MENU
Ionian Islands
Odysseus’ Homeland from/to Corfu
Greece
8 Days/7 Nights, approx. 175 km
Level 2 - 3
Participants require a relatively high level of fitness for this tour. The daily routes vary in length 12 - 25 mi/20 - 40 km and lead through hilly or mountainous terrain. The tours can be completed without any time-constraints. The cycle tours range between a total of 1,000 – 2,970 ft./300 - 600 m of elevation. There are also some extended climbs where walking your bicycle is of course permitted. Most of the roads are asphalted and rarely frequented. Your tour guide will inform you each day about the tour details. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.
Off the west coast of Greece on the Ionian Islands, Greece shows her greenest side. Untouched nature, the clear blue, shimmering Ionian Sea, and centuries of Venetian influence dominate the the Ionian Islands archipelago.
Our bike & boat Ionian Islands tour starts on Corfu, the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Sissi, and leads to spectacular regions little known outside of Greece.
We discover the famous island of Ithaca, said to have been the home of Odysseus, the unforgettable green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, and explore the fantastic mountain world of Cephalonia and the beautiful olive groves that cover the small island of Paxos.
Enjoy your week in absolute comfort on board the wooden motor yacht and let yourself be spoilt by the excellent Greek hospitality and cuisine!
Highlights of the tour
Culture: Ithaca, the home of Odysseus
Nature: The impressive mountain road with a view onto Myrtos beach
Activity: A visit to Melissani cave on Kefalonia
Culinary: Kleftiko - lamb and rice noodles in the clay pot - is one of the specialties of the Ionian Islands
Souvenir: Olive oil and soap from Paxos
Itinerary
Day 1 - Corfu (Embarkation)Individual arrival by plane and transfer to the ship. Check in on the Panagiota is possible from 2 pm onwards. Dinner on board and overnight stay on Corfu. |
Day 2 - Island Corfu – Sivota – Parga – Island Lefkas (aprx. 18 mi./28 km)Cast off! In the morning we cross over to Sivota on the Greek mainland, where we head off on our first cycling tour. Our first cycle leads us to Parga, a coastal town beautifully situated below a Venetian fortress that towers over the old town. Here the boat awaits us for a longer sail to Nidri on Lefkas Island. On our way we pass a floating swing-bridge which connects Lefkas with the Greek mainland. We spend the night in the lively harbour of Nidri. |
Day 3 - Island Lefkas (aprx. 21 mi./35 km)After breakfast we start with a short tour to a waterfall near Nidri. With a bit of luck, the water will be deep enough for us to enjoy a refreshing swim. Afterwards we continue along quiet roads over the hills to the picturesque harbour town of Sivota. Here we board the boat and cruise to Fiskardo on the island of Cephalonia. Situated on the northern tip of the island, the harbour town enchants with its colourful houses and many cafes and bars that line the lively waterfront promenade. |
Day 4 - Island Cephalonia (aprx. 25 mi./39 km)We leave Fiskardo by bike and climb an impressive mountain road on the west coast of Kefalonia. Along the way we are rewarded with awe inspiring views over the Assos peninsula and the famous Myrtos beach. After the climb we turn inland and cross the island. Shortly before the end of the bike tour we hop onto a small rowboat to visit the Melissani stalactite cave. Here we have plenty of time marvel at the incredible blue tones created by the unique cave formations, the sun, and water. In Sami, the boat welcomes us back on board and sets off for Vathy on Ithaca. |
Day 5 - Islands of Ithaca (aprx. 13 or 17 mi/20 or 28 km)In the morning, we head out on a bike tour on the Ithaca Island. This hilly island with its spectacular scenery is said to have been home of the mythical king Odysseus. We start today’s tour in Vathy, and during the ride we get to enjoy the special character of the Ionian Islands off beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. You can decide yourself whether you are up for the challenge of a real hill climb or if you would prefer to enjoy the leisurely alternative: a panoramic ride that climbs only to half the height. The Panagiota awaits our arrival in Frikes before setting off to the small island of Meganisi. |
Day 6 - Islands of Meganisi and Paxos (aprx. 13 mi/20 km)In the morning we explore the tiny island of Meganisi by bike. The panoramic tour leads along secluded roads and the island’s three villages. These small hamlet gives us a good impression of traditional Greek island life. At Spartochori beach there is time to enjoy a coffee, and a swim in the sea. In the afternoon, we sail to Paxos Island, whose unique natural harbour in Gaios exudes a special island atmosphere. We can spend the evening in one of Gaios’ cosy taverns. |
Day 7 - Islands of Paxos and Corfu (aprx. 14 mi./23 km)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. Our morning 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. In the afternoon, the Panagiota takes us 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. |
Day 8 - Corfu (Disembarkation)After breakfast, check-out and individual return home or extended stay in Greece. |
Map and profile
 |
The cycle routes require an advanced level of fitness from the participants. The daily routes have a length of 12 – 25 mi/20 – 40 km. They lead through hilly or mountainous areas and will be completed without any time-constraints. The cycle tours will take us up to 1,000 – 2,970 ft./300 – 600 m of elevation. There are also some extended climbs where walking your bicycle is of course permitted. Most of the roads are asphalted and rarely frequented.
Your tour guide informs you each day about the tour details. This tour is primarily a guided group tour. Upon consultation with your tour guides, the possibility to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes, may present itself.
