Ionian Islands Bike & Sail
Ionian Islands Bike & Sail
$2467
Ionian Islands Bike & Sail
8 Days Starting in Corfu and ending in Corfu or Athens
Visiting: Greece
Tour Overview
In the Ionian sea off the west coast of Greece and beyond the southern tip of the Peloponnese lie the idyllic Ionian Islands, the perfect setting for a cruising and cycling adventure. Travelling from Corfu, this journey leads you to some of the less visited regions in Greece. Discover the famous island of Ithaca, said to have been the home of Odysseus, the unforgettable green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, mountainous Kefalonia, and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. Cruising from island to island, we'll spend plenty of time ashore exploring fishing villages and historic sites by bike or just relaxing and enjoying the authentic Greek hospitality.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Board Boat In Corfu
Make your own way to Corfu town. The boat will be moored in the harbour or a nearby marina. We can arrange a transfer from the airport or hotel in Corfu to the boat (recommended) - please ask for our rates. Check-in from 2:00pm and there is a group dinner in the evening onboard. Overnight in Corfu.
Day 2 : Cycle To Parga, Cruise To Nidri On Lefkas Island (28Km/17.5Mi)
In the morning we cross over to Sivota on the mainland for our first cycle tour. We cycle to and visit Parga, with its medieval fort overlooking the pretty old town. From here we cruise to Nidri on the island of Lefkas which is connected to the Greek mainland with an original swing-bridge. We spend the night in the beautiful and lively harbour of Nidri.
Day 3 : Discover Lefkas Island By Bike, Cruise To Fiskardo On Kefalonia (35Km/21Mi)
After breakfast we cycle to a waterfall near Nidri and if we are lucky there will be enough water for a swim. Afterwards we'll continue along quiet roads through the hills via Sivros to the harbour of Sivota (on Lefkas). Here we'll board the boat and cruise to Fiskardo on the island of Kefalonia, where we will spend the night. This harbour town on the northern point of the island charms visitors with its colourful houses and numerous cafes and bars along the picturesque harbour promenade. You should definitely try the local Robola wine!
Day 4 : Cycle To Sami Via Melissani Caves, Cruise To Vathy On Ithaca Island (39Km/25Mi)
After breakfast we will leave Fiskardo by bike and climb an impressive mountain road on the west coast of Kefalonia, from which there are awe-inspiring views over the Assos peninsula and the famous Myrtos beach. We'll then turn inland and cross the island. Shortly before the end of the tour we'll visit the Melissani stalactite cave on board a small row boat and marvel at the incredible blue tones created by the cave formations, sun and water. The ship will await us in Sami and we'll set off to Vathy on Ithaca, where we'll spend the night.
Day 5 : Cycle On The Island Of Ithaca, Cruise To Meganisi (20 Or 28Km/13 Or 17Mi)
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 whether you are up for the challenge of a true hill climb, or would prefer the leisurely alternative of a panoramic ride at half the height. The boat will await our arrival in Frikes before setting off to the small island of Meganisi.
Day 6 : Cycling On The Islands Of Meganisi And Paxos (17Km/10Mi)
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, giving us a chance to see the traditional island life of the Greeks first hand. 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 harbour in Gaios creates a special island atmosphere. We can spend the evening in one of the cozy taverns of Gaios.
Day 7 : Explore The Island Of Paxos, Cruise To Corfu (23Km/14Mi)
Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver-green color. On our cycle trip today we will circle the island. We can have a last swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. After lunch the ship will bring us back to Corfu town where we will end our journey with a last dinner on board together with the crew and tour guides.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Disembark after breakfast on board around 9am and individual departure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights boat -
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches*, 2 dinners (does not include drinks). The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the meals. *Note that the included lunches and dinners may be swapped, your tour guide will inform you locally when these will be include
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7 nights accommodation in a twin cabin below deck with private bathroom (supplement applies for above deck or single cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you can be matched with another passenger. The compact cabins have a double bed or a double bed
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21 speed hybrid bike rental with pannier (electric bikes available on request - a supplement applies - limited supplies). The guides will carry bike locks for the group when cycling, or individual locks can be provided on request if you decide to bike alo
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Bottled water on board and during all activities ashore
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Guided cycling tours on the islands and mainland
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Experienced crew of 4 including English speaking tour guide
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Bed linen and towels
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Entries to museums and archeological sites for group visits
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Information pack including overview maps per cabin
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Travel to and from Corfu
What's Not Included
Grading
The trip requires a good level of fitness from participants, which they should have acquired from steady cycling. If you are concerned about your fitness for this tour we recommend you consider an e-bike - supplement applies. The day-tours from 23 to 39km / 14 to 25mi will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain (and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master some steep climbs (the cycle tours will have an altitude of 300-600m (1,000-2,970 ft) during which you may need to push the bike. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside the holiday seasons. Each day you can either decide to cycle alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the tour guide or other participants. It is considered suitable for active children who are experienced cyclists (minimum 10 years, height minimum is 1.4m or 4.6ft - minimum height for e-bike is 1.5m / 5ft). The cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.