8 Days Zante Cruise (from/to Zakynthos)

Your detailed trip plan

A suggested sequence — every flight, hotel and day can be changed.

• 1Destinations
• 7Transport

1. 01 May

   Zante (Zakynthos)

   Stay from
   

   • Greece
   • 7 nights

   Zakynthos, also called Zante, is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece. While Ios and Kos are associated with partying, and Rhodes and Crete with families, Zakynthos is something in between. The majority of all beaches, towns, etc., are along the south and east coasts, as the west and north coasts are extremely mountainous often with cliffs dropping many hundreds of feet straight into the sea. Zakynthos is not so much an island for children. Most resorts there are relatively low-key and tourist booths offers excursions to neighboring islands or the Greek mainland . It is an island where mountainside villages and hidden coves await discovery by the discerning traveller. It is well worth hiring a car. Enjoy of: Round the Island Circuit. Due to the small size of the island, with a rental car it's perfectly possible to drive a complete lap of the island stopping at some interesting places on the way. Drive north along the coast road and visit Tsilivi. Continue past Alykes and Alykanes. The scenery gets more impressive as you climb towards the mountains. From there you traverse the north coast passing Navagio (aka shipwreck) and the viewing platform and Volimes in the mountains where local arts and crafts can be bought. To the west coast travelling south the bay of Limnionas is extremely pretty and quiet Further south from there you have Kampi with stunning clifftop views and eventually Keri lighthouse with more stunning views, especially at sunset. Scuba Diving. Although, like the rest of Greece, the area is devoid of fish due to massive overfishing, the south of the island has a few decent sites such as "The Arch" and Keri Caves. Numerous dive operators work out of Laganas, Keri, and elsewhere. Turtle Spotting. The endangered loggerhead turtle uses the beaches for its nesting and a marine reserve has been established in the south around the Laganas Bay to protect these (although it appears to be completely ignored outside tourist season) Many outfits in Laganas, Kalamaki and even Vassilikos offer short or full day trips including swim stops to look for these turtles.
2. 01 May

   8 Days Zante Cruise

   Guided tour
   

   • days 1–8

   Day 1: Arrival in Zante (D)

   Your island-hopping adventure begins in Zante (Zakynthos), the gateway to the Ionian Islands and the starting point of this unforgettable week at sea. As it's an arrival day, embarkation doesn't begin until 17:00, so early arrivals have time to roam Zante's main port and enjoy fresh local Greek seafood at one of the many tavernas lining the marina. Those with extra hours to spare can wander to the Byzantine Museum in the heart of Zante's main town, stroll through the National Marine Park, or relax on the famous Lagana Bay strip. Once evening falls, you'll get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner on board, with welcome drinks setting a festive tone for the week ahead. The gulet overnights at Agios Nikolaos, or at Zante's main port in case of late arrivals, before setting sail the next morning toward the Ionian Sea's hidden gems.

   
   

   Day 2: Agios Nikolaos to Kefalonia (B, L)

   Day two carries you from Agios Nikolaos toward Kefalonia's Agia Efimia, a traditional fishing village built around a small, picturesque harbor. Along the way, enjoy a refreshing swim stop at Antisamos, one of Kefalonia's most scenic bays, before lunch is served on board. Agia Efimia itself is full of character, with a cluster of taverns, bars, shops and even a traditional wood-fired bakery alongside tourist accommodations and local residences. As evening settles in, stroll through Agia Efimia's picturesque, tavern-lined promenade and sample authentic Greek dishes while watching the sun dip below the harbor. Guests wanting more adventure can opt for the Melissani Cave excursion, a dramatic sea cave experience that can also be arranged the following day if preferred, making Kefalonia a highlight early in the cruise.

