• Kayaking crystal clear blue seas
• Exploring remote islands and small villages on the Ionian Sea
  
• Savoring scrumptious Greek food
• Touring Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the greatest monument in the Western World, as well as the new Acropolis museum.
  

Sea kayak crystal blue seas, savor authentic Greek food, and explore quaint Greek villages!  The Ionian Sea has long held an irresistible fascination for seafarers and it is easy to see why.  Set off the western coast of Greece, dozens of islands extend from uninhabited sandy beaches to forested mountains rearing high out of the clear blue waters.  The islands are lush and green, awash with olive groves, cypress trees and carpeted with wildflowers in the springtime.  The islands each have their own distinct character and are dotted with charming villages. Every day we paddle in the area's protected waters, visit local villages on foot and enjoy local tavernas for dinner.  Please join us as we sample the natural and cultural delights of the Ionian Sea.   

those who enjoy sea kayaking and want to discover the hidden beauties of Greece.  It is suitable for any woman in good condition.  Extensive kayaking experience is not required, although if you have never kayaked before we strongly suggest that you try a day trip first to make sure you enjoy it.  Rating: 1  2  3  4   5

•  6 nights hotel accommodation in hotels (double occupancy).  Single supplements are available for $300 (only necessary if you do not want a roommate)
  
•  2 nights camping on primitive beaches
  

• 8 nights double occupancy accommodations (6 in hotels and 2 in tents)
• an experienced Greek guide or two (at least 1 is likely to be a man) and 1 Adventures in Good Company guide
  
• all transfers within Greece
• all meals from dinner the first Monday to breakfast the last day
  
• all entries into archaelogical sites and tour guides
• all kayaking equipment, including kayaks (doubles and a few singles), spray skirts, paddles and PFDs
• all group camping equipment

Not included: airfare to Athens, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities

Arrive in Athens by 4pm on Monday May 23

You are free to leave anytime Tuesday May 31st

you can download the complete trip information here (includes a detailed packing list)

The itinerary below is a general description of what we plan to do. We may follow it exactly or we may modify it based on weather, group wishes, or other factors.

May 23 (Monday)  Arrival in Athens
Arrive anytime before 4pm today. Our Greek guide will welcome you and assist with transportation to our hotel. In the evening we will meet as a group at our hotel, then take the tram to the famous (and scenic) Plaka for a short walking tour and a welcome dinner in a traditional Greek taverna. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Athens.

May 24 (Tuesday) Acropolis and Museum, transfer to Vassiliki
Our Greek journey begins with a half-day sightseeing tour of Athens.  Of course we can't leave Athens without a tour of the Acropolis  and Parthenon and then the new Acropolis museum (which is getting rave reviews) to see historical sculpture. We will have lunch on the terrace of the Museum with a view of the Parthenon and Acropolis in the background.  Afterward we will depart on our bus for Vassiliki Village on the island of Lefkas (about a 6 hour bus ride), a quaint seaside town known for great windsurfing.  Arriving in the early evening, we settle into the hotel before walking to the quay-side for dinner and a trip orientation. Overnight in a small local hotel.

May 25 (Wednesday)  Ithaki Island 
This morning we take the local ferry to Ithaki, the legendary homeland of Odysseus, (2 hour trip). Arriving at Frikes Harbor mid-morning we will check in at our local guesthouse and then walk on a paved path to Stavros Village on the hill above the harbor.  We continue our learning about Greek history with a visit to a beautiful Orthodox church as well as the Odysseus museum, which houses artifacts from the Homeric period. We will then walk down to the harbor of Polis for the first of many delightful swims.  After lunch in Stavros, we will return to Frikes harbor for an introduction to our kayaks, emphasizing skills to help you paddle efficiently and safely for the week. A short paddle to a nearby beach will give us a chance to practice our new (or newly refreshed) skills. We'll return to Frikes in the late afternoon for dinner at a taverna by the harbor. Overnight in Frikes guesthouse. Trekking 2-3 hours (6.5 km - on paved roads); Paddling time 1-1.5 hours (distance 3NM).
 
