Bike and Barge
Ionian Islands
- GR034 / Greece
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Self-guided or guided Self-guided or guided This tour offers the choice of cycling alone using our App (with maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks) or with the whole group following the tour leader.
- By the sea By the sea Coastal itinerary or travel programme that leaves room for relaxation by the sea.
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct
- 8 days
-
- round tour Corfu - Cephalonia - Corfu
- Some meals included
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
Land of myths and legends, where pure nature, turquoise waters and coastlines washed by the sparkling Ionian Sea reign supreme. The stars of this bike and boat tour are the Ionian Islands, off the west coast of Greece. Aboard a motor yacht you will sail from island to island to discover the greenest part of the Greek land: Corfu, Sissi's oasis of peace; Ithaca, legendary homeland of Odysseus; mountainous and hilly landscapes; and many other places hidden from the most tourist routes.
- Paxos, rich in olive trees
- The thousand-year-old stalactites of Melissani
- Meganisi and the ancient traditions of its villages
What awaits you
A week of sailing with bicycle stages suitable for those with a good workout. Some trails also run over hilly and mountainous terrain, and there are some climbs. Most of the roads are paved and rarely traveled. The guide will brief you on tour details each day, and if you don't feel like participating in some of the rides, you can skip them and enjoy the sunshine on board.
Accommodation
Overnight stay is provided in a cozy wooden motor yacht. Available to guests: a spacious salon that becomes a restaurant at mealtimes, a large sun deck equipped with comfortable mattresses, a shady back deck, and comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Individual arrival in Corfu and embarkation
Individual arrival in Corfu. Embarkation is scheduled from 2 pm. You will be met on board by the captain and crew, who will welcome you with the first welcome dinner.
2. Discovering the coast between Sivota and Parga and sailing to the island of Lefkas
We officially begin sailing to Sivota, a small fishing village in an enchanted bay on the Greek mainland. Here you will set off on your first ride: you will arrive as far as Parga, a coastal town with pastel-colored houses and a Venetian fortress overlooking the old town. You will then return aboard for a few hours of sailing and, via a swing bridge connecting the island of Lefkas with the Greek mainland, reach bustling Nidri.
3. Cycling on the island of Lefkas and then en route to Kefalonia
After breakfast it’s time to get in the saddle. First stop: a waterfall near Nidri, where you can take a restorative swim. The rest of the ride is on quiet roads to Sivota. From here you will return by boat to land at the next island.
Also famous for “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin,” Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Islands, and it will be love at first sight: rich in natural sites, rugged coastline and Fiskardo, a truly chic port.
4. The mountains of Kefalonia, the cave of Melissani and Ithaca
Fuel up at breakfast, because today you will be pedaling on a mountain road on the west coast of the island. The effort will be well rewarded by the breathtaking view of the Assos Peninsula and an incredible experience: you will visit the thousand-year-old stalactite cave of Melissani on a small rowboat. Among the iridescent colors of the waters and the fantastic play of light animated by the sun, you will feel like you are in a fairy world. In Sami you will return to the ship to set sail for Ithaca.
5. Discovering Ithaca and sailing to Meganisi
Today you can explore the most authentic part of the island of Ithaca. You will ride through its hills and off the tourist trails, where the hands of time seem to have stopped. From Vathy you will pass through landscapes full of gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders. Before you get back on board, you can choose whether to accept the challenge and face a real climb, or take it easier and enjoy a scenic ride that only goes halfway.
The Panagiota awaits you in Frikes to anchor up and set sail for Little Meganisi.
6. Cycling in the natural paradise of Meganisi and arrival in Paxos
Meganisi looks like a painting: olive and pine trees dominate the land, the coast is full of fjords, and there is no shortage of picturesque villages. Today you will explore this natural paradise on two wheels via a scenic ride along secluded roads, touching on the island’s three villages where traditional life still reigns. A swim on Spartochori beach and back on board to reach the next island. Soon on the horizon you will see Paxos, the smallest of the Ionian Islands. Traces of past Byzantine, Venetian and British invasions still remain on the island. For the evening, the cozy taverns of Gaios, a truly unique natural harbor, await you.
7. Paxos, the 11-km-long island of olive trees, and landing in Corfu
Little Paxos glows with the silvery green of olive trees, which grow thickly throughout the island. Get in the saddle and discover it far and wide, while also enjoying a restorative swim. In the afternoon, your floating hotel will land in Corfu, and for dinner you can delight your palate and enjoy a cheerful last evening with fellow passengers and crew.
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- 20 guests, 10 cabins
Panagiota
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- 20 guests, 10 cabins
The boat Panagiota is a two-masted wooden motor yacht that was completely renovated in 2001.
Outside there are tables and chairs for an evening aperitif and comfortable mattresses where you can lie and sunbathe.
Why getting on board? For the cozy atmosphere, small size, and charm of sleeping aboard a boat. View more details
Cabins
- 6 double cabins below deck with windows which can be opened. Four cabins can become triple cabins.
- 4 double cabins + bunk bed above deck with doors facing outside
All cabins measure 6-8 sq. meters,, have French beds (200 x 140 cm), private bathroom, air conditioning and hairdryer. Daily cabin cleaning and mid-week towel change are also provided.
Common areas
- seafaring style restaurant
- sundeck with mats, tables and chairs
Only cash payments are accepted on board.
2025
Departures on Friday
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 2 days full board and 5 days half board (drinks excluded) according to the daily schedule
- Drinking water on board
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free and lactose-free diets.
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material
If you opt for the self-guided option, the tracks to follow the route with an app will be provided.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Additional services included
- Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only)
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Drinks
- Entrance tickets not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is mandatory and we recommend bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Special diet supplement € 70 (to be paid on board)
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Corfu before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Transfer
You can book a transfer from the airport/hotel in Corfu to the boarding point and vice versa (available only on embarkation and disembarkation days) - Limitation of liability of the bike (negligence damage excluded): 20 €/week for the standard bike, 30 €/week for the e-bike
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 28” wheel
- 21/24 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- the only one compatible with child accessories (where available)
Unisex touring bike
- 28” wheel
- 21/24 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- the only one compatible with child accessories (where available)
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
Unisex E-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier
- battery charger
- lock
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Route profile
- Level: medium
- Total length: 175 km
- Daily altitude: 400-700 m
- Terrain: paved and rarely frequented roads
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled from 2 PM at the port of Marina Gouvia in Corfu. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
Corfu is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
The closest airport is Corfu International Airport (CFU):
From Corfu International Airport (CFU):
- bus line 15 until the port and then walk to the point of embarkation
- alternatively, you can request a transfer (possible only on days of embarkation and disembarkation).
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Greek. English is not spoken in all businesses and public offices.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
Electricity
The Greek electrical net is 220 volts – 50 Hz. F-type power sockets.
Type C, D, E, and H sockets are found in older installations.
We recommend to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in Greece is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Personal equipment
- helmet (mandatory)
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Richard
Published: 13 Oct 2022
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