Ionian Island Hopping Adventure
Revel in the rich history and myth of Ithaca, the homeland of the legendary Odysseus
Bask in the serene beauty of Lefkas, an avian paradise amidst the Ionian Sea
Ascend the majestic peaks of Cephalonia for awe-inspiring views and cultural immersion
Wander through the ancient olive groves of Paxos, a testament to Greece’s enduring natural splendor
Enjoy the unparalleled comfort and Greek hospitality aboard your charming wooden motor yacht
Indulge in the exquisite local cuisine, a feast for the senses prepared by our onboard culinary experts
Itinerary
Upon arrival by plane, transfer to the Panagiota is available from 2 pm. Settle in, enjoy dinner on board, and stay overnight in Corfu.
The journey begins with a sail to Sivota on the mainland, followed by a cycling trip to the picturesque town of Parga. Later, we sail to Nidri on Lefkas Island, passing a unique floating bridge en route. The evening is spent in Nidri’s vibrant harbor.
28 km/18 mi
Starting with a visit to a nearby waterfall for a potential swim, the day continues with a ride over the hills to Sivota. We then cruise to Fiskardo on Cephalonia, a town known for its colorful charm and waterfront promenade.
35 km/21 mi
From Fiskardo, we ascend a mountain road offering stunning views. A visit to the Melissani stalactite cave is on the agenda before rejoining the boat in Sami, which then heads to Vathy on Ithaka.
39 km/25 mi
Our ride on Ithaca offers a glimpse into the island’s mythical past and present-day tranquility. Choose between a challenging climb or a more relaxed panoramic route. The day concludes in Frikes, where the Panagiota awaits.
20 km/13 mi or 28 km/17 mi
We explore Meganisi by bike, enjoying its serene villages and beaches. Afterward, we sail to Paxos for an evening in the enchanting harbor town of Gaios.
17 km/10 mi
A tour around Paxos reveals its verdant landscape, followed by leisure time at the beaches. The afternoon sail returns us to Corfu for the final communal dinner on board.
23 km/14 mi
Disembark after breakfast for your return home or an extended stay 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
Experience the allure of the Ionian Islands with our bike & barge tour, a journey that unveils the emerald heart of Greece. Your adventure begins on the storied isles of Corfu, where empresses once wandered, and traverse through the verdant landscapes and Venetian legacies that shape this captivating archipelago.
Highlights of your journey include the mythical Ithaca, a land woven into the tales of Odysseus, where history and legend blur into the scenic vistas. Lefkas, a sanctuary for diverse avian life, offers a serene escape amidst lush greenery.
The rugged peaks of Cephalonia rise majestically, promising breathtaking panoramas and an immersion into the island’s vibrant mountain culture.
Paxos, cloaked in ancient olive groves, is a testament to the enduring beauty of Greek nature. Each destination is a revelation, a chance to connect with the tranquil pace of island life and the warmth of Greek hospitality.
Your floating retreat, a charming motor yacht, is equipped with all the comforts to ensure a week of relaxation and indulgence.
Savor the flavors of Greece with local cuisine prepared by onboard chefs, and let the spirit of the Ionian Sea inspire a truly memorable experience.
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.