Zakynthos, Greece

Wander through the heart of the most authentic Zakynthos, starting from Solomos Square, amongst revolutionary poets, elegant buildings and squares that have witnessed the burning of privileges. Head up to Bokhali for the ultimate views, then back down to Lithakia to find out how the local olive oil is made. Finish your visit to the winery in style, with traditional wines, modern technology and a final tasting. Culture and flavor, accompanied by an enchanting view.

• Zakynthos townOlive 
• FactoryWinery
• Bokhali, photo stop

• Join your guide as you head towards Solomos Square to embark on a guided walking tour of Zakinthos Town. A statue at the square commemorates Dionysios Solomos, the poet who composed the ‘Hymn of Freedom’, that later became the Greek National Anthem. 
• The square is surrounded by imposing buildings with arched windows, pillars and archways. These include the Byzantine Museum, St Nicholas Church and the Cultural Centre of Zakinthos.Continue to the historic St Mark Square, famously linked to the island’s struggle for independence. It is here where the ‘populari’ (people of the island) gathered with wild enthusiasm to burn the Libro d’Oro (Book of Nobility) in 1797.
• Travel to Bokhali and see how the ramparts of the old Venetian fortress tower above the village, which in turn overlooks Zakinthos Town, offering stunning views.Next, you’ll head to Lithakia to visit an olive factory.Enjoy a tour of the factory and see how the famous olive oil from Zakinthos is produced.
• A highlight of your tour will be a visit to one of the island’s wineries to learn how wines were traditionally made and see the new technology being used today.
  Taste a selection of local wines.

• The tour does not include a lunch
• This tour involves approximately 3 hours of walking over uneven ground with some inclinesThe order of sights may vary.

A morning at sea that will make everyone happy: sail on clear waters, on the lookout for Caretta-Caretta turtles through the glass-bottom of the boat to see everything that's going on beneath you; take in dip in the blue, blue sea and sail around the small island of Marathonissi, which looks like a turtle… and is often home to these creatures.

• Tour on a glass-bottom boat
• Sighting of Caretta-Caretta turtles
• Stop for swimming and snorkeling
• Visit to Marathonissi Island
• Refreshing on-board drink

Your adventure begins from Agios Sostis port, where you'll board a glass bottom boat: which certainly has a 'wow!' factor, even before you set off.
You'll head towards Laganas Bay, one of Zante's most famous spots for sightings of the Caretta-Caretta turtle. The captain will know exactly where to look (and when to slow down), while your guide will tell you interesting facts and secrets about the turtles: how they live, where they swim, how they come up to breathe and why this place is their home.

Then it's the moment everyone's been waiting for: a stop to swim.
In turquoise waters, snorkel masks and flippers on, lots of laughter, trying to chase fish ... and, if you're lucky, a turtle swimming calmly past you just a few meters away.

Back on board, a refreshing drink in hand, you'll head towards Marathonissi Island. The boat will sail around the island to see the protected beaches close up where the turtles lay their eggs: a tiny piece of paradise perfect for the little ones to learn about the sea.

The cruise ends with a last glance back at the blue sea and a simple thought: this is one of those experiences the children will remember for years… and the adults too.

• The excursion is not suitable if you have back problems or are pregnant.
• Sightings of the turtles in their natural habitat cannot be guaranteed.
• Bring just the essentials with you. Don't forget a backpack with beach towel, hat and sunscreen.
• The tour may be canceled in bad weather.

Forget the beaches (for a moment) and discover the side of Zakynthos that's full of history, spirituality and... plenty of delicious oil! From Bohali, look out over the island from above, before making your way down through olive groves and along narrow lanes to the village of Anafonitria, with its 15th-century monastery that is a perfect example of Greece at its most unspoilt. A delicious finale at the Lithakia oil mill, where you can discover all the secrets of olive oil, learning about its history and traditions and then enjoying a tasting. Spoiler: you'll come back a different person. And with your hands still oily with delicious things.

• Panoramic photo stop in Bochali
• Visit to the village of Anafonitria and its monastery
• Visit to the oil mill near Lithakia

Who said that Zakynthos is just beaches and crystal clear seas? Want to get off the well-trodden tourist trail and go on the hunt for more authentic places to experience the real soul of Greece? Perfect - slip into some comfortable shoes and we're off!

