Ionian Islands
Greece Bike + Boat Tours
Bike & Boat in Greece featuring the Ionian Islands & Gulf of Corinth
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€2095 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Welcome to Greece's Ionian Islands for your bike and boat tour in paradise!
The fertile and lush landscape, fragrant with olive and pine, bursting with vineyards, is the backdrop for your cycling, and, as you navigate the coasts of the major Ionian Islands, the sapphire Ionian sea shimmers and beckons.
The architecture, culture, and cuisine is rich and varied with a blend of Venetian, British, and French.
With outstanding natural beauty, rich history, sun and sea, this tour is quintessential Greece!
Welcome to perfection!
Highlights
- Corfu, also known as Greece's Emerald Island and its Unesco World Heritage Old Town
- Colorful harbor town on the Island of Lefkas, the bird sanctuary island
- Mountainous Cephalonia Island with its craggy cliffs falling to the sea
- Ithaca, quiet and undiscovered home of Odysseus
- The passage through the Corinth Canal
- Rugged and green Paxos
- Unique accommodations
- Pristine water, lush landscapes, lovely sea villages
- Athens!
Check out our full list of bike & boat tours in Greece.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Corfu/Marina Gouvia | Check-in begins at 2pm on the ship. Overnight in Corfu.
Day 2: Corfu Island - Sivota - Parga - Lefkas Island, 18 mi. (28 km)
Day 3: Island of Lefkas, 21 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Cephalonia Island, 25 mi. (39 km)
Day 5: Islands of Ithaca and Meganisi, 13 or 17 mi. (20 or 28 km)
Day 6: Island of Meganisi and Paxos, 10 mi. (17 km)
Day 7: Islands of Paxos and Corfu, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 8: Departure from Corfu/Marina Gouvia follwing breakfast by 9amAll distances are approximate and subject to change due to changing weather conditions, lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances. The captain and crew reserve the right to make changes at any time with safety as the top priority.
Day 1: Arrival in Corfu/Marina Gouvia
Check-in on the ship begins at 2 pm. In the evening, you'll enjoy dinner on board. Overnight stay in Corfu town.Day 2: Corfu Island - Sivota - Parga - Lefkas Island, 18 mi. (28 km)
In the morning, the ship sails to Sivota, the only center of tourism on the western coast of the Greek mainland. From here, you'll cycle to Parga, a pretty town with a medieval fort which towers over the old town. The boat will be waiting to navigate to Nidri on Lefkas Island. On the way, you will pass the original swing-bridge which connects Lefkas with the Greek mainland.Day 3: Island of Lefkas, 21 mi. (35 km)
After breakfast, you cycle a relatively short distance to a waterfall nearby Nidri. With a bit of luck, there will be enough water to have a refreshing swim. Afterward, continue on quiet roads over the hills via Siyros to the picturesque harbor town of Sivota. Here you board the boat and cruise to Fiskardo on the Island of Cephalonia. Situated on the northern tip of the island, the harbor town enchants with its colorful houses and many cafes and bars along the lively waterfront promenade.Day 4: Cephalonia Island, 25 mi. (39 km)
Leave Fiskardo by bike and climb an impressive mountain road on the west coast of Kefalonia, where you are met by awe-inspiring views over the Assos peninsula and the famous Myrtos beach. After the climb, turn inland and cross the island. Shortly before the end of the bike tour, you will visit the Melissani stalactite cave on board a small rowboat and marvel at the incredible blue tones created by the unique cave formations, sun, and water. In Sami, the boat welcomes you where you'll set off for Vathy on Ithaka.Day 5: Islands of Ithaca, 13 or 17 mi. (20 or 28 km)
In the morning, you will cycle on the homeland of the mythical king, Odysseus, Ithaca Island. The is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. On today’s cycle route you 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 if you are up for the challenge of a true hill climb, or if you would prefer the leisurely alternative of a panoramic ride at half the height. The Panagiota awaits your arrival in Frikes, where you'll board and set off to the small island of Meganisi.Day 6: Island of Meganisi and Paxos, 10 mi. (17 km)
Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which you have the opportunity to explore in the morning by bicycle. The scenic tour takes you along quiet and quaint island roads and through the three villages of the island, which give you a glimpse into the traditional island life of the Greeks. At Spartochori beach, you can enjoy a coffee and a swim in the sea. In the afternoon, sail to Paxos Island, whose unique natural harbor in Gaios creates a special island atmosphere. Spend the evening in one of the cozy taverns of Gaios.Day 7: Islands of Paxos and Corfu, 14 mi. (23 km)
Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver-green color. On today’s cycle tour you will circle the island and have the opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean and relax on one of the many beaches. After lunch, the boat brings you back to Corfu town and following dinner on board, you end your tour leisurely with an evening in the romantic, historical town center.Day 8: Departure from Corfu/Marina Gouvia
After breakfast, check out at 9 am and collective transfer to the airport. Extra time on the island of Corfu will be very hard to pass up!May 24, July 5, August 23, September 27 departures
Day 1: Embarkation in Athens/Piraeus (Marina Zeas)
Day 2: Piraeus - Aegina Island - Corinth Canal - Galaxidi, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Galaxidi - Delphi - Nafpaktos - Mesolongi
Day 4: Mesolongi - Ithaca Island, 21 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Meganisi Island - Lefkas Island, 11 mi. (18 km) + optional 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 6: Nidri - Lefkas town - Paxos Island, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Paxos Island, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 8: Corfu IslandDay 1: Embarkation in Athens/Piraeus (Marina Zeas)
Individual arrival at Marina Zeas (Piraeus). Check in on the Panagiota begins at 2 pm. Dinner on board and overnight stay in the harbor of Piraeus.Day 2: Piraeus - Aegina Island - Corinth Canal - Galaxidi, 22 mi. (35 km)
In the morning, the boat takes you to the island famous for its pistachios, Aegina. Your first bike tour leads to the well-preserved temple of Aphaia, enthroned high above the azure sea. In the afternoon, board the boat again to sail through the Isthmus of Corinth, completed in 1893, though plans for its construction date back to Julius Caesar. This 3.9 mi./6.3 km long, 79 ft./24 m wide, and 26 ft./8 m deep canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth. Weather permitting, the boat continues sailing to Galaxidi, otherwise overnight stay in or near Corinth.Day 3: Galaxidi - Delphi - Nafpaktos - Mesolongi
In the morning, a transfer shuttle collects you from Galaxidi and takes us to the famous ancient site of Delphi, which rests at the foot of the Parnassus mountain range. It was here the ancient Greeks came to worship Apollo, the god of the light, and to consult the oracle. A visit to Delphi is a truly unforgettable experience not only due to the many temples, treasuries, the well-preserved theater, and the stadium, but also thanks to the incredible hill-side location and views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, the bus takes you to the harbor of Nafpaktos where you have time for lunch and a short stroll through the beautiful town before another short bus ride brings you to today's destination, Mesolongi. The boat docks here overnight.Day 4: Mesolongi - Ithaca Island, 21 mi. (35 km)
In the morning, a longer crossing leads to Ithaca. If weather allows, take a swim break in the inviting blue water on the way before docking at the port of Vathy. In the afternoon, explore the legendary Ithaca by bike. Ithaca is a mountainous, scenic island where you can enjoy the unique charm of the Ionian Islands away from the tourist crowds. Beautiful olives, deep blue sea and friendly locals – on Ithaca, time seems to have stood still. Spectacular views await you on this round trip! Overnight stay in Vathy.
