Ionian Islands Multi-sport Family Cruise

Ionian Islands

7 night guided bike and boat tour in Greece on Panagiota

This multi-adventure cruise takes us to the Ionian Islands spread out along the western coast of Greece.

Here we see Hellas at its greenest. Aboard the Panagiota, a two-masted wooden motor sailer, this bike-and-boat tour takes us from Corfu to the Island of Lefkas, with its white chalk cliffs and picture-perfect beaches, then on to the Island of Cephalonia with the village of Fiskardo and the enchanting Melissani Cave. On Meganisi and Paxos–an island all covered in olive trees–time seems to have stood still, and we may have unforgettable insights into traditional Greek island life.

For seven days we explore the unique islands and coastal world by boat-and-bike, canoe, and on foot. This family-friendly cruise leaves a lot of room for fun, games, and spontaneity. Biking, hiking, canoeing, swimming, or relaxing onboard: you decide each day what you feel like doing. Our tour guide is familiar with the country and gladly gives advice and makes suggestions, accompanies us at the various activities, and can tell us a lot about the lively history of Greece.

This tour requires a minimum of 14 participants to depart.

Highlights

• Achilleion, a palace built by Austrian Empress Elizabeth, known affectionately as Sisi
• Swimming at beautiful coastal beaches
• Nidri's refreshing waterfall
• Picturesque harbors and colorful houses of Greece
• Paxos, the smallest Ionian island that is covered in olive trees
• Melissani Cave, reachable only by rowboat

Learn More

Learn more about guided tours.

Daily program

Day 1: Embarkation at Corfu Island/Marina Gouvia
You will arrive individually at the Corfu airport and make your way to the port where the ship awaits. At 2:00pm you can start checking-in on the Panagiota. The tour begins with dinner on board. You can book, in advance, a transfer from the airport to the ship for an extra fee.
Overnight on Corfu.

Day 2: Corfu Island – Paxos Island
After breakfast, we cast off and cruise to the olive island of Paxos. Paxos is the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands with more olive trees than people – the 32 square-kilometer island is home to over 250,000 olive trees! They cover the island in a wonderful silver-green shimmer. The natural harbor of Gaios is unique and provides a special atmosphere during our stay here. In the afternoon we take a small cycle tour along the coast to Mongonissi bay. The evening can be spent relaxing in a local tavern in Gaios.
Overnight in Gaios.

Day 3: Paxos Island – Lefkas Island
In the morning we cruise to Lefkas Island, Lefkas City, but before arriving we anchor near Antipaxos for a swim stop from the boat. After a long cruise, we reach a narrow channel with an original swing bridge which connects the Greek mainland with the island. From Lefkas City, we start our tour around the lagoon and can enjoy a second swim at the white sand beach, Agios Ioannis. After returning to the boat, we navigate our way to Nidri where we will spend the evening and the night.
Overnight in Nidri.

Day 4: Lefkas Island – Cephalonia Island
In the morning we ride from Nidri through olive groves to a nearby waterfall. If we are lucky, a steady stream of water will enable us to take a refreshing swim. Following the excursion, we make our way to Fiskardo on the island of Cephalonia.

This port, located at the northern tip of the island, delights us with its colorful little houses and many cafes and bars along the picturesque harbor promenade. An evening walk of approximately 30 minutes takes us to a pretty lighthouse.
Overnight in Fiskardo.

Day 5: Cephalonia Island – Meganisi Island (10 miles/15km)
After a short crossing by boat, we reach the harbor of Sami. Today's bike tour starts here and leads us along the coastline to the enchanting Melissani Cave accessible only by rowboat. A visit to a donkey farm, knowledge and fun at the same time for all ages, is next on the agenda before the tour takes us back to the boat. The boat meets us in Sami and takes us for a well-deserved swim break! Our journey then takes us further to Meganisi, a charming island where we spend the night.
Overnight at Meganisi.

Day 6: Meganisi Island – Arillas (6 miles/10km)
After breakfast we have the chance to explore Meganisi on our bike. Afterward, a long crossing will take us to Arillas, an idyllic and peaceful place along the west coast of Greece, close to Perdika on the Greek mainland. A stroll along the sandy beach or a swim around Panagiota (the boat) rounds off the day. We spend the night in Arillas.
Overnigt in Arillas.

Day 7: Arillas – Corfu Island
In the morning our bike tour leads us along remote streets under the shade of old olive trees through a national park and along a little river until we reach the monastery of Agios Athanasios, which we visit. The Panagiota awaits us for our last crossing back to Corfu. Here we can enjoy a celebratory evening meal before reflecting on our wonderful adventures of the week.
Overnight in Corfu.

Day 8: Disembarkation
After breakfast and check-out, you will depart individually for your onward travels.

The tour operator reserves the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.

Surface and terrain

The walks and short hikes take place on good, sometimes even asphalted paths and are also not demanding. Should some activities require a bit more in the way of physical fitness, the tour guide will point this out.

This tour is especially suited for children. Please have in mind that we can supply rental bikes only for a body height of at least 4 ft./1.3 m. On request, we can supply children’s seats and trailer bikes.

Boats

• Panagiota

Panagiota
Full boat details and photos >

How to get there

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Corfu (CFU), Greece

A flight is the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to get to Greece. Corfu, your port of embarkation, is only 3 miles/5 km away from Corfu Airport.

The tour company offers group transfers between Corfu airport or hotel and the ship for €20 per person/per way (only on day of embarkation/disembarkation). Must be booked in advance.

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 8-day trip on a motor yacht with crew
• 7 nights in a twin cabin on the lower deck with shower/toilet (bed linen and towels)
• 5 days half-board on board; 2 days full board
• Guided cycle tours or walks as described in daily program
• Route overview and maps for the daily bike tours
• Entries to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only)
• English-speaking tour guide

Please note there is a bottled water flat rate of €20 per person (€10 for children under 16 years old). These fees are added to the bar tab on board and is payable in cash. Credit and debit cards are not accepted on board; ATMs are available at stops along the tour route.

Bike rentals

Bikes available for rent on this tour (must be reserved at time of booking):

• 21-speed aluminum hybrid touring bicycle
• FLEXeBIKE (available 46cm, 52 cm, and 58cm frame sizes, limited number)*
• Children's bikes (upon request)
• Child trailers and seats (upon request, advance reservation required)

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

Equipment available with each rental:

• Fender
• Kickstand
• Rear rack
• Waterproof Ortlieb pannier

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets:
Helmets are required on all cycle tours. Helmets for adults are available onboard in limited number (on request). You must bring your own helmets for children. We strongly recommend that you bring or buy your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.

Please note: Clients are more than welcome to bring their own bike along. However, be aware that we are not insured for the private bikes on board and that all maintenance of private bikes are the responsibility of the owner. Additionally, it is important for us to know if the private bikes are standard models, MTBs or e-bikes. Onboard of our boats we have a weight restriction of 22 kg for all private bikes (excluding batteries) for health and safety reasons. Bikes above this weight will not be accepted on board for daily use!

Tour Company Terms