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In the Ionian sea off the west coast of Greece and beyond the southern tip of the Peloponnese lie the idyllic Ionian Islands, the perfect setting for a cruising and cycling adventure. Travelling from Corfu, this journey leads you to some of the less visited regions in Greece. Discover the famous island of Ithaca, said to have been the home of Odysseus, the unforgettable green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, mountainous Kefalonia, and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. Cruising from island to island, we'll spend plenty of time ashore exploring fishing villages and historic sites by bike or just relaxing and enjoying the authentic Greek hospitality.
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192kg of CO2-e PP per day
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Day 1
Board boat in Corfu
Make your own way to Corfu town. The boat will be moored in the harbour or a nearby marina. We can arrange a transfer from the airport or hotel in Corfu to the boat (recommended) - please ask for our rates. Check-in from 2:00pm and there is a group dinner in the evening onboard. Overnight in Corfu.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cycle to Parga, cruise to Nidri on Lefkas island (28km/17.5mi)
In the morning we cross over to Sivota on the mainland for our first cycle tour. We cycle to and visit Parga, with its medieval fort overlooking the pretty old town. From here we cruise to Nidri on the island of Lefkas which is connected to the Greek mainland with an original swing-bridge. We spend the night in the beautiful and lively harbour of Nidri.
Meals: B,L
Day 3
Discover Lefkas Island by bike, cruise to Fiskardo on Kefalonia (35km/21mi)
After breakfast we cycle to a waterfall near Nidri and if we are lucky there will be enough water for a swim. Afterwards we'll continue along quiet roads through the hills via Sivros to the harbour of Sivota (on Lefkas). Here we'll board the boat and cruise to Fiskardo on the island of Kefalonia, where we will spend the night. This harbour town on the northern point of the island charms visitors with its colourful houses and numerous cafes and bars along the picturesque harbour promenade. You should definitely try the local Robola wine!
Day 4
Cycle to Sami via Melissani caves, cruise to Vathy on Ithaca Island (40km/25mi)
After breakfast we will leave Fiskardo by bike and climb an impressive mountain road on the west coast of Kefalonia, from which there are awe-inspiring views over the Assos peninsula and the famous Myrtos beach. We'll then turn inland and cross the island. Shortly before the end of the tour we'll visit the Melissani stalactite cave on board a small row boat and marvel at the incredible blue tones created by the cave formations, sun and water. The ship will await us in Sami and we'll set off to Vathy on Ithaca, where we'll spend the night.
Day 5
Cycle on the island of Ithaca, cruise to Meganisi (20 or 28km/13 or 17mi)
In the morning we cycle on the Ithaca Island. The homeland of the mythical king Odysseus is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. On today’s cycle route we can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands away from the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. Decide for yourself whether you are up for the challenge of a true hill climb, or would prefer the leisurely alternative of a panoramic ride at half the height. The boat will await our arrival in Frikes before setting off to the small island of Meganisi.
Day 6
Cycling on the islands of Meganisi and Paxos (17km/10mi)
Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which we explore in the morning by bicycle. The panoramic tour takes us along lonely island roads and through the three villages of the island, giving us a chance to see the traditional island life of the Greeks first hand. At Spartochori beach we can enjoy a coffee and a swim in the sea. In the afternoon we sail to Paxos Island, whose unique natural harbour in Gaios creates a special island atmosphere. We can spend the evening in one of the cozy taverns of Gaios.
Day 7
Explore the Island of Paxos, cruise to Corfu (24km/15mi)
Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver-green color. On our cycle trip today we will circle the island. We can have a last swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. After lunch the ship will bring us back to Corfu town where we will end our journey with a last dinner on board together with the crew and tour guides.
Meals: B,D
Day 8
Trip concludes
After breakfast, disembark at around 9.00am.
Meals: B
Arrive Corfu
Cruise to Paxos (23km/15mi)
Cast off! In the morning we sail to Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands. Densely covered in olive trees, the whole island seems to glisten a wonderful silver green colour. Our morning cycle tour leads us around the whole island. There is plenty of time to enjoy a swim in the sea at one of the many beaches. Later, we can enjoy the evening in a cosy tavern in the unique natural harbour of Gaios! Overnight stay on Paxos.
Cross to Lefkas island, cycle to the lively harbour of Nidri (30km/19mi)
Our day begins with a longer sail to the town of Lefkas. During the crossing we pass by the original swing bridge which connects the island of Lefkas to the Greek mainland. Today’s tour leads us across the island’s fascinating mountain landscape to the lively harbour of Nidri. The island of Skorpios, once the private haven of shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, can be seen from the mooring. The night is spent in Nidri.
Cross to Ithaca and cycle on the island then cruise to the Corinthian Gulf (17 or 28km/12 or 20mi)
Early in the morning we cruise to the island of Ithaca for our day’s bike tour. This hilly island with its spectacular scenery is said to have been home of the mythical king Odysseus. During the ride we'll enjoy the special character of the off-beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders. Time appears to stand still on Ithaca. We then board the boat once more for a longer sail to Mesolongi in the Corinthian Gulf, where we spend the night. Mesolongi lagoon is the largest in Greece. It has a beautiful park with rich flora and fauna, very valuable to the ecosystem where lots of species of fish live as well as birds.
