WALKING HOLIDAYS
The Ionian Islands are a walkers’ undiscovered paradise. Unlike some of the more popular hiking and walking areas of Europe, where you often find yourself sharing the paths with many others, here you’re more likely to bump into an inquisitive goat than another walker! The local people have been using the footpaths and mule tracks that crisscross the islands for generations in the course of their daily lives.

These unique holidays will take you right into the heart of these fascinating and unspoilt areas. You will explore the natural history of the area following historic paths that link old churches and monasteries. Rediscover the mule tracks that lead from ancient olive groves and vineyards to hamlets and villages long since abandoned.

Follow narrow tracks, protected by massive stone walls. Walk in the shade of forests of Strawberry trees and the native Kermes Oak, see carpets of Cyclamen and Crocuses in the autumn, Bee Orchids and wild Gladioli in the Spring. You will come
across old chapels where faded frescoes from the middle ages can be seen.

Every evening you will return to your comfortable accommodation and eat out in the local tavernas.
Walking level and fitness
• No previous walking experience necessary. Walks vary from gentle strolls to slightly more challenging moderate rambles of a max. 4 hours walking time, and a max. climb of 300 metres.
• There are plenty of stops and breaks en route but if you have any medical concerns please check with your doctor prior to booking.
• Walking shoes or hiking boots are required as some of the tracks can be stony underfoot. It is not essential that you have any specialist walking equipment.

Price - £695 (£100 single room supplement).

Accommodation - The accommodation will be confirmed closer to your departure with a maximum group size of 12.

What is included?
• Full local support
• Half Board
• Refreshments
• All Transfers
• Accommodation
• Flights


What is not included?
Alcoholic beverages
Walking in Lefkada, Meganisi and the inner Ionian Islands
(Early May and late September)

Following the success of our walking programme in Kefalonia, we
asked Iain Peters, a local to the Ionian islands for some years, tooperate another programme in Lefkada and Meganisi. He has come back full of enthusiasm, not only about the wonderful and varied walking opportunities on the two islands, but also the fascinating inner Ionian islands such as Kalamos and Ossia.

No other tour company offers a walking holiday to these fascinating islands, and Iain has carefully prepared an itinerary which displays his reputation for finding memorable walks far from the usual tourist trails.

The tour begins in Lefkada for the first part of the week, crossing to Meganisi and the friendly tranquil surroundings of the Meganisi Hotel. You can truly discover why this island is such a forgotten paradise. Take a caique trip across the island studded inner Ionian sea to explore Kalamos, Atakos and Ossia.

Suggested walking itinerary
Sunday: Arrival at Preveza airport and transfer to accommodation.
Meet Iain and introduction. Dinner at a harbourside taverna.
Monday: Explore the trails around Nidri.
Tuesday: Visit to the salt marshes of the lagoons near Lefkada Town.
Return to Lefkada Town to explore the alleys and architecture.
Wednesday: To Desimi Bay for a coastal walk through the woodland to the mountain village of Poros. Afternoon ferry to Meganisi.
Thursday: Follow quiet tracks southeast along the narrow spine of the island. Lunch at the old well and chapel above Cape Kefali.
Friday: Caique trip over to Kalamos. Explore the abandoned villages.
Return by boat passing the cliffs and caves of the West coast.
Saturday: Caique trip to the island of Atakos. Climb through the vine terraces on the central mountain ridge. Return to Meganisi.
Sunday: Transfer to Preveza airport.		 Walking in Kefalonia and Ithaka
(4th May and 2nd September)

You will be escorted by Christian Marshall, who retired to Kefalonia
five years ago to restore two derelict stone cottages. Christian has a
passion for the history, flora and wildlife of the islands and has walked all the areas in the tour.

It includes all the best of northern Kefalonia along with a day’s walk
across the historic island of Ithaka. Christian is a keen and experienced walker and spends a lot of time exploring the old paths and tracks.

Suggested Walking Itinerary
Saturday: Arrival at Kefalonia Airport and transfer to accommodation.
Meet your guide and introduction. Dinner at a harbourside taverna.
Sunday: Fiskardo and the surrounding area. Local gentle stroll of 3
hours allowing you to stretch your legs.
Monday: Coast to coast walk to Cape Dafnoudi. Deserted villages,
churches as well as WWII sites. A walk with magnificent views.
Tuesday: Depart by taxi for Sami. Climb up to the ancient Acropolis
and castle, then on to the monastery of Agios Fantes and back to Sami.
Wednesday: Rest day or optional walk. Your day to decide how much or how little you want to do. Christian will escort you if necessary.
Thursday: Visit Ithaka and the sites associated with Homer and the
Odyssey. Walk to Frikes via Platrithias and the School of Homer.
Friday: Coast to coast walk. Start at Lathonikes on the west coast of Kefalonia passing through deserted villages and ancient footpaths to the cove of Kamani in the east. Evening farewell dinner.
Saturday: Transfer to Kefalonia airport.
CARD MAKING IN KEFALONIA
Dimitri’s wife Kate together with her colleague Liz, have been in this fantastic up and coming business for several years now, and this summer we are delighted to offer clients the unique opportunity to train in the art of card making in the blissful backdrop of Kefalonia.

The island of Kefalonia is indeed an artist’s paradise, and the idealsetting for this series of creative workshops centred around the fascinating art of card making. With Kate and Liz’s help and guidance you will be able to discover the true potential of your artistic talents within the stunning surroundings we offer. All levels of ability are
welcomed and at the end of the seven day course you will go home competent in producing the finest quality handcrafted cards and gifts.

The Card making course includes:
• Flights from London Gatwick or Manchester
• Accommodation on a half board basis (Breakfast and Lunch at
a local restaurant)
• Transfers from Kefalonia airport
• Refreshments
• Basic equipment provided
Price - £595 per person for a 7 day course including daily workshops