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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
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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.
This tour is primarily designed as a guided group tour. After prior consultation with our tour guides and selection of a suitable route, nothing stands in the way of individual cycling. During the daily program briefings, your tour guides will explain everything you need to know about the next day's stage. If you prefer to cycle alone rather than with a group, you can cycle the tours independently and at your own pace. For orientation, we provide you with access to the free RideWithGPS route app for your smartphone, a detailed cycle map and GPS tracks. Your guides cycle the same route as you. They are therefore close by and can be contacted by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions. Instead of a bike tour, you can also opt for a half or full day of swimming on the boat.
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)
18.04. – 25.04.2025 - 1,899 euro
25.04. – 02.05.2025 - 1,899 euro
02.05. – 09.05.2025 - 1,999 euro
09.05. – 16.05.2025 - 2,099 euro
16.05. – 23.05.2025 - 1,999 euro
23.05. – 30.05.2025 - 2,099 euro
30.05. – 06.06.2025 - 2,199 euro
06.06. – 13.06.2025 - 2,199 euro
13.06. – 20.06.2025 - 2,099 euro
20.06. – 27.06.2025 - 2,099 euro
27.06. – 04.07.2025- 2,199 euro
04.07. – 11.07.2025 - 2,199 euro
11.07. – 18.07.2025 - 2,099 euro
18.07. – 25.07.2025 - 1,999 euro
15.08. – 22.08.2025 - 1,999 euro
22.08. – 29.08.2025 - 2,199 euro
29.08. – 05.09.2025 - 2,199 euro
05.09. – 12.09.2025 - 2,099 euro
12.09. – 19.09.2025 - 2,099 euro
19.09. – 26.09.2025 - 2,199 euro
26.09. – 03.10.2025 - 2,199 euro
03.10. – 10.10.2025 - 1,999 euro
10.10. – 17.10.2025 - 1,999 euro
17.10. – 24.10.2025 - 1,999 euro
24.10. – 31.10.2025 - 1,899 euro
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
• Drinking water 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 an above deck cabin: 350 euro/person
• Double cabin for single use below deck, surcharge: 50% on the tour base price (limited)
• Double cabin for single use above deck, surcharge: 50% (tour base price + above deck surcharge x 1.5) (limited)
• Special dietary requests (lactose free / gluten free / vegan), surcharge: 70 euro (must be communicated in advance, payment on board)
• Rental bike with Ortlieb pannier: hybrid bicycle: 80 euro/week; e-bike: 245 euro/week
• Limited liability protection for rental bikes (theft and damage): hybrid bicycle, rental trailer bike or children’s seat: 20 euro/week; e-bike: 30 euro/week (not covered: grossly negligent damage)
• Collective transfer (available on embarkation/disembarkation days only):
between Corfu airport and the boat respectively between boat and a hotel in Corfu city
• Additional customized transfers
• Additional nights on Corfu Island
• 3-day extension module Corfu; available only post tour (incl. transfers: Airport – Hotel + Hotel - boat, 2 nights in a 3 or 4 star hotel, 1 guided tour of your choice: either culinary & cultural Corfu town walking tour or kayak tour on Corfu’s east coast or sunset hike on Corfu’s west coast, brochure on further recommended activities on Corfu): 3* Hotel: 530 euro/person in a double room; 610 euro/person in a single room; 4* Hotel: 660 euro/person in a double room; 850 euro/person in a single room
Price reduction
• With three persons sharing a cabin (limited availability), we offer a 200 euro discount per person (not combinable with other discounts).
• Children up to the age of 16 receive a discount of 200 euro on the tour base price (double occupancy, not combinable with other discounts). When travelling with children, we recommend our Multi-Adventure Tours in Greece and Croatia which are specifically curated for families and offer family-friendly pricing.
Bikes
Rental bike with Ortlieb pannier
Hybrid Bikes
Price: 80 Euro/week
E-Bikes
Price: 245 Euro/week (limited)
● Limited liability protection for rental bikes (theft and damage): hybrid bicycle, rental trailer bike or children’s seat: 20 euro/week; e-bike: 30 euro/week (not covered: grossly negligent damage)
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.
Requirement to wear a helmet
Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required).
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 with a good physical condition and previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 10 are able to master the cycle tours with their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.20 m (3.9 ft.) for hybrid bikes and 1.50 m (5ft.) for e-bikes. When travelling with children, we recommend our Multi-Adventure Tours in Greece and Croatia which are specifically curated for families and offer family-friendly pricing.
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.
Booking
