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.

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.

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.