Difficulty Rating : 8 Start: Corfu Finish: Corfu Terrain: Hilly sections daily, some longer climbs Daily Average: 32km Weekly Average: 194km Tour Type: Bike and Boat,Group Teaser: On the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece, Hellas shows her greenest side: Pure nature, the crystal clear blue shimmering Ionian Sea and centuries of Venetian influences dominate the archipelago of the Ionian Islands.
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On the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece, Hellas shows her greenest side: Pure nature, the crystal clear blue shimmering Ionian Sea and centuries of Venetian influences dominate the archipelago of the Ionian Islands.

From Corfu, which was the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Sissi, this journey leads us to regions which are not very well known abroad. Discover the famous island of Ithaca which is said to have been the home of Odysseus, the unforgettable green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, the fantastic mountain world of Cephalonia and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. Enjoy the stay on board of the wooden motor yacht and let yourself be pampered by the excellent Greek cuisine and the coziness of the ship!

This Tour starts and ends on a Friday

A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Corfu town (Embarkation)

Individual arrival by plane and subsequent transfer to the ship. Check-in on the Panagiota from 2 pm on. Dinner on board. Overnight stay in Corfu town.

Day 2

Corfu Island ~ Leftkas Island (28km)

Cast off! In the morning we cross over to Sivota on the mainland of Greece. here our first cycle tour starts and leads us to Parga, beautifully situated below a Venetian fortress, which towers over the old town. Here the boat awaits us to take us on a long cruise to Nidri on Lefkas Island. On our way, we pass a swing-bridge which connects Lefkas with the Greek mainland. You spent the night in the lively harbour of Nidri.

Day 3

Lefkas Island (35km)

After breakfast, we start with a short tour to a waterfall near Nidri. With a bit of luck, enough water will tumble for us to have a refreshing swim. Afterwards, we continue on quiet roads over the hills via Syros to the picturesque harbour town of Sivota. Here we board the boat and cruise to Fiskardo on the Island of Kefalonia. Situated on the northern tip of the island, the harbour town enchants with its colourful houses and many cafes and bars along the lively waterfront promenade.

Day 4

Cephalonia Island (39km)

After breakfast, we leave Fiskardo by bike and climb an impressive mountain road on the west coast of Kefalonia, from which we are met by 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 visit the Melissani stalactite cave on board a small rowboat and marvel at the incredible blue tones created by the unique cave formations, sun and water. In Sami the boat welcomes us and once on board, sets off for Vathy on Ithaca.

Day 5

Islands of Ithaca (20 or 28 km)

In the morning we cycle on Ithaca Island. The homeland of the mythical king Odysseus, is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. Our cycle winds through the typical character of the Ionian Islands away from the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. Decide for yourself, if you are up for the challenge of a true hill climb, or, if you would prefer the leisurely alternative of a panoramic ride at 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)

Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which we explore in the morning by bicycle. The panoramic tour takes us along peaceful island roads and through the three villages of the island, which give us a good insight into the traditional island life of the Greeks. At Spartochori beach we can enjoy a coffee and a swim in the sea. In the afternoon we sail to Paxos Island, whose unique natural harbor in Gaios creates a special island atmosphere. We can spend the evening in one of the cozy taverns of Gaios.

Day 7

Islands of Paxos and Corfu (23km

Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver-green colour. On today’s cycle we circle the island. We can have our last swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. After lunch, the Panagiota will take us back to Corfu City where we can explore the city once more before enjoying the last evening meal on board together with friends, guides and crew reflecting on the experiences of the week.

  • 7 nights in a double cabin below deck with shower/toilet
  • 2 x full board ( breakfast, lunch & dinner ) 
  • 5 x half board ( breakfast & dinner ) on board
  • Guided bike tours &sightseeing as in itinerary
  • Overview-maps for the daily bike tours (onboard)
  • Bottled water on board and during all activities ashore
  • Bed linen & towels
  • Entrance fee to museums and archaeological sites (group visit only)
  • English speaking tour guide

Bike rental is not included in our tour price. This is an additional:
€85 Hybrid Bike
€230 Electric Bike

On this tour, you will be staying on a boat for the full duration of the trip. There is a crew consisting of the captain, cabin crew, the cook and tour guides who will make sure everything on the tour goes smoothly Every morning after breakfast, your guide will go through the route with the group.

