Behold the natural attractions of Cephalonia, including those beneath the surface, such as the Drogarati Cave and subterranean Melissani Lake.

Departing from the pier, you'll drive toward the eastern shore of Cephalonia, the largest Ionian island. Arriving at the Drogarati Cave, you'll descend a flight of stairs into a large cavern which is lighted for dramatic effect. Stalactites hang from the ceiling like jagged curtains, and ancient stalagmites reach up from the rocky floor. The colors are predominately red, orange, yellow and white, from the iron content in the rock and the layers of chalk and limestone.

Although estimated to be 100 million years old, the cave wasn't discovered until about 300 years ago when a violent earthquake opened an entrance. Inside the cave's Chamber of Exaltation, the acoustics are considered near perfect, and concert events are often held in its voluminous interior. Even the famed opera soprano, Maria Callas, sang here.

Continuing on, you will travel in a northerly direction, passing the town of Sami en route to the renowned Melissani Lake. This underground phenomenon looks absolutely magical in the shafts of light that come from 100 feet above, where parts of the ceiling collapsed decades ago. You'll enter the lake by small boat, paddled in so it hardly disturbs the surface of the water, which is a brackish mix of saltwater from the Ionian Sea and freshwater that originated back in Argostoli and then flowed across the island. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling here are estimated to be at least 20,000 years old.

Afterwards, you'll return to Argostoli via a picturesque coastal route that offers spectacular views across the strait to the island of Ithaca, and further along, Myrtos and its dramatic, sheer white cliffs.

Relax on this panoramic driving tour of Corsica’s spectacular interior, a land little-changed over centuries. Pass through Cuaro village and beautifully rugged, mountainous terrain, resplendent with lush forests. You’ll see the dense shrubbery known as “maquis” blanketing the countryside and inhale the extraordinarily fragrant evergreen, interspersed with aromatic lavender, myrtle and wild mint. Journey past modest vineyards and cultivated fields before you enter peaceful Pineta Forest, dominated by tall, striking laricio pines, expansive chestnuts and dramatic beech trees. Enter heart-stopping Prunelli Gorges with its jagged granite walls and descend through serpentine twists and curves. Arrive ultimately at serene, man-made Tolla Lake, source of Ajaccio’s hydro-electric power, and snap a postcard-worthy photo. Sharp pinnacles emerge from the forest just past Tolla, a ridge-top village nestled into the mountainside, then the amazing vista opens to an expanse of fertile valley below. Delight in numerous picturesque hamlets, including Ocana, known for austere granite homes, and imagine everyday life in this timeless land.

This sightseeing cruise features guaranteed whale watching! Following a short motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a water jet powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced Captain guides you through the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears and deer.

The operators of this tour guarantee that you'll see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. Don’t anticipate a refund; in the past 10+ years, whales have been sighted on every tour! To fully enjoy the sights and sounds of a close encounter with wildlife, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck and don’t forget your camera! Day use binoculars and a souvenir wildlife guide and map are provided, along with complimentary snacks and beverages. menos

Gain an understanding of how local craftsmen make traditional Greek musical instruments and take in the island’s natural beauty. Pyrgos is known for its 13th-century Venetian castle, the classic Cycladic design of its homes and the panoramic views from its hilltop location. It will be an ideal setting to pause for a cup of coffee and a Greek sweet. Megalochori is equally picturesque, as you will discover while meandering the village’s atmospheric cobbled streets lined with neoclassical houses. The intriguing Museum of Musical Instruments honors the history of the instruments that make Greek music so recognizable. You will learn how classic instruments such as the bouzouki and laouto are handmade and have the chance to play some of them. Afterwards, you will visit the family-owned Gavalas Winery, which has been producing traditional wines such as Katsano and Nykteri since the 19th century. There you will sample wines indicative of Santorini’s terroir and snacks that pair perfectly with them.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Pause for a snack and to revel in the village of Pyrgos’ classic Cycladic setting.
• Discover how some of the most recognizable Greek musical instruments are hand-crafted.
• Sample a selection of traditional wines and local delicacies at a family-owned winery.

The old port of Mandraki, where this tour begins, is believed to be the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Historic sites abound in Rhodes, as you will soon discover after enjoying a panoramic view of the city and Rhodes Bay from atop Monte Smith.

Visit the fully restored 14th-century Grand Masters Palace, which contains beautiful alabaster windows, French and Venetian furniture, and floor mosaics with scenes from Greek mythology. It served as a fortress in times of war, and a residence for the Grand Master and a meeting place for senior knights during times of peace. As you continue down the Avenue of the Knights, where the knights lived, the cobblestoned street seems to exude a noble and somewhat forbidden aura, as its lofty buildings stretch in an unbroken wall of honey-colored stone, punctuated by huge doorways and arched windows. At the conclusion of this tour, you can either return to ship, or remain in the old town to explore further on your own.

Spend an enlightening day on a farm in nearby Alevropari , where you will experience country life with the owners. Before reaching Bioporos farm you will stop at the traditional village of Agios Matheos and explore the real Corfiot Village life. Once you arrive at Bioporos, Kriton the elder son of the family will be your host, Although you won’t be doing any real chores, you will share a few fun responsibilities such as feeding the horses and the donkey. You will also have the opportunity to tour the farm, which will give you a greater understanding of Greek rural life. During the course of the day, you will pick ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, sample fresh herbs from the garden and see the farm’s beehives. Spending the day as a farmer will provide you with a genuine look at country life that few visitors ever experience. You will have a cooking demonstration for the family’s lunch from the daughter of the family Afterwards, you will travel though the coastal part of Corfu and drive along the sea on the way back to the port.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Experience Greek country life with the owners of a farm near the village of Alevropari.
• Do fun chores such as feeding the horses, the donkeys and picking ripe vegetables.
• Sample home made fruit dessert with coffee.
• Reconvene with the farm owners at their residence in Alevropari to further discuss rural life.