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The Gulf of Corinth and the Ionian Islands by Bike + Boat

Athens - Corfu / Corfu - Athens

map

Route

Tour profile / Level 3

The cycle routes require an advanced level of fitness from the participants. The daily routes have a length of 12 - 31 mi.(20 - 50 km). They lead through hilly or mountainous areas and will be completed without any time-constraints. There are also some extended climbs where walking your bicycle is of course permitted. Most of the roads are asphalted and rarely frequented. Your tour guide informs you each day about the tour details. You can either decide to cycle alone, using the information and maps provided, or join one of our tour guides or other participants. 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.

Route Athens – Corfu

Day 1: Athens/Piraeus (Embarkation) 
Individual arrival at Marina Zeas (Piraeus).  Check in on the Panagiota from 2 pm. Dinner on board. Overnight stay in the harbor of Piraeus.

Day 2: Piraeus – Aegina Island – Corinth Canal - Galaxidi , approx. 35 km
In the morning we sail to Aegina, the famous pistachio island. Here our first cycle tour takes us to the excellently preserved temple of Aphaia, which lingers high above and scouts over the lucent sea. In the afternoon we sail with the Panagiota through the Isthmus of Corinth, which was completed in 1893. Julius Caesar had already plans for its construction. This 3.9 mi./6.3 km long but only 79 ft./24 m wide and 26 ft./8 m deep canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth and saves travelers sailing from Athens to Corinth the aprx. 258 mi./400 km long trip around the whole Peloponnese. If weather conditions are fine, the cruise continues to Galaxidi, otherwise overnight stay in or near Corinth.

Day 3: Galaxidi Delphi – Nafpaktos Mesolongi
In the morning a transfer picks us up at Galaxidi and takes us to the famous site of Delphi, which rests at the foot of the Parnassus mountain range. Apollo, the god of the light, was once worshipped here and the oracle consulted. Not only the many temples and treasuries, the well-preserved theatre and the stadium, but mainly the breath-taking hillside location of the sanctuary makes the visit to Delphi an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, the bus will bring us to the harbour of Nafpaktos where we have time for lunch and a short stroll through the wonderful town before another short bus ride brings us finally to Mesolongi. The boat meets us here and we stay the night.

Day 4: Mesolongi - Ithaca island, approx. 35 km
In the morning, a longer crossing takes us to Ithaca. If the weather is fine, you can stop for a swim on the way before docking in the port of Vathy. Ithaca is a mountainous, scenic island where you can enjoy the unique charm of the Ionian Islands away from the tourist crowds. Magnificent olive trees, deep blue sea and friendly locals - time seems to have stood still on Ithaca.

Day 5: Meganisi Island - Lefkas Island, approx. 18 - 28 km
During breakfast you cross the sea to Meganisi. The cycle tour takes you on a panoramic route on quiet island roads through the three villages of this beautiful island and gives you a good impression of the traditional island life of the locals. You will have time for a coffee break and a swim at Spartochori beach. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Nidri on Lefkas, where guests have the opportunity (if they wish) to cycle through rustic olive groves to the hidden waterfall of Nidri.

Day 6: Nidri - Lefkas town - Paxos island, approx. 30 km
Today’s cycle tour takes you through the impressive mountain world of Lefkas to the island capital of the same name. Along the way you can enjoy spectacular views before treating yourself to a well-earned coffee in the mountain village of Karia. In the town of Lefkas, the Panagiota awaits you for a longer crossing to Paxos, during which you will have plenty of time to relax. You can spend the evening in one of the cozy taverns in the unique natural harbour of Gaios.

Day 7: Paxos Island, approx 23 km
Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver green colour. On our morning cycle trip we circle the whole island. We can also have a swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. In the afternoon the Panagiota takes us to Corfu. The last evening aboard includes the communal dinner and a last get-together in a cozy atmosphere with crew and tour guides.

Day 8: Corfu Island (Disembarkation)
After breakfast check-out; individual return home or extended stay on the Corfu Island.

