalonia. We will follow the Battery and Lighthouse trails, which will guide us between villages till we reach the furthest point of the day where the famous WW2 gun emplacements exploded. Then we will go through forests of cypress, pine and strawberry trees which will lend us their valuable coverage all the way back to Fiscardo. Length: 12 km (7.5 miles) Total Ascent: 350m Min. Elevation: Sea level Total Descent: 350m Max. Elevation: 150m Approx. Walking Time: 3h | |
Day 4: | Today, we will enjoy the gifts of sailing. We sail between Kefalonia and Ithaca. We have the chance to enjoy the ride and the sea breeze, practice our sailing skills and relax as we prepare to enjoy our optional destinations. Option 1 Meganisi: Enjoy and practice sailing from Fiscardo to Vathy harbour on Meganisi – Optional walk on arrival. Practice your sailing skills, enjoy the ride by relaxing on the deck. On arrival at Meganisi there is the opportunity of an easy loop walk to stretch our legs. Option 2 Nydri: Did you ever think of visiting Nydri, the place where Onassis and Jackie brought the spotlight of the 70’s? Here is your chance! Let’s sail, pass next to the infamous island of Skorpios and disembark on Lefkas. We will then meander along the backstreets of the town, towards the Dimosari waterfalls. Finally, we will climb just high enough to enjoy the views of the bay. | |
Day 5: | We visit two beautiful islands in our adventure. Small diamonds in the sea, Kalamos and Kastos are quiet fishing places which convey the aura of the life on an island. Length: 9.5 km (6 miles) Total Ascent: 200m Min. Elevation: Sea level Total Descent: 200m Max Elevation: 80m Approx. Walking Time: 2h10’ – 2h30’ Total Approx | |
Day 6: | Go ashore on the island of Odysseus! Today, we cross the length of south Ithaca. We walk on footpaths surrounded by luscious forest, reaching Marathias plateau and we visit the Panagia of Spilaiotissa Church which is hidden in the cavities of the island. Heading south- east we will complete our day, next to the spring from which Odysseus himself drank Ithacan water, when he finally stepped back on his home island after two decades of adventures. Length: 14 km (8.7 miles) Total Ascent: 620m Min. Elevation: Sea level Total Descent: 600m Max. Elevation: 410m Approx. Walking Time: 4h30’ – 5 hours | |
Day 7: | Arriving at Kefalonia, we face the challenge of conquering the highest peak of the Ionian Sea. A mountainous, beautiful and rewarding day is ahead of us. We will be transferred by mini-bus to the starting point and we will start ascending to the roof of the island. At the end of the day a mini-bus will transfer us back to our sailing boat. Length: 16 km (10 miles) Total Ascent: 1220m Min. Elevation: 520m Total Descent: 960m Max. Elevation: 1628m Approx. Walking Time: 5h30’ | |
Day 8: | Dock in the morning at the harbour and the tour ends full of beautiful memories. |