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€1490 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, 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/Marina Gouvia
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 + 8 mi. (21 + 13 km)
Day 6: Island of Meganisi - Mytikas - Lefkas - Paxos, 30 mi. (49 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 + 17 mi. (20 + 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!Day 1: Embarkation in Athens
Day 2: Piraeus - Aegina Island - Corinth Canal - Galaxidi, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Galaxidi - Delphi - Nafpaktos - Mesolongi
Day 4: Mesolongi - Ithaca Island, 28 mi. (44 km)
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 IslandDay 1: Embarkation Athens/Piraeus (Marina Zeas)
Individual arrival at Marina Zeas (Piraeus). Check-in on the Panagiota begins 2 pm. Take time to explore before enjoying your first dinner on board. Overnight stay in the harbor of Piraeus.Day 2: Piraeus - Aegina Island - Corinth Canal - Galaxidi, 22 mi. (35 km)
In the morning, the boat sails to Aegina, the famous pistachio island. Here, your first cycle tour takes you to the excellently preserved temple of Aphaia, which lingers high above and scouts over the lucent sea. In the afternoon, sail with the Panagiota through the Isthmus of Corinth, which was completed in 1893. Julius Caesar planned for its construction. This 3.9 mi./6.3 km long but only 79 ft./24 m wide and 26 ft./8 m deep canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth and saves travelers sailing from Athens to Corinth the aprx. 258 mi./400 km long trip around the whole Peloponnese. If weather conditions are agreeable, the cruise continues to Galaxidi, otherwise overnight stay in or near Corinth.Day 3: Galaxidi - Delphi - Nafpaktos - Mesolongi
Following breakfast, a transfer picks you up at Galaxidi and takes you to the famous site of Delphi, which rests at the foot of the Parnassus mountain range. Apollo, the god of the light, was once worshipped here and the oracle consulted. Not only the many temples and treasuries make the visit to Delphi an unforgettable experience, the well-preserved theater and the stadium and the breath-taking hillside location of the sanctuary. In the afternoon, the bus brings you to the harbor of Nafpaktos where you have time for lunch and a short stroll through the wonderful town before another short bus ride brings us finally to Mesolongi. The boat meets us here and we stay the night.Day 4: Mesolongi - Ithaca Island, 28 mi. (44 km)
In the morning we take a bike tour from Mesolongi through the rich alluvial plains of the Evinos River - one of the most important agricultural regions in Greece. During the tour we take a break at Krioneri Beach for a coffee and swim before returning to Mesolongi. In the afternoon we can relax on board the boat as we cruise to Vathy on Ithaca Island.Day 5: Ithaca Island, 12 or 17 mi. (20 or 28 km)
In the morning, a transfer picks you up at Galaxidi and takes you to the famous site of Delphi, which rests at the foot of the Parnassus mountain range. Apollo, the god of the light, was once worshipped here and the oracle consulted. The many temples and treasuries, the well-preserved theatre, the stadium, and the breath-taking hillside location of the sanctuary make the visit to Delphi an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, the bus takes you to the harbor of Nafpaktos. Here you will board the boat which takes you on a longer crossing to Vathy on Ithaca Island.Day 6: Nidri - Lefkas town - Paxos Island 17 mi. (27 km)
Today cycle first through beautiful olive groves to the hidden waterfalls of Nidri and later on through the mountain world of Lefkas to the island’s capital of the same name. Here the Panagiota awaits to take you in the afternoon to Paxos Islan. Spend the night in the lovely natural harbor of Gaios.Day 7: Paxos Island, 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 your morning cycle trip, you'll circle the whole island. You can also have a swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. In the afternoon the Panagiota takes you to Corfu. Stroll around for a while to enjoy the atmospheric old town. The last evening aboard takes place traditionally and includes the communal dinner and a last get-together in a cozy atmosphere with crew and tour guides.Day 8: Corfu Island
After breakfast, check out at 9 am for onward arrangements.Day 1: Corfu/Marina Gouvia
Day 2: Paxos Island, 15 mi. (23 km)
Day 3: Lefkas Town - Nidri, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Ithaca Island - Mesolongi, 12 or 17 mi. (20 or 28 km)
Day 5: Mesolongi - Galaxidi, 28 mi. (44 km)
Day 6: Galaxidi - Delphi - Corinth Canal
Day 7: Aegina Island - Piraeus/Marina Zeas, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Athens/PiraeusDay 1: Embarkation in Corfu/Marina Gouvia
Individual arrival by plane and subsequent transfer to the ship. Check-in on the Panagiota from 2 pm on. In the afternoon there is time to explore the charming old town of Corfu. Dinner on board. Overnight stay in Corfu town.Day 2: Paxos Island, 15 mi. (23 km)
Cast off! In the morning the boat crosses to Paxos. The smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver-green color. On your first cycle trip, you circle the whole island. You can also have a swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. Enjoy the evening in a cozy tavern in the unique natural harbor of Gaios! Overnight stay on Paxos.Day 3: Lefkas town - Nidri, 19 mi. (30 km)
The day starts with a longer boat crossing to the City of Lefkas. Along the way, you will pass by the original swing bridge which connects the island of Lefkas with the Greek mainland. Today’s tour leads you across the island's fascinating mountain landscape to the lively harbor of Nidri. The island of Skorpios can be seen from your moorings, once the private haven of the famous shipping magnate, Aristotle Socrates Onassis. The night is spent in Nidri.Day 4: Ithaca Island - Mesolongi, 12 or 17 mi. (20 or 28 km)
Early in the morning, the boat cruises to the island of Ithaca, the homeland of the mythical king, Odysseus, which you get to explore today by bike. It's 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. The ship awaits for a longer sail to Mesolongi in the Corinthian Gulf, where you spend the night.Day 5: Mesolongi - Galaxidi, 28 mi. (44 km)
In the morning, a bike tour is scheduled from Mesolongi through the rich alluvial plains of the Evinos River - one of the most important agricultural regions in Greece. During the tour, take a break at Krioneri Beach for a coffee and swim before returning to Mesolongi. In the afternoon, relax on board the boat as it cruises under the Rio-Antirrio bridge to the picturesque harbor of Galaxidi. The night is spent here.Day 6: Galaxidi - Delphi - Corinth Canal
In the morning, a transfer brings you to the famous site of Delphi, which rests at the foot of the Parnassus mountain range. Apollo, the god of the light, was once worshipped here and the oracle consulted. Not only the many temples and treasuries, the well-preserved theatre and the stadium but mainly the breath-taking hillside location of the sanctuary makes the visit to Delphi an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, the bus takes us back to Galaxidi. Continue by boat with the crossing to Corinth through the canal of Corinth, which was completed in 1893. Julius Caesar planned its construction. This 3.9 mi./6.3 km long but only 79 ft./24 m wide and 26 ft./8 m deep canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth. It saves travelers from sailing around the whole Peloponnese (approx. 248 mi./400 km long trip from Athens and Corinth).Day 7: Aegina Island - Piraeus/Marina Zeas, 19 mi. (30 km)
On Aegina, the famous pistachio island, your last cycle tour takes you to the excellently preserved temple of Aphaia. Finally sail to Piraeus, where an impressive cruise ends. The last evening aboard takes place traditionally and includes the communal dinner and a last get-together in a cozy atmosphere with crew and tour guides.Day 8: Disembarkation Athens/Piraeus
After breakfast, check out at 9 am.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 and sink w/ hand-held shower)
- Breakfast