On each tour there are 2 tour guides on the boat.

Normally the group cycles together but this doesn’t mean that the group will always be one after the other with no space in between. Often the group stretches long and everyone can cycle in his/her own pace.

If a guest really wants to cycle individually he/she has to be very punctual and has to have some skills in repairing a bike, since the tour guides will always be with the group.

Bike hire is not included in the tour package.

Hybrid bikes: €85 (2024)
• Frames - Our bicycles are available in four different frame sizes; 2 ladies (for up to 160cms (5 ft. 3 in.),
and above that) and 2 men's (up to 6 ft., and above) to cater for all body heights.
• Wheels - Very stable 28 inch hollow chamber rims with Continental Top Touring tyre (easy turning and
solid).
• Gear change - 21-gear derailleur, Alivio
• Further Equipment - Shimano V-brakes with strong "bite", partly inclination-adjustable stern, carrier,
very stable chainstays stand (HEBIE), comfortable touring saddle of Selle Royal, safety mudguards with
releasing mechanism.
• Please Note: You can bring your own saddle (without the post) or your own click pedals, and the tour
guide will attach them to your rental bicycle.

E-Bikes: €230 (2024 rates)

Helmet use is mandatory on all bike tours in Croatia. You are strongly encourages to bring your own (well fitted) helmet. Rental Helmets are available on board in limited number (reservation requested).

E-Bikes
Its also possible to hire an e-bike for a supplement of €230 (2024 rates).

Helmet use is mandatory on all bike tours in Croatia. You are strongly encourages to bring your own (well fitted) helmet. Rental Helmets are available on board in limited number (reservation requested).

Is this tour suitable for children?
On a scale from 1 - 10 (1 being the easiest and 10 being the hardest) we are giving this tour 8 points

Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous cycling 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) or 1.50m (5 ft) for e-bikes.

The cycle routes require an advanced level of fitness from the participants. The daily routes are between 12 - 31 mi / 20 - 50 km long. They lead through hilly or mountaineous aread and will be completed without any time constraints. They cycle will take you up to 1000 - 2300 ft / 300 - 700m of elevation. There are also some extended climbs where walking your bicycle is of course permitted. Mostof the roads are asphalted and rarely frequented. Your tour guide informs 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.

The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day (2 x full board and 5 x half board). The catering starts with dinner on the arrival day and ends with breakfast on the departure day.

Specialised cycle clothing may be handy but not strictly necessary. What you do need (among other things) is the
following:
• shorts/ long trousers/ track suit/ leggings
• shirts/ sweater/ rain clothing
• good shoes plus shoes for use on deck only
• sunglasses/ cap/ swimming costume
• extra towel for swimming
• soap/ insect repellent
• own helmet

Panagiota Ship

The Panagiota, our latest finding in Greece, is an affectionately restored two-masted motor yacht, which is 23 ft. wide and 102 ft. long. It was built in 1990 and modeized 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.

Panagiota Ship image 1Panagiota Ship image 1

€ 1990 per person sharing (below Deck)
€ 200 supplement per person sharing for upper Deck cabin
€ 500 single supplement   (below Deck cabin)
€ 700 single supplement   (upper Deck cabin * limited)

It is possible to request a half cabin and we will endeavour to find you a room mate

Self Guided Tour Information

This tour is not available on a self guided basis

Inbound flight to Corfu is the recommend access point to this tour

A flight is the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to get to Greece. Corfu, your port of embarkation is only 5 km away from Corfu Airport.

To investigate and book a suitable flight you can for example use the website www.opodo.com.

Transfers between the airport and the boat or between a hotel and the boat
Fee-based collective transfers (only available on embarkation/disembarkation days):

- Between Corfu airport or a hotel in Corfu town and the port: 18 euro per person each way

Customized transfers are possible, availability and prices on request.

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available







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Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Other members of your group if applicable.

Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

Second person details

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Fifth person details

 

Sixth person details

 

Seventh person details

 

Eighth person details

 

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Tenth person details

 

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Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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Other Information

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.