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€1995 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Welcome to Greece's Ionian Islands and 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, a blend of Venetian, British, and French.
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!You can view all of our bike & boat tours or look at our featured trips including hiking, multi-adventure, & active cruises.
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 (2024)
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
Comfort Class
Panagiota
Saturday departures
April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, September 2, September 9, September 16, September 23, September 30, October 7, & October 14, 2023
Below deck | Twin/double $ 3368 £ 1773 $ 2,927 € 1995 kr 296116 ₪ 8262 ¥ 321765 Mex$ 39900 NZ$ 3642 NOK 23394 kr 24167 $ 2,170 Above deck | Twin/double, supplement $ 338 £ 178 $ 293 € 200 kr 29686 ₪ 828 ¥ 32257 Mex$ 4000 NZ$ 365 NOK 2345 kr 2423 $ 218 Below deck | Twin/double for single use, supplement $ 844 £ 444 $ 734 € 500 kr 74214 ₪ 2071 ¥ 80643 Mex$ 10000 NZ$ 913 NOK 5863 kr 6057 $ 544 Above deck | Twin/double for single use, supplement $ 1182 £ 622 $ 1,027 € 700 kr 103900 ₪ 2899 ¥ 112900 Mex$ 14000 NZ$ 1278 NOK 8208 kr 8480 $ 761 Comfort Class
Panagiota
Friday departures
April 12, April 19, April 26, 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.
Below deck | Twin/double $ 3537 £ 1862 $ 3,074 € 2095 kr 310959 ₪ 8676 ¥ 337893 Mex$ 41900 NZ$ 3824 NOK 24567 kr 25378 $ 2,279 Above deck | Twin/double, supplement $ 338 £ 178 $ 293 € 200 kr 29686 ₪ 828 ¥ 32257 Mex$ 4000 NZ$ 365 NOK 2345 kr 2423 $ 218 Below deck | Twin/double for single use, supplement $ 844 £ 444 $ 734 € 500 kr 74214 ₪ 2071 ¥ 80643 Mex$ 10000 NZ$ 913 NOK 5863 kr 6057 $ 544 Above deck | Twin/double for single use, supplement $ 1182 £ 622 $ 1,027 € 700 kr 103900 ₪ 2899 ¥ 112900 Mex$ 14000 NZ$ 1278 NOK 8208 kr 8480 $ 761 Extra Options
Bicycle Options
Electric bicycle rental (limited number, advanced reservation required) $ 169 £ 89 $ 147 € 100 kr 14843 ₪ 414 ¥ 16129 Mex$ 2000 NZ$ 183 NOK 1173 kr 1211 $ 109
3 Day Pre or Post Tour Extension Program in Corfu
3* accommodation 4* accommodation Double/twin $ 937 £ 493 $ 814 € 555 kr 82378 ₪ 2298 ¥ 89514 Mex$ 11100 NZ$ 1013 NOK 6508 kr 6723 $ 604 $ 1173 £ 618 $ 1,020 € 695 kr 103158 ₪ 2878 ¥ 112094 Mex$ 13900 NZ$ 1269 NOK 8150 kr 8419 $ 756 Single $ 1072 £ 564 $ 932 € 635 kr 94252 ₪ 2630 ¥ 102416 Mex$ 12700 NZ$ 1159 NOK 7446 kr 7692 $ 691 $ 1477 £ 778 $ 1,284 € 875 kr 129875 ₪ 3624 ¥ 141125 Mex$ 17500 NZ$ 1597 NOK 10260 kr 10600 $ 952 Extra Nights
Please note that all extra night pricing is valid as of June 2022. Hotel pricing is subject to change.
