Itinerary

Bike & Boat Ionian Islands 

Odysseus’ Homeland

8 days / 7 nights | from/to Corfu | Guided bike tours

aprx. 110 miles/175 km by bicycle  Level 2–3

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 by boat & bike 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!

Highlights of this bike and boat trip

✔ The monastery Agios Athanasios

✔ Culinary: Mezedes - a bountiful starter

✔ Seeing Greece at its greenest

✔ The traditional boat and bike ship MS Panagiota

Itinerary

Day 1 (Fri): Corfu/Marina Gouvia (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 on Corfu.

Day 2 (Sat): Corfu Island – Sivota – Parga – Lefkas Island (Cycling aprx. 18 mi/28 km)

Cast off! In the morning we cross over to Sivota on the mainland of Greece. There 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 witty swing-bridge which connects Lefkas with the Greek mainland. You spent the night in the lively harbour of Nidri.

Day 3 (Sun): Lefkas Island (Cycling aprx. 21 mi/35 km)

After breakfast we start with a short tour to a waterfall nearby 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 to the picturesque harbor 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 harbor town enchants with its colorful houses and many cafes and bars along the lively waterfront promenade.

Day 4 (Mon): Cephalonia Island (Cycling aprx. 25 mi/39 km)

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 row boat 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 Ithaka.

Day 5 (Tue): Islands of Ithaca (Cycling aprx. 13 or 17 mi/20 or 28 km)

In the morning we cycle on the Ithaca Island. The homeland of the mythical king Odysseus, is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. On today’s cycle route we can enjoy 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 (Wed): Islands of Meganisi and Paxos (Cycling aprx. 10 mi/17 km)

Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which we explore in the morning by bicycle. The panoramic tour takes us along lonely island roads and through the three villages of the island, which give us a good impression of 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 (Thu): Islands of Paxos and Corfu (Cycling aprx. 14 mi/23 km)

Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver green color. On today’s cycle trip 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, where we will end our journey with a dinner and a cosy get-together on board.

Day 8 (Fri): Corfu/Marina Gouvia (Disembarkation)

After breakfast, check-out and individual return home or extended stay in Greece.

Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only. 

Itinerary changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements.