Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

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8 Days From

$2467

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

8 Days Starting in Corfu and ending in Corfu or Athens

Visiting: Greece

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

IIB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

From: $2467

NB: Prices correct on 30-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Cycling in the Ionian islands with captivating scenery

  • Exploring the small towns and villages en route

  • Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable sailing boat

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Bottled water on board and during all activities ashore

  • Guided cycling tours on the islands and mainland

  • Experienced crew of 4 including English speaking tour guide

  • Bed linen and towels

  • Entries to museums and archeological sites for group visits

  • Information pack including overview maps per cabin

  • Travel to and from Corfu

show more

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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

H. Lewis(Norwich, United Kingdom)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

10 Jun 2023

It was a very well organised trip. The guides were knowledgeable. The food on the boat was plentiful and of a good standard & Greek! The cycle rides and islands were beautiful. To absolutely make our trip we had an awesome group of people to share our experience.

S. Lichtblau(Mill Valley, CA)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

6 Jul 2022

What a fabulous trip with incredible guides! The crew was fantastic and made the trip very enjoyable. The rides are short but there are challenging hills for those who are riding without an electric assist. Good swim spots and great food. Thank you!

M. McAllister(Glasgow, United Kingdom)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

10 Oct 2023

Absolutely amazing holiday. Staff work like Trojans. Especially Nellie! Great food from Nondas. Fabulous guides Alex and Raphael. Great company onboard. Comfy bed. Great cycling. Perfect holiday, really!

Claire S.(UK)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

15 Oct 2020

Due to the pandemic we were not able to travel to Croatia as planned and you very kindly organised for us to take this trip instead. The boat was a really lovely home for a week. The cabin which was above deck was cosy and comfy with lovely cotton sheets and a private bathroom. Plenty of fresh-air wafted through during the night with doors and windows able to be propped open. The staff looked after our every need from first thing in the morning until last thing at night. The boat was kept really clean at all times and even though we travelled during one of the worst times in history with the Covid-19 Virus in full swing, we managed to feel relaxed and almost forgot about it all. The bikes were really comfy and well maintained with ample storage in the pannier bag.

T. H.(UK)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

12 Oct 2021

We had a fantastic holiday...everything was excellent. Thanks for your help. We particularly liked the splendid bike guides Costas & Demetrius, they were great fun and kept us entertained and safe. We are now looking forward to the Peloponnese trip next year and hope these guides will join us again.

C. McAllister(Glasgow, United Kingdom)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

10 Oct 2023

Had a fantastic time on the Ionian Bike and sail holiday. The cycling was great, the food was terrific and the crew worked really hard to make the best of things. We had a terrible storm, but the Captain adapted so we could get the best out of our time.

J. Patterson(Hamilton, New Zealand)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

16 Jun 2023

A feature of the rides were the wonderful long downhills with switchbacks and amazing vistas. Of course the were preceded by corresponding uphills but an e-bike takes the pain out of it! We visited several ancient ruins, rock tombs and historical ruins with commentary from an very well informed guide. All up a great experience….and the food on board was to die for!

L. Balding(Norwich, United Kingdom)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

6 Jun 2023

I had the time of my life. The guides were great, the boat was clean and the bed super comfy and the cycle rides challenging but achievable with breathtaking scenery.

J. Paskalides(Hernando, United States)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

20 Jun 2023

We had a good time on our trip. The tour guides were great and the boat crew was excellent. The food was very healthy and delicious. The Greek islands are amazing.

E. Bailey(Ringwood, Australia)  

Ionian Islands Bike & Sail

19 Oct 2023

Great location, comfortable quarters above deck, professional and attentive staff/crew, delightful traditional meals, bikes worked well but were heavy.

Read all 12 reviews

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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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    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.

  • 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.

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