Day 5: Meganisi Island - Lefkas Island, 11 mi. (18 km) + optional 6 mi. (10 km)
During breakfast, the boat croesses to Meganisi. Today's bike tour takes you along a panoramic route on quiet island roads through the three villages of this lovely island and gives you a good look into the traditional island life of the locals. At the beach of Spartochori, there is time for a coffee and swimming break. Later in the afternoon, you'll arrive in Nidri on Lefkas, where you have the opportunity (if desired) to cycle through rustic olive groves to the hidden waterfall of Nidri. Overnight stay in Nidri.Day 6: Nidri - Lefkas town - Paxos Island, 19 mi. (30 km)
Today’s bike tour leads through the impressive mountains of Lefkas to the island capital of the same name. On the way you can enjoy spectacular views before enjoying a well-deserved coffee in the mountain village of Karia. In the town of Lefkas, the Panagiota awaits us for a longer crossing to Paxos, during which you 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, 14 mi. (23 km)
Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is so densely covered in olive trees the whole island seems to glisten a wonderful silver green color. Amorning tour leads us around the whole island. There is plenty of time to enjoy a swim in the sea at one of the many beaches. In the afternoon, the Panagiota takes us to Corfu. The last evening on board concludes with a communal dinner and last get-together in a cozy atmosphere with crew, fellow travelers, and tour guides.
Day 8: Corfu Island
Check out after breakfast or extend your stay on Corfu.May 17, June 28, August 16, September 20 departures
Day 1: Arrival in Corfu
Day 2: Paxos Island, 15 mi. (23 km)
Day 3: Lefkas - Nidri, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Ithaca Island - Mesolongi, 12 or 17 mi. (20 or 28 mi.)
Day 5: Mesolongi - Delphi - Galaxidi
Day 6: Galaxidi - Corinth Canal - Aegina Island, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 7: Aegina Island - Piraeus/Marina Zeas, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Departure from Athens/PiraeusYou can view all of our bike & boat tours or look at our featured trips including hiking, multi-adventure, & active cruises.
Map
Boats & Bikes
- Panagiota
Comfort Class Motor Yacht
The Panagiota is a carefully restored two-masted wooden motor yacht. Your time on board will be relaxing and varied. With two large sundecks, it's a pleasure to relax and read on the numerous comfortable sleeping mats. At the rear, on the other hand, there are enough shady spots for guests who prefer it a little cooler. The swim ladder provides easy access to the sea. When the ship stops in one of the beautiful bays, you can take advantage of the canoes on board and paddle the pristine waters. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in double/twin cabin with a private all-in-one bathroom (toilet & sink w/ hand-held shower)
- Breakfast
- 5 days with lunch or dinner & 2 days with lunch & dinner
- 21-24 speed aluminum hybrid trekking bicycle with trapeze frame equipped with a gel saddle, mudguards, rear rack, & pannier
- English-speaking cycling tour guide & 6 guided cycling tours as per itinerary
- Entrance fee to museums & archaeological sites
- Overview-maps for the daily biking tours
- Bottled water on board and during all activities
What’s Not Included
- Drinks on board (tally sheet)
- Weekly flat rate for bottled water: €25 (adults) or €15 (children up to age 16)
- Entrance fees other than those included
- Meals other than those mentioned
- Airport transfers (see pricing)
- Gratuities for crew & tour guide
- Wifi (If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend bringing your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbor or consider bringing your own personal hot spot. We suggest MyWebSpot .
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2024
Comfort Class
Panagiota
Friday departures
May 3, May 10, May 17*, May 24*, May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28*, July 5*, July 12, July 19, August 16*, August 23*, August 30, September 6, September 13, September 20*, September 27*, October 4, & October 11, 2024*On these dates, a special itinerary from Athens to Corfu or the reverse is offered which covers a large part of the regular itinerary in the Ionian Islands, but additionally include the cruise through the Gulf of Corinth with a visit to the ancient oracle site of Delphi, the boat passage through the legendary Isthmus of Corinth, and a visit to the pistachio island of Aegina. We will be happy to send you the detailed itinerary upon request.
