Greece Bike and Sail Tour (Ionian Islands)

Lifestyle Cycling Tour Greece from $2460 NZD
(5/5) from 3 reviews

By bike & boat, discover the  Ionian islands where nature, the blue shimmering Ionian Sea and centuries of Venetian influences dominate the archipelago.

From Corfu, which was the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Sissi, this journey leads us to regions which are not so well known. Discover 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.

You’ll stay on board a motor yacht in an air-conditioned and compact ensuite cabin. Every day a variety of delicious Greek cuisine will be served by your chef.

Note: some tours run from Corfu to Athens or vice versa (via the Corinthian Canal).

Reviews for Greece Bike and Sail Tour (Ionian Islands) - Tour

Global Cycling Adventures - Greece cycling tours

Great fun and a wonderful way to sight-see.

Murray & Vicky Henshall October 9, 2017

Global Cycling Adventures - Greece cycling tours

Fantastic experience and great scenery.

John & Marianne Duncan September 17, 2017

Global Cycling Adventures - Greece cycling tours

Destination excellent, fellow passengers like a family outing, very congenial atmosphere.

Judith McKenzie September 12, 2017

Corfu to Corfu

Corfu International Airport
  • Lifestyle
  • Grade
  • Please check availability with us before booking
  • Some departures are from Corfu to Athens or vv
  • Group size for this tour is 14-20
  • Tour prices are for a below deck cabin
  • Upper deck surcharge EUR100pp
  • Single cabin surcharge (subject to availability) EUR400 below deck / EUR600 upper deck
  • EUR80 Touring bike hire (21 speed)
  • EUR180 Electro bike hire
  • This tour is invoiced in EURO
  • Specific Terms & Conditions apply for this tour
  • Please ask about other Greece Bike & Sail tours in the Cyclades & Aegean
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jordan



Greece Bike and Sail Tour (Ionian Islands) Fitness and Preparation
A good level of fitness is required as although daily distances are only 20-50 km, the terrain is hilly with some challenging climbs. Many people underestimate the amount of hill work required, so please consider an e-bike if you prefer easy cycling. Roads are mostly asphalted. You can also choose to skip a bike tour, and sunbathe or relax on the yacht instead.

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival Day: Corfu (Marina Gouvia)

No cycling

Please make your own way to popular Corfu, the largest of the Ionian islands. It's the ‘dream’ island of the Austrian empress Sissi, and playground of the rich, famous and not-so-famous alike. Your boat will be moored in the harbour of Gouvia and boarding time is from 2 pm. We stay here tonight, so there is time to explore the charming town of Corfu before our first dinner on board.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2

Corfu Island to Sivota to Lefkas Island

Cycling: 28 km

This morning we sail to Sivota, a resort town on the Greek mainland, where our first bike ride starts. We cycle to Parga, a pretty village which has a Venetian fortress towering over the old town. Here we meet the boat and then cruise to Lefkas Island, passing the original swing bridge which connects Lefkas with the Greek mainland. We will overnight in the harbour of Nidri, a lively town known for its good restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

Islands of Lefkas and Cephalonia (Kefalonia)

Cycling: 35 km

We start by cycling from the village of Nidri to nearby waterfalls, where we can swim if they still have plenty of water. We continue along quiet roads and through the mountains past Siyros to the picturesque harbour town of Sivota. Here we board the boat and cruise to Fiskardo, located on the northern tip of the Island of Kefalonia. This colourful harbour town charms visitors with its cafes, bars, and lively promenade.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4

Cephalonia to Ithaca Island

Cycling: 39 km

Today we bike from Fiskardo to Sami via the impressive mountain pass at the eastern end of the island. Along the way there will be impressive views over Assos Peninsula and down to famous Myrtos beach. After the climb we turn inland and cross the island. If time permits we may visit the limestone (stalactite and stalagmite) caves of Melissani which can only be viewed from row boats. The clear water in various shades of blue is quite a sight. Later in the afternoon we cruise from Sami to Vathy on the mythical island of Ithaca.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5

Islands of Ithaca and Meganisi

Cycling: 21 km + 13 km

Ithaca, the homeland of the mythical king Odysseus, is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. Today we're off the beaten tourist track in a timeless landscape of gnarled olive trees, crystal-clear waters and friendly islanders. Our boat then takes us from the port of Frikes to the small island of Meganisi, south-east of Lefkas. On the way we pass Skorpios, the private island of the influential ship owner Aristotle Onassis. Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm and this afternoon we'll explore it by bike.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6

Mytikas to Lefkas town to Gaios

Cycling: 49 km

This morning we cross to Mytikas on the Greek mainland. From here we ride along coastal roads, then hilly roads through mountain villages to Lefkas town. In the afternoon we sail to Paxos, the smallest of the principal Ionian islands. The unique natural harbour in Paxos' capital, Gaios, creates a special island atmosphere. We can spend the evening in a cozy tavern in Gaios.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7

Islands of Paxos and Corfu

Cycling: 23 km

Paxos (the smallest of the 7 Ionian Islands) is effectively a grove of olive trees, giving the island its wonderful silver-green colour. We'll circle the island by bike, and have our last swim in the Mediterranean at one of the many beaches. After lunch the boat will bring us back to Corfu, where we’ll have dinner on board. You may like to spend your last evening wandering around the romantic town centre.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Departure Day: Corfu (Marina Gouvia)

No cycling

After breakfast, we ask you to check out by 9am. Transfer to the airport for your return home, or you may wish to extend your holiday on Corfu Island.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

Tour Includes:

  • 7 nights on a motor yacht in a cabin with ensuite & air conditioning
  • Meals as per the itinerary (2x full board & 5x half board)
  • Guided bike tours & sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
  • Bed linen and towels
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Entries to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only)

Tour Excludes:

  • Flights, travel visas & Travel Insurance
  • Transfers between Corfu airport and harbour (available at extra cost)
  • Bike hire (touring bike or E-bike)
  • Optional bike insurance against theft/damage
  • Drinks on board
  • Flat fee (€20pp) for unlimited drinking water payable on board
  • Meals and drinks ashore
  • Entrance for sights not included in tour
  • Tips for the tour guides and crew