   
   

   Day 3: Fiskardo (B, L)

   Kefalonia continues to impress on day three, as the gulet cruises toward Fiskardo, the island's most iconic and best-preserved village. This stretch of coastline is scattered with secluded bays and hidden sea caves lapped by shallow, crystal-clear waters, making it a dream for explorers and swimmers alike. Lunch is enjoyed on board as you sail toward bustling Fiskardo, passing the chance to visit the pebbled Antisamos beach and the sandy shores of Harami beach, both showcasing Greek nature at its most unspoiled. Fiskardo itself charms visitors with its colorful harborside buildings, bars and tavernas, embodying old-school Greek charm whether explored by day or by night. For the more active, an optional trekking tour offers a different perspective on Kefalonia's dramatic landscape.

   
   

   Day 4: Lefkada (Nidri) (B, L)

   On day four, the cruise heads to Lefkada, docking specifically at Nidri, the island's most famous port and a hub of local life. Nidri's bustling markets are packed with Greek products, local foods, souvenirs and other treasures, perfect for an afternoon of browsing between swim stops. Positioned between Kefalonia and Meganisi, Lefkada offers a striking contrast of crystal-clear turquoise waters set against dark green forested hillsides. Guests can take a refreshing swim at Sivota Bay before lunch on board, and in Nidri there's the option to join an olive oil tasting, a wonderful way to sample the region's culinary heritage. Lefkada's blend of natural beauty and local flavor makes Nidri one of the cruise's most memorable stops.

   
   

   Day 5: Meganisi (B, L, D)

   Meganisi, one of Greece's best-kept secrets, welcomes you on day five with white pebble beaches, striking blue seas, and lush green countryside. This small island is easy to explore independently, whether by rental bike, car, bicycle, or simply on foot, giving guests the freedom to discover Meganisi at their own pace. Along the way, enjoy a swim stop near Skorpios Island before settling in for lunch on board. In the late afternoon, watch local fishermen go about their work from one of the seafront cafes before the day culminates in a special Captain's Dinner, a complimentary evening shared with the crew and Captain that has become a cherished tradition of the Zante cruise. Meganisi's relaxed pace offers a welcome contrast to the cruise's more bustling stops.

   
   

   Day 6: Ithaca (B, L)

   Leaving Meganisi behind, day six brings a sail toward Ithaca, an island often overshadowed by its larger neighbor Kefalonia but rich with its own quiet beauty. En route, the gulet may stop at Atokos, a private, uninhabited island where wild pigs roam freely across the rugged terrain. A swim stop at Frikes offers another chance to cool off in calm Ionian waters before lunch is enjoyed on board as usual. In the evening, Ithaca's many secluded bay coves provide the perfect anchorage to relax and take in a truly spectacular Greek night sky. Those keen to learn more of the island's mythological ties can join the optional Odysseus Bus Tour, exploring Ithaca by night and delving into its legendary past.

   
   

   Day 7: Return to Zante (B, L, D)

   Before heading back to Zante, day seven offers one last refreshing swim stop at Atokos Island, letting guests soak up the Ionian Sea's crystal-clear waters one final time. A delicious lunch is served on board as the gulet sails toward Zante, with the final sea views of the journey providing a fitting farewell to the week's adventure. By evening, the vessel docks at the Marina of Zante Old Town, where everyone gathers for a special Captain's Dinner, a celebratory close to an incredible week of island hopping. Guests can also enjoy an optional Zante Greek Night, filled with local music, food, and festivities, rounding out the cruise on a joyous note before the final day's departure.

   
   

   Day 8: Departure from Zante (B)

   The final morning marks the end of an unforgettable week exploring the Ionian Islands aboard your traditional gulet. After breakfast and checkout at 9 am, it's time to say goodbye to new friends made along the way and take some last photos of Zante before heading onward. For those wanting to extend their time on the island, an optional Land & Sea Zante Tour is available, offering a final taste of Zakynthos before departure. The Zante cruise concludes here, leaving guests with lasting memories of secluded bays, charming villages, and the relaxed rhythm of life at sea across Kefalonia, Ithaca, Atokos and Meganisi.

   
   

   B = Breakfast | D = Dinner | L = Lunch