9 independent reviews for Kefalonia, Lefkada & Ithaki walking holiday
Reviews for Kefalonia, Lefkada & Ithaki walking holiday
Jenny Ashworth review 3 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The sense of achievement felt after reaching some of the highest peaks of the islands, trekking through amazing flora and fauna to then experience the amazing views and huge skies. Lots of information on the natural and local history.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Walking poles proved extremely helpful, take more water than you think you need. Camelback system useful. Use insect repellent on walks. Feel it should have been clearer about paying for guides meals. We found this was expected rather than optional, which for us was not a problem as well deserved but it did cause some division in our group. Day pack with air gap between pack and back as cooler. Hat essential.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Ate at local taverns. A lot of taxi journeys at start or end of treks but local drivers used.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An amazing experience. Guide Daphne was a delight and very knowledgeable regarding herbs, flowers, history of the islands. Accommodation was good. Organisation of travel between the islands, treks and accommodation superb.Veronica Knight review 31 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Very beautiful and quiet (in May) islands. I think you feel more part of the community, with a Greek tour operator.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Read all the detail both on the website and in emails! Remember loads of water and check info each day for when you will be somewhere for meals etc, you may want to take a few snacks. Try and work out a way of paying in taverners that suits everyone, when there is a group meal. I loved the walking for just being in beautiful and very natural surroundings. I know people who may get frustrated with the pace due to the rugged paths. The distances aren't great, yet are sometimes demanding and can take a long time.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local services were used all the time. Less impact than other holidays, although probably still too much, local people need to make money to live though! No swimming pools at the accommodations, which is good, as the use of all that treated water can't be good! The concept of the operator brought more conversation about conservation and the environment, which is no bad thing.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great time.Marina Vishnevskaya review 5 Oct 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There are so many! The hikes and the activities we did with our small group were varied and each one was a memorable experience full of connection with nature, history, simplicity and presence. Some of the highlights were the herbal walk with Ares, visits of the old chapels and the monastery, 360 vies of the island, drinking water out of natural springs and eating fruit off the trees while walking, the sunset in Pefkoulia beach, and coming across the road to NowHere just before the cyclone. I admire Daphne's knowledge, flexibility and the spontaneity and would like to join her on other trips in the future!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring king boots for the mountainous areas and trail trainers for the flatter walks.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
By staying in a family run hotel and eating out in local restaurants we did support the local economy. Being outdoors in such proximity to nature and learning about the native plants did encourage awareness of human footprint and the need to preserve the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing! I would whole heartedly recommend this holiday for people who are into walking, nature and a bit of off the beaten track experiences!Jenny Preece review 27 Sep 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Incredible views from the top of Lefkada’s mountains, tavern dinner with the herbalist and other local friends, (and 36 hours in hibernation as the islands were hit by, once-in-generation cyclone Ionas).2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We had a very small group, due to Covid. Daphne was an excellent and very flexible and knowledgeable guide who was fun to get to know, and able to come up with a new itinerary when the weather meant we couldn’t go to Kefalonia. She gave us a good mix of walking and down time. We stayed by a stunning beach at Agios Nikitas, and most days went out for 3-4 hours (3-6 mile) walks around the island. The ground is rocky and often up hill - I was glad of my boots.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We spent our money at local businesses, learned a lot about the natural environment and left little behind.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. I hope to be able to return to the Greek islands. The operator looked after me very well indeed and I would definitely book with them again.Jim Frame review 19 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A downpour during a short hike in the Ithaca hills could have been a downer as we were completely soaked. But the combination of our guide, Daphnie's planning and unfailing good cheer, along with our mountain village Taverna's hostess' hospitality, warming welcome (including glasses of psipouro and dry clothes!!) and wonderful and continuously replenished, traditional Greek dishes, turned this into one of our most memorable evenings ever.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Give yourself an extra day on the islands at the end to ensure that you are able to stay the full time planned on Ithaca. The boat for Lefkada at this time of year usually leaves early morning, although times can be impacted by weather.