Half-day sea kayaking tour in Zante

Secret Zante Tour with Monastery, Blue Caves and Local Speciality Tastings

It's easy to see why the Venetians called Zante the ‘Flower of the East'. This exclusive tour takes in some of the island's prettiest villages and the remote Anafonitria monastery, too. And that's not all. There'll also be local wine and sweets to taste, plus a short boat trip to the Blue Caves – one of the deepest points in the Mediterranean.

Zante tour with Blue Caves boat trip and wine tasting

Timeless villages, wow-factor views and a coastal classic. This small group tour offers a snapshot of Zante's best bits. And if that wasn't enough, you'll get to try local olive oil and wine. Bianca, one of our local guides, says, ‘You get to discover those hard-to-reach places that are a relic of the past – the Skinari windmills, the narrow lanes of Volimes. Even after all these years on the island, I still feel a frisson when I see them.' And to top it off, this tour has a later starting time, meaning you won't miss out on your beauty sleep.We kick off with a tour and tasting at a family-run winery in Kallipado. For generations, it has produced wines made from local grape varieties such as robola and Pavlos. Next is a drive up the east coast with a photo stop at a famous beach. At Cape Skinari, drop in for homemade apple pie and a hot drink at the lighthouse and take some snaps of windmills before hopping aboard a boat for a trip to the Blue Caves. These sea arches have been carved by waves into white cliffs over millennia. And weather permitting, you'll get to dive in for a swim.Back on dry land, you'll enjoy a scenic drive through villages like Volimes and Anafonitria , as we head to Exo Chora. Here, there'll be a stop for a photo of a 2,000-year-old olive tree and a visit to a local cosmetics factory to see how olive oil products are made using the island's own produce, before rounding off the tour with a meal in a local taverna. And if you're a TUI Blue guest, you'll head to an exclusive restaurant in Agalas. Amidst the backdrop of Insta-worthy landscapes, toast to the days adventures and taste the flavours of Greece with some snacks washed down with wine.

Zante St Dennis Festival Experiences

Street food, lively processions, fireworks and marching bands – the feast day of St Dennis is Zante's biggest event of the year. And you can enjoy the best views on this evening tour. See the procession of priests in their finest robes and then mingle with the locals in the festival bazaar. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘The celebration of our patron Saint Dennis – known as Dionysus locally – is the most important event in every Zakynthian's diary. A highlight of mine is seeing the town in all its festive finery as we weave through the bazaar.'To commemorate the island's patron saint, the whole of Zante comes out to celebrate on the 24th of August. You'll get to join in the festivities, heading into Zante town late afternoon. Take your spot in the crowd to watch the procession first, before a chance to mingle with the locals at the food stalls and bazaar. Maria says, ‘There'll be plenty of local delicacies on offer, including traditional sweet treats, roasted chestnuts, and my favourite – loukoumades – a typical Greek donut drenched in honey.'And for those who book the boat trip option, the best is yet to come. As the night starts to draw in, sip on a glass of wine and kick back while you cast out and cruise around the harbour. It's the ideal viewpoint for the fireworks display, so relax and enjoy front-row seats to the dazzling cityscape, wrapping up the evening's magic. Snap up those last pics before heading back to dry land, where the bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Greek food and live music evening at Popolaros Taverna

Good food and good fun are on the menu at Popolaros Greek Taverna. Get in the holiday mood with this classic Greek evening – you'll try lots of typical local dishes, carefully prepared by Giorgios and his team. As the sun sets over the island, the candles are lit and the actors take to the stage. The sound of the bouzouki fills the air, and you find yourself tapping your feet to the rhythm. Dmitri, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Why not try dancing the zeibekiko traditional Greek dance? You follow the rhythm as the tempo gets faster and faster.'The evening begins with a transfer to the inviting taverna, where you can indulge in the traditional cuisine of Zante, prepared where possible with produce fresh from the family's own farm. Homemade bread is made from their own wheat, and most of the meat is reared on the farm, too. Organic vegetables are grown by the family for salads and sides, and you'll even get unlimited wine to sip on.Dmitri says, ‘My memories of family gatherings, holidays and special occasions all involve my mother, aunts and grannies baking. Frigania in summer, raisin and walnut-stuffed buns at Christmas and, all year-round, wood-fired oven-baked bread.' Popolaros is a traditional taverna where every dish is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of Greece. As you finish your meal, sit back and enjoy a performance of local theatre with infectious Zakynthian music.

