‘Odysseus Ithaca’ 11-Day Adventurous Island Private Package

All year round 11 days / 10 nights – Athens city and cape Sounion, one day cruise to Hydra-Poros-Aegina, Corinth Canal,  Ancient Corinth, Rio, Andirio bridge, Agrinio, Amphilochia, Vonitsa, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia

Enjoy the Ionian riviera and start your Greece travel from Athens cruising by car Corinth canal, ancient Corinth, Patras, Rio, Antirio, the biggest bridge in Europe, Agrinio, Amphilochia, Vonitsa, Lefkada, Ithaka, Kefalonia

Highlights of ‘Odysseus Ithaca’ 11-Day Adventurous Island Private Package

• 11 day / 10 nights vacation package of Athens, Peloponnese, and the Ionian island
• Explore the wonders of the ancients and classical sites of Greece

Description of  ‘Odysseus Ithaca’ 11 Days Island Private Package

Day 1:  Arrival in Athens

Transfer from the Athens international airport to your hotel and free rest of the day. Overnight in Athens.

Day 2: Full day Athens city and Cape Sounion

Start your Greece travel after breakfast, discover Athens the birthplace of culture, art, and civilization. Your English speaking driver will pick you up from your hotel and guide you around the ancient and modern Athens in an air-conditioned modern Mercedes.

Tour description:

Experience a full-day private tour in Athens, visit the unique through the century’s monuments and the most important sightseeing of Athens – Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka and the Ancient Agora of Athens, Constitution Square, House of Parliament, Unknown Soldier and Cape Sounion

Athens tour Greece private chauffeur will drive you to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier – the Parliament House – the Constitution Square – the Panathenian Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896). – the Presidential Palace (ex Royal Palace) – government buildings and elegant homes – the Catholic Cathedral – the Academy – University – the National Library) and Omonia Square – the Temple of Olympian Zeus – Adrian’s arch – the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base – the awesome Parthenon – the Propylaea – the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens – the Plaka (old Athens) – the ancient agora, the Roman agora, and Lycabettus.

 

After lunch, you will continue your  Greece tour driving traveling along the coastal road to Sounion past the wonderful beaches of GLYFADA, VOULIAGMENI, visit the Vouliagmeni lake, VARKIZA, and countless coves, one of them has a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. A crowning feature of the tour Cape Sounion, dominated by the spectacular 5th century B.C Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean Sea, with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world.

Our Athens private sightseeing will end at your hotel late in the afternoon.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 3: One day Cruise to the tree islands Hydra – Poros – Aegina

By far the most beloved cruise of Athens! Elegant vessels, delicious food, live music, dancing, entertainment, and a sea of happy faces from all over the world on a wonderful voyage to Greek islands. Let’s sail together! You only need to bring your camera…we’ll bring a good mood!

Description:

Upon arrival to Piraeus, you will receive a warm welcome from our Officers and Hostesses who will assist you with boarding one of our luxurious cruise ships and invite you to proceed either to the Main Lounge, where our live orchestra has already started putting you in the right mood with its international music repertoire or to one of the spacious open decks where you can enjoy the fascinating view as the ship leaves the port. Our Showman Jean not will entertain you throughout the day with his imaginative surprises!!

At 8h15 the ship sails for the three beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf. The order in which we shall visit the islands is either Poros – Hydra – Aegina or Aegina – Poros – Hydra which does not change the duration of stay on any of the islands. Shortly after departure, our guides and hostesses will invite you to assemble in one of the Lounges, in order to give you all the necessary information concerning the ship, the cruise program as well as the islands. This will also be an opportunity for you to get answers to any questions you might have, as our trained staff is there to ensure that you will have a most wonderful day.

Poros

Within 2 hours, we will arrive on the island of Poros, the smallest of the three islands, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait and offering a most enchanting view of Poros Town. Your time at leisure in Poros will be about 50 minutes.