May 26 (Thursday)  Frikes–Kioni-Return          
We get an early start for our day paddle along the eastern coast of Ithaki to the picturesque fishing village of Kioni. Three ruined windmills welcome us into the port, which now attracts tourists with its excellent waterfront restaurants, cafés, and quality shops selling local handcrafts.  Our lunch will be at a local restaurant that serves authentic home cooked dishes prepared by local village women - you can even walk into kitchen and choose your meal straight from the pots!  After lunch we return to  Frikes along the same route. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax or swim at nearby coves, followed by dinner in another local taverna. Overnight in Frikes guesthouse. Paddling time 3-4 hours (distance 9 NM).

May 27 (Friday)  Ithaki – Kefalonia (Fiskardo)-Lefkada (Agiofili)                    
Today we leave Ithaki behind and head to Kefalonia,  the largest of the Ionian Islands.  On our way we will stop at the amazing beach of Aphales. The beach is completely isolated, with crystal blue water, white sand beaches, and towering cliffs. After breaking for a swim and a snorkel, we paddle across the narrow channel to Kefalonia island and the northernmost tip of the island, the village of Fiskardo. Fiskardo is famous for the Venetian (19th century) architectural buildings still intact and the contrasting cosmopolitan character that attracts many celebrities to it every year.  From Fiskardo we take the ferry to Lefkas (Vassiliki 1.5 hours) where we will return to our kayaks (weather permitting) and paddle to the nearby beach of Agiofili, our camp for the night.  Our support boat for this part of the trip will meet us at Agiofili with the camping equipment and all extra luggage we left on Vassiliki.  After setting up our tents, there is time for a swim before a BBQ dinner on the beach. Paddling time 4-5 hours  (distance 11 NM; 9 Frikes to Kefalonia; 2 Lefkas to Agiofili)

May 28 (Saturday) Agiofili –Sivota- Meganisi
After a hearty breakfast we pack up our camp paddle along the southeastern coast of Lefkas Island.  The stark white of the exposed cliffs contrasting with the deep blue of the sea makes this a particularly spectacular section of kayaking.  Along our route we will stop at the tranquil, fjord-like Sivota Bay for a picnic and cold frappe or tea break (very Greek!). Our next stop is one of the many above-water coastal caves. We will spend time at this relaxing spot to kayak in and out of the cave and going for a snorkel. Our final destination is the beach of Agios Ioannis on the west coast of Meganisi. Meganisi is a small green island with mountains, cliffs, and beautiful beaches. After setting up our camp for the night, our support boat will transport us to the town of Spartahori for dinner.  The town is the site of an old castle that offers spectacular views of the Ionian Islands. Overnight camping on the beach of Meganisi. Paddling time 4-5 hours (distance 10 NM)

May 29 (Sunday)  Meganisi- Kalamos - Mitikas
With our muscles well tuned and our paddling strokes perfected, we get back into our kayaks for our final and longest paddle.  This morning we will paddle under the stunning cliffs of Meganisi before embarking on our biggest crossing, 4 nautical miles. If the traditional Greek winds are with us (picking up between 2-4 pm) we should have calm seas to ease our crossing. If not, well, its a good thing we're experienced paddlers by now! We will stop in the village of Episkopi for a well-earned rest and lunch in a local tavern. After Episkopi we kayak the along the coast of North Kalamos, exploring many of the small beaches and often encountering dolphins along the way. We will end in the small and charming town of Mitikas on the mainland for dinner in a lovely restaurant. Overnight in a hotel with hot showers and soft beds, particularly welcome after our last 2 nights of camping. Paddling time 6 hours (distance 13NM)

May 30 (Monday)  Mitikas- Delphi - Athens       
After breakfast we will once again board our private bus and drive to the archeological wonder of Delphi (about 3 hrs). After lunch in a local restaurant we take time to visit the museum and have a tour of the ancient ruins where the Oracle gave her predictions. After returning to Athens and to our hotel (2.5 - 3 hours), we toast the beauty of Greece and our own accomplishments, and bid a sad farewell to Greek cuisine and our comrades, with a final celebratory dinner.

May 31 (Tuesday) 
You are free to leave anytime this morning and we’ll make sure you get safely to the airport and on your way.  Alternatively, June is a terrific time to be in Greece and there is still much to see!