CyclingHybrid & E-BikeBilingual

Island Hopping By Hybrid or E-Bike & Boat Gulf Of Corinth & Ionian Islands 2024

Athens - Aegina - Corinth - Galaxidi - Delphi - Nafpaktos - Missolonghi - Ithaca - Lefkada - Paxos - Corfu

On this Bike & Boat cruise we explore both the Greek mainland as well as the impressive Ionian Islands. Along the way we get a first-hand experience of the scenic and cultural diversity in Greece as we travel by bike and onboard the two-masted small ship, the Panagiota. The Ionian Islands show Greece at its greenest, unspoiled scenery and centuries of Venetian influence characterise this still little known archipelago. The glistening blue waters of the Ionian Sea, the mountainous landscape of Ithaca, the bird sanctuary Island of Lefkada, and the small Island of Paxos covered in olive groves, all play part in a wonderfully relaxing holiday. Famous sites such as Delphi and Aegina are just some of the highlights of the cruise. The passage through the Corinth Canal is sure to become an unforgettable memory.

Approx 150km by hybrid or e-bike, Fitness Level 2-3

Check in MARINA ZEAS PORT, PIREAS (ATHENS) on FRIDAYS from 1400HRS
Check out CORFU on FRIDAYS after breakfast

Code: I2 ION1

MS Panagiota

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1
Marina Zeas, Pireas (Athens)

Individual arrival at Marina Zeas (Pireas). It is possible to check in on the Panagiota from 1400HRS. Dinner onboard and overnight stay in the harbour of Pireas.

Day 2
Pireas - Aegina - Corinth - Galaxidi

In the morning we sail to Aegina, an island famous for its pistachios even beyond Greek borders. Here our first cycle tour takes us to the exceptionally well-preserved temple of Aphaia, enthroned high above the azure sea. In the afternoon, we sail through the Isthmus of Corinth, completed in 1893, though plans for its construction date back to Julius Caesar. This 6.3km long, 24m wide, and 8m deep canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth and saves travellers sailing from Athens to Corinth the 400km long trip around the whole Peloponnese Peninsula. If weather conditions are fine, we continue sailing to Galaxidi, otherwise overnight stay in or near Corinth.

Cycle route approx 35km

Day 3
Galaxidi - Delphi - Nafpaktos - Missolonghi

In the morning, a transfer shuttle collects us 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 theatre, and the stadium, but also thanks to the incredible hill-side location and views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, the bus takes us to the harbour of Nafpaktos where we have time for lunch and a short stroll through the beautiful town before another short bus ride brings us to Missolonghi. The boat meets us here and we stay the night.

Day 4
Missolonghi - Ithaca

In the morning, a longer crossing takes us to Ithaca. If the weather is good, you can take a swim break on the way before docking at the port of Vathy. In the afternoon we 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.

Cycle route approx 35km

Day 5
Ithaca - Meganisi - Lefkada

During breakfast we cross the sea to Meganisi. Our bike tour takes us along a panoramic route on quiet island roads through the three villages of this lovely island and gives you a good impression of the traditional island life of the locals. At the beach of Spartochori, we have time for a coffee and swimming break. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Nydri on Lefkada, where guests have the opportunity (if desired) to cycle through rustic olive groves to the hidden waterfall of Nydri. Overnight stay in Nydri.

Cycle route approx 18km + 10km

Day 6
Lefkada - Paxos

Today’s bike tour leads through the impressive mountains of Lefkada 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 Lefkada, 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 cosy taverns in the unique natural harbour of Gaios.

Cycle route approx 30km

Day 7
Paxos - Corfu

Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is so densely covered in olive trees that the whole island seems to glisten a wonderful silver-green colour. Our morning 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 onboard concludes with a communal dinner and last get-together in a cosy atmosphere with crew, fellow travellers, and tour guides.

Cycle route approx 23km

Day 8
Corfu

After breakfast disembarkation.

Inclusions

  • 7 Nights in ensuite cabin
  • 2 Days Full Board, 5 Days Half Board
  • Cruise Guide - English, German
  • Guided cycling tours as per itinerary
  • Hybrid Bike with Ortlieb Pannier
  • Overview maps for the daily tours (onboard)
  • Transfer to Delphi
  • Passage through the Corinth Canal
  • Bed linen & towels
  • Bottled water onboard and during all activities ashore

Entrance

  • Museums & archaeological sites (group visit only)

Exclusions

Optional

  • E-Bike Upgrade $350 per person
  • Insurance against theft/damage of the hybrid bike $25 per bike
  • Insurance against theft/damage of the e-bike $65 per bike

Not Included

  • Entrances for sites
  • Arrival/departure transfers
  • Drinks onboard and meals & drinks ashore
  • Tips for the guides & crew
  • Anything not specified in Inclusions

Pricing and Accommodation

Start DateEnd Date
Main DeckTwinSingle Lower DeckTwinSingle
Fri 27 Sep 24Fri 04 Oct 24
$4,405$5,705$4,020$5,225
swipe for more

Important Notes

Itinerary Changes
Cruise Operator reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organisational requirements.

Fitness Level 2-3
Participants require a high level of fitness for this cruise. The daily routes vary in length 20-50km and lead through hilly to mountainous terrain. The tours can, however, be completed without any time constraints. Participants will also need to master long and steep climbs, during which of course bikes can be pushed. Most of the roads we cycle along are asphalted and with low traffic. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time onboard the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.

Children
We believe that only children with a good physical condition and previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 10 are able to master the cycle tours with their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental e-bike is 1.30m for hybrid bikes and 1.50m for e-bikes. It is mandatory for all participants on tours to wear a bicycle helmet.

Group Riding Pace
On regular cycling tours, the cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.

Helmet Requirement
Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted helmet with you as rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required).

Catering
The onboard chef is a member of the crew and prepares breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. A packed lunch instead of lunch onboard is possible as well. The catering starts with dinner on the arrival day and ends with breakfast on the departure day.

Internet Availability
Panagiota does not offer a WiFi connection. If you need to connect to the internet during the cruise, we recommend to take your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbour. Free WiFi is on offer almost everywhere. If you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the WiFi to your hearts content.

Language
Cruise and cycle tours are conducted bilingually (English, German).

Participants
Minimum 14 / Maximum 20

Extras and Add Ons

Add Sightseeing & Excursions

Need travel insurance? Get a quote from us.