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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 Ionian Islands archipelago. This tour starts on Corfu, the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Sissi, and leads to spectacular regions little known outside of Greece.
By Bike & Boat 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!
This Tour starts and ends on a Friday
A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Dossiers Tab
Itineraries
Day 1
Corfu town (Embarkation)
Individual arrival by plane and transfer to the ship. Check in on the Panagiota is possible from 2 pm onwards. Dinner onboard and overnight stay on Corfu.
Day 2
Corfu Island ~ Leftkas Island (28km)
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
Lefkas Island (35km)
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
Cephalonia Island (39km)
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 (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/17 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 (23km)
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
Day 8 (Fri) Corfu town (Disembarkation)
After breakfast check-out and individual return home or extended stay on Corfu Island.
- 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
- Guided bicycle tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Access to RideWithGPS app for individual cycling (if desired)
- 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 in the tour price
- 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
- €90 Hybrid bike
- €260 e-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: €90
• 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: €260
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).
It is possible to hire an e-bike for a supplement of 260 euro.
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.
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.