Ionian Islands

Day 1: (Fri) Athens/Piraeus (Marina Zeas) - (Embarkation) Individual arrival at Marina Zeas (Piraeus). It is possible to check in on the Panagiota from 2 pm. Dinner on board and overnight stay in the harbour of Piraeus. Day 2: (Sat) Piraeus – Aegina Island – Corinth Canal – Galaxidi (aprx. 22 mi./35 km) In the morning we sail to Aegina, an island famous for its pistachios even beyond Greek borders. Here our first cycle tour takes us to the exceptionally well-preserved temple of Aphaia, enthroned high above the azure sea. In the afternoon, we sail through the Isthmus of Corinth, completed in 1893, though plans for its construction date back to Julius Caesar. This 3.9 mi./6.3 km long, 79 ft./24 m wide, and 26 ft./8 m deep canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth and saves travellers sailing from Athens to Corinth the 258 mi./400 km long trip around the whole Peloponnese peninsular. If weather conditions are fine, we continue sailing to Galaxidi, otherwise overnight stay in or near Corinth. Day 3: (Sun) Galaxidi - Delphi – Nafpaktos - Mesolongi In the morning, a transfer shuttle collects us from Galaxidi and takes us to the famous ancient site of Delphi, which rests at the foot of the Parnassus mountain range. It was here the ancient Greeks came to worship Apollo, the god of the light, and to consult the oracle. A visit to Delphi is a truly unforgettable experience not only due to the many temples, treasuries, the well-preserved theatre, and the stadium, but also thanks to the incredible hill-side location and views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, the bus takes us to the harbour of Nafpaktos where we have time for lunch and a short stroll through the beautiful town before another short bus ride brings us to Mesolongi. The boat meets us here and we stay the night. Day 4: (Mon) Mesolongi – Ithaca Island (aprx. 28 mi./44 km) In the morning, we leave Mesolongi and cycle through the rich alluvial plains of the Evinos River - one of the most important agricultural regions in Greece. During the tour, we take a break at Krioneri Beach for a coffee and swim before returning to Mesolongi. In the afternoon we can relax on board the boat as we cruise to Vathy on Ithaca Island. Day 5: (Tue) Ithaca Island (aprx. 12 or 17 mi./20 or 28 km) In the morning, we head out on a bike tour on the Ithaca Island. This hilly island with its spectacular scenery is said to have been home of the mythical king Odysseus. We start today’s tour in Vathy, and during the ride we get to enjoy the special character of the Ionian Islands off beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. From Frikes we cruise to Nidri on Lefkas and stay overnight in the little island port. Day 6: (Wed) Nidri –Lefkas town – Paxos Island (aprx. 19 mi./30 km) Today we cycle through beautiful olive groves to the hidden water falls of Nidri before continuing through the mountain world of Lefkas to the island’s capital of the same name. Here the Panagiota awaits us, taking us to Paxos Island in the afternoon. We spend the night in the lovely natural harbour of Gaios. Day 7: (Thu) Paxos Island (aprx. 14 mi./23 km) Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, is so densely covered in olive trees the whole island seems to glisten a wonderful silver green colour. Our morning tour leads us around the whole island. There is plenty of time to enjoy a swim in the sea at one of the many beaches. In the afternoon, the Panagiota takes us to Corfu. The last evening on board concludes with a communal dinner and last get-together in a cosy atmosphere with crew, fellow travellers, and tour guides. Day 8: (Fri) Corfu Island/Corfu city (Disembarkation) After breakfast check-out and individual return home or extended stay on Corfu Island.