After a short bus ride, we'll reach one of the highest points of the island, from which you can admire the stunning view (it's one of the most spectacular on the whole island!). You're at Bochali, and from here, you'll feel like you're on top of the world, with the wind in your hair and the whole of Zakynthos at your feet.
The tour continues by bus, and after traversing mountain roads through countryside dotted with olive trees, we'll arrive at the village of Anafonitria: it really is one of the island's hidden gems, a journey that takes you back in time to discover the traditions and spirituality of Greece at its most authentic. The 15th century monastery will leave you speechless with its architecture and gardens. This is a place that only the locals know about...and now you can say you've been here too!

Once the spiritual moment is over, it's time for a few local products, and what could be more typical than some Greek olives? Get ready for a fascinating (and delicious!) tour of the oil mill near the village of Lithakia, where you can discover all of the secret steps behind the transformation of the country's famous olives into olive oil of the very highest quality. With a tasting at the end, of course! Delicious!

• There are no monks at the Holy Monastery; the parish priest and the locals take care of it, and as such, no interior visits are permitted.
• This tour involves walking on uneven surfaces with some slopes
• The tour does not include a lunch stop

Jump aboard a motor boat to spot the most famous inhabitants of Zakynthos: the Caretta-Caretta sea turtles. From the boat, your guide will tell you their secrets, and then you'll dive in and with a bit of luck you'll get to see them up close, among the caves and white sand beaches. You're in a protected marine environment and in every untouched corner you explore, you'll be aware of the privilege of being here.

• Sightseeing bus tour from the port of Zakynthos to Agios Sostis
• Sightseeing boat tour of National Marine Park of Zakynthos
• Marathonissi island: photo stop
• Keri caves: photo stop
• Laganas bay: sea turtle spotting

• The adventure begins as soon as you're on the bus, on the panoramic road that leads to Agios Sostis, in the heart of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, an oasis where the essence of the Mediterranean is perfectly intact.
• This is the home of Zakynthos' most famous inhabitants, the Caretta-Caretta sea turtles: They nest on as many as 7 beaches in this protected marine area, and return to where they were born every summer. Ask your guide how they manage to come back to the exact same spot!
• Dive on in and with a bit of luck you might spot a few: adult males can be recognized by their long tails.
• The motor boat will circle around their official residence, the uninhabited island of Marathonissi: enjoy it all, bay after bay, from the unique perspective of the sea. Just think: the last Monk seals in the Mediterranean live in its caves.
• Still further west, toward the cape, discover more blue caverns which open up against the steep white rock: the caves of Keri.
• You have plenty of time to photograph them and fall in love...but don't get carried away: remember that you are just a privileged guest, in a truly unique environment.

• Bring just the essentials with you, not forgetting a backpack with beach towel, hat, swimming costum and sunscreen.
• The tour does not include a lunch stop.
• Sightings of wildlife in their natural habitat cannot be guaranteed.

Hop into a 4x4 and leave the well-maintained roads behind you; today, Zakynthos will show you its most rough and ready side. Set off on an adventure, cross the Vrachonas mountains, pass through traditional villages and head to the highest point on Zakynthos, where the whole island opens out before you. With stops to admire the views, Greek snacks and wine in Kampi, you’ll head back via Anafonitria and Volimes. Here, Zakynthos isn't faking it: it's showing its true colors.

• Jeep safari

• Explore and discover the beautiful mountainous island of Zakynthos in a jeep driven by a very knowledgeable and experienced guide.
• The journey will take you through the mountain villages around the Vrachonas mountain range. Make sure you have your camera ready when you stop at the highest point of the island, from where you can admire breathtaking views of the whole of Zakynthos.
• There is no better way to see the hidden parts of Zakynthos than with a Jeep Safari. There will be many attractions and scenic stops along the way. In the village of Kampi you can enjoy a Greek snack with a glass of wine before continuing north through the mountain villages of Anafonitria and Volimes on your way back to the port.
  

Dress in comfortable clothes and get ready to capture Zakynthos on camera right up until the last moment. Set off by bus, admiring the views from the window, visit the 14th-century church of Agia Mavra, then climb up to Kampi, the highest point on the island, with spectacular views of the white cliffs and the Ionian Sea. Here, you can enjoy an aperitif with ouzo and meze, followed by traditional dancing that will chase away any shyness. The grand finale awaits in Bokhali, a natural vantage point overlooking the town of Zakynthos and its harbor. Take photos of everything: You’ll regret it if you don’t.

