From Zakynthos: Kefalonia Island Full Day Tour by Bus & Boat

Exploring the captivating island of Kefalonia from the neighboring Zakynthos can be an extraordinary journey. Visitors embark on a full-day tour that unveils the island’s remarkable Byzantine-style monasteries, awe-inspiring natural wonders, and vibrant cultural heritage. From the serene Melissani Lake to the charming capital of Argostoli, this excursion promises to immerse travelers in Kefalonia’s unique blend of history, natural beauty, and local traditions. However, the true allure of this tour lies in the unexpected discoveries that await those who venture beyond the itinerary, leaving them eager to uncover the island’s hidden gems.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Full-Day Tours In Zakynthos.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Zakynthos to explore the highlights of the neighboring island of Kefalonia, including its renowned monastery, geological wonders, and capital city.
• Visit the 16th-century Monastery of St. Gerassimos, renowned for its Byzantine-style frescoes and iconography, as well as the opportunity to witness the daily lives of resident monks.
• Explore the impressive Drogorati Cave and take a boat cruise on the captivating Melissani Lake, which features striking blue hues and a dramatic cavern ceiling.
• Discover the bustling capital city of Argostoli, with its charming shops, cafes, and historical landmarks, including the Kefalonia Archaeological Museum and the Lighthouse of Saint Theodore.
• Enjoy a scenic photo stop at the picturesque fishing village of Agia Efimia, with its colorful boats, tavernas, and shops set against a backdrop of lush, verdant hills.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of Kefalonia Island Tour

The Kefalonia Island Tour is a full-day excursion that takes visitors from Zakynthos to explore the highlights of the neighboring island of Kefalonia.

This tour is a popular choice, as it’s likely to sell out.

During the 10-hour tour, guests will travel by bus and boat, visiting a monastery, a cave, and a lake, as well as the capital city of Kefalonia.

The tour includes round-trip ferry tickets and an escort, though lunch and some entrance fees are excluded.

Pickup can start up to 1.5 hours before the tour’s departure, and the itinerary may change at the escort’s discretion.

Comfortable walking shoes and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees are recommended for the monastery visit.

Monastery of St. Gerassimos Visit

As part of the Kefalonia Island Tour, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the monastery of St. Gerassimos, a revered religious site on the island.

This 16th-century monastery is dedicated to the island’s patron saint and is renowned for its impressive architecture and rich history.

During the visit, you can:

• Admire the Byzantine-style frescoes and iconography that adorn the interior
• Explore the tranquil courtyard and gardens surrounding the monastery
• Witness the daily lives of the resident monks and learn about their traditions
• Browse the on-site museum to gain insights into the island’s religious heritage

The monastery visit offers a chance to learn about Kefalonia’s spiritual and cultural heritage, providing a memorable experience as part of the comprehensive tour.

Drogorati Cave and Melissani Lake

After visiting the monastery, the Kefalonia Island Tour whisks visitors away to explore the natural wonders of Drogorati Cave and Melissani Lake.

Drogorati Cave, a captivating underground labyrinth, invites guests to descend 118 steps and marvel at its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

The tour then transitions to a boat cruise on Melissani Lake, a breathtaking subterranean lake with striking blue hues and a captivating cavern ceiling. Visitors can admire the lake’s ethereal beauty as they glide across the calm waters, surrounded by the cave’s dramatic rock formations.

This seamless combination of geological marvels makes for an unforgettable excursion on the Kefalonia Island Tour.

Exploring Argostoli, the Capital City

Following the boat cruise on Melissani Lake, the Kefalonia Island Tour makes its way to Argostoli, the capital city of the island.

Visitors can explore this vibrant hub, strolling through its bustling streets lined with charming shops, cafes, and historical landmarks. From the iconic Drapano Bridge to the picturesque Plateia Vallianou square, Argostoli offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage and modern-day allure.

Key attractions in Argostoli include:

• The Kefalonia Archaeological Museum, housing an impressive collection of artifacts from the island’s ancient past
• The Lighthouse of Saint Theodore, offering panoramic views of the Argostolic Gulf
• The De Bosset Bridge, a striking 19th-century stone bridge spanning the Koutavos Lagoon
• The bustling Lithostroto, the main shopping and dining district in the city

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Photo Stop at Agia Efimia

The Kefalonia Island Tour makes a stop at the picturesque village of Agia Efimia, allowing visitors to capture breathtaking photos of the idyllic harbor and its surrounding landscape.

This quaint fishing village is nestled along the eastern coast of the island, boasting a charming waterfront lined with colorful fishing boats, tavernas, and shops.

Visitors can wander the narrow streets, admiring the traditional architecture, before heading to the main harbor area to snap photos of the stunning bay framed by lush, verdant hills.

This scenic photo opportunity is a highlight of the tour, providing a glimpse into the natural beauty and laid-back charm that makes Kefalonia such a popular destination.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The Kefalonia Island Tour includes pickup and drop-off from specified areas in southeastern Zakynthos, a tour escort, and round-trip ferry boat tickets.

The tour, however, doesn’t cover lunch or entrance fees for the Drogorati Cave (€5-€3) and the Melissani Lake (€8-€4).

Included:

• Pickup and drop-off
• Tour escort
• Ferry boat tickets

Excluded:

• Lunch
• Entrance fees for Drogorati Cave and Melissani Lake

Comfortable walking shoes are required as there are 118 steps at the Drogorati Cave.

The itinerary may change at the escort’s discretion, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Important Tour Information

Participants must be aware of several key details regarding this Kefalonia Island Tour. Pickup can commence up to 1.5 hours before the tour’s scheduled departure, so travelers should plan accordingly. Plus, the itinerary may change at the tour escort’s discretion, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.

Important Details	Information
Monastery Dress Code	Wear attire that covers the shoulders and knees
Drogorati Cave Access	118 steps, comfortable walking shoes required
Cancellation Policy	Accepted up to 24 hours before tour start
Itinerary Changes	May occur at tour escort’s discretion

Cancellation and Dress Code

Cancellations for this Kefalonia Island Tour are accepted up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Visitors to the monastery on this tour must wear attire that covers their shoulders and knees. This dress code is strictly enforced and helps respect the religious nature of the site.

Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Comfortable walking shoes are required due to the 118 steps at Drogorati Cave.

The tour itinerary is subject to change at the escort’s discretion.

Pickup can begin up to 1.5 hours before the official tour departure time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is typically fixed, but the tour escort may allow some flexibility in the schedule at their discretion. Customization options are limited, as the tour has a structured itinerary to cover the key highlights of Kefalonia Island.

Can We Purchase Lunch During the Tour?

Participants can purchase lunch during the tour. The tour does not include lunch, but there will be opportunities to purchase food at various stops throughout the day, such as in the capital city of Argostoli.

Are There Any Food Restrictions or Dietary Options?

There are no specified food restrictions or dietary options on this tour. Lunch is not included, so participants can choose their own dining options during the free time in Argostoli, the capital city.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for Individuals?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing customers to cancel up to 24 hours before the start of the tour for a full refund. This provides customers with the freedom to make changes to their plans if needed.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

There is no minimum group size required for this tour. The tour operates with individual bookings and does not have a set group size. Participants can book the tour without the need to be part of a larger group.

Recap

The Kefalonia Island Full Day Tour from Zakynthos offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s highlights.

Visitors can enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage, witness stunning natural wonders, and enjoy the laid-back charm of the local fishing villages.

With a range of inclusions and important tour information, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover the beauty and charm of Kefalonia.

You can check if your dates are available here: