Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Ionian Islands Bike & Boat tour, exploring the stunning landscapes of Greece. This unique journey combines the thrill of cycling with the serenity of sailing, offering guided bike tours across the picturesque Ionian islands. Discover the medieval charm of Parga, the enchanting Melissani stalactite cave on Kefalonia, and the hilly beauty of Ithaca Island. Enjoy panoramic rides on Meganisi and explore the olive groves and beaches of Paxos. Accommodations include seven nights in a cozy twin cabin aboard a comfortable sailing vessel. With bike rentals, guided tours, and delicious meals prepared by the onboard cook, this tour promises an immersive cultural and adventure experience. Transfers from Corfu airport or hotel to the boat are available on request, ensuring a seamless start to your journey. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or seeking a leisurely ride, this tour offers a perfect blend of activity and relaxation. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Board boat in Corfu
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to Corfu town. The boat will be moored in the harbour or a nearby marina. We can arrange a transfer from the airport or hotel in Corfu to the boat (recommended) - please ask for our rates. Check-in from 2:00pm and there is a group dinner in the evening onboard. Overnight in Corfu.
Day 2 : Cycle to Parga, cruise to Nidri on Lefkas island (28km/17.5mi)
Location: Sivota, Parga, Nidri
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning we cross over to Sivota on the mainland for our first cycle tour. We cycle to and visit Parga, with its medieval fort overlooking the pretty old town. From here we cruise to Nidri on the island of Lefkas which is connected to the Greek mainland with an original swing-bridge. We spend the night in the beautiful and lively harbour of Nidri.
Day 3 : Discover Lefkas Island by bike, cruise to Fiskardo on Kefalonia (35km/21mi)
Location: Nidri, Sivros, Sivota, Fiskardo
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we cycle to a waterfall near Nidri and if we are lucky there will be enough water for a swim. Afterwards we'll continue along quiet roads through the hills via Sivros to the harbour of Sivota (on Lefkas). Here we'll board the boat and cruise to Fiskardo on the island of Kefalonia, where we will spend the night. This harbour town on the northern point of the island charms visitors with its colourful houses and numerous cafes and bars along the picturesque harbour promenade. You should definitely try the local Robola wine!
Day 4 : Cycle to Sami via Melissani caves, cruise to Vathy on Ithaca Island (39km/25mi)
Location: Fiskardo, Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, Sami, Vathy, Ithaca
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we will leave Fiskardo by bike and climb an impressive mountain road on the west coast of Kefalonia, from which there are awe-inspiring views over the Assos peninsula and the famous Myrtos beach. We'll then turn inland and cross the island. Shortly before the end of the tour we'll visit the Melissani stalactite cave on board a small row boat and marvel at the incredible blue tones created by the cave formations, sun and water. The ship will await us in Sami and we'll set off to Vathy on Ithaca, where we'll spend the night.
Day 5 : Cycle on the island of Ithaca, cruise to Meganisi (20 or 28km/13 or 17mi)
Location: Ithaca, Frikes, Meganisi
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning we cycle on the Ithaca Island. 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 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 whether you are up for the challenge of a true hill climb, or would prefer the leisurely alternative of a panoramic ride at half the height. The boat will await our arrival in Frikes before setting off to the small island of Meganisi.
Day 6 : Cycling on the islands of Meganisi and Paxos (17km/10mi)
Location: Meganisi, Spartochori Beach, Meganisi, Paxos, Gaios, Paxos
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which we explore in the morning by bicycle. The panoramic tour takes us along lonely island roads and through the three villages of the island, giving us a chance to see the traditional island life of the Greeks first hand. At Spartochori beach we can enjoy a coffee and a swim in the sea. In the afternoon we sail to Paxos Island, whose unique natural harbour in Gaios creates a special island atmosphere. We can spend the evening in one of the cozy taverns of Gaios.
Day 7 : Explore the Island of Paxos, cruise to Corfu (23km/14mi)
Location: Paxos, Corfu
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver-green color. On our cycle trip today we will circle the island. We can have a last swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. After lunch the ship will bring us back to Corfu town where we will end our journey with a last dinner on board together with the crew and tour guides.