Hotel City Marina
Low season: April, May, October
Mid-season: June & September
High season: July & AugustLow season Midseason High season Double/twin with old town view $ 76 £ 40 $ 66 € 45 kr 6679 ₪ 186 ¥ 7258 Mex$ 900 NZ$ 82 NOK 528 kr 545 $ 49 $ 84 £ 44 $ 73 € 50 kr 7421 ₪ 207 ¥ 8064 Mex$ 1000 NZ$ 91 NOK 586 kr 606 $ 54 $ 93 £ 49 $ 81 € 55 kr 8164 ₪ 228 ¥ 8871 Mex$ 1100 NZ$ 100 NOK 645 kr 666 $ 60 Single with old town view $ 118 £ 62 $ 103 € 70 kr 10390 ₪ 290 ¥ 11290 Mex$ 1400 NZ$ 128 NOK 821 kr 848 $ 76 $ 127 £ 67 $ 110 € 75 kr 11132 ₪ 311 ¥ 12096 Mex$ 1500 NZ$ 137 NOK 879 kr 909 $ 82 $ 152 £ 80 $ 132 € 90 kr 13359 ₪ 373 ¥ 14516 Mex$ 1800 NZ$ 164 NOK 1055 kr 1090 $ 98 Double/twin with sea view $ 84 £ 44 $ 73 € 50 kr 7421 ₪ 207 ¥ 8064 Mex$ 1000 NZ$ 91 NOK 586 kr 606 $ 54 $ 101 £ 53 $ 88 € 60 kr 8906 ₪ 248 ¥ 9677 Mex$ 1200 NZ$ 110 NOK 704 kr 727 $ 65 $ 110 £ 58 $ 95 € 65 kr 9648 ₪ 269 ¥ 10484 Mex$ 1300 NZ$ 119 NOK 762 kr 787 $ 71 Single with sea view On request Hotel Arcardion
Low season: April, May, October
Mid season: June, July, September
High season: AugustLow season Mid season High season Double/twin with old town view $ 84 £ 44 $ 73 € 50 kr 7421 ₪ 207 ¥ 8064 Mex$ 1000 NZ$ 91 NOK 586 kr 606 $ 54 $ 110 £ 58 $ 95 € 65 kr 9648 ₪ 269 ¥ 10484 Mex$ 1300 NZ$ 119 NOK 762 kr 787 $ 71 $ 127 £ 67 $ 110 € 75 kr 11132 ₪ 311 ¥ 12096 Mex$ 1500 NZ$ 137 NOK 879 kr 909 $ 82 Single with old town view $ 144 £ 76 $ 125 € 85 kr 12616 ₪ 352 ¥ 13709 Mex$ 1700 NZ$ 155 NOK 997 kr 1030 $ 92 $ 144 £ 76 $ 125 € 85 kr 12616 ₪ 352 ¥ 13709 Mex$ 1700 NZ$ 155 NOK 997 kr 1030 $ 92 $ 169 £ 89 $ 147 € 100 kr 14843 ₪ 414 ¥ 16129 Mex$ 2000 NZ$ 183 NOK 1173 kr 1211 $ 109 Double/twin with sea view $ 93 £ 49 $ 81 € 55 kr 8164 ₪ 228 ¥ 8871 Mex$ 1100 NZ$ 100 NOK 645 kr 666 $ 60 $ 127 £ 67 $ 110 € 75 kr 11132 ₪ 311 ¥ 12096 Mex$ 1500 NZ$ 137 NOK 879 kr 909 $ 82 $ 135 £ 71 $ 117 € 80 kr 11874 ₪ 331 ¥ 12903 Mex$ 1600 NZ$ 146 NOK 938 kr 969 $ 87 Single with sea view On request Hotel Cavalierie
Low season: April & May
Mid season: June, September, & October
High season: July & AugustLow season Mid season High season Double/twin with old town view $ 101 £ 53 $ 88 € 60 kr 8906 ₪ 248 ¥ 9677 Mex$ 1200 NZ$ 110 NOK 704 kr 727 $ 65 $ 118 £ 62 $ 103 € 70 kr 10390 ₪ 290 ¥ 11290 Mex$ 1400 NZ$ 128 NOK 821 kr 848 $ 76 $ 127 £ 67 $ 110 € 75 kr 11132 ₪ 311 ¥ 12096 Mex$ 1500 NZ$ 137 NOK 879 kr 909 $ 82 Single with old town view $ 169 £ 89 $ 147 € 100 kr 14843 ₪ 414 ¥ 16129 Mex$ 2000 NZ$ 183 NOK 1173 kr 1211 $ 109 $ 186 £ 98 $ 161 € 110 kr 16327 ₪ 456 ¥ 17741 Mex$ 2200 NZ$ 201 NOK 1290 kr 1333 $ 120 $ 203 £ 107 $ 176 € 120 kr 17811 ₪ 497 ¥ 19354 Mex$ 2400 NZ$ 219 NOK 1407 kr 1454 $ 131 Double/twin with sea view $ 127 £ 67 $ 110 € 75 kr 11132 ₪ 311 ¥ 12096 Mex$ 1500 NZ$ 137 NOK 879 kr 909 $ 82 $ 144 £ 76 $ 125 € 85 kr 12616 ₪ 352 ¥ 13709 Mex$ 1700 NZ$ 155 NOK 997 kr 1030 $ 92 $ 152 £ 80 $ 132 € 90 kr 13359 ₪ 373 ¥ 14516 Mex$ 1800 NZ$ 164 NOK 1055 kr 1090 $ 98 Single with seas view On request Transfers
(embarkation/disembarkation only):
Corfu Airport/hotel to Corfu Harbor: $ 34 £ 18 $ 29 € 20 kr 2969 ₪ 83 ¥ 3226 Mex$ 400 NZ$ 37 NOK 235 kr 242 $ 22 Corfu Harbor to Corfu Airport/hotel: $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 kr 2226 ₪ 62 ¥ 2419 Mex$ 300 NZ$ 27 NOK 176 kr 182 $ 16Bicycle Options
Electric bicycle rental (limited number, advanced reservation required) $ 203 £ 107 $ 176 € 120 kr 17811 ₪ 497 ¥ 19354 Mex$ 2400 NZ$ 219 NOK 1407 kr 1454 $ 131
Transfers
(embarkation/disembarkation only):
Corfu Airport/hotel to Corfu Harbor: On request
Corfu Harbor to Corfu Airport/hotel: On request3 Day Pre or Post Tour Extension Program in Corfu
On request
Extra Nights
On request
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
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.
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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