Price
Sale
Share this trip with a friend
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
On board a two-masted wooden motor yacht, cruise the Ionian Islands along the west coast of Greece. From Corfu with its Venetian-style Old Town, the trip takes in the islands of Lefkas and Cephalonia. On Meganisi and Paxos, an island covered in olive trees and where time seems to have stood still, we gain an appreciation of traditional Greek island life. During the trip there is ample opportunity to explore the unique islands and coastal world by boat, kayak, bike and on foot. This family-friendly cruise offers flexibility with ample time for swimming, relaxing on the beach or on board, exploring sites and relaxing in tavernas. The level of activity each day is up to you. Our guide on board will offer advice and make suggestions and has plenty of knowledge about the fascinating history of Greece which they are always keen to share.
Read 7 reviews
More info about grading system
192kg of CO2-e PP per day
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Arrive Corfu, board boat
Make your own way to Corfu town. The boat will be moored in the harbour. Alternatively, we can arrange your transfer from the airport or hotel in Corfu to the boat - please ask for our rates. Check-in is from 2:00pm. Dinner on board and overnight in Corfu.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cruise to Paxos, short cycle to Mongonisi Bay (7km/4.5mi)
After breakfast we cast off and cruise to the olive island of Paxos. Paxos is the smallest of the seven Ionian islands, and has more olive trees than people - 32 sq km are home to over 250,000 olive trees! They cover the island in a wonderful silver-green shimmer. The natural harbour of Gaios is unique and provides a special atmosphere during our stay. In the afternoon, we take a short bike ride along the coast to Kaki Lagkada beach, where you can swim in the crystal clear Ionian Sea. The evening can be spent relaxing in a local tavern in Gaios.
Meals: B,L
Day 3
Cruise to Lefkas Island, explore lagoon and beach swim, continue to Nidri (8km/5mi)
In the morning we cruise to Lefkas Island, Lefkas City, but before arriving we anchor near Antipaxos for a swim stop from the boat. After a fairly long cruise we reach the narrow channel - spanned by a quaint swing bridge - that separates the Island of Lefkas from the mainland. After Lefkas City we start our tour around the lagoon and can enjoy a second swim at the white, sandy beach of Agios Ioannis. After returning to the boat we navigate our way to Nidri where we will spend the evening and night.
Day 4
Cycle to a waterfall, cruise to Fiskardo on Cephalonia (10km/6mi)
In the morning we cycle from Nidri through olive groves to a nearby waterfall where, with luck, we can take a refreshing swim. We'll then make our way to Fiskardo on the island of Cephalonia. This port, located at the northern tip of the island, will delight you with its colourful little houses and many cafes and bar that line the picturesque harbour-front promenade. An evening walk of approximately 30 minutes takes us to a pretty lighthouse. Overnight in Fiskardo.
Day 5
Cycle from Sami harbour to Melissani Cave and Sami, cruise to Meganisi Island (15km/9mi)
After a short crossing by boat, we reach the harbour of Sami. We'll then cycle along the coastline to the enchanting Melissani Cave, accessible only by row boat. A visit to a donkey farm, informative and fun, is next on the agenda, before we ride to meet the boat in Sami. From here we'll cruise and take a well deserved swim! We'll continue to Meganisi, a charming island where we spend the night.
Day 6
Explore Meganisi by bike, cross to Arillas (6km/4mi)
After breakfast we have the chance to explore Meganisi on our bikes. Afterwards, a long crossing will take us to Arillas, an idyllic and peaceful place along the west coast of Greece, near Perdika on the mainland. A stroll along the sandy beach or a swim around the boat rounds off the day. We spend the night in Arillas.
Day 7
Cycle to the monastery of Agios Athanasios, cross back to Corfu (12km/8mi)
In the morning, our bike tour leads us along remote streets under the shade of old olive trees, through a national park and along a little river until we reach the monastery of Agios Athanasios, which we visit. Our boat awaits us for our last crossing back to Corfu. Here we can enjoy a celebratory evening meal and reflect on our wonderful adventures this week.