  • Extension module Athen- PRE- or POST tour available

    EXTENSION MODULE -  PRE- or POST tour available

    Included Services:

    • 2 nights in a 3 or 4 star hotel
    • Entrance to the Acropolis
    • 1 evening meal in the Tavern "To Kafeneion" excl. drinks
    • 1 guided city tour Athens: either e-bike tour, delicacies tour or mystical walk
    • Transfers airport - Hotel + Hotel - boat

    Prices see under "Dates and Prices"

     

  • Additional program Corfu- bookable PRE- and POST tour

    ADDITIONAL PROGRAM CORFU - bookable PRE- and POST tour

    Inclusive services:

    • 2 overnight stays in a 3 or 4-star hotel
    • Including transfers between the airport of Corfu and the hotel
    • Choice of a city tour incl dinner, a sea kayak tour at the eastcoast or a sunset walk tour at the westcoast
    • Brochure with recommended activities in Corfu

    Prices see under "Dates and Prices"

Route Corfu – Athens

Day 1: Corfu (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: Paxos Island, approx. 23 km
Cast off! In the morning crossing to Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver green colour. On our first cycle trip we circle the whole island. We can also have a swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. Enjoy the evening in a cozy tavern in the unique natural harbour of Gaios! Overnight stay on Paxos.

Day 3: Lefkas town – Nidri, approx. 30 km
The day starts with a longer boats crossing to the City of Lefkas. On this crossing you will pass by the original swing bridge which connects the island of Lefkas with the Greek mainland. Today’s tour leads you across the island´s fascinating mountain landscape to the lively harbour of Nidri. The island of Skorpios can be seen from your moorings, once the private haven of shipping magnate Aristotle Socrates Onassis. The night is spent in Nidri.

Day 4: Ithaca Island Mesolongi, approx. 20 km
Early in the morning we cruise to the island of Ithaca which we explore today by bike. 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. The ship awaits us for a longer sail to Mesolongi in the Corinthian Gulf, where we spend our night.

Day 5: Mesolongi - Delphi - Galaxidi
A transfer bus picks you up in the morning and takes you to the medieval town of Nafpaktos. There you can take a short walk through the charming old town with its Venetian harbor and fortifications. The journey then continues to the famous site of Delphi at the foot of the Parnassos Mountains. The many beautiful temples and treasure houses, the well-preserved theater and stadium, but above all the breathtaking hillside location of the sanctuary make a visit to Delphi an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, a transfer bus will take you to the picturesque port of Galaxidi. If you wish, you can cycle to a nearby beach in the afternoon and enjoy a dip in the sea!

Day 6: Galaxidi - Corinth Canal - Aegina, approx. 20 km
Today we weigh anchor early and the journey continues towards the Isthmus of Corinth. The impressive passage through the Corinth Canal, which was completed in 1893 and whose construction was planned by Julius Caesar, is one of the absolute highlights of this trip. The 6.3 km long, 24 m wide and 8 m deep passage connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth. It saves passengers the almost 400 km journey around the Peloponnese. From the Saronic Gulf, you set course for the island of Aegina. In the afternoon, take a bike tour along the coast to the picturesque fishing port of Perdika. In the evening, the old town of Aegina invites you to take an extended stroll.

Day 7: Aegina - Piraeus/Marina Zeas, approx. 30 km
The island of Aegina is known far beyond its borders for its pistachios. In the morning, the last cycle tour takes you from the island’s capital past the monastery of Saint Nektarios to the well-preserved temple of Aphaia, which towers high above the blue sea. The ship awaits you in the town of Aegina for our last crossing to Athens/Piraeus, where you conclude your Greek adventure with a last cozy dinner on board.

Day 8: Athens/Piraeus (Disembarkation)
After breakfast check-out; individual return home or extended stay in Athens.

  • Extension module Athen- PRE- or POST tour available

    EXTENSION MODULE -  PRE- or POST tour available

    Included Services:

    • 2 nights in a 3 or 4 star hotel
    • Entrance to the Acropolis
    • 1 evening meal in the Tavern "To Kafeneion" excl. drinks
    • 1 guided city tour Athens: either e-bike tour, delicacies tour or mystical walk
    • Transfers airport - Hotel + Hotel - boat

    Prices see under "Dates and Prices"

     

  • Additional program Corfu- bookable PRE- and POST tour

    ADDITIONAL PROGRAM CORFU - bookable PRE- and POST tour

    Inclusive services:

    • 2 overnight stays in a 3 or 4-star hotel
    • Including transfers between the airport of Corfu and the hotel
    • Choice of a city tour incl dinner, a sea kayak tour at the eastcoast or a sunset walk tour at the westcoast
    • Brochure with recommended activities in Corfu

    Prices see under "Dates and Prices"

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program.

