Ionian Islands
Greece Bike + Barge Tours
Bike & Boat in Greece featuring the Ionian Islands & Gulf of Corinth
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1590 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
A bike and boat tour in Greece featuring the Ionian Islands is a bike and boat tour in paradise.
The shimmering sapphire Ionian sea, the white sand beaches, the islands carpeted with olive and pine trees and bursting with vineyards, this a fertile and lush landscape.
This region's architecture, culture, and cuisine are heavily influenced by the Venetians, British, and French so be prepared for variety and a unique atmosphere.
Highlights abound and will vary depending on your tour date and itinerary.
Highlights
- Corfu, also known as Greece's Emerald Island and its Unesco World Heritage Old Town
- Colorful harbor town on the Island of Lefkas
- Mountainous Cephalonia Island with its craggy cliffs falling to the sea
- Ithaca, quiet and undiscovered home of Odysseus
- Rugged and green Paxos
- Unique accommodations
- Pristine water, lush landscapes, lovely sea villages
- Athens!
Check out our full list of bike and boat tours in Greece.
Itinerary
*All 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 town
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 - Mytikas - Lefkas - Paxos, 13 mi. (20 km)
Day 7: Islands of Paxos and Corfu, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 8: Departure from Corfu/Marina GouviaDay 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 the medieval fort which towers over the old town. The boat will be waiting to go 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, begin a short tour 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, 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, cycle on Ithaca Island. The homeland of the mythical king, Odysseus, 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 Meganis and Paxos, 13 mi. (20 km)
Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which you have the opportunity to explore in the morning by bicycle. The panoramic 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!You can view all of our bike and boat tours or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Boats & Bikes
- Panagiota
Comfort Class Motor Yacht
The Panagiota is a carefully restored two-masted wooden motor yacht which represents the classic boat type of the Kaïkis. 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… 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
- Overview-maps for the daily biking tours
- Entrances to museums & archaeological sites
What’s Not Included
- Drinks on board (tally sheet)
- Weekly flat rate for bottled water: €20
- Meals ashore
- Gratuities for crew & tour guide
- Collective transfer between Corfu airport & the ship
- 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 hotspot
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Comfort class
Panagiota
Corfu to Corfu
Saturday departures
April 16, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 21, May 28, June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, August 20, August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17, September 24, October 1, October 8, & October 15, 2022Cabin Type Twin/double $ 2417 £ 1372 $ 2,116 € 1590 ₪ 5624 NZ$ 2664 kr 17226 $ 1,627 Surcharge for a cabin on deck $ 152 £ 86 $ 133 € 100 ₪ 354 NZ$ 168 kr 1083 $ 102 Supplement for double cabin/below deck for single-use $ 760 £ 431 $ 665 € 500 ₪ 1769 NZ$ 838 kr 5417 $ 512 Supplement for double cabin/above deck for single-use $ 1064 £ 604 $ 931 € 700 ₪ 2476 NZ$ 1173 kr 7584 $ 716 Extra Options
Bicycle Surcharges
Electric bicycle rental (limited number, advanced reservation required) $ 152 £ 86 $ 133 € 100 ₪ 354 NZ$ 168 kr 1083 $ 102
Bicycle protection, Hybrid bike: $ 15 £ 9 $ 13 € 10 ₪ 35 NZ$ 17 kr 108 $ 10
Bicycle protection, Electric bike: $ 30 £ 17 $ 27 € 20 ₪ 71 NZ$ 34 kr 217 $ 20
Transfers
(embarkation/disembarkation only):
Corfu Airport/hotel to Corfu Harbor: $ 23 £ 13 $ 20 € 15 ₪ 53 NZ$ 25 kr 163 $ 15Extra nights
*Including breakfast
Corfu - Hotel Bella Venezia Twin/Double Single May & October $ 122 £ 69 $ 106 € 80 ₪ 283 NZ$ 134 kr 867 $ 82 $ 213 £ 121 $ 186 € 140 ₪ 495 NZ$ 235 kr 1517 $ 143 June, July, September $ 144 £ 82 $ 126 € 95 ₪ 336 NZ$ 159 kr 1029 $ 97 $ 251 £ 142 $ 220 € 165 ₪ 584 NZ$ 276 kr 1788 $ 169 Until August 23 $ 144 £ 82 $ 126 € 95 ₪ 336 NZ$ 159 kr 1029 $ 97 $ 266 £ 151 $ 233 € 175 ₪ 619 NZ$ 293 kr 1896 $ 179 Corfu - Hotel Cavalieri Twin/Double Single April 1 to June 10 $ 106 £ 60 $ 93 € 70 ₪ 248 NZ$ 117 kr 758 $ 72 $ 175 £ 99 $ 153 € 115 ₪ 407 NZ$ 193 kr 1246 $ 118 June 11-July 20; Sep 1 to Oct 31 $ 114 £ 65 $ 100 € 75 ₪ 265 NZ$ 126 kr 813 $ 77 $ 198 £ 112 $ 173 € 130 ₪ 460 NZ$ 218 kr 1408 $ 133 Juy 21 to August 31 $ 129 £ 73 $ 113 € 85 ₪ 301 NZ$ 142 kr 921 $ 87 Not available 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 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 be 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
Flight recommendations will depend on your tour! For tours beginning and ending in Corfu, you can fly into and out of Corfu International Airport also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, located approx 3 kilometers south of Corfu Town.
Local Travel
Port of embarkation and disembarkation on the Island of Corfu is the Marina Gouvia, located 7 km north of the city of Corfu. To make your journey as relaxed as possible, we recommend that you book the transfers between Corfu airport/hotels in Corfu City and Marina Gouvia. See pricing. The transfer will bring you to the Restaurant Olympia from where the last meters must be traveled on foot as the Jetty P is a wooden jetty and taxis are not permitted.
Of course, you are also able to take a taxi yourself or take the 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.
Bus No. 7 from Corfu City to Dassia/Ypsos/Pyrgi runs every half hour on Saturdays with several stops in Gouvia. The closest stop to the marina entrance is NOSOKOMEIO (Hospital), or alternatively KONTOKALI (Taverna Pipilas) or SPITI PRIFTI.
If your tour begins in Athens, the boat will most likely moor in the Marina Zeas in Athens. We advise taking advantage of the collective group transfers offered.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. Helmet use is mandatory. Though there are a limited number of helmets available on board for borrowing, it is STRONGLY recommended to bring your personal, well-fitted helmet.
Remarks
Due to steel construction of the ship, cruising locations, and other factors, WiFi signal speed and strength may not be what you are accustomed to and may not meet your expectations. If you are dependent on a strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hotspot.
Important to know
Travel Documents
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.
Additional information regarding transfers
All airport transfers require a reservation with exact flight details. Please inform us well in advance of departure.
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
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
EXTRA NIGHTS
Book extra nights pre or post-tour at the 3-Star Hotel Philippos or 4-Star Hotel Herodion in Athens. Pricing on request.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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