Ionian Islands - From Corfu to Zakynthos
Greek islands with an Italian flare
Bike and boat
Greek islands with an Italian flare
Bike and boat
15 days / 14 nights, approx. 440 kilometer (273 mi.) by bike
The Ionian Islands are a new island-hopping destination. On these islands off the west coast of Greece, Hellas shows her greenest side: Pure nature and centuries of Venetian influences dominate the archipelago of the Ionian Islands, which you will explore by bike and the two masted motor yacht. From Corfu, which was the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Sissi, this journey will lead you to regions which are not very well known abroad. You will never forget the green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas or the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. You will also get to know the famous island of Ithaca, which is said to have been the home of Odysseus. The mountain world of Cephalonia and the idyllic beaches of Zakynthos, where the large sea turtle Caretta Caretta lays her eggs and the crystal clear blue shimmering Ionian Sea round off the variety of this group of islands. The journey also includes a small trip to the mainland, where ancient sites leave a lasting impression of the great history of Ancient Greece.
Day 1 Corfu (Arrival)
Check in on the boat from 2 pm. Corfu, which the Greeks call Kerkyra, is the most well known of the islands in the Ionian archipelago. In the evening, your guide will show you the most beautiful places in the old town, where you will feel as if you have been transported to Italy.
Day 2 Paxos (approx. 23 km/14 mi. by bike)
In the morning you will crossover to Paxos, whose unique natural harbor creates a special island atmosphere. Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver green color. On your cycle trip in the afternoon you will circle the island. You can have your first swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. You can spend the evening in a cozy tavern in Gaios with a glass of Greek wine.
Day 3 Lefkas (approx. 43 km/27 mi. by bike)
In the morning your ship will bring you to Lefkas, which is connected to the Greek mainland with an original swing-bridge. Before lunch you will anchor near Skorpios, the island of the shipping giant Onassis. In the afternoon you will cycle from the harbor in Nidri to the south of the island to Vassiliki, which has a worth seeing historical town centre. The return journey is along quiet roads through the mountains past Sivros and back to the beautiful harbor of Nidri, where you will overnight.
Day 4 Meganisi (approx. 18 km/11 mi. by bike)
After breakfast you will take the ferry to Meganisi, a tiny island with lots of charm, which you will explore in no time by bike. The beaches here have beautiful, crystal clear water, so don’t forget your swimming things! Back in Nidri you will eat lunch on the boat and then crossover to Cephalonia. The harbor town of Fiskardo on the Northern point of the island charms visitors with its colorful houses and numerous cafés and bars along the picturesque harbor promenade.
Day 5 Cephalonia (approx. 38 km/24 mi. by bike)
After breakfast you will cycle from Fiskardo along the high road of the western coast of the island, where you will have lots of unforgettable views, like the panoramic view down to Myrtos beach. You will continue on through the interior of the island to the main town of Sami, which is located on the eastern side of the island. Along the way you will visit the stalactite and stalagmite caves of Melissani, which can only be viewed in row boats. In Sami, the ship awaits you with lunch and the onward journey to Poros.
Day 6 Cephalonia (approx. 31 km/19 mi. by bike)
In the morning you will take a trip from Poros, which will lead you along the geologically spectacular southern coast of Cephalonia, through the mountain villages of Pastria and Agia Irini and then back to Poros. On the crossing to Zakynthos there are numerous coves and bays inviting you for a swim.
Day 7 Zakynthos (approx. 35 km/22 mi. by bike)
Zakynthos, the most southerly of the Ionian Islands, is most well known for its amazing beaches, where the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtle lays her eggs. Along today’s cycle route you will get to know the fertile south of the island with the beautiful villages of Kileomeno and Macherado, which still display clear signs of Venetian influences. Overnight stay in Zakynthos town.
Day 8 Zakynthos (approx. 40 km/25 mi. by bike)
After breakfast you will cross Zakynthos along the eastern coast, which is full of picturesque bays and impressive sea caves. The ship awaits you in the small harbor of Agios Nikolaos for lunch. Before you crossover to Ithaca in the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take a visit in a small boat to the blue grottoes and the bay with the shipwreck which is used so often as a calendar motif.
Day 9 Ithaca (approx. 35 km/22 mi. by bike)
Ithaca, the homeland of the mythical figure Odysseus, is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. Today’s cycle route leads along the northern part of the island. You can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands here away from the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. In the afternoon your boot will bring you to Astakos on the Greek mainland.
Day 10 Astakos (approx. 25 km/16 mi. by bike)
Astakos is in Arkania, a little known area on the western coast of Greece. The harbor is so attractive due to the numerous islands offshore, which make sunrises and sunsets a particularly beautiful experience. Today’s cycle tour leads you into the nature preservation area of the Acheloos delta, where you can spend some time in the romantic ruins of the ancient city of Oiniadai. After lunch on board, the boat will take you over to Lefkas, where you will overnight in the main town of the island of the same name.