** Discount: 200 Euros per person on on May 3, 10, 31 & June 21. Only for new bookings made after February 9, 2024.
Below deck | Twin/double $ 3543 £ 1826 $ 3,145 € 2095 kr 318209 ₪ 8486 ¥ 346558 Mex$ 39113 NZ$ 3820 NOK 24742 kr 24236 $ 2,324 Above deck | Twin/double, supplement $ 338 £ 174 $ 300 € 200 kr 30378 ₪ 810 ¥ 33084 Mex$ 3734 NZ$ 365 NOK 2362 kr 2314 $ 222 Below deck | Twin/double for single use, supplement $ 846 £ 436 $ 751 € 500 kr 75945 ₪ 2025 ¥ 82711 Mex$ 9335 NZ$ 912 NOK 5905 kr 5784 $ 555 Above deck | Twin/double for single use, supplement $ 1184 £ 610 $ 1,051 € 700 kr 106323 ₪ 2835 ¥ 115795 Mex$ 13069 NZ$ 1276 NOK 8267 kr 8098 $ 776 Extra Options
Bicycle Options
Electric bicycle rental (limited number, advanced reservation required) $ 245 £ 126 $ 218 € 145 kr 22024 ₪ 587 ¥ 23986 Mex$ 2707 NZ$ 264 NOK 1712 kr 1677 $ 161 Transfers
Group transfer between Corfu airport - port $ 42 £ 22 $ 38 € 25 kr 3797 ₪ 101 ¥ 4136 Mex$ 467 NZ$ 46 NOK 295 kr 289 $ 28 Group transfer between Hotel Corfu - port $ 29 £ 15 $ 26 € 17 kr 2582 ₪ 69 ¥ 2812 Mex$ 317 NZ$ 31 NOK 201 kr 197 $ 19 Exclusive transfers On request Transfers take place on embarkation and disembarkation days only. Rates are per person/way. A minimum of 2 people is required.
Additional costs may apply if you bring your own bike.Extra Nights
Corfu Island On request 3-day extension in Corfu
3-star 4-star Double/twin $ 896 £ 462 $ 796 € 530 kr 80501 ₪ 2147 ¥ 87673 Mex$ 9895 NZ$ 966 NOK 6259 kr 6131 $ 588 $ 1116 £ 575 $ 991 € 660 kr 100247 ₪ 2673 ¥ 109178 Mex$ 12322 NZ$ 1204 NOK 7795 kr 7635 $ 732 Single $ 1032 £ 532 $ 916 € 610 kr 92653 ₪ 2471 ¥ 100907 Mex$ 11389 NZ$ 1112 NOK 7204 kr 7057 $ 677 $ 1438 £ 741 $ 1,276 € 850 kr 129106 ₪ 3443 ¥ 140608 Mex$ 15869 NZ$ 1550 NOK 10039 kr 9833 $ 943 Additional activity (Culinary Tour of Corfu town, Kayak tour along Corfu's East Coast or Sunset Hike along Corfu's West Coast) $ 203 £ 105 $ 180 € 120 kr 18227 ₪ 486 ¥ 19851 Mex$ 2240 NZ$ 219 NOK 1417 kr 1388 $ 133 Single supplement can be avoided if you are willing to share your cabin with someone of the same gender.
Discount available for 3 people sharing a cabin, 50% of basic tour price for third person and no above cabin surcharge.
Discount available for children up to age 16 requesting their own cabin. Ask us for details.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This guided bike and boat tour is rated moderate to difficult. It requires an advanced level of fitness, ideally acquired by daily biking. The daily distances range from 14 to 31 miles (23 to 50 km) and lead through hilly or mountainous areas. The cycle tours will have an altitude of 1,000 to 2,300 feet (300 to 700 m). The roads are mostly asphalted. You can always choose to take a day off the saddle and spend the time sunbathing or swimming. Electric bikes are available (limited number, so reserve early) but please take note that the pace of this tour will be established by those in the group on non-electric bikes. These cyclists need more time to rest and will take longer to climb the hills.
Airport Info
Fly into and out of Corfu International Airport (CFU) also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, located approximately 3 kilometers south of Corfu Town.
