St. Andrew’s Monastery and Wine Tasting

by bus & on foot

This leisurely half-day experience combines some of Cephalonia’s most meaningful landmarks and traditions.

Departing from the port, your experience begins with a short drive to the St. Theodore Lighthouse, located on a peninsula to the north of Argostoli. The lighthouse is 8m (26ft) tall with an ornate design, featuring 20 Doric-style columns circling the base. Standing at the entrance to the bay, a photo stop here offers sweeping views across the Ionian waters and the golden shores of the Lassi coast.

Continue inland to the Monastery of St. Andrew, a place of deep spiritual and historical importance and a popular pilgrimage site. The monastery was initially founded during the Byzantine era, and reestablished in the 16th century. The old church is the only building to have survived the destructive earthquake of 1953, and now serves as a small museum. During your visit, discover artefacts dating back to between 1300 - 1900, a plethora of wall paintings, frescoes and icons, and one of the island’s most revered relics, said to be the right sole of the foot of Apostle Andrew.

Rejoining your coach, proceed to a beautiful area near the Evangelistria Church, where a photo stop will be made for you to enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding countryside towards the Castle of Saint George.

Finally, your journey then continues to the Orealios Gaea Winery, a respected local wine co-operative located in the Robola-producing region at the foothills of Mount Ainos. In this authentic vineyard setting, discover Cephalonia’s renowned winemaking identity through a tasting of selected indigenous wines, paired with local cheese and breadsticks. Before rejoining your coach, there will be an opportunity to browse their shop and perhaps purchase some of their products to take away with you.

Return to Argostoli having gained an insight into the island’s character.