GREEK IONIAN ISLANDS by BIKE & BOAT – GUIDED CORFU - CEPHALONIA - CORFU 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS (210km by bike) On the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece, Hellas shows her greenest side: Pure nature, the crystal clear blue 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 Cephalonia and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. Enjoy your stay on board the two-masted wooden motor yacht “PANAGIOTA”, and let yourself be pampered with excellent Greek cuisine and the warm friendly welcome you’ll enjoy on this delightful boat. ITINERARY Day 1: (Saturday) Boarding in Corfu (Marina Gouvia) from 2 pm Check in on your ship, the PANAGIOTA, from 2 pm onwards. Dinner will be on board, and you will stay overnight in the port of Corfu town. Collective transfers can be booked from Corfu Airport/hotel to boat on arrival day (additional cost €20 per person one way - must be booked in). Day 2: (Sunday) Corfu – Sivota – Parga – Lefkas Island In the morning you will cross over to Sivota, where our first cycle trip starts, and takes us to Parga, the only tourist centre on the western coast of the Greek mainland. Parga is a pretty town with a medieval fort that towers over the old town. Here you will meet the boat and cruise to Nidri on the island of Lefkas. Enroute we pass the original swing bridge that connects Lefkas with the Greek mainland. You will spend the night in the lively harbour of Nidri. Cycling: Approximately 28 km Day 3: (Monday) Lefkas – Cephalonia Island On your morning cycle from Nidri you will visit the nearby waterfalls, where there may still be enough water flowing for a refreshing morning swim. Along quiet roads over the hills past Siyros, we cycle to the picturesque harbour town of Sivota. From here the ship sails to Fiskardo, on the island of Cephalonia, to spend the night. After dinner you will have time to explore this harbour town with its colourful houses and numerous cafes and bars along the waterfront promenade. Cycling: Approximately 35 km Day 4: (Tuesday) Island of Cephalonia Cycle from Fiskardo to Sami. We cycle along the impressive mountain pass on the eastern coast of the island…. With panoramic views to the famous Myrtos beach and the neighbouring 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. The water is very clear in many shades of blue. In the late afternoon we cruise to Vathy on the island of Ithaca. Cycling Route: Approximately 39 km Day 5: (Wednesday) Islands of Ithaca Ithaca, the homeland of the mythical figure 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, if you are up for the challenge of a true hill climb, or, if you would prefer the leisurely alternative of a panoramic ride at half the height. The Panagiota awaits our arrival in Frikes before setting off to the small island of Meganisi.. On the way we will pass the private island that was owned by Aristoteles Onassis. Cycling: Approximately 20 km 28 km Day 6: (Thursday) Islands of Meganisi and Paxos Meganisi is a tiny island with a lot of charm, which we explore this morning by bicycle. The panoramic tour takes us along lonely island roads and through the three villages of the island, which give us a good impression of the traditional island life of the Greeks. At Spartochori beach we can enjoy a coffee and a swim in the sea. In the afternoon sail to Paxos Island, whose unique natural harbour creates a special island atmosphere. Spend the evening in a cosy taverna in Gaios. Cycling Route: Approximately 20 km Day 7: (Friday) Islands of Paxos & Corfu Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is covered with olive groves which gives the island its wonderful silver green colour. On today's trip you will circle the island, and have your last swim in the Mediterranean at one of the many beaches. After lunch, the boat will take you back the town of Corfu. After dinner onboard, there is traditionally a last get together with the crew and tour guides. Cycling Route Approximately 23 km Day 8: (Saturday) Disembarkation in Corfu (Marina Gouvia) Arrangements end after breakfast by 9 am. An optional group transfer to Corfu Airport can be booked for €20 per person only available on Saturday, the day the tour ends). ALTERATIONS: We reserve the right to make alterations to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organisational requirements. DIFFICULTY (LEVEL 3): ENERGETIC The bike routes have a length of 20 to 50 km and are through hilly or mountainous areas. Some extended uphill stretches are included as the cycle routes take us up to 300 -700m above sea level. The roads are mostly sealed with little motor traffic. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time swimming or sunbathing on the ship instead. Electric bikes can be booked (limited availability). SHIP PANAGIOTA The “PANAGIOTA” is a traditional 23m motor yacht, built in 1990 and completely renovated in 2019. All 10 cabins have air-conditioning and a private toilet & shower, and are fitted with a double bed (135cm/ 4’6” wide) , and one single bed. There are four cabins above deck, and six cabins below deck with portholes. There is a spacious saloon where you will to have your meals, relax, 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 is equipped with comfy mats for you to sunbathe and relax. MEALS The on board chef will prepare breakfast, and one or two cooked meals a day. The catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. There are 2 days with full board (3 meals) and 5 days with “half board” (breakfast & one hot meal). This allows you to experience some of the local tavernas. CHILDREN We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10, and previous cycling tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30 m. 2020 DATES: Start & end in CORFU TOWN April 11 – 18 (Easter), April 18 -24, April (Easter), April 25 – May 2, May 16 – 23, May 23 – 30, June 13 – 20, June 20 – 27, June 27 – July 4 (Fully Booked), August 22 – 29, September 12 – 19 (Fully Booked), September 19 – 26, October 10 – 17, October 17 - 24 Please note: A minimum of 14 participants must book this tour to guarantee departure 2020 COSTS PER PERSON IN EUROS Cabin Below Deck Surcharge for Cabin Above Deck Double / Twin Share €1450 Double / Twin Share € 100 Single Supplement € 400 Single Supplement above deck € 600 Bike 21 Speed Hybrid: € 80 Electric bike € 180 (limited number available) Optional Bike insurance: €10 bike or €20 Electric bike – theft & damage does not cover gross negligence Helmets: Helmet use is mandatory. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well fitted helmet. A limited number are available onboard (no charge), and must be requested at the time of booking. AIRPORT TRANSFERS: On embarkation and disembarkation days, group transfers can be booked for: To/from Corfu Hotel: €20 per person one way To/from Corfu Airport: €20 per person one way Private transfers other days - price on request DISCOUNTS o For 3 people sharing a cabin, there is a 50% discount on the basic tour price for the 3rd person, regardless of age, and no “above deck” surcharge o Children up to 16 years requesting their own cabin will receive a 25% discount - this is not combinable with 50% discount for 3rd person. TOUR PRICE INCLUDES • 7 nights on a motor yacht in a double/twin cabin with shower & toilet • Breakfast, and one or two hot meals per day (2 days with “full board” (3 meals), and 5 days with “half- board” (2 meals/day) • Bed linen and towels • English-speaking tour guide • Guided cycling tours as per itinerary • Overview maps for the daily tours on board • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only) NOT INCLUDED o Airport transfers o Flight to Corfu o Drinks on board (tally list to be paid to the captain), flat fee for unlimited bottled water €20 per person, children € 10 under the age of 16 o Meals ashore o Bike hire: hybrid and electric-bikes available o Tips for crew and tour guides The Panagiota does not offer a Wi Fi connection. We suggest you bring your own portable device and take it to a café or bar somewhere in the harbour. Free Wi Fi is on offer almost everywhere and if you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the Wi Fi to your heart’s content.