Kreuzfahrt nach
Argostoli

OVERVIEW

Walk through the heart of Argostoli at a leisurely pace that allows you to pause and admire key attractions up close. You will begin right at the cruise terminal and follow a mostly coastal route to Vallianou Square, a popular gathering place named for a 19th-century shipping magnate and philanthropist that helped fund the National Library of Greece. His statue overlooks the square, not far from Argostoli’s public library and cultural museum, the interior of which you will browse. The atmosphere will become even livelier on the pedestrian-only street Lithostroto. You will pass bustling shops and markets and see the bell tower of Saint Spyridon Church rising above the neighborhood. Lithostroto presents an authentic slice of local life. Upon reaching DeBosset Bridge – Europe’s longest stone bridge over water – you will enjoy a sweeping view of the Bay of Argostoli. You will cap off your enlightening walk with a glass of ouzo and mezes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Argostoli’s most vibrant and historical areas, often on pedestrian-only streets.
• Meander around Vallianou Square, through the public library and along bustling Lithostroto street.
• Gaze out over the Bay of Argostoli from a vantage point on DeBosset Bridge.
• Conclude your stroll with a glass of ouzo and traditional mezes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This excursion is for guests that use a cane/walker, have limited mobility issues or for companions of those guest that have booked mobility equipment tour.

Those guests that are fully dependent on their mobility device please book: ARM-A2 Accessible Mobility Equipment: Monastery, Assos and Winery

Tour includes step-free routes, shorter distances and no stairs. Accessible restrooms with wide doors for wheelchairs are present along the tour route. Vehicles are adapted with an access ramp (or lift where available) to accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs; therefore, guests needing special assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied.

Discover the diversity of Kefalonia by visiting a 16th-century monastery that the island’s patron saint founded, sampling local wines and enjoying free time in the village of Assos. You can see the relics of Saint Gerasimos enclosed in a glass case inside his namesake monastery and the cave where he lived, which for centuries has been the island’s most revered pilgrimage site. Nearby, you will find the Robola winery, which produces a variety of wines using white Robola grapes that have thrived on the island since the time of Homer. The selection of wines for the tasting will reflect Argostoli’s mild climate and predominately limestone soil. Upon reaching the island’s west coast, you will visit Assos, a picturesque fishing village nestled into a craggy hillside. It is an idyllic setting with pastel-colored houses and leafy squares where you might relax in the shade. The best views are from the waterfront promenade.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse Saint Gerasimos Monastery and see the cave where the namesake monk lived.
• Enjoy a tasting of wines, many of them produced with white Robola grapes that thrive locally.
• Explore the charming fishing village of Assos on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

OVERVIEW

This excursion is for guests who are fully dependent on their mobility device. You will be required to supply your own wheelchair/scooter. Your mobility equipment (manual or electric) must not exceed the following dimensions: W 39", L51", H 70".

Those guests that are companions, use a cane or walker, or have limited mobility issues must book the companion tour code ARM_A2 Accessible-Companion: Monastery, Assos and Winery

Tour includes step-free routes, shorter distances and no stairs. Accessible restrooms with wide doors for wheelchairs are present along the tour route. Vehicles are adapted with an access ramp (or lift where available) to accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs; therefore, guests needing special assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied.

Discover the diversity of Kefalonia by visiting a 16th-century monastery that the island’s patron saint founded, sampling local wines and enjoying free time in the village of Assos. You can see the relics of Saint Gerasimos enclosed in a glass case inside his namesake monastery and the cave where he lived, which for centuries has been the island’s most revered pilgrimage site. Nearby, you will find the Robola winery, which produces a variety of wines using white Robola grapes that have thrived on the island since the time of Homer. The selection of wines for the tasting will reflect Argostoli’s mild climate and predominately limestone soil. Upon reaching the island’s west coast, you will visit Assos, a picturesque fishing village nestled into a craggy hillside. It is an idyllic setting with pastel-colored houses and leafy squares where you might relax in the shade. The best views are from the waterfront promenade.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse Saint Gerasimos Monastery and see the cave where the namesake monk lived.
• Enjoy a tasting of wines, many of them produced with white Robola grapes that thrive locally.
• Explore the charming fishing village of Assos on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

Commence a scenic island drive through olive groves, vineyards and thick cypress glades. Your coach will then climb Mt Ainos and pass the city of Sami, where Captain Corelli's Mandolin was filmed.

After approximately one hour, you will arrive at Melissani Lake, an underground lake fed by subterranean channels with water running to the opposite side of the island. You'll enter the lake by small boat, paddled in so it hardly disturbs the surface of the water, which is a brackish mix of saltwater from the Ionian Sea and freshwater that originated back in Argostoli and then flowed across the island. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling here are estimated to be at least 20,000 years old and the shafts of light that come in from 100 feet above where parts of the ceiling collapsed decades ago, creates a magical atmosphere.

Continuing on, you will have a photo stop at Myrtos Beach. Nestled at the foot of steep limestone cliffs, this strip of pristine beach with its brilliant blue waters, has consistently been voted as one of Greece's top 10 beaches.

