Παρασκευή 30 Αυγούστου 2019

Zakynthos, travelling back in time!

Zakynthos, travelling back in time!
Embark on a culture and heritage walking tour of Downtown Zante where Greek and Venetian cultures intermixed to create a unique town with many attractions, stories and historical curiosities.

Highlights of the tour:
Take a leisurely half-hour trip by air-conditioned bus to Krioneri Beach outside Zakynthos Town to embrace the seaside beauty, admire the remains of the Roman aqueduct and marvel at the historic church.

Head to Strani Hill which affords an unparalleled view of the town and get to know Zante’s famous poet, Dionysios Solomos, who wrote Greece’s national anthem (Hymn to Liberty) on this very hill. 

Drop by Razi Aroma, the island’s notable perfumery and see how its traditional scents are made, keeping in mind that Zante’s motto is “Flower of the Levant”.

Make your way to Bohali Hill, which has a magnificent view of Zante Town and its seaside. Bohali was once a village or community that housed the island’s aristocracy, complete with an enchanting Venetian castle that sits on its highest point.

Walk around Solomos Square to see where the island’s aristocracy once passed their time. 

Visit Saint Mark’s square with its iconic Catholic church, where the common people burned the Golden Book (Libro d’Oro) of Nobility to end the class system.

Visit key cultural and historic landmarks such as the old Opera House and the Mausoleum/Museum of Solomos and Kalvos
Discover the WWII spot where Zante’s head bishop and town mayor successfully resisted Nazi demands to hand over all Jewish citizens
See where the famous Venetian-Greek writer and revolutionary Ugo Foscolo symbolically tore down a piece of the Jewish ghetto wall to encourage equality among all and integration

Pass by the miracle-making church Saint Dionysius that still hosts the Saint’s remains and features remarkable artworks, along with impressive frescoes.



Trip duration: 3 hours (6.30 pm to about 9.30 pm)
Cost per adult: 20 euros
Minimum 8 people, maximum 12
Reservations
Feel free to contact us via phone or email to book your trip now!

Telephone:+30 26950 41480 , +30 694 550 3865

E-mail: pigiplessa@gmail.com


Πέμπτη 22 Αυγούστου 2019

Exploring traditional Zakynthos!

Exploring traditional Zakynthos!

Looking for a more traditional Zakynthos island tour? With our tour you will get the chance to visit some of the most traditional villages on the island, that have been untouched by the time. Viewing traditional products, the way they are produced and interact with the locals…After this tour you will fulfilled with memories, the authentic Greek hospitality, culture and traditions.
 

Details of tour:


Ιn the mountainous village of Kiliomenos you will have the chance to visit the Women’s Agricultural Cooperative known as Melissiotises (melissa being the Greek for bee). Melissiotises run their own shop where Zakynthian agricultural produce is shared aplenty. Tens of families are subscribed to the scheme each producing fresh and organic products using traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation.
Highly recommended are the traditional virgin olive oil, a number of signature Zakynthian wines, delicious honey, vinegar, herbs, variety of cheese, soap, candles, local sweets, liqueurs, selections of weaves, knittings and embroideries as well as beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, ornaments and decorations.
Your visit to the Melisiotisses will give you the real experience of the island’s agricultural heritage and it will give you a piece of Zakynthos to be cherished until your next visit to the island.

Next stop will be at the traditional Mpastas Cheese factory, also located in Kiliomenos Village

The cheeses produced by the Mpastas Cheese Factory is exclusively from sheeps milk from in the area. The cheeses produced are the traditional ladoturi (oil cheese), gruyere cheese, brine (feta cheese),yogurt, creams, rice milk and also greek traditional mizithra.
The traditional ladoturi(oil cheese) is a type of gruyere, which after it has matured continues to ripen in oil. The result is a far more spicy and greasy gruyere than usual, but with a distinct flavor. The zakynthian oil cheese is a spicy cheese called "ntopio", which means native, made from sheep's milk which is kept in olive oil in clay bowls. Soft and not spicy in the early stages of ripening, spicy and tough as time goes on and matures. Produced from halfway through Spring, one finds it all year round in its mature form.

 
A perfect place to visit and try the zakynthian local cheese, you will get the chance to see the production, try and buy if you wish!

Continuing on our journey of Zakynthos, we will be visiting a olive oil press factory, Zakynthos is known for its extra virgin olive oil.
 We, as locals suggest you to spend some time in the olive press Vouno where you will learn step by step the procedure of olive oil production while you can also taste oil together with orange, lemon or garlic. If you wish to buy greek olive oil, that’s the place. 



Next stop will be at the Large cross over Kampi, perfect spot to admire the deep blue sea and take photos of the Large cross.


