Ionian Islands Bike & Sail
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Discover by bike and boat the Ionian Islands including Ithaca, Cephalonia and Corfu
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 sailing and cycling adventure. Whitewashed houses with blue shutters, a labyrinth of narrow streets flowing through cobblestone villages, sandy beaches and a relaxed island lifestyle attracts visitors from all over the globe. Taking in these obvious attractions, this interactive sailing and cycling adventure delves further into the interior and coastlines, exploring little known coves and impressive geological formations, ancient sites and untouched villages. Sailing from Island to Island, we'll spend plenty of time ashore exploring fishing villages and historic sites by bike or just relaxing on the secluded beaches far away from the busy resorts and enjoying authentic Greek hospitality.
Highlights
- Cycling in the Ionian islands with captivating scenery
- Exploring the small towns and villages enroute
- Swimming and snorkeling in the azure waters close to such islands as Paxos and Lefkas
- Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable sailing boat
Itinerary
Day 1 Board boat in Corfu
Individual journey to Corfu airport and collective transfer to Corfu town. Check-in from 2 pm on the Panagiota. Dinner on board. Overnight in Corfu.
Day 2 Cycle to Parga, sail to Nidri (28km)
In the morning we will crossover to your first tour on the mainland. After checking your bicycles you will cycle from Sivota to Parga, a pretty town with a medieval fort with towers situated over the old town. From there the Panagiota will make a longer cruise to bring you to Nidri on the island of Lefkas which is connected to the Greek mainland with an original swing-bridge. We will spend the night in the beautiful harbour of Nidri.
Day 3 Cycle to Sivota, swim at Porto Katsiki and overnight Fiskardo (35km)
After breakfast we will cycle to a waterfall close to Nidri. If we are lucky there will be enough water for a swim. Afterwards we will move on to the picturesque port of Sivota. After lunch we will take a swim stop at one of the most famous beaches of Greece: Porto Katsiki. Then we move on to the island Cefalonia. The ship awaits us in Fiskardo, where we will spend the night. The harbour town on the Northern point of the island charms visitors with its colorful houses and numerous cafés and bars along the picturesque harbour promenade. You should definately try the local Robola wine!
Day 4 Cycle to Sami and sail to Vathy on Ithaca with swimming enroute (39km)
After breakfast we will leave Fiskardo to reach the high road of the western coast of the island, where we will have lots of unforgettable views like the panoramic view down to Myrtos beach. There will be enough time to enjoy a beach visit. At the end of today’s tour we will visit the stalactite and stalagmite caves of Melissani which can only be viewed in row boats. The ship awaits us in Sami to move on to Vathy on Ithaca.
Day 5 Discover Ithaca by bike then sail to the tiny island of Meganisi (21km & 13km)
In the morning we will discover Ithaca by bicycle. The homeland of the mythical King Odysseus is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. We can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands here away from the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. In Frikes the Panagiota will be waiting to bring us to Meganisi, a tiny island with lots of charm which we will explore in no time by bike. During the cross over the captain will take an extra sail around the island Skorpios, belonging to the granddaughter Athina of the famous shipping company owner Onassis. Overnight in Vathy.
Day 6 Cross to the mainland and cycle to Lefkas, sail to Paxos (49km)
Early in the morning we will cross over to Mytikas. From there our cycle tour will lead us across the Greek mainland to Lefkas town. We will ride on panoramic roads, passing some mountain villages and further on along the coast. In Lefkas we will meet the ship and move on to Paxos whose unique natural harbor creates a special island atmosphere. Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver green color. We can spend the evening in a cozy tavern in Gaios.
Day 7 Cycle around Paxos before sailing to Corfu (23km)
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 we will circle the island. We can have a swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. After lunch the Panagiota will bring you back to Corfu town where you will have dinner on board. After dinner we can round off our journey in the atmospheric old town.
Day 8 Trip concludes
Disembark after breakfast on board followed by individual departure.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners (does not include drinks) The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the meals.
- 7 nights accommodation in a double cabin below deck with private bathroom (small supplement applies for above deck or single cabin. If you are travelling by yourself you will be matched with another passenger. The compact cabins are configured with a combination of bunk beds (upper and lower) or two lower beds. 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 trekking bike rental with bike bag
- 6 guided cycling tours on the different islands
- Experienced crew of 4 including English speaking tour guide
- Bed linen and towels
- Entries to museums and archeological sites
- Group transfer between Corfu airport and Corfu town on day 1 and day 8
- Overview maps for daily cycle tours
Summary
- BOAT
Trip Main Activities
- GUIDED CYCLING
- SAILING
Group Size Min
Group Size Max
Accommodation Summary
The ship PANAGIOTA The Panagiota is an affectionately restored two-masted motor yacht, which is 23 ft. wide and 102 ft. long. It was built in 1990 and modernized in 2001 in conformity with the requirements of cruises. 6 cabins below deck and 4 cabins above deck are at the guests’ disposal. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a French bed (4,6 ft. wide), one single bed and private shower and toilet. There is room for all guests in the spacious saloon to have the meals, to regenerate or to spend some time with new friends. When the weather conditions are fine the guests can have the meals outside on the shaded rear deck. The spacious sun deck, equipped with cosy mats, invites you to have a sun bath and to relax.
Equipment Required
Bike helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. (A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
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Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$2,160
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
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