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Corfu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast on board around 9am and individual departure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights boat -
Cycling Tours
Guided cycling tours on the islands and mainland are included.
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Bike Rental
21 speed hybrid bike rental with pannier is provided. Electric bikes are available on request for a supplement.
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Bottled Water
Bottled water is provided on board and during all activities ashore.
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Experienced Crew
An experienced crew of 4, including an English-speaking tour guide, is included.
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Bed Linen and Towels
Bed linen and towels are provided.
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Museum and Archaeological Site Entries
Entries to museums and archaeological sites for group visits are included.
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Information Pack
An information pack including overview maps per cabin is provided.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Corfu
Travel to and from Corfu is not included.
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Transfers
Transfer from Corfu airport or hotel to the boat on embarkation and disembarkation days is available on request for an additional cost.
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Cabin Upgrades
Upgrade to a cabin on deck or single cabin is available for an additional cost.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and may require cruise cover.
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Helmets
Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours. You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board.
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Tips
Tips for the guide and crew are not included.
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Optional Bicycle Insurance
Optional bicycle insurance is payable in cash locally. EUR20 per person for trekking bike, EUR30 per person for electric bike.
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WiFi
The boat does not offer a WiFi connection. Free WiFi is available in cafes or bars in the harbour.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks including mineral water on board and meals not included. Bottled water for the week costs EUR25 per adult and EUR15 per child up to age 16, paid locally.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Grading
GRADE 4 - The trip requires a good level of fitness from participants, which they should have acquired from steady cycling. If you are concerned about your fitness for this tour we recommend you consider an e-bike - supplement applies. The day-tours from 23 to 39km / 14 to 25mi will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain (and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master some steep climbs (the cycle tours will have an altitude of 300-600m (1,000-2,970 ft) during which you may need to push the bike. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside the holiday seasons. Each day you can either decide to cycle alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the tour guide or other participants. It is considered suitable for active children who are experienced cyclists (minimum 10 years, height minimum is 1.4m or 4.6ft - minimum height for e-bike is 1.5m / 5ft). 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.*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel by a comfortable sailing boat, with transfers from Corfu airport or hotel to the boat available on request. The tour includes guided cycling tours on the islands and mainland, with bike rentals provided.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with a private bathroom. Cabins are compact with a double bed or a double bed and a single bunk above. Upgrades to a cabin on deck or single cabin are available for a supplement.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with a private bathroom. The cabins are compact and feature either a double bed or a double bed with a single bunk above. Upgrades to a cabin on deck or a single cabin are available for an additional cost.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners. The cook on board, who is a member of the crew, prepares the meals. Note that the included lunches and dinners may be swapped, and your tour guide will inform you locally when these will be included. Drinks are not included. ...more ...less
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Is bike rental included in the tour?
Yes, a 21-speed hybrid bike rental with a pannier is included in the tour. Electric bikes are available on request for a supplement, but supplies are limited. The guides will carry bike locks for the group, or individual locks can be provided on request if you decide to bike alone. ...more ...less
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What is the level of difficulty for the cycling tours?
The tour is graded as level 4, requiring a good level of fitness from participants, which should be acquired from steady cycling. The day tours range from 23 to 39 km and take place through hilly and mountainous terrain. Participants will need to master some steep climbs, and the cycle tours will have an altitude of 300-600m. E-bikes are recommended for those concerned about their fitness. ...more ...less
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Are there any special requirements for cyclists?
Yes, helmets are mandatory on all bike tours. You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet, although a limited number of rental helmets are available on board with a reservation. Additionally, optional bicycle insurance is available for purchase locally.
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Is WiFi available on the boat?
No, the boat does not offer a WiFi connection. However, free WiFi is available in cafes or bars in the harbour, where you can connect by purchasing something to eat or drink.
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What should I carry during the cycling tours?
During the cycling tours, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Ionian Islands Bike & Boat
8 Days Starting in Corfu, Greece and ending in Corfu or Athens, Greece
Visiting: Corfu, Sivota, Parga, Nidri, Sivros, Fiskardo, Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, Sami, Vathy, Ithaca, Ithaca, Frikes, Meganisi, Spartochori Beach, Meganisi, Paxos, Gaios Paxos ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IIB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
10-
