SpecialCyclingHybrid & E-BikeBilingual

Island Hopping By Hybrid or E-Bike & Boat Odysseus' Homeland 2024

Corfu - Sivota - Parga - Lefkada - Cephalonia - Ithaca - Meganisi - Paxos - Corfu

Off the west coast of Greece on the Ionian Islands, Greece shows her greenest side. Untouched nature, the clear blue, shimmering Ionian Sea, and centuries of Venetian influence dominate the Ionian Islands archipelago. This tour starts on Corfu, the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Sissi, and leads to spectacular regions little known outside of Greece. By Bike & Boat we discover the famous Island of Ithaca, said to have been the home of Odysseus, the unforgettable green bird sanctuary Island of Lefkada, and explore the fantastic mountain world of Cephalonia and the beautiful olive groves that cover the small Island of Paxos. Enjoy your week in absolute comfort onboard the wooden small ship and let yourself be spoilt by the excellent Greek hospitality and cuisine.

Approx 175km by hybrid or e-bike, Fitness Level 2-3

Check in CORFU on FRIDAYS from 1400HRS
Check out CORFU on FRIDAYS after breakfast

Code: I2 ION

MS Panagiota

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1
Corfu

Individual arrival to Corfu. Embarkation on the ship is possible from 1400HRS onwards. Dinner onboard and overnight stay in Corfu.

Day 2
Corfu - Sivota - Parga - Lefkada

In the morning we cross over to Sivota on the Greek mainland, where we head off on our first cycling tour. Our first cycle leads us to Parga, a coastal town beautifully situated below a Venetian fortress that towers over the old town. Here the boat awaits us for a longer sail to Nydri on Lefkada Island. On our way we pass a floating swing-bridge which connects Lefkada with the Greek mainland. We spend the night in the lively harbour of Nydri.

Cycle route approx 28km

Day 3
Lefkada - Cephalonia

After breakfast we start with a short tour to a waterfall near Nydri. With a bit of luck, the water will be deep enough for us to enjoy a refreshing swim. Afterwards we continue along quiet roads over the hills to the picturesque harbour town of Sivota. Here we board the boat and cruise to Fiskardo on the Island of Cephalonia. Situated on the northern tip of the island, the harbour town enchants with its colourful houses and many cafes and bars that line the lively waterfront promenade.

Cycle route approx 35km

Day 4
Cephalonia - Ithaca

We leave Fiskardo by bike and climb an impressive mountain road on the west coast of Cephalonia. Along the way we are rewarded with awe inspiring views over the Assos Peninsula and the famous Myrtos Beach. After the climb we turn inland and cross the island. Shortly before the end of the bike tour we hop onto a small rowboat to visit the Melissani stalactite cave. Here we have plenty of time marvel at the incredible blue tones created by the unique cave formations, the sun, and water. In Sami, the boat welcomes us back on board and sets off for Vathy on Ithaca.

Cycle route approx 39km

Day 5
Ithaca - Meganisi

In the morning, we head out on a bike tour on the Ithaca Island. This hilly island with its spectacular scenery is said to have been home of the mythical king Odysseus. We start today’s tour in Vathy, and during the ride we get to enjoy the special character of the Ionian Islands off the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders, time appears to stand still on Ithaca. You can decide yourself whether you are up for the challenge of a real hill climb or if you would prefer to enjoy the leisurely alternative: a panoramic ride that climbs only to half the height. The Panagiota awaits our arrival in Frikes before setting off to the small Island of Meganisi.

Cycle route approx 20km or 28km

Day 6
Meganisi - Paxos

In the morning we explore the tiny Island of Meganisi by bike. The panoramic tour leads along secluded roads and the island’s three villages. These small hamlets give us a good impression of traditional Greek island life. At Spartochori Beach there is time to enjoy a coffee, and a swim in the sea. In the afternoon, we sail to Paxos Island, whose unique natural harbour in Gaios exudes a special island atmosphere. We can spend the evening in one of Gaios’ cosy taverns.

Cycle route approx 17km

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)
  • Bed linen & towels
  • Bottled water onboard and for 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 30 Aug 24Fri 06 Sep 24
$4,405$5,705$4,020$5,225
Fri 06 Sep 24Fri 13 Sep 24
$4,405$5,705$4,020$5,225
Fri 13 Sep 24Fri 20 Sep 24
$4,405$5,705$4,020$5,225
Fri 04 Oct 24Fri 11 Oct 24
$4,405$5,705$4,020$5,225
Fri 11 Oct 24Fri 18 Oct 24
$4,405$5,705$4,020$5,225
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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 relatively high level of fitness for this cruise. The daily routes vary in length 20-40km and lead through hilly or mountainous terrain. The tours can be completed without any time constraints. The cycle tours range between a total of 300-600m of elevation. There are also some extended climbs where walking your bicycle is of course permitted. Most of the roads are asphalted and rarely frequented. Your tour guide will inform you each day about the tour details. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend 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. The catering consists of 2 x Full Board and 5 x Half Board and 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

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