• Visit the church of AGIA MAVRA
• Relax and enjoy the folk show at KAMPI
• Photo stop at BOCHALI

If you want to experience the very best that this glorious island has to offer, dress in comfortable clothes and set off on this tour to discover the most iconic places on Zakynthos.

You'll start the tour on a bus, with picture-postcard views from the window from the word go! After a short journey, you'll arrive at the characteristic church of Agia Mavra, a little 14th-century jewel whose frescoes will amaze you. Remember to cover your shoulders at all times, they're very strict with the rules here!

Then it's off again, to discover one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the world (we're not kidding!). Near Kampi, enjoy the ultimate postcard scenery at the highest point on the island, with views over the white cliffs and the Ionian Sea that will have you saying "I can't believe it really exists!”. Take as many photos as you can, each will be more beautiful than the next.

Now you're in Kampi, a delectable little village where everything is in perfect Greek tradition. Here, you can refresh yourself with a typical aperitif based on the national drink, ouzo, accompanied by a little dish of meze, and if you've got a straw hat and a white shirt, you'll fit right in with the locals! Can you hear that music in the air? The show is about to begin: dancers will invade the square and enchant everyone with their traditional dancing. Let yourself be swept up in the rhythm, and don't be shy - if the dance calls out to you, you'd better listen!

A last photo stop and a final postcard-worthy picture to immortalize in your mind (and in your camera roll): from the village of Bochali, you'll have wonderful views over the city of Zakynthos and its port, for a memorable souvenir of this special day.

• Shoulders and knees must be covered at the Cathedral of Saint Dionysios and shorts are not permitted to be worn. Cameras and video cameras are not permitted in the Cathedral.

Head north to the little harbor of Agios Nikolaos (Skinari) and board the boat. In the Blue Caves, you’ll be enchanted by the electric blue water reflecting all around you, the rock arches and the dazzling reflections. Then comes the undisputed star of the show: Shipwreck Cove. Vertical cliffs, an otherworldly sea, and a shipwreck stranded on the shore, which has become legendary. It's one of the most photographed sights in Greece. And now, it’s your turn too.

• Scenic drive by bus Blue Caves (photo stop by the boat)
• Shipwreck Cove (photo stop by the boat)

• Your scenic drive will take you to the northern side of the island to the little harbour of Agios Nikolaos / Skinari.
• From here, your boat will cruise up to the Blue Caves, where you can marvel at the arches created by erosion over thousands of years and capture the amazing sight of the water reflecting a dazzling aquamarine and turquoise from the sea floor. 
• From the Blue Caves, your boat ride continues to the highlight of the tour, one of the most photographed locations, not only in Zakinthos but the whole of Greece, known as Shipwreck Cove. This famous cove is hidden by imposing cliffs and is home to a shipwreck half buried on the beach. With crystal clear waters lapping on the beach it a striking image that will stay with you forever.

• This tour and its itinerary is weather dependent and may be cancelled or modified at short notice.
• The drive to and from the port lasts approximately 1 hour.
• Bring just the essentials with you, not forgetting a backpack with beach towel, hat, swimming costum and sunscreen.
• The tour does not include a lunch stop

Slip into holiday mode and let the scenery take care of everything. From the port of Zakynthos, you’ll make your way through lush countryside to Aghios Nikolaos beach, where the plan is simple: crystal-clear sea, golden sand, sun loungers, umbrellas and a bar just a few steps away. Choose the option that suits you best: swim, lie in the sun and do absolutely nothing. Then the bus will take you back to the ship. No stress, no surprises, just the sea, which is good for body and soul.

• Aghios Nikolaos beach

• Relax as your transfer takes you from the port and capital of Zakinthos through lush and verdant countryside to Aghios Nikolaos Beach.
• There you will have three hours to sit back and enjoy this beautiful setting. This golden beach is the perfect place to swim in the crystal clear waters and pay homage to the sun and sea. You will enjoy sunbeds and umbrellas to relax in and there will be no shortage of beach bars on your doorstep if you wish to purchase refreshments.
• At a designated time, the coach will be waiting for you to bring you back to Zakinthos Town and the ship.

• Water sports on the beach are not included in the cost of the excursion