Meals: B,D
Day 8
Trip concludes
Disembark after breakfast on board, around 9am, and the trip concludes.
Meals: B
Transfer to your hotel, remainder of day at leisure
A 3 day extension to experience all the delights of Corfu town and surrounds. This extension includes:- • 2 nights’ accommodation in Corfu Town with breakfast (choice of 3-star or 4-star hotel, booking subject to availability) • Taxi transfers between Corfu Airport/Corfu Port and hotel at the beginning and end of the extension program • Choice of one activity: Guided culinary-cultural city tour, kayak tour along the east coast, or sunset hike along the west coast (all tours are guided exclusively in English) • Information booklet on active leisure activities on Corfu On arrival at the port or airport, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Meals: Nil
Choice of one included activity
Choose one of the following three activities (included in the tour price) Culinary Tour of Corfu Town On this 3-hour tour, you explore the UNESCO-protected old town of Corfu from a different and delicious perspective! Your knowledgeable guide leads you through the town to prominent buildings and beautiful lookout points. Along the way you make a number of stops as your guide introduces you to the island’s many culinary delights. Look forward to sampling fig cake, traditional meze and ouzo, Greek yoghurt with candied fruit, olive oil, honey, and much more! An all-round delightful and delicious experience is guaranteed. Kayak Tour along Corfu’s East Coast (only available mid-June until end-September) Corfu is well-known for its small beaches and crystal-clear waters. This guided kayak tour is the best way to discover a few of the secluded bays along the east coast. This active excursion is a nature-friendly way to discover the island’s beautiful coastal landscape. Your professional kayak guide will hold a safety briefing and show the most energy-efficient paddling techniques before the tour begins. Along the way, you have the opportunity to swim and relax under the warmth of the sun. Transfers between your accommodation and the start/end point of the tour are included in the tour package. Sunset Hike along Corfu’s West Coast The landscape on the west coast of Corfu is particularly stunning. Its steep cliffs, sprawling olive groves, and Byzantine forts are just a few of the scenic wonders you will encounter on this 4-hour hike. Enjoy the singularly spectacular nature and magnificent spectacle of colours on display as the sun sinks into the sea. Your guide leads the way along mostly easy paths and shares a wealth of interesting stories about the island along the way. Transfers between your accommodation and the start/end point of the tour are included in the tour package. Note: Are you having a hard time choosing and would prefer to take part in several activities? No problem! You are more than welcome to add one of these activities for an additional cost.
Extension concludes
Transfer from hotel to the port or airport is included after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
Below Deck Cabins
There are 7 cabins below deck. All equipped with French beds (double). Two of them offer a bunk bed above the French bed and another two cabins offer a ground-level bed just next to the double. The functional bathrooms are also equipped with an all-in-one shower, washbasin and toilet .
Above Deck Cabins
There are four cabins above deck, which have doors that open outwards, so fresh air can be provided at any time. They each have a French bed with a single bunk above - so they can be occupied by three people. Attached bathrooms are equipped with all-in-one showers, washbasin and toilet.
During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed bike with hand brakes. You will be provided with a pannier to carry your gear during the day. The bikes do not have water bottle holders. Helmets are not supplied but are mandatory on all bike tours - you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability.
An electric bike option is available for this trip. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes that they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capability.
A child bike is available on this trip, suitable for girls and boys of at least 130cm. With 21 gears and a sporty frame size (30cm), they offer plenty of biking fun but also a high level of safety.
GRADE 1 - This tour is suitable for families and does not require any special fitness. The walks and cycles run along good routes, some of which are asphalted, and are not very demanding and allow time for other activities. If some activities require more physical fitness the guide will point this out beforehand. Helmet use is mandatory on all bike rides and you are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.