Ionian Bike & Barge Tour
Venture through history at the ancient site of Delphi, where oracles once spoke
Navigate the Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering connecting two azure seas
Revel in the untouched beauty of Paxos, an island swathed in olive groves
Experience the Venetian charm and verdant landscapes of the Ionian Islands
Savor local flavors and the world-renowned pistachios of Aegina
Relax aboard the Panagiota, your floating retreat, after a day of exploration
Explore Greece's mainland beauty on two wheels
Sail the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea
Uncover the Venetian influence on Greek isles
Relive history at the ancient oracle of Delphi
Experience the engineering marvel of Corinth Canal
Itinerary
Your journey begins at Marina Zeas in Piraeus, where you can board the Panagiota from 2 pm. Settle in and enjoy your first dinner on board, as you stay overnight in the harbor of Piraeus, poised for the adventure ahead.
Morning sails bring us to Aegina, where our cycling adventure leads to the temple of Aphaia, perched above the sea. Later, we navigate the historic Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering. Depending on the weather, we’ll either anchor at Galaxidi or near Corinth for the night.
approx. 35 km
From Galaxidi, a shuttle takes us to Delphi at the base of Mount Parnassus. Here, explore the sanctuary of Apollo and the oracle’s ancient ruins. Post-Delphi, we head to Nafpaktos for lunch and a stroll, then to Mesolongi to rejoin our vessel for the evening.
We sail to Ithaca, with a possible swim stop en route. On Ithaca, we cycle through its tranquil landscapes, enjoying the timeless charm of the Ionian Islands. The day concludes in Vathy, where we spend the night.
A morning sail to Meganisi sets the stage for a bike tour through traditional villages, with a coffee and swim break at Spartochori beach. Later, we head to Nidri on Lefkas, with an optional ride to Nidri’s hidden waterfall. Our day ends with an overnight stay in Nidri.
approx. 18 km
Cycling from Nidri, we ascend Lefkas’s mountains to the island’s capital, enjoying breathtaking views and a village coffee break. In Lefkas town, we board the Panagiota for a cruise to Paxos, where the evening is yours to explore Gaios’s inviting taverns.
approx. 30 km
Today we encircle Paxos, blanketed in olive groves that shimmer silver-green. Take your time cycling the island and enjoy beachside swims. In the afternoon, we sail to Corfu, culminating our journey with a communal dinner on board.
approx. 23 km
Our tour concludes with a final breakfast on board. Afterward, it’s time to disembark and either head home or continue your Greek adventure on Corfu Island.
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Pricing
Included in price
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 cycle tours or walks as described in the itinerary
Entrance fee to museums and archaeological sites (group visit only)
Bed linen and towels
English-speaking tour guide
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 to take on tours (if needed)
Tips for tour guides and crew
Description
Prepare yourself for a cptivating exploration of Greece’s mainland and the verdant Ionian Islands. Aboard the two-masted motor sailer, the Panagiota, this adventure is a harmonious blend of active cycling and serene sailing, offering a unique vantage point of Greece’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry.
The Ionian Islands, a gem in the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea, are a revelation of Greek beauty at its most authentic. Here, the Venetian influence weaves through the architecture and culture, presenting a side of Greece that remains relatively untouched by the passage of time.
The islands beckon with their lush scenery, from the mountainous terrains of Cephalonia to the olive grove-draped Paxos, each island contributing to the tranquil ambiance of your vacation.
Cycling through these picturesque landscapes, you’ll encounter the bird-sanctuary island of Lefkas, where nature’s melodies provide a serene soundtrack to your journey. The small yet stunning Paxos reveals itself as a verdant paradise, inviting you to lose track of time amidst its olive groves.
Historical excursions complement the natural beauty, with visits to renowned sites like Delphi, where the whispers of ancient oracles still linger. Aegina’s pistachio-laden paths offer a taste of Greece’s agricultural heritage, while the passage through the Corinth Canal promises a moment of modern marvel, uniting two seas and shortening voyages since the late 19th century.
This tour is an anthology of experiences, from the thrill of cycling on coastal roads to the tranquility of sailing on the Ionian Sea, all while indulging in the comforts of the Panagiota. It’s an invitation to witness the symphony of Greek history, nature, and hospitality, creating memories that will echo long after the sails have been folded.
Ships
The M/S Panagiota, a traditional Greek caique, welcomes guests with a blend of charm and comfort. Its teak deck and cozy saloon offer a homely atmosphere, while sunning mats invite relaxation under the sun. With ten functional and snug cabins named after Greek isles, the vessel ensures a restful retreat. Dive into the sea from the swim ladder in a tranquil bay, and trust in the experienced crew to deliver a seamless and enjoyable sailing experience.
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Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.
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