Sightseeing on the Ionian Islands, Greece. Photo by Family Neunemann
Mirtos goats on Cephalonia Island, Greece. Photo via Flickr:Martin Belam

Admiring the view off the Ionian coast, Greece. Photo by Lars Adam

Ionian Islands

Greece Bike + Barge Tours

Cycle Greece on islands first settled in 1200 BC.

On the Ionian Islands, off the west coast of Greece, Hellas shows her greenest side: pure nature, the clear blue shimmering Ionian Sea, and centuries of Venetian influences dominate the archipelago of the Ionian Islands. From Corfu, which was the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress, Sissi, this journey will take you to regions that are not very well known abroad.

Discover the famous island of Ithaca, said to have been the home of Odysseus. You will never forget the exquisite island of Lefkas, the fantastic mountain world of Kefallonia, and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. You will be pampered by the excellent Greek cuisine and the coziness of the ship.

Check out our full list of bike and boat tours in Greece.

Tour Dates

Regular itinerary
June 25, July 2, October 1, October 8, and October 15, 2016

*Special itinerary
Athens to Corfu: June 18 and September 24, 2016

Corfu to Athens: April 30 and August 27, 2016

*These dates follow a special itinerary that combines the Golf of Corinth with the Ionian Islands. Highlights include the temple of Aphaia on Aegina Island, Isthmus of Corinth, and the archaeological site of Delphi. Please contact us for a detailed itinerary.

Skill Level

Moderate to difficult guided bike tour. This tour 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. Some uphill stretches are included. The roads are mostly asphalted. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead. The cycle tours will have an altitude of 1,000 to 2,300 feet (300 to 700 m).

Where You’ll Stay

Aboard the Comfort class vessel, the Panagiota

What’s Included

  • Accommodations for 7 nights in a double cabin with a private all-in-one bathroom (toilet & sink w/ hand-held shower)
  • 5 x half board and 2 x full board on the ship
  • Bed linen and towels
  • 6 guided cycling tours as per itinerary
  • 21-speed trekking bicycle with bicycle bag
  • Helmets available on board in limited number with advance notice
  • Overview-maps for the daily tours, on board
  • Entrances to museums and archaeological sites
  • English-speaking tour guide

What’s Not Included

  • Drinks on board (tally sheet)
  • Weekly flat rate for bottled water: €20
  • Meals ashore
  • Gratuities for crew & tour guide (optional)
  • Bicycle protection (€10 or €20 per bicycle)
  • Collective transfer between Corfu airport and the ship

Ionian Islands Map

TourBike+Boat
TypeGuided
SkillModerate–Difficult
Length8 days
From€1340 Rates
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Day-To-Day Itinerary

Ionian Islands Map

Regular Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Corfu town
Day 2: Corfu Island - Sivota - Lefkas Island, 17 mi. (28 km)
Day 3: Islands of Lefkas, 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 4: Cephalonia Island, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Islands of Ithaca and Meganisi, 13 + 8 mi. (21 + 13 km)
Day 6: Mytikas - Lefkas-Paxos, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 7: Islands of Paxos and Corfu, 14 mi. (23 km)
​Day 8: Departure from Corfu town

*All distances are approximate. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

DAY 1: Arrival  in Corfu town
Check in on the ship from 2 pm. Dinner on board. Overnight stay in Corfu town.

DAY 2: Corfu Island - Sivota - Lefkas Island, 17 mi. (28 km)
In the morning, on board you will crossover to Sivota. The cycle tour to Parga begins here which is the only center of tourism on the western coast of the Greek mainland. Parga is 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: Islands of Lefkas and Cephalonia, 18 mi. (29 km)
Today’s Greece cycle route begins in Nidri first and first leads to nearby waterfalls. If you are lucky, there will be sufficient water for a refreshing morning swim. Along quiet roads, through the mountains and past Sivros, you cycle to harbor in Vasiliki. Then after a short sail, the boat anchors at Porto Katsiki, one of the most famous beaches in Greece. Off again to Fiskardo for the night. The harbor town on the Northern point of the island charms visitors with its colorful houses and numerous cafés and bars along the picturesque harbor promenade.

DAY 4: Cephalonia Island, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today’s cycle tour leads you from Fiskardo to Sami. Cycle along the impressive mountain pass at the eastern coast of the island. You will witness unforgettable views, like the panoramic view to the neighbor island of Ithaca. After a refreshing break, continue cycling to visit the limestone (stalactite and stalagmite) caves of Melissani, which can only be viewed in row boats and charms you with electrifying clear water in various shades of blue. In the late afternoon, cruise to Vathy on the Ithaca Island.

DAY 5: Islands of Ithaca and Meganisi, 13 + 8 mi. (21 + 13 km)
Ithaca, the homeland of the mythical king Odysseus, is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. On today’s cycle route you will enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands away from the beaten tourist track. On this island, full of gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water, and friendly islanders, time appears to stand still. From Frikes, the Panagiota sails to the small island of Meganisi. On the way, you will pass the private island of the influential ship-owner Aristoteles Onassis. Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which can be explored  in the afternoon in no time by bicycle.

DAY 6: Mytikas - Lefkas - Paxos, 30 mi. (49 km)
In the morning, there is a crossover to Mytikas on the Greek mainland. From Mytikas, you will cycle along the Greek coast and further on along panoramic roads, passing some mountain villages until arriving at Lefkas town. The unspoiled and truly exquisite Greek Island of Lefkas is brimming with traditional charm and appeal. Huge white rocks form an intense landscape which is softened by an array of lush green valleys, clear blue waters, and stunning, long sandy beaches. The low-lying east coast of Lefkas is home to an abundance of leisure facilities and picturesque views while the west - rugged and open - promises blue seas and fabulous stretches of sand which are a magnet for the more adventurous traveler. In the afternoon, the ship will sail to Paxos Island, whose unique natural harbor in Gaios creates a special island atmosphere. You can pass the evening hours in a cozy tavern in 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 town
After breakfast, check out and collective transfer to the airport. Extra time on the island of Corfu will be very hard to pass up!

Special Itinerary Athens to Corfu

Day 1: Embarkation Athens/Piraeus (Marina Zeas)
Day 2: Piraneus - Aegina Island - Palaia Epidauros, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Epidauros - Isthmus of Corinth, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Galaxidi - Delphi - Nafpaktos - Ithaca Island
Day 5: Ithaca Island, 12 or 17 mi. (20 or 28 km)
Day 6: Nidri - Lefkas town - Paxos Island 17 mi. (27 km)
Day 7: Paxos Island, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 8: Corfu Island

Special Itinerary, Corfu to Athens

Day 1: Embarkation in Corfu town
Day 2: Paxos Island, 15 mi. (23 km)
Day 3: Lefkas town - Nidri, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Island of Lefkas and Cephalonia, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Ithaca Island - Nafpaktos, 12 or 17 mi. (20 or 28 km)
Day 6: Nafpaktos - Delphi - Corinth Canal 
Day 7: Aegina Island - Piraeaus, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Disembarkation Athens/Piraeus

You can view all of our bike and boat tours or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

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Ionian Islands Boats + Barges

Panagiota Photo

Panagiota Greece Comfort Class Boat The Panagiota, our latest finding in Greece, is an affectionately restored two-masted motor yacht, 23 ft. wide and 102 ft. long. It was built in 1990 and modernized in 2001 in conformity with the requirements of cruises.

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