Day 11 Lefkada and Preveza (approx. 30 and 25 km/16 and 19 mi. by bike)
From the island capital of Lefkas the cycle route in the morning leads through the north of the island. Along the way you can stop off in the monastery of Phaneromeni. After lunch on the boat you will cycle from the main town of Lefkas over the swing bridge to the Greek mainland. Here you will pass the expansive bird sanctuary of the island. Passing through Vonitsa with its medieval fort you will reach the Straits of Aktio, where one of the most famous sea battles of ancient times occurred in the year 31 BC. Your destination is Preveza, a cozy little town on the western coast of Greece. Here the ship will be awaiting you for your overnight stay.
Day 12 Preveza (approx. 20 km/12 mi. by bike)
In the morning you will set out from Preveza towards the extensive ruins of the Roman town Nikopolis, which the first Roman Emperor built after his victory over Marc Anthony and the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra in the sea battle of Aktio. The well preserved Roman theatre and stadium, the Byzantine town wall and the large basilica with its wonderful mosaics attest to the former importance of the town as an early Christian diocesan town.
Day 13 Parga (approx. 40 km25 mi. by bike)
Parga is the only centre of tourism on the western coast of the Greek mainland. The pretty town with the medieval fort which towers over the old town is the start for today’s cycling tour, which will lead you the ancient Nekromanteion in the south. A mystical atmosphere accompanies a visit to this place, where the Greeks once consulted the dead.
Day 14 Corfu (approx. 35 km/22 mi. by bike)
Back on Corfu, the beloved island of Empress Sissi, you will explore the north eastern area of the island by bike: From Corfu town you will travel along the eastern coast and then onto the quiet mountain towns of Agios Markos and Ano Korakiana, surrounded by olives and then back to Corfu town, where you can round off your journey in the atmospheric old town.
Day 15 (Departure)
After breakfast, disembarkment and individual return home.
General Information
Alterations:
We reserve the right to make alterations to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.
Requirements (Level 2 to 3)
The bike routes have a length of 20 to 60 km and lead through hilly or mountainous areas. Some uphill stretches are included. The roads are mostly asphalted. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead.
Bringing children:
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.40 m (4.6 ft.)
Catering
The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The full board starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. On one longer bike tour you will have lunch in a restaurant.
The Ionian Islands are a new island-hopping destination. On these islands off the west coast of Greece, Hellas shows her greenest side: Pure nature and centuries of Venetian influences dominate the archipelago of the Ionian Islands, which you will explore by bike and the two masted motor yacht. From Corfu, which was the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Sissi, this journey will lead you to regions which are not very well known abroad. You will never forget the green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas or the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. You will also get to know the famous island of Ithaca, which is said to have been the home of Odysseus. The mountain world of Cephalonia and the idyllic beaches of Zakynthos, where the large sea turtle Caretta Caretta lays her eggs and the crystal clear blue shimmering Ionian Sea round off the variety of this group of islands. The journey also includes a small trip to the mainland, where ancient sites leave a lasting impression of the great history of Ancient Greece.
Day 1 Corfu (Arrival)
Check in on the boat from 2 pm. Corfu, which the Greeks call Kerkyra, is the most well known of the islands in the Ionian archipelago. In the evening, your guide will show you the most beautiful places in the old town, where you will feel as if you have been transported to Italy.
Day 2 Paxos (approx. 23 km/14 mi. by bike)
In the morning you will crossover to Paxos, whose unique natural harbor creates a special island atmosphere. Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver green color. On your cycle trip in the afternoon you will circle the island. You can have your first swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. You can spend the evening in a cozy tavern in Gaios with a glass of Greek wine.
Day 3 Lefkas (approx. 43 km/27 mi. by bike)
In the morning your ship will bring you to Lefkas, which is connected to the Greek mainland with an original swing-bridge. Before lunch you will anchor near Skorpios, the island of the shipping giant Onassis. In the afternoon you will cycle from the harbor in Nidri to the south of the island to Vassiliki, which has a worth seeing historical town centre. The return journey is along quiet roads through the mountains past Sivros and back to the beautiful harbor of Nidri, where you will overnight.
Day 4 Meganisi (approx. 18 km/11 mi. by bike)
After breakfast you will take the ferry to Meganisi, a tiny island with lots of charm, which you will explore in no time by bike. The beaches here have beautiful, crystal clear water, so don’t forget your swimming things! Back in Nidri you will eat lunch on the boat and then crossover to Cephalonia. The harbor town of Fiskardo on the Northern point of the island charms visitors with its colorful houses and numerous cafés and bars along the picturesque harbor promenade.