Immediately upon the ship’s departure from Poros, lunch will be served for passengers who have the first sitting. As we sail towards Hydra the remaining guests relax in the Ship’s Lounge or enjoy the sun and beautiful panoramic view from one of our spacious decks.

Hydra

An hour and 15 minutes later, we enter the port of Hydra, whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. From the decks, you will be able to admire the very special architecture and dramatic landscapes of this island, whose old traditional stone houses and mansions silently stand witness to a long and turbulent history.

As soon as you disembark, it’s all there… the small narrow stone-paved streets waiting to be explored on foot or by the island’s traditional “vehicle” – the saddled donkey.. captivating walks along the old seaside promenade.. crystal clear waters… radiant traditional fine-craft shops.. the beauty of Hydra will conquer you forever! You will have about 1 hour and 30 minutes at leisure to enjoy the unique charms of Hydra and while returning back on board you will receive a homecoming welcome. The tables will be set for the second sitting giving you an opportunity to taste the gastronomic creations of our Chef. After your meal relaxes with our orchestra and singer GARO and has a good laugh with our entertainer Jeannot! As you sail on Apostolos and his dancers will make you dance to Greek rhythms. Time will fly quickly….and after a two-hour trip, we shall arrive at our last port of call, the island of Aegina.

Aegina

AEGINA is the largest of the three islands. Apart from its harbor, there are numerous interesting sites to discover on the island and therefore we propose 3 optional tours….

The first possibility is a Guided Bus Tour of the island, starting with a visit to the Temple of Aphaia which is the best-preserved temple in Greece and one of the 3 temples forming the famous “Sacred Triangle” of Greek antiquity. Built on top of a wooded hill, it offers the most magnificent view over the island, the Saronic Gulf, Piraeus, and Salamina Island. Our guide will tell you the fascinating story of the intriguing history of this beautiful site and then from there take you for a short visit to the Church of Saint Nectarios, where you can enjoy quiet moments of contemplation and admiration of its beautiful Byzantine architecture. The drive back to Aegina Port will give you time to relax and appreciate the exquisite peaceful nature of the island. The second possibility is a Panoramic Bus Tour, giving you the opportunity to drive across the entire island (without visiting the archaeological site) admiring the beauty of its nature, the island’s medieval capital of Paleohora, the Church of Saint Nectarios, the pistachio groves… The tour ends with a stop by the seaside where you can relax and enjoy a glass of Ouzo along with a choice of irresistible Greek “Mezedes” (appetizers)! The tickets for the above highly recommended optional excursions can be purchased on board.

Finally, the third choice is to stay in Aegina and enjoy a walk or horse-carriage ride around the town or relax in one of the harbor’s charming waterfront coffee shops. And if you think that the day ends here….. you are mistaken!

The highlight of your cruise still awaits!

A “Traditional Greek Folk Show” with singers and dancers in original costumes from all of Greece who, together with our Officers, Hostesses, and the ever-amusing Jeannot will entertain and animate you up to the final moment as the ship docks in Piraeus. On the way to the port of Piraeus, Passengers are invited to the main lounge to enjoy our international live orchestra and local Greek folk dances. Our main aim is the entertainment of all our passengers. This cruise is the ideal introduction to the ‘Greek Spirit’, the life, the culture, the entertainment, and the famous Greek hospitality (‘filoxenia’)

Finally, we will wish you a warm farewell and while looking forward to seeing you again on one of our cruises!! Overnight in Athens.

Day 4: Full day Corinth canal, ancient Corinth, Rio, Antirio, Amphilochia, Vonitsa, Lefkada private tour

Continue your Greece travel, enjoy our Greece tours in a remarkable private tour visiting some of the most important sites of the world’s history the Corinth canal, ancient Corinth, St. Paul’s steps, the ancient Corinth agora, the ancient market, the temple of Apollo.

Start your Greece travel after breakfast traveling with your Athens tours Greece private chauffeur along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf until we reach the Corinth Canal with its breathtaking views.

After some pictures of the Corinth canal, we reach the ancient town of Corinth where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. In ancient times Corinth was amongst the richest cities and this is quite evident by its remains, including the huge agora (market place) and Apollo’s Temple (6th C.B.C).

We continue your Greece tour traveling to Lefkada island through Patras, Rio, Antirio where we will cross to the other site driving through the biggest bridge in Europe or cruising for 20 minutes to the other site having the remarkable view of the bridge. Overnight in Lefkada.

Day 5: Full day Lefkada & Scorpio island

Today you will visit one of the most picturesque Greek islands the pearl of the Ionian island s and the jet-set of the period of Onassis. Lefkada is an island of the Ionian Sea and belongs to the island complex of Eptanisa. It lies between the islands of Corfu Ithaca and Kefalonia. It is very close to the shores of the western mainland of Greece. Only a small strip of sea separates the island from Akarnania and a fifty-meter floating bridge connects them. The name of the island “Lefkada” routed from the name “Lefkas Petra” or “Lefkas Akra”, an ancient name of today’s Leukata, the southern cape of the island.

The wild white rocks of the cape where, according to, the poet Sapfo ended her life in the name of love, gave the name to the city, the Corinthians founded in Lefkada, and then to the entire island. According to geographer Stravonas, they renamed the ancient city of Nirikos to Lefkada, the capital of the island.

Lefkada

Lefkada is an island with a wide spiritual tradition. Its geographical position – like all the other islands of the Ionian Sea – obtained a closer relationship with the West, in the years where all Continental Greece had been experiencing the spiritual Middle Age of Turkish Domination.

The temperamental Heptanisian culture and the unique feature of the island, full of “breath of the sea, a breath of the pine trees” gave to Lefkada the opportunity to give birth and nurture some of the most sensitive poetic souls. On this island, were born or were springs, eminent artists and scientists with Pan-Hellenic recognition and international appreciation and publicity.

Every August in the Venetian Fortress of Saint Blacks, which dominates in the entry of city and capital of the island, Lefkada, but in the cultural center also, are organized the Feasts of Reason and Art.

Visit the monastery of Panagia Faneromeni (The Illuminated Virgin Mary) is open for visitors. According to tradition, St. Paul the Apostle preached here, and there is a church inside dedicated to St. Paul and. St. Peter. The monastery was probably built on an ancient sanctuary, perhaps to Artemis or Hera.

The Museum

Your Athens tour Greece private chauffeur will drive you to visit the interesting archaeological museum, the public library, the museum of Gramophone, the two lagoons, and the church of Christ of Almighty wherein its courtyard is found the grave of Aristotelis Valaoriti, a very important Greek poet. Visit, the Royal, seasonal center of southerner Lefkada, with intense nightly lifetime and amusement.

The castle of Agia Mavra dates back to the 14th century but has been renovated many times since then. It was originally built by Sicilian rulers and used to protect the old town. There is a nice church here, and during summer there are often various cultural events going on.

Continue your Greece tour your private driver will take you to one of the most famous beaches in the world (Porto Katsiki) to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Ionian sea.

Overnight in Lefkada

Day 06: Lefkada Ithaca

Morning at pleasure. you have many options for today. Windsurfing and water sports are the two major things to do here, but the island also is very nice to explore by vehicle. You can go on several boat trips (optional) to the neighboring islands, as well as Onassis’ island Scorpio – which, of course, you can not visit by your self, and round the island Papanikolis cave. It is a big stalactite cave which can only be reached by boat.

The world fame Onassis’ island, Scorpios was a summer holiday place for great- personalities of the world, all invited by the Greek shipping magnate. Today Scorpios island is owned by Aristotelis Onassis’ granddaughter Athina.

In the afternoon (according to the ferry schedule) we will cruise to Ithaca, the kingdom of Odysseus, the only king that Achilles would listen and respect.

Overnight in Ithaca.