Services

  • 8-day cruise on a motor yacht with crew

  • 7 nights in a cabin below deck with shower/WC

  • 2x full board and 5x half board on board

  • Mineral water bottles on board and for activities on land

  • Guided bike tours and sightseeing according to the program

  • General maps for the individual cycling stages on board

  • Bed linen and towels

  • Bus transfer to Delphi

  • Entrance fees to jointly visited museums and archaeological sites

  • Boat passage through the Corinth Canal

  • German and English speaking tour guide

  • Maps and information material/cabin

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
      17.05. - 24.05.24
    Corfu - Athens
    ***SPECIAL***
      28.06. - 05.07.24
    Corfu - Athens
    ***SPECIAL***
      16.08. - 23.08.24
    Corfu - Athens
      20.09. - 27.09.24
    Corfu - Athens
      24.05. - 31.05.24
    Athens - Corfu
    ***SPECIAL***
      05.07. - 12.07.24
    Athens - Corfu
      23.08. - 30.08.24
    Athens - Corfu
      27.09. - 04.10.24
    Athens - Corfu

    Extras

    Discounts
    3rd person in triple cabin (only lower deck possible) -50%
    children until 16,99 in own cabin -25%
       
    Bicycle & equipment
    21- speed bike 80
    E-bike. 225
    Insurance against theft and damage touring/e-bike 10/25
       
    Additional nights/ extra package
    Athens/Corfu on request
    Extension Athens 3* (dbl/sgl) 510/740
    Extension Athens 4* (dbl/sgl) 600/840
    Additional activity Athens 70
    Extension Corfu 3* (dbl/sgl) 530/610
    Extension Corfu 4* (dbl/sgl) 660/850
    Additional activity Corfu 120
       
    Transfers*
    Shared transfer airport - harbor on request

    * Transfers only possible on embarkation and disembarkation day


    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Ship

    Welcome aboard the comfort boat PANAGIOTA!

    The Panagiota, our boat in Greece, is an affectionately restored two masted motor yacht, which is 23 ft. (7m) wide and 75 ft. (23m) long. It was built in 1990 and modernized in 2001 in conformity with the requirements of cruises. When the weather conditions are fine the guests can have the meals outside on the shaded rear deck instead of eating in the spacious saloon. The sun deck, equipped with cozy mats, invites to have a sun bath and to relax. Captain Gerasimos is very proud to present his boat, his crew and his chef, whom creates a wide variety of very delicious Greek food.


    Cabins/Facilities

    Lower deck: 6 cabins
    Upper deck: 4 cabin

    All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a double bed (4,6 ft. wide) and in some cabins there is also one single bunk bed located above the double bed. To each cabin belongs a private shower and toilet. Below deck cabins have a porthole to provide air, if air-condition is switched off.


    Catering

    The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.


    WIFI

    The Panagiota does not offer a WiFi connection. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend to take your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbour. Free WiFi is on offer almost everywhere. If you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the WiFi to your hearts content.


    Languages on board

    German, English

    Bicycle

    Useful

    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by plane

    Airport: Athens (ATH), Corfu (CFU)

    The fastest, cheapest and most comfortable way to get to Greece is by plane. From many airports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland there are flight connections to Athens and Corfu (if necessary with a change in Athens or Thessaloniki).


    Transfer

    From/to airport/city see under "Dates and Prices". Pre-booking with flight details required.


    Participants

    Minimum:14
    Maximum: 20


    Additional information

    Helmet obligation
    Helmets are compulsory on the bike tours. Please bring your own well-fitting helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation required).

    Children
    Basically, we believe that only children with a good stamina and a minimum age of 10 years can manage the bike tours under their own power. Please note that we can only provide rental bikes for children over 1.50 m tall.

    Own bikes
    Please note that only normal trekking/touring/city bikes may be brought along. It is NOT possible to bring your own e-bikes - these must be rented if required; subject to availability.

    Videos

    Travel stories

    4,8 of 6 Stars | 1
    The cycle tour of the Ionian Islands of Greece is a wonderful way to see some of Greece’s best scenery and cultural sights...M.L. 08/15
    5.0 31.08.2015 | Mark L. The Gulf of Corinth and the Ionian Islands by Bike & Boat

    Beautiful visit to the Ionian Islands on SS Panagiota

    The cycle tour of the Ionian Islands of Greece is a wonderful way to see some of Greece’s best scenery and cultural sights. Not only can you island-hop in style on a very comfortable motorised yacht (the SS Panagiota) but you can see parts of many islands ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 5
    • Information at the beginning of the tour 5
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 4
    • Route description 4
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 4
    more
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