Visit Odysseus' homeland on a bicycle and on a boat

Ionian Islands from Zakynthos to Lefkas

On the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece, Hellas shows her greenest side: Pure nature, the crystal 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 lead you to regions which are not very well known abroad. Discover the famous island of Ithaca which is said to have been the home of Odysseus, you will never forget the green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, the fantastic mountain world of Kefallonia and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. Enjoy your stay on board of the two-masted wooden motor yacht Panagiota and let you be pampered by the excellent Greek cuisine and the cosiness of the ship.

Schedule

Day 1 Day 1  Boarding in Corfu town (Arrival)
Individual journey to Corfu airport and collective transfer to Corfu town.  Check-in from 2 p.m. on the Panagiota. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Corfu town. A flight is the fastest,  easiest and cheapest way to come to Greece. Corfu, your port of embarkation is only 5 km away from Corfu Airport.

Day 2 Corfu Island - Sivota - Parga - Lefkas Island (approx. 28 km/17 mi. by bicycle)
In the morning we will crossover to Sivota. There our first cycle tour starts and leads us to Parga, the only centre 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. Here the boat is awaiting us to take us to Nidri on Lekas Island. On our way we pass the original swing-bridge which connects Lefkas with the Greek mainland.

Day 3 Islands of Lefkas and Cephalonia (approx. 35 km/22 mi. by bicycle)
Todays cycle route takes us from Nidri first to nearby waterfalls. If you are lucky they carry still enough water for a refreshing morning swim. Along quiet roads through the mountains past Sivros we cycle later to the harbour in Sivota. After a short sail we anchor at Porto Katsiki, one of the most famous beaches in Greece, for swimming. Then the ship brings us to Fiskardo, where we will spend the night. The harbour 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 Island of Cephalonia (approx. 39 km / 24 mi. by bicycle)
Today’s bike tour leads us from Fiskardo to Sami. We cycle along the high road of the western coast of the island, where we will have lots of unforgettable views, like the panoramic view down to Myrtos beach. We will continue on through the interior of the island and finally reach the eastern coast of Cephalonia with the harbour of Sami. On the way we will visit the stalactite and stalagmite caves of Melissani, which can only be viewed in row boats. In late afternoon crossover to Ithaca.

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

Day 6 Mytikas - Lefkas town (approx. 49 km / 30 mi. by bicycle)
In the morning crossover to Mytikas on the Greek mainland. From Mytikas we will ride along the coast and further on panoramic roads, passing some mountain villages until we reach Lefkas town. In the afternoon we sail to Paxos island, whose unique natural harbor in Gaios creates a special island atmosphere. We can spend the evening in a cozy tavern in Gaios.

Day 7 Island of Paxos - Corfu town (approx. 23 km / 14 mi. by bicycle)
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 trip we will circle the island. We can have our first swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. After lunch the boat brings us back to Corfu town, where, after dinner on board, you end your tour leisurely with an evening in the romantic historical town centre.




Day 8 (Disembarkation)
Guests disembark after breakfast on board followed by individual departure or guests may extend their stay in Corfu.

Alterations: We reserve the right to make alterations to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organisational necessities.

Requirements (level 2 to 3): The bike routes have a length of 20 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.

Bringing Children: We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.40 m (4.6 ft.)

Accommodation

Ship PANAGIOTA (shower/WC in each cabin

The Panagiota, our latest finding in Greece, is an affectionately restored two masted motor yacht, which is 23 ft. wide and 102 ft. long. It was built in 1990 and modernized in 2001 in conformity with the requirements of cruises.
6 cabins below deck and 4 cabins above deck are at the guests’ disposal. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a French bed (4,6 ft. wide), one single bed and private shower and toilet.
There is room for all guests in the spacious saloon to have the meals, to regenerate or to spend some time with new friends.
When the weather conditions are fine the guests can have the meals outside on the shaded rear deck.
The spacious sun deck, equipped with cosy mats, invites to have a sun bath and to relax.


Catering
The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The full board starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. On one longer bike tour you will have lunch in a restaurant.

Guided tour:
The tour will generally be guided in German language. One of the guides will translate into English for non-German-speaking participants. (Except for pure English-speaking groups.)

 

Dates & Price for 2012

Dates	Price pp below deck*	Embarkation day on Panagiota ship
Apr, 28 - May, 05	1340 Euro
May, 05 - May, 12	1340 Euro
May, 12 - May, 19	1340 Euro	from Corfu to Athen Ascension Day
Jun, 23 - Jun, 30	1340 Euro	from Athens to Corfu
Jun, 30 - Jul, 07	1340 Euro
Jul, 07 - Jul, 14	1340 Euro
Jul, 14 - Jul, 21	1340 Euro
Aug, 18 - Aug, 25	1340 Euro
Aug, 25 - Sep, 01	1340 Euro	from Corfu to Athen
Sep, 29 - Oct, 06	1340 Euro	from Athens to Corfu FULLY BOOKED
Oct, 06 - Oct, 13	1340 Euro
Oct, 13 - Oct, 20	1340 Euro
Oct, 20 - Oct, 27	1340 Euro

Participants
Mininum: 16 participants
Maximum: 20 participants

Days/nights	8 days/7 nights approx. 190 km/126 miles by bike
Included services	8-day-trip on a two-masted motor yacht with a crew of four 7 nights on a motor yacht in a double cabin with shower/WC 7 x full board on the ship Guided or individual cycle tours with itinerary Bed linen and towels Rental 21-speed trekking bicycle with bicycle bag/you canbring your own pedals or saddle. We recommend to bring your own helmet Overview-maps for the daily tours on board English-speaking tour guide
Additional costs	Flight to Corfu Drinks on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain) Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites Tips for crew and tour-guides Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bikes: 21-speed trekking bike: 10 euro/week or E-bike: 20 euro/week (not insured: deliberate damage)
Optional costs	Supplement for above deck cabin: 50 Euro - A 1/2 double cabin can be booked. Single supplement 50% of the base price. Taxi transfer from airport to ship (approx. Euro 20.- one way)
Discounts	For early booking 5% valid until end of January 2012 Children under 18 sharing cabin:-25% 3rd person sharing cabin:-50%
Cancellation fees	60 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 10% of the trip price (25 € per person minimum) 59 – 31 days before the trip begins: 30% of the trip price 30 – 21 days before the trip begins: 50% of the trip price 20 – 11 days before the trip begins: 70% of the trip price 10 – 1 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price. We urge you to consider effecting a travel cancellation cost insurance.  Before the trip, please also find out about your medical and accident insurance and about luggage insurance or travel liability insurance, if necessary.
How to get there	A flight is the fastest,  easiest and cheapest way to come to Greece. Corfu, your port of embarkation is only 5 km away from Corfu Airport. We organize collective transfers from Corfu airport to Corfu town. As long as those transfers take place on embarkation and disembarkation days they are free of charge for you. For the organization please indicate your exact flight numbers and arrival times. If there are belated changes of your flight times you are kindly requested to inform immediately our office.
Extend your stay on the isle of Corfu	Would you like to be in the vicinity before your biking and cruising tour in the Ionian Islands begins or to spend a few more relaxed days afterwards on the island of Corfu? Please contact us for more information about hotels