Day 07: Ithaca

Explore with your Athens tour Greece private chauffeur ITHACA. Thirteen hundred generations BC, Ithaca was and is one of the smaller islands of Eptanisa, the house, and the kingdom of homer Odysseus who played a very important role in the derision that Agamemnon king of Mycenae and the other Kings of Greece had to take for the war to Troy. It played important role in the liberating fight in 1821 and was linked with Greece on 21 May 1864.

Today the view is green with vineyards and farms. It’s lush with gentle hills and a small wild forest. It’s lively with villages and energized by people who love the sights, sounds, and flavors of a region still unspoiled.

Visit Vathi, the harbor and the capital of the island.

The biggest part of the city has been renovated after the calamitous earthquake in 1953. You should visit the Lazareto island with the church of Savior, the houses of Odysseus Androytsou and Georgiou Karaiskaki. In the capital, there are archaeological, folklore, and naval museum that contains very important and interesting exhibits. In the square of village Stauros, it dominates the bust of Odysseus. Ithaca comprises two large peninsulas joined by a narrow isthmus and is separated from Kefalonia by a narrow strait. As Homer once described it, it’s “narrow and rocky, unfit for riding horses”. Its interior is mountainous, with pockets of pine forest, stands of cypresses, olive groves, and vineyards. Old mansions rise up from the seafront of Vathy, also known as Ithaki Town. Ithaki town has a small center with a few twisting streets, a large central square, restaurants, and a few tourist shops.

Your Greece tour continues visiting the two museums that you should not miss.

First, you will visit the small archaeological museum behind hotel Mentor, which houses a collection of Mycenaean Classical artifacts. Then there’s the charming Nautical and Folklore Museum, housed in an old generating station just back from the waterfront, which displays clothing (including traditional dresses), household items and furniture, as well as shipping paraphernalia. Visit the archaeological sites.

There are more to see like the fountain of Arethousa, in the island’s south. According to the myth, Arethousa wept so much when her son Corax was killed that she turned into a spring. That spring is where Odysseus’ swineherd, Eumaeus, brought his pigs to drink and where Odysseus on his return to Ithaca went to meet him disguised as a beggar after receiving directions from the goddess Athena. The walk takes one and a half to two hours.

The Cave of the Nymphs, or else Marmarospilia where Odysseus concealed the gifts of gold (i.e. the gifts of King Alcinous). This Cave has a hole in the roof (‘the entrance of the gods’) which permitted the smoke of the sacrifices to rise to heaven. The field of Laertes is the place where Odysseus encountered his father after killing the suitors. Not the massive 2000-year old Laerte’s olive. Ithaca also has two ruined forts, Loutsa and Kastro, built-in 1805 by the French, which stands at either side of the harbor entrance.

Overnight in Ithaca

Day 08: Ithaca, Kefalonia

Don’t leave Ithaca without visiting its traditional villages or you haven’t seen anything.  Don’t choose among them to visit all four of them and you won’t regret it. Vathi, Kioni, Stavros, Anogi have something different to show you. Athens tour Greece will take to this picturesque traditional village to feel the Greek hospitality. Visit some of the worth visiting beaches  Loutsa, Shinos, Mnimata, Sarakiniko, Filiatro, Gidaki, Dexa, Pisaetos, Vrisi, Kedros, Aspros Gialos, Polis, Ammoudi, Marmaka, Kourvoulia, Lagadia tis Markainas, Tsitsimidia, Plakoutses, Kritami, Platiammos, Ammoudaki, Pontikos, Kouloumi, and Kathisma.

Athens tour Greece driver will take you to Ithaca port for our short cruise to Kefalonia the biggest of the 7 Ionian Islands. Overnight in Kefalonia.

Day 09: Kefalonia

This morning continue your Greece tour visiting Kefalonia the largest of the Ionian Islands and is a popular destination for discerning travelers – those looking for Greece the way it used to be. Kefalonia awaits!

