The Ionian Islands are perhaps the Greekest part of Greece — the only part of the country that escaped Ottoman rule in the fifteenth century, and a hotbed of Greek independence in the Eighteenth Century. Much remains as it was when Thucydides wrote his account of the Peloponnesian War, but there have been some changes: crumbling castles from the centuries of Venetian rule, the gardens at Palaia Anaktora, and dozens of tiny, family-run snorkeling and windsurfing establishments.
As we cruise through the Ionian Sea, you'll see both the homes of King Odysseus and Aristotle Onassis; you'll take a rowboat to otherwise inaccessible grottos of stalactites, you'll sunbathe on the beaches of Paxos like a jet-setter, and — we know — you'll make memories to last a lifetime..
Day 1: Boarding in Corfu
We will collect you and your companions for the tour from the airport,
after which you can check in on Panagiota and explore Corfu — Kerkyra,
that "beautiful and rich land" of Homeric repute — at
your leisure. We'll enjoy a welcome dinner aboard and spend the night
in Corfu.
Day 2: Corfu Island - Syvota - Parga - Lefkas Island (28 km, 17
mi; 1 km = 0.62 miles)
This morning's crossing will deliver us to Syvota, site of a major naval
battle that launched the Peloponnesian War in 433 BC. There our first cycle
tour starts and leads us to Parga, Western Greece's only tourist town.
Parga is a pretty town dwarfed by the medieval fort that looms over it.
Here the Panagiota is awaiting us to take us to Nydri on Lekas Island,
past the original swing-bridge connecting Lefkas with the Greek mainland.ike).
Day 3: Islands of Lefkas and Kefalonia (35 km, 22 mi)
Today our route cycle route winds from Nydri first to nearby waterfalls,
where we might be treated to a refreshing morning dip. Then we'll coast
along quiet roads through the mountains past Sivros and on to the Syvota
harbour. A short sail will bring us to the breathtaking Porto Katsiki,
one Europe's very best beaches. Then we sail on to Fiskardo, site of a
recently-discovered Roman cemetery complex, where we will spend the night.
This scenic fishing village boasts many panoramic views, so an evening
stroll is highly recommended.
Day 4: Island of Kefallonia (39 km, 24 mi)
We'll cycle today from Fiskardo to Sami, along Kefallonia's West Coast
along the high road, soaking in the unforgettable views, including the
turquoise waters of Myrtos Beach. We will continue on through the interior
of the island, passing pastures of long-haired goats and miles of olive
groves to the port town of Sami, filming site of Captain
Corelli's Mandolin.
We'll also visit the mystical Melissani Lake Grotto, garlanded with stalactites
and stalagmites, and accessible only by rowboat. As the sun sets, Panagiota will bring us to Ithaki.
Day 5: Islands of Ithaki and Meganisi (21 + 13 km, 13 + 8 mi)
As we explore the kingdom of the mythical king Odysseus today, you won't
wonder why he spent ten years struggling to get home. You'll be treated
to the unseen Ithaki, far off the usual tourist track: gnarled olive
trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders — all seemingly
unchanged for centuries. Indeed, Greeks have lived on this glorious island
for at least 4000 years, with culture reaching its peak during the Mycenaean
period. From Frikes, Panagiota takes us past Skorpios, Aristotle Onassis's
private island, to the small island of Meganisi, perfectly sized for
an enchanting afternoon ride.
Day 6: Mytikas & Lefkas (49 km, 30 mi)
This morning we'll sail to Mytikas on the Greek mainland, and from there
our path will take us along the coast and further on panoramic roads,
through white-washed mountain villages and into Lefkas. From there we'll
sail to the village of Gaios on the Island of Paxi famous for its wine
and magnificent sandy beaches. We'll spend the evening in one of Gaios's
cozy taverns.
Day 7: Island of Paxi and Town of Corfu (23 km, 14 mi)
Paxi, smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is awash in grove of olive
trees, which makes the whole island shimmer in silvery green. We'll see
it all on today's ride, but first, a morning swim on a Mediterranean
beach. After lunch, Panagiota sails back to Corfu while we dine aboard.
Then we'll spend our last evening enjoying a guided tour of Corfu's old
town, where centuries of Venetian, French and British rule co-mingle
in architecture.
Day 8
We'll bid you farewell after a fortifying breakfast aboard Panagiota.
We wish you safe travels on your journey ahead. We will be sad to see you
go, but happy to have made new friends, and renewed the bonds of friendship
with old companions.
2012 Season:
April 21-28 • April 28-May 5 • May 5-12 • June 30-July 7• July 14-21 • August 18-25 • August 25-September 1 • October 6-13 • October 13-20 • October 20-27
Prices:
Below-deck cabin: $1999 Cdn/person
Above-deck cabin: $2099 Cdn/person
Inclusions:
• 7 nights' accommodation on the boat in a double cabin with private
shower
• 8-day cruise on a motorized ship
• 2 nights of full board on the ship (all meals included) and 5 nights
of half board (breakfast and lunch included)
• 6 days of guided bike tour as described
• bike rental
• maps for the daily routing
• entries to museums and archaeological sites
• Collective transfer between Corfu airport to ship (only on embarkation
and disembarkation days)
• Please note: This tour
is guided, but doesn't include van support
Not Included:
Tips for crew and tour guides
All drinks (on or off the boat)
Flight to Corfu