Zakynthos Town Transfer

Exploring Zante's capital is effortless with this transfer. You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken directly into the city, where the evening is then yours to do as you wish – be it shopping, sightseeing or tasting local delicacies. There are loads to see and do.You'll have around four hours in the evening to discover the delights that Zakynthos Town has to offer. If you fancy a spot of souvenir shopping, then you'll be able to dip in and out of local boutiques, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the seafront Strada Marina, stopping for the odd aperitif or two.But if history and culture feature high on your agenda, then you've got museums and the famed Bohali Castle for sweeping views. Venetian-style architecture is abundant in the city, and Solomos Square is where you'll find both locals and visitors hanging out and watching the world go by. Enjoy the city as you want without the constraints of an itinerary, and soak up its magical atmosphere.

Captain Corelli's Kefalonia Tour

Mystical mountains, verdant valleys, secluded coves and azure waters that glitter in the sunlight. Kefalonia is a beauty. Take the ferry across from Zante for the day and then hop on a coach for a tour of the island's most picturesque spots, including Melissani Cave and Myrtos Bay.Just north of Zante, Kefalonia is an island that's big on beauty. You'll cruise over, watching the mountains and cliffs rise high from the sea to Pessada harbour. Your first stop is Drogarati Cave, where you'll step inside a vast cavern and be dazzled by the numerous stalactites and stalagmites. We'll continue to Lake Melissani for a boat trip across this underground lagoon with aquamarine waters that glisten in the sun.Next, we'll head to the seaside village of Agia Efimia. Here, you'll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, there's a photo stop at Myrtos Bay – a famous filming spot from Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Rounding off the trip is some free time in Argostoli, the island's capital.

Zante Villages, Beach & Monastery 4x4 Tour

Only off-roaders are tough enough to take you on this tour. Hit the road in a 4x4 and travel through Zante's top-class countryside to explore tiny villages, time-worn towns and the monasteries of Yperagathos and Agios Georgios. After free time for lunch, it's time to relax on the remote Makri Gialos beach for free time to sunbathe and swim. There's also a sunset option, with Makri Gialos, Agios Georgios monastery, wine tasting in Exo Hora and free time in Kampi for dinner and sunset.

Rent your own private boat in South Zante

Sail the south coast aboard your own private speedboat. If you fancy playing skipper for the day, you'll be in charge of your own boat, no licence or experience required. Before you set off, staff will give you a safety briefing, show you the ropes, and help you set a course. Cruise by Keri Caves, do a spot of wildlife-watching at Marathonisi Island or stop by the incredibly Instagrammable Mizithres beach – the choice is yours.

Watersports and beach fun at St Nick's Beach

Zante is haloed by great beaches – but St Nick's gets top billing. Located at the east of the Vasilikos peninsula, it's one of the island's most popular bathing spots. And with good reason. Not only is it the place to see and be seen, it is overlooked by a gorgeous little white church.You'll head to this prime spot in Vasilikos – one of the most beautiful parts of Zante – for a day of fun and relaxation on the beach. Your sunlounger and parasol are included in the price, along with a tasty barbecue buffet for lunch. Either lie back and enjoy the scenery or take to the sea for a swim. Or if you're a bit more adventurous, there's a complimentary banana boat ride. St Nick's is famed for its water sports offering and there's a discount for our guests. And make sure to head over to the dinky white church on a hillock at the top of the beach – it's made for selfies.

Zante luxury beach-hopping cruise

Beach hopping in Zante has never been more fun. This luxury cruise along the island's southern coast takes you far from the bustling towns and out into the crystal-clear Ionian Sea. As we set sail, you'll soak in panoramic views of Zakynthos town, the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and exploration.Your first stop is the stunning Vassilikos area, where you can dive into crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim. Next, we'll cruise to Marathonisi Island, an iconic turtle nesting spot where you'll snap some frame-worthy pics before heading to the Keri Caves for a bit of adventure and exploration.The final stop is Misitres Beach, a secluded gem famous for its striking white rocks and turquoise waters. With plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the cool sea breeze, this cruise is pure relaxation. Snacks and drinks are served onboard, so all you have to do is kick back and enjoy.