The island of Kefalonia is located on the West coast of Greece and has a mild climate along with excellent beaches. It has escaped mass tourism and recently was used to film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, set in war-time Kefalonia. The film, with Nikolas Cage, was a huge success and it put Kefalonia firmly on the ‘must visit’ list of destinations.

Kefalonia island is supposed to own its name from Kephalos who was the first king of the area, during the Palaeolithic era. According to the locals, this king founded the four main cities of the island which were Sami, Pahli, Krani, and Pronnoi, named after his sons. This explains why the island was called Tetrapolis (Four Towns) during this period. Those four cities were autonomous and independent and they had their own regimes and coins. All cities were built for strategic and agricultural reasons. When visiting Kefalonia you can imagine how it must have been like many centuries ago, since not a lot has changed on most parts of the island. This is how Louis de Bernieres found his inspiration to write his famous novel ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’, which has also been filmed in Kefalonia in the summer of 2000. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. (played by Nicholas Cage), who falls in love with the local Greek girl Pelagia (played by Penelope Cruz), during World War II.

This Greece island package includes visits to some of the most famous attractions of the island like Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave, Kefalonia Museums, Kefalonia Churches, Agios Gerasimos, Fiscardo

Overnight in Kefalonia.

Day 10: Kefalonia Athens

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Fiskardo port to catch the boat to Lefkadaor Astakos. Your Athens tour Greece private chauffeur will travel you through the picturesque same way back to Athens ending this Greece vacation package late in the afternoon.

Overnight in Athens

Day 11: Transfer out

Inclusion:

• 10 Nights accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• All transfers throughout your trip
• Full day Athens first-class tour with Acropolis and Cape Sounion
• One day Cruise to the tree islands Hydra – Poros – Aegina
• Full day Corinth canal, ancient Corinth and Lefkada
• Two days Lefkada
• Two days Ithaca
• Two days Kefalonia
• Domestic flights Athens / Corfu / Athens
• All ferry tickets
• All taxes, Vat, and service charges

Exclusion:

• International airfare
• Lunches or dinners
• Beverages

Important notes

Tour Type

• Vacation / Holiday package

Included

• Sightseeing sailing (for packages include islands)
• All ferry tickets are calculated on economy class, without cabin.
• Hotels, pickup and drop off (selected hotels only)
• Round trip transfers (Port – Hotel –Port) on each Island are included (Shared).
• An English speaking tour drive, with good knowledge of the Greek history and culture (for private tours)
• Road tolls, All taxes, and handling charges

Excluded from the tour

• Gratuities (optional)
• Drinks and Beverage
• Food and drinks, unless specified

Trip Terms & Conditions

• Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum €150,00). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
• Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary.
• Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
• Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
• Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at “Terms-Conditions”.
• Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in your country with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation

Additional info

• Dress: religious and marmoreal sites: shoulders and knee must be covered
• Departure Time: Departure as per our program
• Return details: Returns to original departure point
• Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
• This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.
• The order of visiting the islands can be changed according to the traffic and weather conditions.

Special Notes

• All boat schedules given in regards with Greek island packages can be adjusted according to clients wishes, while all mentioned times serve mainly as a reference
 to the most convenient boat schedule.
• Accommodation on the islands is based according to availability
.
• Any part of the trips operated by ferry can be substituted by air sectors at an extra 
 cost, according to availability.
• Packages description for the economy of time and space, includes only the services 
 offered and occasionally a few suggestions.
• Specific information about every 
 suggested destination can be found separately.

Persons with Disabilities

• Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
• In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Opening hours & Admission fees

• Opening Hours:Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
• Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
• Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
• Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.

Holidays in Greece

• January 1: closed
• January 6: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Shrove Monday: 08:30AM - 03:00 PM
• March 25: closed
• Good Friday: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
• Holy Saturday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Easter Sunday: closed
• Easter Monday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• May 1: closed
• Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• 15 August 15: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• October 28: 08:30 AM- 03:00 PM
• December 25 & 26: closed