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introductory

Traveller Rating

 

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

8 Days£2180GBP

Child£1390GBP*

* See below for further details.

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: GFA

Trip highlights

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

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.

Countries:

Greece

Starting Point:

Corfu

Finishing Point:

Corfu

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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 2:00 pm. Dinner on board and overnight in Corfu.

Meals:  D

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

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

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. (Cycling: approx 15km/9.5mi)

Meals:  B,L

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. (Cycling: approx 10km/6mi)

Meals:  B,L

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

Disembark after breakfast on board, around 9am, and the trip concludes.

Meals:  B

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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

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.

Meals:  B

Transfer from hotel to the port or airport is included 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 are not clearly labelled on the daily itinerary as they depend on sailing conditions on the day and from time to time we may substitute one of the lunches for a dinner or vice versa, your tour guide will inform you locally when these will be included.
  • 7 nights accommodation in a double cabin below deck with private bathroom (small supplement applies for above deck or single cabin, a discount applies for 3rd person sharing a cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you will be matched with another passenger. 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 (children's bikes available - minimum child height 130cm / 4.3ft, trailer bicycles and bike seats on request, electric bikes available on most trips for a supplement - 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).
  • Experienced crew of 4 including English speaking tour guide
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Entries to museums and archeological sites for group visits
  • Overview maps for daily cycle tours
  • Guided cycling or walking tours on the different islands
  • Bottled water on board and during all activities ashore

  • Travel to and from Corfu
  • A transfer between Corfu airport/hotel in town and the boat is available on embarkation and disembarkation days - reservation on request and a supplement applies, ask our office for details
  • Upgrade to a cabin on deck or single cabin – supplement applies, please ask our office for details
  • Drinks (except water) and meals not noted as included
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • Helmets - it is a legal requirement that you wear a helmet while cycling in Greece. You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential and only available in adult sizes), however we cannot guarantee their suitability
  • Tips for the guide and crew
  • Optional Bicycle insurance - payable in cash locally. EUR10 per person for trekking bike, EUR20 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.
  • Wifi on the boat - you should take your own portable electronic device with you each day if you wish to connect. Free wifi is usually available almost everywhere on the islands on purchase of food or a drink.
  • Optional 3-day extension in Corfu - can be taken before or after the boat trip (Includes transfers from Airport to Hotel + Hotel to boat, 2 nights in a 3 or 4 star hotel, plus the choice between a guided culinary & cultural city tour in Corfu, a sea-kayak tour on Corfu’s east coast or a sunset hike on Corfu’s west coast). Ask your consultant for details.

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 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.

Child Bike

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.

Suitability

introductory

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TRIP GRADING - INTRODUCTORY (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. 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.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Option to add 3 day extension in Corfu - see itinerary 2 and ask our office for details
Note:
Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions.

Priceper person from

Adult£2180GBP

Child£1390GBP** See right for further details.

Options & Supplements*
  • triple cabin reduction ppGBP£-131
  • bicycle Insurance - standard bike (pp)GBP£20
  • bicycle insurance - electric or mountain 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 deckGBP£840
  • child under 16 sharing twin cabin - season and cabin supplements extraGBP£1390
*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.

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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.

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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