Southern Greece: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Southern Greece: Hike, Bike & Kayak
7 Days Starting in Athens and ending in Kefallonia
Visiting: Athens, Dimitsana, Hike Menalon Trail/ Dimitsana, Olympia/Kefalonia, Cycling Kefalonia, Sea Kayaking Kefalonia, Kefalonia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZMXK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-0
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Pedal, paddle and pace your way through Southern Greece’s ancient sites and natural splendour on this seven-day active adventure. Starting in the history-steeped city of Athens, it’s not long before you’re hiking along the Menalon Trail to two Byzantine monasteries constructed directly into the vertical rockface. A cycle route will help you see Kefalonia, stopping at a castle that used to mark the island’s capital, while a sea kayaking tour of the Argostolion coastline will treat you to turquoise waters. There’s no better way to see these pearls of the Ionian Sea!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Location: Athens
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins in Athens with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. There is a lot to do and see in one of the world's oldest cities, so you may wish to arrive a few days early to allow time for exploration. Visit some of the historic sites, including the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the original Olympic Stadium, or see the changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square. After your meeting there’s an optional welcome dinner with your fellow travellers, where you can sample some of Athens’ finest fare.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Dimitsana
Location: Dimitsana
Meals Included: breaksfast
An early start will see you on the road to Dimitsana. A quick pitstop in Tripoli will break up the drive, and here you have the option of going on a rafting tour of the Lousios River. The tour will see you glide along water that Zeus himself bathed in and through a gorge dense with greenery, finishing with a dip under a waterfall. Then, it’s on to your accommodation in Dimitsana. Perched prettily on a mountain slope, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the numerous nooks of this medieval village. Walk the winding streets and marvel at the restored stone-built mansions, or visit the Open-Air Water-Power Museum for a glimpse at traditional village life.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Hike Menalon Trail/ Dimitsana
Location: Hike Menalon Trail/ Dimitsana
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, you’ll embark on an incredible hike through the Lousios Valley. Fuel up on pastries from a local bakery before you start walking, then follow the trail until you encounter the ‘new’ Philosophou Monastery. Maybe indulge in some Greek coffee and lokoumi offered by the resident monks, before making your way to the old Philosophou. Dramatically carved into the vertical rockface 200 m above the valley floor, the monastery educated many of Greece’s finest minds. Explore the ruins and gaze at the view across Lousios Gorge, then continue toward the striking sight of Prodromou. Clinging to the edge of the gorge and dating back to 1167, the bullet holes on the door of the monastery hint at the history of Greece’s fight for independence. The trail finishes at Ancient Gortys. Tour the remnants of the rumoured healing grounds before a transfer takes you back to Dimitsana, where the evening is free for you indulge in local taverna food.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Olympia/Kefalonia
Location: Olympia/Kefalonia
Meals Included: breaksfast
After saying farewell to the delights of Dimitsana, a morning drive will take you to Olympia. Both a centre of worship for Zeus and birthplace of the Olympic Games, your leader will show you the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome. There’ll be free time for some lunch, before you continue to Kyllini then catch a ferry to Kefalonia. Transfer to your accommodation, then have a free evening to explore Argostolion. Walk along the waterfront promenade of the small seaside city, pop into Platia Vallianou, the lively town square, and be sure to sample the seafood or a Kefalonian meat pie.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Cycling Kefalonia
Location: Cycling Kefalonia
Meals Included: breaksfast
Suit up for a cycle around Kefalonia! Starting from Sami and via the coastal road on the east side of the island cycle to a traditional fishing village with a beautiful small harbour, Agia Efthimia. From there cycle into the mountains pedaling through typical villages such a Drakopoulata and Makryotika. Stop for a coffee break and enjoy one of Kefalonia’s most stunning panoramic view. Continue the journey decending to Divarata, close to the world -famous Myrtos Beach. On the way back to Agia Efthymia pass old Venetian pastel-coloured houses and the remains of an old Roman villa. Back on the coastal road heading to Sami for the final 10 kilometers, visit one of today’s highlights: Old Vlachata. This authentic town was destroyed by the earthquake that shook the island in 1953, forcing the surviving residents to leave and move to Karavomylos. Cycle back to the port of Sami, to enjoy some cold refreshments. The evening will be yours to either rest up or continue pounding the pavement around Argostolion.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Sea Kayaking Kefalonia
Location: Sea Kayaking Kefalonia
Meals Included: breaksfast
Swap the pedals for paddles as you embark on a sea kayaking adventure. Starting from Argostolion Lighthouse, ease your way south along a coastline pockmarked with caves, natural arches and rock gardens. At Paliostafida Beach there’ll be a stop for a swim and a snack of fresh fruit, before you continue past Makris Gialos Beach. You’ll notice a change in the coastal terrain as dramatic limestone cliffs begin to tower overhead, occasionally broken by remote white sandy beaches. Maybe swim or snorkel in the quiet bay – this is also a great spot for lunch. After landing at Minies Beach, maybe grab a cold drink to toast your efforts and then head back to your accommodation.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Kefalonia
Location: Kefalonia
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end in Kefalonia. If you’d like to extend your stay in Greece, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Airport Transfers at Destination
No
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Fully Guided
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Dimitsana Hike
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Dimitsana - Lousios Valley hike
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Olympia - Olympia archaeological site visit
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Kefalonia - Kefalonia sea kayaking
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Kefalonia - Kefalonia cycling
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
- Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
- PUBLIC BUSES
- This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in Greece can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to older and more basic vehicles for shorter distances. On longer rides there are regular bathroom stops, however there are usually no toilets on the buses themselves.
- STRIKES
- Ferry strikes, bad weather and the general unpredictable nature of Greek public transport means you need to be prepared for possible delays and itinerary changes.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
- A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- This trip is new to our range this year. Despite rigorous planning and research, new itineraries can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a welcome surprise, but every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Is this trip right for you
Though you don’t need to be an athlete to take part in this trip, you do need to have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy it fully. Most activities are moderate and slow paced. Hiking activities are approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) in a day, with an uphill gain of 500 m (1650 ft). The cycling activity is 35 km (22 miles) and basic mountain biking skills are required. The kayaking is approximately 6 hours of paddling (9 km), with no previous experience required.
Summer temperatures can be extreme in Greece (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. -
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 15 years old or above
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
MEDIUM - This trip will raise your heart rate. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Saturday - Friday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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