Ithaca Island Bus & Cruise Tour- Swim stop to Gidaki Beach

Exploring Ithaca with the Bus & Cruise Tour: A Practical, Friendly Guide

If you’re considering a day trip to the legendary island of Ithaca from Cephalonia, this Ithaca Island Bus & Cruise Tour offers a pretty convenient way to see the main sights without the hassle of organizing transport yourself. It’s a package that combines guided visits, ferry rides, and a boat cruise, making it a solid choice for travelers who want to maximize their time and experience a range of what Ithaca has to offer.

What we really like about this tour? First, the hotel pickup and drop-off make it straightforward—no need to worry about finding your way to the port. Second, the boat cruise unlocks access to stunning bays and beaches that are inaccessible by foot, like the famous Gidaki Beach. The only downside? The tour’s pace might feel a little busy for those who prefer to wander independently, and some might find the timing or group size not ideal depending on their travel style.

This tour works well for travelers who crave a balance of sightseeing, swimming, and culture, especially if they prefer guided experiences that cover a lot in one day. It’s also quite popular among those who want to explore without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• All-in-one convenience: Includes hotel pickup, ferry, and boat cruise, saving you time and effort.
• Diverse highlights: From charming villages to secluded beaches and scenic towns, the itinerary hits many of Ithaca’s best spots.
• Accessible boat trip: Only by boat can you reach Gidaki Beach, making this a unique experience.
• Expert guidance: An English-speaking guide adds context and ensures things run smoothly.
• Good value for money: At around $71, the tour covers transport, guides, and the boat cruise—details that could cost more if booked separately.
• Timing and group size: About 8 hours long with a max of 49 travelers, so it’s a well-organized group but not overly crowded.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Start at Vathy
The tour kicks off early, around 7:00 am, with a pickup from your hotel or meeting point. Once on the road, you’ll head to Vathy, the capital of Ithaca, which is a highlight in itself. Known for its Venetian roots, Vathy’s narrow streets and stone houses evoke a sense of history and tranquility. The harbor, with its lush hills and peaceful vibe, makes for a lovely first stop. One reviewer mentioned, “The community and information provided was excellent,” which suggests this part of the trip offers a nice mix of scenery and cultural insight.

Gidaki Beach – Swim and Relax
The true standout here is Gidaki Beach, accessible only by boat. This secluded spot is famed for its crystal-clear waters and pristine surroundings. It’s perfect for a swim and lounging without the crowds you might find at more accessible beaches. The surrounding cliffs and greenery make it feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. A reviewer described it as “a true swimmer’s paradise,” emphasizing its appeal for those wanting to unwind and enjoy nature in silence. The one-hour stop here is enough to enjoy a swim and take photos but leaves enough time for other parts of the day.

Kioni Harbour
Next, the tour visits Kioni, a charming village built amphitheatrically on a hillside. Its whitewashed houses and narrow, cobbled streets create a picture-perfect scene. The harbor, filled with fishing boats and quiet cafes, is an ideal spot for strolling, snacking, or just soaking up the authentic atmosphere. One attendee shared that “the architecture and peaceful vibe make it a real highlight.” You get an hour here, which is enough to wander around and perhaps enjoy a coffee with a view.

Stavros Village
The final stop takes you to Stavros, perched above Polis Bay. The views from this village are stunning, and the traditional stone houses add to its charm. Sitting at 110 meters altitude, Stavros provides a peaceful, elevated perspective over the coastline, perfect for a relaxing break or some photos. As one reviewer put it, “The panoramic vistas here capture the island’s natural beauty,” and the 30-minute visit offers a quiet moment before heading back.

What the Tour Includes and What You Should Expect

Included in the Price
You’re paying around $71.15 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the full day’s itinerary. The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves the headache of figuring out transportation to the port. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the early start more comfortable. The guided tour is led by an experienced English-speaking guide, who provides insights and keeps things running smoothly—a plus for those who like a bit of context to their sightseeing.

Ferry and Boat
The ferry tickets to Ithaca and back are included, meaning you won’t need to scramble for tickets or worry about timing. The highlight is the boat cruise, which offers access to the beaches and bays that are otherwise unreachable. The swim stop at Gidaki Beach is the most memorable part for many, with travelers describing it as “a peaceful, transparent water paradise.”

What’s Not Included
You’ll need to budget for food and drinks on your own. Pack a snack or a water bottle, especially since the day involves a fair bit of walking and boat time. Personal expenses like souvenirs or additional activities are also not included, so keep that in mind.

The Practical Aspects: Timing, Group Size, and Overall Value

Starting early at 7:00 am, the tour allows plenty of time for sightseeing without feeling rushed. It wraps up around 3:00 pm or so, giving you the afternoon free—perfect if you want to explore more or relax back at your hotel. The group size is capped at 49 travelers, which tends to strike a good balance between socializing and comfort.

When it comes to value, this tour stacks up well. For around $71, you get transport, a guide, ferry tickets, and a boat cruise—covering significant costs if you booked these separately. Several reviews highlighted how well-organized and smooth the experience was, even with some encountering weather hiccups, like rain that curtailed part of the boat cruise (but the bus tour still impressed).

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviewers praised the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. One said, “Andreas_P called it a “great memorable experience,” emphasizing how the tour helps visitors see the most important spots in just one day. Others appreciated the relaxed, friendly vibe, noting the guide’s enthusiasm and the island’s natural beauty.

Some pointed out the early start as a minor inconvenience, but most agreed that the overall experience was worth it. Even in less than perfect weather, the bus journey and scenic stops made the trip worthwhile, as one traveler shared, “It was well worth the money even though it rained at Gidaki,” showing the flexibility and resilience of the tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a well-organized, guided day that packs in the highlights of Ithaca without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour fits the bill. It’s particularly good for those who want to see scenic villages, enjoy peaceful beaches, and learn a bit about the island’s charm without spending extra hours organizing transport or tickets.

It’s ideal for travelers comfortable with early mornings and group settings. While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the itinerary’s slow pace and focus on scenic stops make it suitable for most ages, especially if you’re keen on swimming and sightseeing in a relaxed environment.

FAQs

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:00 am, with pickup arranged from your hotel or a meeting point. Be ready on time to make the most of the day.

What’s included in the price?
The cost includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, an experienced English-speaking guide, ferry tickets, and the boat cruise with a swim stop.

Can I swim at Gidaki Beach?
Yes, Gidaki Beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters, and the boat stop allows plenty of time for swimming and relaxing.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While walking is involved, the stops are mainly sightseeing and swimming. The boat cruise to Gidaki Beach is accessible only by boat, which might be a consideration for some.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the afternoon.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather. In case of cancellation due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this Ithaca Island Bus & Cruise Tour offers a practical, well-organized way to experience the best of Ithaca in a single day. It balances scenic sightseeing, cultural spots, and a memorable swim in a secluded bay. If you enjoy guided tours that remove the planning hassle and want to see both the villages and beaches of this beautiful island, it’s definitely worth considering. The reviews speak for themselves—a good number of travelers find it a highlight of their trip, and for the price, it delivers quite a bit of value.

Whether you’re a first-timer exploring Greece or someone looking to tick off Ithaca’s key sights comfortably, this tour is a solid choice. Just pack your swimsuit, bring your curiosity, and let the day unfold naturally on this charming Greek island.