Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Escorted tour in 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 of the wooden motor yacht and let us be pampered by the excellent Greek cuisine and the cosiness of the ship.

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.

In the morning we will crossover to Paxos, whose unique natural harbour creates a special island atmosphere. Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver green colour. On our cycle trip in the afternoon we will circle the island. We can have our first swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. We can spend the evening in a cosy taverna in Gaios.

Day 3: Island of Lefkas - Mytikas - Island of Meganisi (50 km)

Early in the morning our boat will bring you to the island of Lefkas. From Lefkas town today’s bike tour leads you to the Greek mainland. We will ride on panoramic roads, passing some mountain villages and further on we will cycle along the coast to Mytikas, where the ship awaits us for lunch. Afterwards we will sail to the small island of Meganisi, where we will spend the night.

Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which we will explore in no time by bike. After the bike ride during our sail to Ithaca we will pass by boat a beautiful cave where the ship will anchor for swimming. In the afternoon we will discover Ithaca by bike. The homeland of the mythical king Odysseus is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. Today’s cycle route leads along the northern part of the island. We can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands here away from the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca.

In the morning short crossover to Kefallonia Island. Today’s bike tour leads us from Sami to Fiskardo. Along the way we will visit the stalactite and stalagmite caves of Melissani, which can only be viewed in row boats. We will continue on through the interior of the island and finally we reach the high road of the western coast of the island, where we will have lots of unforgettable views, like the panoramic view down to Myrtos beach. The ship awaits us in Fiskardo, where we will spend the night. The harbour town on the Northern point of the island charms visitors with its colourful houses and numerous cafés and bars along the picturesque harbour promenade.

In the morning our ship will take us to the island of Lefkas, which is connected to the Greek mainland with an original swing-bridge. Before lunch we will anchor at Porto Katsiki, one of the most famous beaches in Greece, for swimming. In the afternoon we will cycle from the harbour in Vasiliki, which has a worth seeing historical town centre, along quiet roads through the mountains past Sivros to the beautiful harbour of Nidri, where we will overnight.

After breakfast the ship will take us first to Skorpios, the island of the shipping giant Onassis, where you will anchor for swimming. Afterwards the boat will bring us to Parga, the only centre of tourism on the western coast of the Greek mainland. The pretty town with the medieval fort which towers over the old town is the start for today’s cycling tour, which will lead us to Sivota, where the boat is awaiting us and will take us to Corfu town. After dinner we can round off our journey in the atmospheric old town.

Guests disembark after breakfast on board followed by individual departure or guests may extend their stay in Corfu

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

- 8-day journey on a two-master motor ship with crew

- 7 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom.

- Breakfast buffet  AND minimum one hot meal per day, prepared by the ship's cook.

- 2 lunches

- Linen and towels

- Six day tours with your cycling guide, as per program

- Detailed travel maps and route guides for each days tour

- Rental bicycle: 21-speed trekking bike with pannier bags

- Entrances to museums and archaeological sites

- English speaking tour guide

- Collective transfer between Corfu airport and the ship (only on embarkation and disembarkation day)

Helmets are mandatory and will be available to rent for free aboard ship. We recommend you bring your own.

Logding:

MODERATE TO HILLY: This tour requires a good level of fitness as you will encounter some 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.

We organize collective transfers from Corfu airport to Corfu town. As long as those transfers take place on embarkation and disembarkation days they are free of charge.