4
moderate to challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights boat
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£2290GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: IIB

Trip highlights

  • Cycling in the Ionian islands with captivating scenery
  • Exploring the small towns and villages en route
  • Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable sailing boat

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.

Countries:

Greece

Starting Point:

Corfu

Finishing Point:

Corfu or Athens

Expand all | Collapse all

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

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

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!

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

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

Disembark after breakfast on board around 9am and individual departure.

Meals:  B

Expand all | Collapse all

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

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,D

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches*, 2 dinners (does not include drinks). The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the meals. *Note that the included lunches and dinners may be swapped, your tour guide will inform you locally when these will be included.
  • 7 nights accommodation in a twin cabin below deck with private bathroom (supplement applies for above deck or single cabin). The compact cabins have a double bed or a double bed with additional single bunk bed. Excellent discounts apply to a third person sharing a triple cabin, with a configuration of a French bed (quite cosy for two people as it is a little smaller than a double) and a single bunk bed above. Note that the lower deck cabins by their very nature will be marginally noisier and less ventilated due to their proximity to the engine and working part of the boat.
  • 21 speed hybrid bike rental with pannier (electric bikes available on request - a supplement applies - limited supplies). The guides will carry bike locks for the group when cycling, or individual locks can be provided on request if you decide to bike alone (limited supply).
  • Bottled water on board and during all activities ashore
  • Guided cycling tours on the islands and mainland
  • Experienced crew of 4 including English speaking tour guide
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Entries to museums and archeological sites for group visits
  • Information pack including overview maps per cabin

  • Travel to and from Corfu
  • Transfer from Corfu airport or hotel to the boat on embarkation and disembarkation days - reservation on request for an additional cost, ask our office for details
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks onboard
  • Special diets including lactose free / gluten free / vegan require payment of a supplement of 70 euro - must be requested in advance and paid on board.
  • Upgrade to a cabin on deck or single cabin – supplement applies, please ask our office for details
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • Helmets - 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
  • Tips for the guide and crew
  • Optional Bicyle insurance - payable in cash locally. EUR20 per person for trekking bike, EUR30 per person for electric bike. Please note that normal travel insurance often does not cover loss or damage to rental bikes. If you do not take out bike insurance you will need to pay for the cost of the bike or repair of damages.
  • The boat does not offer a Wifi connection. If you need to connect during the tour we recommend taking your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar in the harbour as free wifi is available almost everywhere on purchase of something to eat or drink.
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins

Panagiota

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 gorund-level bed just next to the double. The functional bathrooms are also equipped with an all-in-one shower, washbasin and toilet .

Panagiota

Above Deck Cabins

There are four cabins above deck, whcih 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.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

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.

Electric Bike

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.

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

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.

Departure dates


Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season departures: 30 May, 27 Jun, 22 Aug and 19 Sep, Mid season departures: 23 May, 20 Jun, 11 Jul, 5 and 12 Sep. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.
IT2
This is a special tour from Corfu to Athens combining the Gulf of Corinth with the Ionian Islands. Highlights are the temple of Aphaia on Aegina Island, the Isthmus of Corinth and the archaeological site of Delphi. For the detailed itinerary please see Itinerary 2
Note:
Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions.

Priceper person from

£2290GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • triple cabin reduction ppGBP£-131
  • bicycle Insurance - standard bike (pp)GBP£20
  • bicycle insurance - electric bike (pp)GBP£30
  • e-bike supplementGBP£170
  • deck level twin cabin supplementGBP£310
  • deck level single cabin additional supplementGBP£460
  • 3 day extension in Corfu - 3 star double room ppGBP£480
  • Single cabin supplement below deck - low seasonGBP£880
  • Single cabin supplement below deck - mid seasonGBP£1000
  • Single cabin supplement below deck - high seasonGBP£1190
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Cycle the Greek Islands on a Bike and Boat | UTracks Active Travel