The Homeland of Odysseus

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 us 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. We enjoy our stay on board our wooden motor yacht and be pampered by the excellent Greek cuisine.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY 

Day 1  Boarding in Corfu town

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.

Day 2  (Sun) Corfu Island – Sivota – Parga – Lefkas Island (aprx. 18 mi./28 km)

Cast off! In the morning we cross over to Sivota on the mainland of Greece. There our first cycle tour starts and leads us to Parga beautifully situated below a Venetian fortress which towers over the old town. Here the boat awaits us to take us on a long cruise to Nidri on Lefkas Island. On our way we pass a witty swing-bridge which connects Lefkas with the Greek mainland. You spent the night in the lively harbour of Nidri.

Day 3 (Mon) Lefkas Island (aprx. 18 mi./29 km)

Todays cycle route takes us first from Nidri to a nearby waterfall. If you are lucky it carries still enough water for a refreshing morning swim. Along quiet roads through the mountains past Sivros we cycle later to the harbour in Vasiliki. 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 on Cephalonia, where we spend the night. The harbor 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 (Tue) Cephalonia Island (aprx. 28 mi./45 km)

Today’s cycle tour leads us from Fiskardo to Sami. We cycle along the impressive mountain pass at the eastern coast of the island. We will have lots of unforgettable views, like the panoramic view to the neighbour island of Ithaca. After a refreshing break we continue cycling. On the way we may visit the limestone (stalactite and stalagmite) caves of Melissani, which can only be viewed in row boats and charms you with electrifying clear water in various shades of blue. In the late afternoon we cruise to Vathy on the Ithaca Island.

Day 5 (Wed) Islands of Ithaca and Meganisi (aprx. 13 + 8 mi./21 + 13 km)

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. From Frikes the Panagiota takes us to the small island of Meganisi. On the way we pass the private island of the influential ship-owner Aristoteles Onassis. Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which we explore in the afternoon in no time by bicycle.

Day 6 (Thu) Mytikas – Lefkas – Paxos (aprx. 30 mi./49 km)

Early in the morning crossover to Mytikas on the Greek mainland. From Mytikas we cycle along the coast and further on panoramic roads, passing some mountain villages like Paleiros until we reach Lefkas town, where your ship awaits you. 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 one of the cozy taverns of Gaios.

Day 7  (Fri) Islands of Paxos and Corfu (aprx. 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 trip we circle the island. We can have our last swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. After lunch the boat brings us back to Corfu town, and after dinner on board our last evening takes place a traditionally last get-together in a cozy atmosphere with crew and tour guides.

Day 8 Disembarkation

Guests disembark after breakfast on board followed by individual departure or guests may extend their stay in Corfu

This tour requires a good level of fitness as you will encounter some hilly terrain. Mostly asphalt roads with some steeper grades where you may wish to walk. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead.

Your 4**** Motor Sailer

The PANAGIOTA, our newest ship 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 their meals outside on the shaded rear deck. The spacious sun deck, equipped with cosy mats, invites you to sun bath and to relax. 

AIRPORT / TRANSFERS

Group transfers available between Corfu airport and ship (only possible on day of embarkation/ disembarkation): 10 euro/person/way

TOUR SCHEDULE  & PRICE

2017 Departure dates:     Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28

2018 Departure dates:  Apr. 14, 21, 28       Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27

This tour includes: 

• 8-day journey on our two-masted sailing ship with crew
• 7 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom.
• Breakfast buffet  AND one hot meal per day, prepared by the ship’s cook.
• 2 lunches
• Linen and towels
• Six day tours with your guide, as per program
• Detailed travel maps and guide for each days tour
• Rental bicycle: 21-speed trekking bike with Ortlieb pannier bags
• Bike insurance
• Entrances to museums and archaeological sites
• Multi-lingual tour guide

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Helmets are mandatory and will be available to rent for free aboard ship. We recommend you bring your own.