Descend into the Omala Valley to visit Kefalonia's patron saint monastery and then taste the island's legendary Robola white wine at its source — a deeply local, sensory experience that few cruise visitors ever discover.
What to expect
The ornate Monastery of St. Gerasimos, Kefalonia's most venerated religious site, is a place of genuine pilgrimage — your guide explains the island's deep spiritual traditions and the extraordinary annual festival that draws thousands. From there, the valley road leads to the Robola Cooperative Winery, where the crisp, mineral-driven Robola grape thrives at altitude in the rocky Ainos foothills. A guided tasting of the estate's flagship whites — with local cheese and honey accompaniments — is a refined, unhurried hour that any serious food-and-wine traveller will treasure. The drive back through the cedar-scented Ainos National Park is a bonus.
Good to know
Book directly at unexplored.gr and request the private cultural and wine itinerary. The monastery requires shoulders and knees to be covered — bring a wrap. Robola Cooperative (robola-kefalonia.gr) is open daily in summer; your guide manages access and tasting arrangements. Half-day format fits neatly into a port day, leaving afternoon time for Argostoli's harbourfront.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Kefalonia — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.