Reviews
Touring Bike
£7 per day
Step aboard the Panagiota, a traditional two masted wooden motor sailer, for an eight day island hopping adventure through the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece. From Corfu you cruise to Lefkas with its white cliffs and clear bays, to Cephalonia with its colourful harbour at Fiskardo and the magical Melissani Cave, and to the smaller islands of Meganisi and Paxos where olive groves reach down to the sea and village life moves at its own pace.
Across seven days you explore this coastline by bike, on foot, by canoe and straight from the boat into the sea. Daily activities are relaxed and flexible, so you can choose how active you want to be, whether that is a short coastal ride, a swim stop from the boat or time with a book on deck. A local guide leads the rides and walks, shares stories about Greek island life and history, and helps you make the most of each stop.
Arrive independently on Corfu and take the shared transfer from the airport to the ship. Check in on the Panagiota starts at 2 pm, giving you time to settle into your cabin and get your bearings on board. Your tour begins with dinner together on the boat and a first night in the harbour on Corfu.
After breakfast you cast off and cruise to Paxos, the smallest of the seven main Ionian Islands, known for having more olive trees than people with over 250,000 trees giving the whole island a soft silver green glow. The natural harbour at Gaios is a highlight in itself and sets the scene for your stay. In the afternoon there is a short coastal bike ride to Kaki Lagkada beach where you can swim in the clear Ionian Sea, before a relaxed evening in a tavern in Gaios.
This morning you cruise towards Lefkas and anchor off Antipaxos for a swim straight from the boat. After the longer crossing you pass through a narrow channel and under an original swing bridge that links the mainland to Lefkas Island. From Lefkas town you ride an easy loop around the lagoon with a chance for another swim at the white sand beach of Agios Ioannis. Back on board, you sail on to the harbour town of Nidri where you spend the evening and night.
From Nidri you cycle through olive groves to a nearby waterfall where, if there is enough water, you can take a refreshing dip. Afterwards the Panagiota carries you to Fiskardo at the northern tip of Cephalonia, a port of brightly painted houses, cafes and bars along a pretty waterfront. In the evening a gentle walk of around 30 minutes leads to a small lighthouse with views out to sea before you return to spend the night in Fiskardo.
A short crossing brings you to the harbour of Sami where today’s bike ride begins along the coastline to the Melissani Cave, a striking underground lake reached only by rowboat. You then visit a local donkey farm which is both informative and fun for all ages before riding back to meet the boat in Sami. There is time for a well earned swim stop from the ship, then you continue by sea to the small island of Meganisi where you moor for the night.
After breakfast you set out to explore Meganisi by bike on quiet roads with sea views and traditional villages. Later the Panagiota makes a longer crossing to Arillas, a peaceful spot on the west coast of Greece near Perdika on the mainland. A stroll along the sandy beach or a swim around the anchored Panagiota is a relaxing way to end the day before your night in Arillas.
Your final ride follows quiet roads shaded by old olive trees, through a national park and along a small river to the monastery of Agios Athanasios which you visit. The Panagiota then takes you on your last crossing back to Corfu. In the evening you share a farewell dinner on board and look back on the week’s rides, swims and island visits.
After breakfast it is time to check out and leave the boat. A shared transfer to the airport is available on request, or you can extend your holiday on Corfu and make your own onward arrangements.
We recommend flying to Corfu and returning from Corfu.
The Panagiota is a lovingly restored two masted motor yacht, around 23 feet (7 metres) wide and 75 feet (23 metres) long, originally built in 1990 and updated in 2001 for comfortable cruising. There are six cabins below deck and four above deck, all with air conditioning, a double bed in French style around 4.6 feet wide, a single bed and a private shower room with toilet. A spacious saloon offers enough room for everyone to eat together, relax indoors or spend time with fellow guests, and in good weather meals are often served outside on the shaded aft deck. The large sun deck has comfortable mats where you can stretch out, read, sunbathe or simply watch the islands pass by.
3-star ship
Ionian Islands, Greece
£7 per day
£7 per day
£24 per day
Included with bike hire
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