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes... all of the above to a degree, although perhaps less overtly in supporting conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous. Our guide, Daphnie, was superb, being always willing to adjust the itinerary to suit people and/or weather, the walking and scenery is incredible, the hotels ideally located in small seaside towns, and the restaurants recommended for us throughout the holiday gave us a perfect 'taste of Greece'.Christa Laird review 17 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fact that our excellent Greek guide was able to give us so much information about the islands, and also about Greek life in general. Through her we met a number of locals and felt it was altogether a very Greek experience. We were lucky in that, as the only members of our "group", we had Daphne to ourselves, so she could be flexible and adapt walks and activities to our preferences. We had a fascinating mountain walk with a local herbalist who showed us countless plants and explained their medicinal or other uses. Daphne was not only patient, tireless and informative, but she was also very good company! The beauty of the islands was also memorable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are interested in wild flowers, include Lefkada in your itinerary - in May they were there in glorious profusion! Pay attention to Nikos's pre-holiday briefings - we had perhaps slightly underestimated the length and number of ascents, though we did acclimatise as the days went on. As we were just two with Daphne we could go at our own pace, though with a group that might be more demanding. (We are in our 70's, fit and keen walkers but perhaps a little more steep uphill training beforehand would have been a good idea!) Take good boots as the paths are rocky and often uneven. Pack a basin plug and plastic sandals for the beaches, which are gorgeous but stony!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, We ate (very well indeed) in small local tavernas and stayed in three guest-house/studio apartments owned as small enterprises by local people. We chose local dishes which were often home-made and always used locally grown or reared ingredients.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. The description beforehand was very accurate and our guide, Daphne, could not have been better. Thank you for the recommendation.Eric Middleton review 12 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting the Folklore museum in Lefkada, and enjoyed the variety of Greek food. Meeting the friendly local people and seeing their lifestyle Enjoyed meeting the cats as we are great animal lovers2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Wear boots and most tracks can be rugged and not well maintained by the locals. Suggest getting fit by climbing and descending hills / mountains on rocky terrain before doing the tour3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying in local pensions / guest houses did benefit the local people. Enjoyed dining in local establishments however some places could be closed for the season4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an enjoyable experience but we were not expecting the walks were going to be on trails rather than rocky paths. In some cases, it was a bit of bush bashing. There we only the two of us o the tour and we are in our 70's hence we felt the trip was hard going (except in Ithaca)Read the operator's response here:
Dear Eric and Helen,
Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback. I'm very glad to hear that you enjoyed the guesthouses, the food, meeting local people and experiencing the local culture. I'm sorry to hear that you found the terrain hard. Our guide informed us that you wanted to walk for shorter distances and prefer easy walks. Because it was just the two of you, we adapted the walks to suit you.
All the walks we organised for you are considered easy by international standards. The terrain though can be rocky and depending on the season (especially after it rains) there can be weed overgrowing. That's why we recommend people to wear boots and have walking poles. We will strengthen our copy and the information we send our future guests to make sure this is clearer. Thank you once again for joining us.
Alex Pooley review 19 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Great walks, perfect weather, beautiful sceneries and nature. Our guide was very friendly and very eager to share with us his knowledge. Also the food was excellent.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
A reasonable level of fitness is required. Bring a good pair of hiking boots and don't forget your camera!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were avoiding typical touristic areas and supported small, locally run businesses such as the traditional guesthouse where we stayed. Our guide was well informed on environmental and cultural issues and introduced us to the herbs, plants, bird species etc of the area.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a fantastic time, enjoyed the wonderful walks, the natural environment and the great company!Violet Holley review 7 Aug 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to pick one thing in particular. Each of the walks was special. The holiday was a lovely mix of beautiful walks, experiencing nature, local culture and relaxing on the beach. The food was wonderful.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Good walking shoes and if you have bring walking sticks. It was possible to swim at beautiful beaches at the end of most walks so bring swim gear and sun cream. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet local people. human contact is always priceless on a trip.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly benefited local people. The hotel was family run. Low environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. I will be back next year! I would not hesitate to recommend to a friend.Holiday Reviews
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