- 5 days with lunch or dinner
- 2 days with lunch and dinner
- 21-24 speed aluminum hybrid trekking bicycle with trapeze frame equipped with gel saddle, mudguards, rear rack, & pannier
- English-speaking cycling tour guide and 6 guided cycling tours as per itinerary
- Overview-maps for the daily biking tours
- Entrances to museums and archaeological sites
- Also included in Corfu to Athens and Athens to Corfu
- Transfer to Delphi
- Passage through the Corinth Canal
What’s Not Included
- Drinks on board (tally sheet)
- Weekly flat rate for bottled water: €20
- Meals ashore
- Gratuities for crew and tour guide (optional)
- Collective transfer between Corfu airport and the ship
- 3-Day Tour Extension in Athens, available only for special itinerary dates that start or end in Athens. See Extra Stay below. Please note that in 2020, this extension is only offered as a pre extension for those tours beginning in Athens
- Wifi
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Comfort Class
Panagiota
Corfu to Corfu
Saturday departures
April 17, April 24, May 15, May 22, June 12, June 19, June 26, August 21, September 11, September 18, October 9 & October 16, 2021Cabin Type Twin/double $ 2345 £ 1320 $ 2,329 € 1490 NZ$ 2507 kr 15341 $ 1,856 Surcharge for cabin on deck $ 157 £ 89 $ 156 € 100 NZ$ 168 kr 1030 $ 125 Supplement for double cabin/below deck for single-use $ 629 £ 354 $ 625 € 400 NZ$ 673 kr 4118 $ 498 Supplement for double cabin/above deck for single-use $ 944 £ 531 $ 938 € 600 NZ$ 1010 kr 6178 $ 747 Corfu to Athens
Saturday departures
May 1, May 29, August 28, and September 25, 2021Cabin Type Twin/double $ 2502 £ 1408 $ 2,485 € 1590 NZ$ 2675 kr 16370 $ 1,981 Surcharge for cabin on deck $ 157 £ 89 $ 156 € 100 NZ$ 168 kr 1030 $ 125 Supplement for double cabin/below deck for single-use $ 629 £ 354 $ 625 € 400 NZ$ 673 kr 4118 $ 498 Supplement for double cabin/above deck for single-use $ 944 £ 531 $ 938 € 600 NZ$ 1010 kr 6178 $ 747 Athens to Corfu
Saturday departures
May 8, June 5, September 4, and October 2, 2021Cabin Type Twin/double $ 2502 £ 1408 $ 2,485 € 1590 NZ$ 2675 kr 16370 $ 1,981 Surcharge for cabin on deck $ 157 £ 89 $ 156 € 100 NZ$ 168 kr 1030 $ 125 Supplement for double cabin/below deck for single-use $ 629 £ 354 $ 625 € 400 NZ$ 673 kr 4118 $ 498 Supplement for double cabin/above deck for single-use $ 944 £ 531 $ 938 € 600 NZ$ 1010 kr 6178 $ 747 Participants
Minimum: 14
Maximum: 20Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental (limited number, advanced reservation required) $ 157 £ 89 $ 156 € 100 NZ$ 168 kr 1030 $ 125
Transfers
(embarkation/disembarkation only):
Corfu Airport/hotel to Corfu Harbor: $ 31 £ 18 $ 31 € 20 NZ$ 34 kr 206 $ 25 Athens airport to Marina Zeas (Athens): $ 39 £ 22 $ 39 € 25 NZ$ 42 kr 257 $ 31 Athens city hotel to Marina Zeas (Athens): $ 24 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 NZ$ 25 kr 154 $ 19Extra nights
Please contact us.
3-Day Pre-tour extension Athens
3 star: $ 488 £ 275 $ 485 € 310 NZ$ 522 kr 3192 $ 386
Single room: $ 708 £ 399 $ 703 € 450 NZ$ 757 kr 4633 $ 561
4 star: $ 582 £ 328 $ 578 € 370 NZ$ 623 kr 3809 $ 461
Single room: $ 834 £ 469 $ 828 € 530 NZ$ 892 kr 5457 $ 660
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
- 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.
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. For tour dates that begin in Athens and end in Corfu, or vice versa you can research a multiple destination flight flying into or out of Corfu and out or into Athens.
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 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 on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this 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
3-Day Pre-Tour Extension in Athens
Extension package includes:
- Transfers from the airport to hotel and also from the hotel to the boat
- 2 nights in 3 or 4 star hotel
- Entrance to the Acropolis
- 1 evening meal in the Tavern 'To Kafeneion' excluding drinks
- 1 guided city bike tour "Athens by Bike"
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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