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Gulf of Corinth and Ionian Islands (Corfu to Athens) 8-day Bike & Boat Tour
Join us on a fascinating journey through time and culture! This bike and boat tour combines the Greek mainland with the impressive islands of the Ionian Sea. For one week, travelling by bicycle and on a two-masted motor sailer, we experience first-hand the cultural and scenic diversity of Greece. Famous sites such as Delphi, where the ancient Greeks once consulted the oracle, or Aegina, where the white temple of Aphaia gleams high above the sea or the Asklepion of Epidauros, with it’s well preserved ancient theatre are some of the highlights of the tour. The passage through the Corinth Canal, an artificial seaway connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean, will surely become an unforgettable memory. In the archipelago of the Ionian Islands, you see Greece at its greenest. An unspoiled landscape and centuries of Venetian influence characterize this still fairly unknown group of islands. The crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea glittering in all shades of blue, the mountainous landscape of Cephalonia and the bird-sanctuary island of Lefkas, the small island of Paxos densely covered in olive groves all guarantee a wonderfully relaxing vacation.
The boat in Greece, is an affectionately restored two masted motor yacht, which is 23 ft. (7m) wide and 75 ft. (23m) long. It was built in 1990 modernized in 2001 in conformity with the requirements of cruises and completely renovated again in 2019. 6 cabins below deck and 4 cabins above deck are at the guests’ disposal. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a double bed (4,6 ft. wide) and in some cabins there is also one single bunk bed located above the double bed. To each cabin belongs a private shower and toilet. Below deck cabins have a porthole to provide air, if air-condition is switched off. When the weather conditions are fine the guests can have the meals outside on the shaded rear deck instead of eating in the spacious saloon. The sun deck, equipped with cozy mats, invites to have a sun bath and to relax.
The chef on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. A packed lunch instead of lunch on board is possible as well on our tour. The catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.
The ship does not offer a WiFi connection. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend to take your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbour. Free WiFi is on offer almost everywhere. If you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the WiFi to your hearts content.
The bike routes require an advanced level of fitness from the participants. The daily routes have a length of 12 - 31 mi./20 - 50 km. They lead through hilly or mountainous areas and will be completed without any time-constraints. There are also some extended climbs where walking your bicycle is of course permitted. Most of the roads are asphalted and rarely frequented. Your tour guide informs you each day about the tour details. Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Cycle helmets are available on board in limited number (on request). You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.
Children: We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the cycle tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30 m (4” 3’)
If you would like to rent a bike (80 EUR) or e-bike (180 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Slow Tours offers a number of other Bike & Boat Tours in Europe
Corfu / Marina Gouvia (Embarkation)
Individual arrival by plane and subsequent transfer to the ship. Check in on the boat from 2pm on. In the afternoon there is time to explore the charming old town of Corfu. Dinner on board. Overnight stay in Corfu town.
Paxos Island approx 15mi./23km
Cast off! In the morning crossing to 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 first cycle trip we circle the whole island. We can also have a swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. Enjoy the evening in a cozy tavern in the unique natural harbour of Gaios! Overnight stay on Paxos..
Lefkas town – Nidri approx 19mi./30km
The day starts with a longer boats crossing to the City of Lefkas. On this crossing you will pass by the original swing bridge which connects the island of Lefkas with the Greek mainland. Today’s tour leads you across the island's fascinating mountain landscape to the lively harbour of Nidri. The island of Skorpios can be seen from your moorings, once the private haven of shipping magnate Aristotle Socrates Onassis. The night is spent in Nidri.
Ithaca Island - Mesolongi approx 12 or 17mi./20 or 28km
Early in the morning we cruise to the island of Ithaca which we explore today by bike. The homeland of the mythical king Odysseus, is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. On today’s cycle route we can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands away from the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. The ship awaits us for a longer sail to Mesolongi in the Corinthian Gulf, where we spend our night.
Mesolongi - Galaxidi approx 28mi./44km
In the morning we take a bike tour from Mesolongi 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 under the Rio-Antirrio bridge to the picturesque harbour of Galaxidi. The night is spent here.
Galaxidi – Delphi - Corinth Canal
In the morning a transfer picks us up to bring us to the famous site of Delphi, which rests at the foot of the Parnassus mountain range. Apollo, the god of the light, was once worshipped here and the oracle consulted. Not only the many temples and treasuries, the well-preserved theatre and the stadium, but mainly the breath-taking hillside location of the sanctuary makes the visit to Delphi an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, the bus takes us to Galaxidi. You continue by boat with the crossing to Corinth through the Isthmus of Corinth, which was completed in 1893. Julius Caesar has already had plans for its construction. This 3.9 mi./6.3 km long but only 79 ft./24 m wide and 26 ft./8 m deep canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth. It saves travellers from sailing around the whole Peloponnese (approx. 248 mi./400 km long trip from Athens and Corinth).
Aegina Island - Piraeus / Marina Zeas approx 19mi./30km
On Aegina, the famous pistachio island, our last cycle tour takes us to the excellently preserved temple of Aphaia. Finally we sail to Piraeus, where an impressive cruise ends. The last evening aboard takes place traditionally and includes the communal dinner and a last get-together in a cozy atmosphere with crew and tour guides.
Athens / Piraeus (Disembarkation)
After breakfast check-out: individual return home or extended stay in Athens
Changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15 2023 | Jul 22 2023 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,390€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,890€ | |||||
| Aug 19 2023 | Aug 26 2023 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,390€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,890€ |
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