Visit Nafpaktos and Delphi by bus
A transfer bus takes us in the morning to the medieval town of Nafpaktos, where there's time for a short stroll through the enchanting old town with its Venetian harbour and fortifications. Afterwards, the journey continues to the famous site of Delphi at the foot of the Parnassos Mountains. In Delphi, the god of light, Apollo, was once worshipped and the Oracle was consulted. The many beautiful temples & treasure houses, the well-preserved theatre & stadium, but particularly the breath-taking hillside location of the sanctuary make a visit to the Delphi an unforgettable experience. Afterwards we transfer to the picturesque port of Galaxidi, where we spend the night. For those would are interested, you can cycle to a nearby beach in the afternoon and enjoy a swim in the sea! Overnight stay in Galaxidi.
Cruise through the Corinth Canal and sail to Aegina (20km/12mi)
Today we lift anchor early and the journey continues towards the Isthmus of Corinth. The impressive passage through the Corinth Canal, which was completed in 1893 and whose construction was already planned by Julius Caesar, is one of the absolute highlights of this trip. The passage is 6.3 km long, 24 meters wide and 8 meters deep and connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth. It saves passengers from a nearly 400km long trip around the Peloponnese. From the Saronic Gulf, we set course for the island of Aegina. In the afternoon, we enjoy a coastal bike tour to the quaint fishing port of Perdika. In the evening, the old town of Aegina entices visitors to take an extended stroll.
Cycle on Aegina island (30km/19mi), cross to Athens
The island of Aegina is known beyond its borders for its pistachios. In the morning, our last bike ride from the island’s capital take us past the Monastery of Saint Nektarios and to the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia, perched high above the blue sea. Our boat waits for us in the town of Aegina for our last crossing to Athens/Piraeus, where we round off our Greek adventure with a final cosy dinner on board.
Trip concludes Athens
Arrive Athens
Individual arrival at Marina Zeas (Piraeus), Athens. Check-in from 2:00pm and there is a group dinner in the evening onboard. Overnight in Athens.
Cruise to and cycle on the island of Aegina. Overnight in Galaxidi or Corinth (35km/22mi)
In the morning we sail to Aegina, an island famous for its pistachios even beyond Greek borders. Here our first cycle tour takes us to the exceptionally well-preserved temple of Aphaia, enthroned high above the azure sea. In the afternoon, we sail through the Isthmus of Corinth, completed in 1893, though plans for its construction date back to Julius Caesar. This 3.9 mi./6.3 km long, 79 ft./24 m wide, and 26 ft./8 m deep canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth and saves travellers sailing from Athens to Corinth the 258 mi./400 km long trip around the whole Peloponnese peninsular. If weather conditions are fine, we continue sailing to Galaxidi, otherwise overnight stay in or near Corinth.
Visit to Delphi, transfer to Nafpaktos and onto Mesolngi
In the morning, a transfer shuttle collects us from Galaxidi and takes us to the famous ancient site of Delphi, which rests at the foot of the Parnassus mountain range. It was here the ancient Greeks came to worship Apollo, the god of the light, and to consult the oracle. A visit to Delphi is a truly unforgettable experience not only due to the many temples, treasuries, the well-preserved theatre, and the stadium, but also thanks to the incredible hill-side location and views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, the bus takes us to the harbour of Nafpaktos where we have time for lunch and a short stroll through the beautiful town before another short bus ride brings us to Mesolongi. The boat meets us here and we stay the night.
Cross to Ithaca , overnight Vathy (35km/21mi)
In the morning, a longer crossing takes you to Ithaca. If the weather is good, enjoy a swim break on the way before docking at the port of Vathy. In the afternoon explore the legendary Ithaca by bike. Ithaca is a mountainous, scenic island where you can enjoy the unique charm of the Ionian Islands away from the tourist crowds. Beautiful olives, deep blue sea and friendly locals – on Ithaca, time seems to have stood still. Spectacular views await you on this round trip! Overnight stay in Vathy.
Cross to Meganisi, overnight Nidri (18-28km/11-16mi)
During breakfast cross the sea to Meganisi. The bike tour takes you along a panoramic route on quiet island roads through the three villages of this lovely island and gives you a good impression of the traditional island life of the locals. At the beach of Spartochori, time for a coffee and swim break. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Nidri on Lefkas, where you have the opportunity optional) to cycle through rustic olive groves to the hidden waterfall of Nidri. Overnight stay in Nidri.
Cycle through the mountains of Lefkas, cross to Paxos (30km/19mi)
Today’s bike tour leads through the impressive mountains of Lefkas to the island capital of the same name. On the way you can enjoy spectacular views before enjoying a well-deserved coffee in the mountain village of Karia. In the town of Lefkas, the Panagiota awaits us for a longer crossing to Paxos, during which you have plenty of time to relax. You can spend the evening in one of the cozy taverns in the unique natural harbour of Gaios.
Exploring Paxos Island (23km/14mi)
Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is so densely covered in olive trees the whole island seems to glisten a wonderful silver green colour. Morning tour leads you around the whole island. There is plenty of time to enjoy a swim in the sea at one of the many beaches. In the afternoon, the Panagiota journeys to Corfu. The last evening on board concludes with a communal dinner and last get-together in a cosy atmosphere with crew, fellow travellers, and tour guides.
Trip concludes Corfu
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 is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft11in, maximum weight 140kg.
GRADE 4 - The trip requires a good level of fitness from participants, which they should have acquired from steady cycling. If you are concerned about your fitness for this tour we recommend you consider an e-bike - supplement applies. The day-tours from 23 to 39km / 14 to 25mi will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain (and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master some steep climbs (the cycle tours will have an altitude of 300-600m (1,000-2,970 ft) during which you may need to push the bike. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside the holiday seasons. Each day you can either decide to cycle alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the tour guide or other participants. It is considered suitable for active children who are experienced cyclists (minimum 10 years, height minimum is 1.4m or 4.6ft - minimum height for e-bike is 1.5m / 5ft). The cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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