The "From Agia Effimia: Ithaca Cruise, Gidaki Beach, & Kioni Tour" promises an unparalleled opportunity to explore the captivating island of Ithaca. This 7-hour excursion takes adventurers on a scenic coastal cruise, allows them to bask in the serenity of Gidaki Beach, and immerses them in the charming villages of Vathy and Kioni. With a refreshing swim at Ammoudi Beach, travelers can truly soak in the natural beauty and cultural essence of this remarkable destination. But what makes this tour truly stand out is…
Key Points
- This 7-hour tour from Agia Effimia offers a sightseeing cruise, swimming at Gidaki Beach, and exploration of the villages of Vathy and Kioni.
- The cruise provides scenic coastal views and opportunities to swim at key beaches along the Ithaca coastline.
- Visitors can spend 40 minutes swimming at the crystal-clear waters of Gidaki Beach and 1.5 hours wandering the flower-filled alleys of Kioni Village.
- The tour is priced at $70.72 per person and has a 24-hour cancellation policy with a full refund.
- Reviews indicate general satisfaction with the transportation and sightseeing, but some concerns regarding value for money.
Tour Overview
This tour, titled "From Agia Effimia: Ithaca Cruise, Gidaki Beach, & Kioni Tour," offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience in Ithaca.
Priced at $70.72 per person, the 7-hour tour departs from Marinoi Αntipa 1. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and book with no upfront payment.
The itinerary includes a sightseeing cruise, swimming at Gidaki and Ammoudi beaches, and visits to the villages of Vathy and Kioni.
Highlights are swimming in crystal clear waters and exploring Homer’s homeland.
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Itinerary
The tour begins with a 45-minute sightseeing cruise.
Next, guests spend 40 minutes swimming at Gidaki Beach.
The journey continues with a 30-minute cruise to Vathy, where visitors have 1 hour to explore local shops, museums, and the harbor.
After, the tour sails for 30 minutes to Kioni, allowing 1.5 hours to wander the flower-filled alleys, sample local sweets, and admire the harbor.
The final stop is a 40-minute cruise to Ammoudi Beach, where guests can swim for 30 minutes before the 1-hour return cruise to the starting point.
Sightseeing Cruise
The tour begins with a 45-minute sightseeing cruise, allowing guests to take in the stunning coastal scenery of Ithaca. The cruise takes visitors along the island’s picturesque shoreline, providing unobstructed views of the crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and historic sites.
| Cruise Duration | Ports of Call | Highlights |
| — | — | — |
| 45 minutes | – Gidaki Beach
– Vathy
– Kioni
– Ammoudi Beach | – Scenic coastal views
– Opportunities for swimming
– Visits to charming villages |
| | | |
After the initial cruise, the tour proceeds to the first swim stop at Gidaki Beach, where guests can enjoy the refreshing waters and explore the area.
Gidaki Beach
After the initial cruise, the tour stops at Gidaki Beach, where guests can spend 40 minutes swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
Gidaki is known for its stunning natural beauty, with pebbled shores and vibrant blue hues. Visitors can relax on the beach, take a refreshing dip, or explore the surrounding area.
The stop at Gidaki Beach allows guests to experience the serene and unspoiled beauty of Ithaca’s coastline, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich natural heritage.
More Great Tours NearbyVathy Village
Following the cruise to Gidaki Beach, the tour heads to the charming village of Vathy.
Visitors have one hour to explore the quaint streets, browse local shops, and visit museums showcasing Ithaca’s history and culture.
Vathy, the island’s capital, features a picturesque harbor and traditional Greek architecture. Guests can stroll through the vibrant town, sample local delicacies, and soak in the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
This stop offers a glimpse into the authentic island lifestyle before continuing the journey to the next destination, the charming village of Kioni.
Kioni Village
Departing Vathy, the tour then takes visitors to the charming village of Kioni. Kioni is known for its flower-filled alleys, local sweets, and picturesque harbor. Visitors have 1.5 hours to explore the village at their own pace.
| Things to Do | Time Allotted | Highlights |
| — | — | — |
| Stroll flower-filled alleys | 45 minutes | Picturesque scenery |
| Sample local sweets | 30 minutes | Immerse in local culture |
| Explore the harbor | 45 minutes | Scenic views of boats |
After the visit, the tour continues with a 40-minute cruise to Ammoudi Beach for another swim stop.
Ammoudi Beach
The tour then takes visitors to Ammoudi Beach, where they’ve 30 minutes to swim in the crystal clear waters.
This picturesque cove is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. Guests can cool off, relax, and take in the serene atmosphere before heading back to the starting point.
The 40-minute cruise back to Marinoi Αntipa 1 completes the day’s activities, providing a leisurely end to the Ithaca exploration.
Customer Feedback
Customers have provided a range of feedback on this Ithaca tour, with an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 37 reviews.
The transportation rating is 4.1, indicating customers are generally satisfied with how they get around. However, the value for money rating is 3.6, suggesting some feel the tour may not fully justify the price.
Common feedback includes mixed reviews on the personal experience and tour guide communication quality. While most seem to enjoy the highlights, like swimming at Gidaki Beach and exploring Kioni Village, there’s room for improvement in certain areas to enhance the customer experience.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, some meals and refreshments may be provided as part of the tour package, so it’s best to check the inclusions before deciding what to bring.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Participants?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions and is suitable for participants of all ages. Children are welcome to join the cruise and swimming stops, though parental supervision is recommended for younger children.
What Types of Payment Are Accepted at the Starting Location?
The tour provider accepts a variety of payment methods at the starting location, including cash, credit cards, and mobile wallets. Specific accepted payment types may vary, so customers are encouraged to confirm payment options when making their reservation.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration can’t be extended. Customers must book the 7-hour package as advertised. There’s no option to customize or lengthen the tour beyond the set itinerary and time frame.
Can I Request a Specific Departure Time for the Tour?
Yes, you can request a specific departure time for the tour. Many tour operators allow customers to choose their preferred departure time, subject to availability, when booking the tour.
Final Words
The "From Agia Effimia: Ithaca Cruise, Gidaki Beach, & Kioni Tour" offers a well-rounded 7-hour experience for $70.72 per person. Visitors can enjoy scenic coastal views, swimming at Gidaki Beach, exploring charming villages, and a refreshing swim at Ammoudi Beach. With a solid 4.1 rating, this tour provides a delightful blend of natural beauty and culture, making it an excellent choice for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts exploring Ithaca.
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