Local Travel
Port of embarkation on the Island of Corfu is generally decided the evening before the tour begins which is why we highly recommend an arrival transfer. On the day of embarkation, there are three mooring possibilities; either in the Corfu yard port, below the Old Fortress, or the Corfu city ferry port, or in Marina Gouvia (about 10 km north of Corfu City.)
If you do not book an arrival transfer, you will be provided a number to call on the day of embarkation, so as to know where to find your ship.
You can then take a taxi or bus from Corfu city. If you use a standard taxi, please insist that the driver turns on the taximeter to avoid unpleasant surprises regarding the fare.Climate
The climate on the Ionian Islands is considered Mediterranean. Blue skies and sun prevail during high summer, but it is also quite hot. The dates this tour are offered are based on the best time for an active vacation here, spring, early summer, late summer, and autumn.
Day of Rest
If you decide not to bike, you can always enjoy the day on board the ship sunbathing and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Half days are generally possible but please be sure to verify this.
Recommended
It is advised for you to use soft shell luggage as storage in the cabin is very limited. Softshell luggage when empty collapses easily and can then be stored under your bed.
Remarks
Helmet use is mandatory. Though there are a limited number of helmets available on board for borrowing (advanced reservation required), it is STRONGLY recommended to bring your personal, well-fitted helmet.
Important to know
It is each traveler's responsibility to research travel requirements and to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, blank visa pages required for your destination (s), and any other requirement.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU citizens: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and the destination country.
EU-citizens: (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months from the end of your tour.
*Important note: Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
3 day pre or post-tour extension in Corfu
The beautiful island of Corfu lies off the west coast of Greece, a place of incredible scenic contrasts. The north is extremely mountainous, the south is flat and dotted with olive groves, and the west boasts a spectacular steep coast.
Corfu town is the island's capital, located on the east coast, and considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. You will overnight here for two nights.
Choice of one of three included activities:*
- 3 hour culinary tour around the Unesco protected old town of Corfu
Look forward to sampling fig cake, traditional meze and ouzo, Greek yoghurt with candied fruit, olive oil, honey, and much more! An all-round delightful and delicious experience is guaranteed.
- Kayak tour along corfu's east coast (available mid-June to the end of September)
On this active and fully guided excursion, you will discover a few of the secluded bays along the east coast and enjoy a ocean view of the beautiful coastal landscape. You will have opportunity to swim and relax on one of the stunning beaches. Transfers between your accommodation and the start/end point of the tour are included in the tour package
- Sunset hike along Corfu's West Coast
Corfu's steep cliffs, sprawling olive groves and Byzantine forts are just a few of the scenic wonders you will encounter on the 4-hour hike. As the sun sinks into the sea, the sky is awash in colors. Your knowledgeable guide will share a wealth of information about the island. Transfers between your accommodation and the start/end point of the tour are included in the tour package.
*If you are having a hard time deciding which one of the three activities to choose, you may add another for €100 per person.
Included
- Accommodations for 2 nights in either a 3* or 4* star hotel (you choose)
- Breakfast
- Taxi transfers between Corfu Airport/Corfu Port & hotel at the beginning & end of the extension program
- Choice of one activity: Guided culinary-cultural city tour, kayak tour along the east coast, or sunset hike along the west coast (all tours are guided exclusively in English)
- Information booklet on active leisure activities on Corfu
Not included
- Lunch & dinner
- Entrance fees
- Activities other than those mentioned as included
Additional information regarding transfers
All airport transfers require a reservation with exact flight details. Please inform us well in advance of departure. And of course please wait until you are officially confirmed before making any air travel arrangements.
For the smooth execution of airport transfers, please send us the following data:
- Arrival date and departure date
- Departure or arrival airport
- Airline and flight number
- Estimated arrival or departure time
For hotel transfers please send us the following information:
- Date of transfer
- Exact hotel address
- Preferred transfer time
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Island Hopping.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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