Day 5 Cephalonia (approx. 38 km/24 mi. by bike)
After breakfast you will cycle from Fiskardo along the high road of the western coast of the island, where you will have lots of unforgettable views, like the panoramic view down to Myrtos beach. You will continue on through the interior of the island to the main town of Sami, which is located on the eastern side of the island. Along the way you will visit the stalactite and stalagmite caves of Melissani, which can only be viewed in row boats. In Sami, the ship awaits you with lunch and the onward journey to Poros.
Day 6 Cephalonia (approx. 31 km/19 mi. by bike)
In the morning you will take a trip from Poros, which will lead you along the geologically spectacular southern coast of Cephalonia, through the mountain villages of Pastria and Agia Irini and then back to Poros. On the crossing to Zakynthos there are numerous coves and bays inviting you for a swim.
Day 7 Zakynthos (approx. 35 km/22 mi. by bike)
Zakynthos, the most southerly of the Ionian Islands, is most well known for its amazing beaches, where the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtle lays her eggs. Along today’s cycle route you will get to know the fertile south of the island with the beautiful villages of Kileomeno and Macherado, which still display clear signs of Venetian influences. Overnight stay in Zakynthos town.
Day 8 Zakynthos (approx. 40 km/25 mi. by bike)
After breakfast you will cross Zakynthos along the eastern coast, which is full of picturesque bays and impressive sea caves. The ship awaits you in the small harbor of Agios Nikolaos for lunch. Before you crossover to Ithaca in the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take a visit in a small boat to the blue grottoes and the bay with the shipwreck which is used so often as a calendar motif.
Day 9 Ithaca (approx. 35 km/22 mi. by bike)
Ithaca, the homeland of the mythical figure Odysseus, is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. Today’s cycle route leads along the northern part of the island. You can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands here away from the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. In the afternoon your boot will bring you to Astakos on the Greek mainland.
Day 10 Astakos (approx. 25 km/16 mi. by bike)
Astakos is in Arkania, a little known area on the western coast of Greece. The harbor is so attractive due to the numerous islands offshore, which make sunrises and sunsets a particularly beautiful experience. Today’s cycle tour leads you into the nature preservation area of the Acheloos delta, where you can spend some time in the romantic ruins of the ancient city of Oiniadai. After lunch on board, the boat will take you over to Lefkas, where you will overnight in the main town of the island of the same name.
Day 11 Lefkada and Preveza (approx. 30 and 25 km/16 and 19 mi. by bike)
From the island capital of Lefkas the cycle route in the morning leads through the north of the island. Along the way you can stop off in the monastery of Phaneromeni. After lunch on the boat you will cycle from the main town of Lefkas over the swing bridge to the Greek mainland. Here you will pass the expansive bird sanctuary of the island. Passing through Vonitsa with its medieval fort you will reach the Straits of Aktio, where one of the most famous sea battles of ancient times occurred in the year 31 BC. Your destination is Preveza, a cozy little town on the western coast of Greece. Here the ship will be awaiting you for your overnight stay.
Day 12 Preveza (approx. 20 km/12 mi. by bike)
In the morning you will set out from Preveza towards the extensive ruins of the Roman town Nikopolis, which the first Roman Emperor built after his victory over Marc Anthony and the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra in the sea battle of Aktio. The well preserved Roman theatre and stadium, the Byzantine town wall and the large basilica with its wonderful mosaics attest to the former importance of the town as an early Christian diocesan town.
Day 13 Parga (approx. 40 km25 mi. by bike)
Parga is the only centre of tourism on the western coast of the Greek mainland. The pretty town with the medieval fort which towers over the old town is the start for today’s cycling tour, which will lead you the ancient Nekromanteion in the south. A mystical atmosphere accompanies a visit to this place, where the Greeks once consulted the dead.
Day 14 Corfu (approx. 35 km/22 mi. by bike)
Back on Corfu, the beloved island of Empress Sissi, you will explore the north eastern area of the island by bike: From Corfu town you will travel along the eastern coast and then onto the quiet mountain towns of Agios Markos and Ano Korakiana, surrounded by olives and then back to Corfu town, where you can round off your journey in the atmospheric old town.
Day 15 (Departure)
After breakfast, disembarkment and individual return home.
General Information
Alterations:
We reserve the right to make alterations to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.
Requirements (Level 2 to 3)
The bike routes have a length of 20 to 60 km and lead through hilly or mountainous areas. Some uphill stretches are included. The roads are mostly asphalted. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead.
Bringing children:
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.40 m (4.6 ft.)
Catering
The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The full board starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. On one longer bike tour you will have lunch in a restaurant.
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