The Monastery of Panagia Anafonitria

The Monastery of Panagia Anafonitria on Zakynthos, Ionian: The Holy Monastery of Theotokos (Panagia) Anafonitria, dedicated to Virgin Mary, is a Byzantine monument with interesting architecture. It was founded in the middle of the 15th century, during the Venetian occupation of the island. In this monastery, Agios Dionysios, the protector saint of Zakynthos, became a monk and lived the last years of his life in the 16th century.
The Monastery was built in the middle of the 15th century in honor of Panagia Vrefokratoussa (Virgin Holder of the Newborn) but took its name after the miraculous icon of Our Virgin Anafonitria it is housing. This icon was brought to the monastery from Constantinople when the town was captured by the Turks.
Several buildings are forming this monastery, as well as a tower that was built for defensive reasons and is used today as a belfry. The entrance to the monastery is arched and guarded by a square-shaped defensive tower. The main church of the monastery is situated in the center of the complex and it is a three-aisled basilica. The frescoes of the church are impressive and date from five centuries ago. 


You will now get the chance to visit the area called Korithi where you can see the old light house and two traditional wind mills. Its an ideal place to take photos and have a light snack.
Please note this stop is optional and can be removed from the trip!

The next stop takes place at the platform that 'hangs' above Navagio beach so that you can get the best selfie with the panoramic view of the famous beach and the dark blue sea behind you. For safety reasons i recommend to remain on the specially built platform, if you are more adventurous we will walk to the end of the mountain to see the Navagio in a panoramic view and take as much selfies as you like. Shoes are very important; please choose shoes that are not slippery. 


Stop for lunch (optional) at one of the prettiest spots on the island, high above the Ionian Sea with a stunning view amid the greenery and a local menu that will certainly whet your appetite. We’ve already reserved one of the best tables in the house for us to enjoy this sumptuous meal.
After your lunch you will have the chance to swim in the sea you were gazing at during your lunch time. Do not be put off by the strange smell that fills the area here at Xigia. It is for a good cause! The waters here contain a large proportion of sulphur, hence the distinctive aroma. The sulphur comes from neighbouring caves and has healing properties making it an ideal choice for those suffering from pains in the legs and arthritis. It also helps to treat cellulite! Xigia beach is unique in Zakynthos. 



Pass by the Botega Café Museum to get a peek at Zante’s recent past, admiring traditional garb, discovering old customs and enjoying the vintage grocery store before ending your tour of traditional Zakynthos.

Last stop will be over Alykes, for some superb photo-taking with Zante’s salt pools and beaches in the background. Grab a fresh lemonade or orange juice on your way back to your hotel, perfect way to end a perfect day.



Trip duration: 6-7 hours (each extra after, after the 7 hours is with a extra cost of 50 euros)
Price for 1-6 guests: 180 euros
Includes: Bottled water, transportation to/from your accommodation
Excluded: Lunch
Maximum capacity of guests: 12 (which extra cost)


Reservations
Feel free to contact us via phone or email to book your trip now!

Telephone:+30 26950 41480 , +30 694 550 3865

E-mail: pigiplessa@gmail.com





Tags: private tour to Navagio by mini bus, Private tour of Zakynthos, Traditional zakynthos, kiliomenos, alykes, botega cafe, anafonitria 



Τρίτη 20 Αυγούστου 2019

Private tour and cruise to Shipwreck!

Private tour and cruise to Shipwreck!

Are you a hopeless romantic trying to find a way to spend a special day with your loved one? A small group which wants to enjoy their day in private? Look no further... our special cruise to Navagio beach is exactly what you are looking for! Get to the shipwreck before the masses and enjoy the deep blue sea... A breath taking scenery everyone would love to experience with their loved one. 



Our journey will start early in the morning with our air-conditioned luxury Mercedes mini bus will pick you up from your accommodation and while admiring the Zakynthos countryside you will reach Porto Vromi, a picturesque seaside port where a private boat will take you to see Shipwreck Bay (the world-famous “Navagio” beach) and the stunning sea caves nearby.

Some of the sea caves and beaches you will also be visiting are:
  • Hidden Treasure Cave
  • Heart Cave
  • Sfogio Beach
  • Poseidon Face
  • Porto Steniti




After enjoying your time on Shipwreck beach, we can visit the Taverna Xigia for a lunch stop (optional) at one of the prettiest spots on the island, high above the Ionian Sea with a stunning view amid the greenery and a local menu that will certainly whet your appetite. We’ve already reserved one of the best tables in the house for us to enjoy this sumptuous meal.


The boat will be 7 meters, just perfect to add an extra touch of luxury to your day.


Trip duration: 5 hours (3 hour cruise, transportation time 2 hours) + lunch if requested
Price for 1-8 guests: 
May-August 500 euros 
September: 350 euros
October: 300 euros
Includes: Bottled water, transportation to/from your accommodation and boat trip.
Excluded: Lunch
Maximum capacity of guests: 12 (which extra cost)


Reservations
Feel free to contact us via phone or email to book your trip now!

Telephone:+30 26950 41480 , +30 694 550 3865

E-mail: pigiplessa@gmail.com





Tags: private tour to shipwreck, excursion to Navagio by mini bus, Private tour to Shipwreck, Sfogio beach, Heart Cave, Porto Steniti beach, Poseidon face, Hidden treasure cove, Porto Vromi