Greece - Ionian Islands Bike and Sail Tour -8 Days
E-Bike hire - €245
Hybrid bike hire - €80
Upper deck surcharge - €350pp
Single cabin surcharge - price on request
Overview
This tour starts in Corfu - the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Sissi. Our journey then leads us to lesser-known regions of this beautiful archipelago. By bike and boat we will discover the famous island of Ithaca which is said to have been the home of Odysseus. We'll visit the unforgettable green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, the fantastic mountain world of Cephalonia and the beautiful olive groves of the small island of Paxos.
You’ll stay on board a wooden motor yacht in an air-conditioned ensuite cabin. Every day a variety of delicious Greek cuisine will be served by your chef.
On this trip you have the option of joining your guides on the cycle tours or riding at your own pace using the free Ride With GPS route app.
Highlights
Culture: Ithaca - home of Odysseus
Nature: The impressive mountain road with a view onto Myrtos beach
Activity: A visit to Melissani cave on Kefalonia
Culinary: Kleftiko - lamb and rice noodles in a clay pot
Souvenir: Olive oil and olive soap from Paxos
Note 1: You have the option of either cycling with your guides or using the free RideWithGPS route app on your smartphone for a self guided experience
Note 2: There are tours running between Corfu and Athens via the Gulf of Corinth and the Corinthian Canal. Please contact us for more details.
Tour Gallery
Full Itinerary
Arrival In Corfu
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 and boarding time is from 2pm. We stay here tonight, so there is time to explore the charming town of Corfu before our first dinner on board.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Boat
Corfu Island to Sivota to Lefkas Island
This morning we cruise to Sivota, a town on the Greek mainland. From here we start our first bike ride which leads to Parga, a coastal town beautifully situated below a Venetian fortress that towers above. We'll meet the boat here and settle in for a longer cruise to Nidri on Lefkas Island. On our way we'll pass a floating swing bridge which connects Lefkas with the Greek mainland. We spend the night in the lively harbour of Nidri.
Cycling Distance: 28km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat
Islands of Lefkas and Cephalonia (Kefalonia)
From the village of Nidri we cycle to a nearby waterfall, where we can stop for a swim provided the water level is high enough. Then we continue along quiet roads over hills to the picturesque harbour town of Sivota where we board the boat. We cruise to Fiskardo, located on the northern tip of the Island of Cephalonia. This colourful harbour town charms visitors with its cafes, bars, and lively promenade.
Cycling Distance: 35km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat
Islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca
Leaving Fiskardo, we climb an impressive mountain road on the west coast of Cephalonia. Along the way we are rewarded with awe inspiring views over the Assos peninsula and the famous Myrtos beach. Then we turn inland and cross the island. Shortly before the end of the ride we hop onto a small rowboat and visit the Melissani stalactite cave. Here we can marvel at the incredible blue tones created by the unique cave formations, sun and water. In Sami, the boat welcomes us back on board and we cruise to Vathy on Ithaca.
Cycling Distance: 39km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat
Islands of Ithaca and Meganisi
This morning, starting from Vathy, we explore Ithaca Island on our bikes. A hilly island with spectacular scenery said to have been home to the mythical king Odysseus. Our off-the-beaten track ride shows us the special character of the Ionian Islands: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders. On Ithaca time appears to stand still. You can decide whether you are up for the challenge of a real hill climb or if you would prefer the leisurely alternative - a panoramic ride with less climbing. The Panagiota awaits our arrival in Frikes before setting off to the small island of Meganisi.
Cycling Distance: 20km or 28km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat
Islands of Meganisi and Paxos
This morning we explore the tiny island of Meganisi by bike. It's a panoramic ride along secluded roads and through the island's three villages, giving us a good impression of traditional Greek island life. At Spartochori beach we can stop for a swim and a coffee before sailing to Paxos Island in the afternoon. The unique natural harbour in Paxos' capital, Gaios, creates a special island atmosphere. We can spend the evening in a cosy tavern in Gaios.
Cycling Distance: 17km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat
Paxos to Corfu
Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is so densely covered in olive trees that the entire island seems to glisten a wonderful silver-green colour. Our morning bike ride will lead us around the whole island during which there'll be time for a swim in the sea at one of the many beaches. This afternoon the boat will take us back to Corfu, where we’ll have our last dinner and get-together on board.
Cycling Distance: 23km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat
Departure day - Corfu (Marina Gouvia)
After breakfast, we ask you to check out by 9am. You may wish to extend your holiday on Corfu Island.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Boat
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- 7 nights on a standard motor yacht (compact cabins with ensuite & air conditioning)
- Meals as per the itinerary (2x full board & 5x half board)
- Guided bike tours & sightseeing as listed
- Bed linen and towels
- Drinking water on board
- Access to RideWithGPS app for self guided cycling (optional)
- English speaking tour guide
- Entries to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only)
- Maps for daily bike rides (available on board)
- Flights, travel visas & Travel Insurance
- Surcharge for above deck and/or single cabin
- Meals ashore (if not included in the tour price)
- Transfers between Corfu airport and harbour (available at extra cost)
- Bike hire (& optional insurance)
- Drinks on board (except water)
- Special dietary requests €70 (request in advance, pay on board)
- Entrance for sights not included in tour
- Beach towel for use ashore
- SGR insolvency protection scheme: €5 pp
A good level of fitness is required as although daily distances are only 20-40 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 asphalt. You can also choose to skip a bike tour and relax on the boat instead.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
If the minimum number of participants required for a trip is not met (14 participants for bike and boat trips, unless otherwise noted), we reserve the right to cancel it. The decision about the trip taking place or not will be made as early as possible; at least three weeks before beginning of the trip. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
Explore Related Adventures
Don't just take our word for it
Why Travel with global cycling adventures?
New Zealand Owned
and Operated
Connect with ease. Our dynamic New Zealand based agency specialises in elevating your international cycling and golf getaways.
Tried and trusted
We have over 20 years experience and many of our clients tour with us year after year. Several clients have done over 25 tours with us.
Sustainability
We value the privilege to explore the world by bike. We partner with organisations and people that behave with respect and awareness to minimise any negative impact.
Giving Back
We believe our tours should improve life for the people and places we visit and leave a positive impact. We work in partnership with local people and providers who have local knowledge.