Your final stop is at Fiskardo village, considered the the most picturesque village on the island, was the only settlement that was not devastated by the 1953 earthquake. You'll have nearly an hour of free time here to stroll past the waterfront tavernas, cafés and shops before it's time to rejoin your coach and return to Argostoli.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Argostoli, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks and selfie photo frames are also available. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Argostoli, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Melissani Cave and its underground lake.
• Myrtos Beach viewpoint.
• Lithostroto, a cobblestone shopping street.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Argostoli.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Explore Melisani Cave and enjoy a boat ride on its underground lake.
• Spend free time in Argostoli’s Old Town, an excellent area for shopping.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Behold the natural attractions of Cephalonia, including those beneath the surface, such as the Drogarati Cave and subterranean Melissani Lake.

Departing from the pier, you'll drive toward the eastern shore of Cephalonia, the largest Ionian island. Arriving at the Drogarati Cave, you'll descend a flight of stairs into a large cavern which is lighted for dramatic effect. Stalactites hang from the ceiling like jagged curtains, and ancient stalagmites reach up from the rocky floor. The colors are predominately red, orange, yellow and white, from the iron content in the rock and the layers of chalk and limestone.

Although estimated to be 100 million years old, the cave wasn't discovered until about 300 years ago when a violent earthquake opened an entrance. Inside the cave's Chamber of Exaltation, the acoustics are considered near perfect, and concert events are often held in its voluminous interior. Even the famed opera soprano, Maria Callas, sang here.

Continuing on, you will travel in a northerly direction, passing the town of Sami en route to the renowned Melissani Lake. This underground phenomenon looks absolutely magical in the shafts of light that come from 100 feet above, where parts of the ceiling collapsed decades ago. You'll enter the lake by small boat, paddled in so it hardly disturbs the surface of the water, which is a brackish mix of saltwater from the Ionian Sea and freshwater that originated back in Argostoli and then flowed across the island. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling here are estimated to be at least 20,000 years old.

Afterwards, you'll return to Argostoli via a picturesque coastal route that offers spectacular views across the strait to the island of Ithaca, and further along, Myrtos and its dramatic, sheer white cliffs.

OVERVIEW

Paddle a kayak along the coast just south of Argostoli and take in the natural beauty that marks this part of the Paliki peninsula. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will ease into a kayak and paddle off into the Ionian Sea. The kayak will offer a unique water perspective of the shore, which is lined with craggy sea caves, beach-rimmed coves and limestone cliffs. All this and crystal-clear waters will make for an unforgettable adventure. The guide will describe the points of interest as you skirt along the shore. You will pass lengthy beaches such as Makris Gialos – which is exceptionally popular because of its proximity to Argostoli – and secluded beaches such as the one at White Rocks. The latter is named for the sheer limestone cliffs that make the beach inaccessible except by sea. You will eventually disembark on Spasmata Beach, yet another photogenic stretch of sand.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kayak along the dramatically beautiful coast of the Ionian Sea south of Argostoli.
• Pass a series of sea caves, countless coves and one lovely beach after another.
• Behold the near-vertical limestone cliffs behind White Rocks Beach, which is only accessible by sea.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

See how Argostoli has flourished since the 1953 earthquake by visiting a largely spared monastery, an esteemed winery and a village that has been almost completely rebuilt. Your tour commences with a brief drive inland to the St. Andrews Monastery, which was founded in the 16th century. It's one of the few buildings around the capital of Argostoli to survive the earthquake of 1953. Ironically, the earthquake had one positive effect; it cracked the monastery's walls and ceiling, exposing ancient frescoes that are now considered the island's greatest artistic treasures. Still, their significance is often eclipsed by a bizarre relic housed at the monastery that is alleged to be the sole of St. Andrew's right foot.

Next, you'll tour the nearby Robola winery, which produces a rare variety of wines using white Robola grapes that have thrived on the island since the time of Homer. Some of the winery's most famous vintages include the iconic white Robola of Kefalonia, a delicate Melambus and a dry, ruby-colored Linos. All of the wines have a distinct taste that reflects Argostoli's mild climate and predominately limestone soil. Continuing on, you'll visit Kourkoumelata village, much of which was rebuilt after the earthquake. Financed largely by a local family of Greek shipping magnates, the reconstruction included homes, government buildings and a new cultural center. Despite its relative newness, Kourkoumelata has retained its lovely rural charm. Following some free time here to stroll about and admire the sweeping views of the sea.

Der Ausflug konzentriert sich allein auf ein besonderes Juwel Kefalonias, das Sie nicht verpassen sollten. Die Melissáni-Höhle wird zu einem großen Teil von einem See gefüllt, den man mit einem Ruderboot befährt. Das Tageslicht, das durch eine große Öffnung von oben einfällt, lässt das Seewasser in den herrlichsten Blautönen schimmern.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Rund 1-stündiger Transfer durch Kefalonias Landschaften
• Eine gute Stunde Aufenthalt an der Melissáni-Höhle inkl. Anstehen, rund 10-minütiger Bootsfahrt auf dem See und kurzer Freizeit

Der Ausflug konzentriert sich allein auf ein besonderes Juwel Kefalonias, das Sie nicht verpassen sollten. Die Melissáni-Höhle wird zu einem großen Teil von einem See gefüllt, den man mit einem Ruderboot befährt. Das Tageslicht, das durch eine große Öffnung von oben einfällt, lässt das Seewasser in den herrlichsten Blautönen schimmern.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Rund 1-stündiger Transfer durch Kefalonias Landschaften
• Eine gute Stunde Aufenthalt an der Melissáni-Höhle inkl. Anstehen, rund 10-minütiger Bootsfahrt auf dem See und kurzer Freizeit