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. 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. 35 km)

After breakfast we start with a short tour to a waterfall nearby Nidri. With a bit of luck enough water will tumble for us to have a refreshing swim. Afterwards we continue on quiet roads over the hills via Siyros to the picturesque harbor town of Sivota. Here we board the boat and cruise to Fiskardo on the Island of Kedalonia. Situated on the northern tip of the island, the harbor town enchants with its colorful houses and many cafes and bars along the lively waterfront promenade.

Day 4 (Tue) Cephalonia Island (aprx. 39 km)

We leave Fiskardo by bike and climb an impressive mountain road on the west coast of Kefalonia, from which we are met by 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 visit the Melissani stalactite cave on board a small row boat and marvel at the incredible blue tones created by the unique cave formations, sun and water. In Sami the boat welcomes us and once on board, sets off for Vathy on Ithaka.

Day 5 (Wed) Islands of Ithaca and Meganisi (aprx. 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. 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. 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 Panagiotta will take us back to Corfu City where we can explore the city once more before enjoying a last evening meal on board together wirh friends, guides and crew reflecting on the experiences of the week.

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 very good level of fitness as you will encounter 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.

The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.

Internet availability
The Panagiota does not offer a WiFi connection. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, 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.

AIRPORT / TRANSFERS

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

TOUR SCHEDULE  & PRICE

2018 Departure dates:    Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27

2019 Departure dates:     Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28

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.