Boat
MS Panagiota (Komfort)
At 23 x 6 m the Panagiota is an affectionately restored wooden motor yacht, which represents the classic boat type of the Kaïkis. With a warm „Welcome on board“, the captain and his crew invite their guests on board. A noble teakwood deck, a comfortably decorated salon surrounded by colourful glass paintings, convenient sitting areas on the entire ship and the cushioned mats on the sundeck facilitate a homely comfort. The 10 guest cabins are stylishly furnished and named after Greek islands; all air conditioned and fitted with shower and WC.
Tour Price / Dates
Base tour price per person (in a twin cabin below deck)
1990 EUR
April:
12.4.-19.4. 2024
19.4.-26.4. 2024
26.4.-3.5. 2024
May:
3.5.-10.5. 2024
10.5.-17.5. 2024
31.5.-7.6. 2024
June:
7.6.-14.6. 2024
21.6.-28.6. 2024
July:
12.7.-19.7. 2024
19.7.-26.7. 2024
August:
30.8.-6.9. 2024
September:
6.9.-13.9. 2024
13.9.-20.9. 2024
October:
4.10.-11.10. 2024
11.10.-18.10. 2024
Included / Not included
Included
• 8-day trip on a motorized yacht with crew
• 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
• 2 x full-board and 5 x half-board on board
• Bottled mineral water on board and during all activities ashore
• Guided bicycle tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
• Overview maps for the daily bike tours (on board)
• Entrance fee to museums and archaeological sites (group visit only)
• Bed linen and towels
• English-speaking tour guide
NOT Included
• Journey to Corfu
• Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
• Meals and beverages ashore
• Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price
• Beach towel for ashore use (if needed)
• Tips for tour guides and crew
Optional services (on request)
• Shared twin cabin (limited)
• Surcharge for a cabin above deck: 200 Euro/person
• Surcharge for a double cabin for single use below deck: 500 Euro (limited)
• Surcharge for a double cabin for single use above deck: 700 Euro (limited)
• Rental bike with Ortlieb pannier: hybrid bicycle: 80 Euro/week; e-bike: 200 Euro/week (limited)
• Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike: hybrid bicycle: 10 Euro/week; e-bike: 20 Euro/week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)
• Transfer between Corfu airport or a hotel in Corfu city and the boat (available on embarkation/disembarkation days only): price on request
• Exclusive transfers
• Additional nights on Corfu Island - price on request
Price reduction
• With three persons sharing a cabin, we allow a 50 % discount on the basic tour price for the third person, regardless of age. When booking the above-deck cabin, the above-deck surcharge will not be charged for the third occupant.
• Children up to age 16 receive a 25 % discount on the basic tour price (does not apply for single occupancies).
Good to know
Language
Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.
Time zone
Please note that Greece is on Eastern European (Summer) time, i.e. GM(S)T + 2 hours.
Itinerary changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements.
Group riding pace & Helmet use
On our regular cycling tours the riding pace is determined by the cyclists on regular bicycles. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that also the regular cyclists need time to rest and longer to climb the hills. Thank you for your understanding.
Helmet use is mandatory on all bike rides. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Rental helmets are available on board in limited number (reservation requested).
Internet availability
The Panagiota does not offer a WiFi connection. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend to take your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbour. Free WiFi is on offer almost everywhere. If you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the WiFi to your hearts Content.
Bringing children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the cycle tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30 m (4.3 ft.) for hybrid bikes.
Catering
The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.
Bikes
Hybrid Bikes
Price: 80 Euro/week
Those choosing to rent a hybrid bike will receive a reliable, low maintenance, aluminum frame bike in the suitable size. Our hybrid bikes are equipped with 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. All components are selected based on our twenty years of experience in bike tourism, insuring that they fulfill the necessary criteria to provide the rider with an uncompromised cycle experience.These high-quality hybrid bikes are rented for 80 euro pe
E-Bikes
Price: 200 Euro/week (limited)
Clients who wish to be supported by a tail-wind and seek to hire an e-bike will receive a high-quality pedelec, powered mainly by a Bosch motor capable of covering long distances, and characterized by their light weight and great components. Alternative drive systems may also be used. Standard components of our e-bikes in varying frame sizes include, 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. With our e-bikes you will conquer the hills with a smile, they are a true declaration of independence for all who wish to cycle and seek the support of a little push.These high-quality hybrid bikes are rented for 180 euro per week. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance.
Bringing private bikes & EXCLUSION of private E-BIKES
The tour which you have booked requires a bike with a fully functional set of gears. Islandhopping can offer you high quality, fully serviced rental bikes perfect for the terrain of this tour.
Should you however wish to bring your own hybrid or MTB with you, please make sure to check the condition of your breaks, gears, and tires and don’t forget to bring along a puncture repair kit and the essential spare parts for your bike (e.g. brake pads and tubes). Your bike should be in prefect mechanical working order.
We do not allow private e-bikes on board of our boats. This decision has been made due to health and safety regulations. If you wish to ride an e-bike for the duration of your tour, please get in touch with us about the rental options.
We do not recommend bringing along private road bikes, as the thin tires are not suitable for some of the road surfaces encountered on the tours.
Liability disclaimer: Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH. Will not be held liable for any damages caused to private bikes during loading, unloading or other logisitical handling thereof.
Booking
