Bike and Barge
The Gulf of Corinth and the Ionian Islands
- GR037 / Greece
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Bike and Barge
For families Travel with children and teenagers: boats with family cabins, discounts, easy stages and the possibility of hiring bikes and accessories for the little ones.
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Guided
Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
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By the sea
By the sea Coastal itinerary or travel programme that leaves room for relaxation by the sea.
- Silver
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- 8 days
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- linear from Athens to Corfu
- Promo discount
- Some meals included
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Discount of 200 € per person
For the departures on 17/05, 24/05 and 28/06.
The discount is valid for bookings made on or after February 12, is not retroactive and will be applied to you upon booking confirmation.
Highlights
A bike and barge holiday in the incredible scenery of the Gulf of Corinth and the picturesque Ionian Islands. From the pistachios of the island of Aegina to the ruins of Delphi, from Odysseus' Ithaca to the waterfalls of Nydri: climb aboard and set off on a pedal-powered journey through a Greece rich in history, nature and dream beaches.
- The archaeological site of Delphi
- The island of Lefkada
- Lovely harbors and many dives into the crystal clear sea
What awaits you
The route runs over hilly or mountainous terrain and involves reaching an altitude between 300/700 m above sea level: we recommend an electric bike so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Roads are generally paved and low traffic, except during periods of high tourist movement. Each day you can decide whether to ride individually using the maps provided, follow one of the guides, or stay aboard the boat and relax in the sun.
Accommodation
There are 7 overnight stays aboard a two-masted wooden motor yacht. Time spent aboard this classic gulet is all about relaxation: you can choose to sunbathe on comfortable mats or enjoy some fresh air in the shaded areas behind the boat... And when the ship stops in one of Greece's beautiful bays, you can take advantage of the canoes on board and paddle in crystal-clear waters.
1. Arrival in Athens at the port of Piraeus and embarkation
Individual arrival at Marina Zeas, which in ancient Greece was one of the largest ports in Piraeus. Embarkation is scheduled from 2 PM. The captain and crew welcome you on the boat to begin your adventure.
2. A dip in history at Aegina and en route to Galaxidi
It’s time to sail for the island of Aegina, and after a short sail you begin cycling through a veritable concentration of Greek history. As if from the pages of a book, start with classical antiquity, with the splendid temple of Aphaia, white among the blue sea. Turning the page, encounter the Byzantine city of Paleochora, which is home to no fewer than 33 churches with beautiful 4th-century frescoes. The epilogue on the origins of Greece awaits you in Aegina city, scene of the revolution of the early 19th century. Here the barge will be waiting for you to leave for Galaxidi.
3. Cultural Day: it's time to discover Delphi
In the morning a transfer takes you to the archaeological site of Delphi at the foot of Mount Parnassus. Here is the temple dedicated to Apollo, where the legendary oracle, who turned out to be a woman: the priestess Pythia, was consulted. After spending the morning in this picturesque city shrouded in myth, the bus will be waiting to take you to Lepanto, where a visit to the castle, the only one with five defense zones, is recommended. The final destination for today is Missolungi, which you reach by a short transfer.
4. Morning sailing and cycling on stony Ithaca
This morning the barge sails to the island of Ithaca. Once in Vathy, begin your pedal ride through the beautiful hilly landscape of Ithaca Island, where you are greeted by the two-faced statue of Odysseus, its mythological king. You start pedaling from Vathy, the island’s capital, into an atmosphere where time seems to have stood still: gnarled olive trees and crystal-clear waters appear before you. Tonight the barge is moored in the small harbor of Vathy.
5. The little villages in Meganisi and Lefkada island
In the morning you reach Meganisi and begin your cycle route following a scenic road that takes you to explore the three small villages on this peaceful island. After a stop at Spartochori beach, go back on board and sail to the island of Lefkada. Here you reach Nidri and if you wish, you can cycle 10 km on a circular route to explore the beautiful landscape of this island and the striking Nidri waterfalls in the heart of Dimossari Gorge. Stay overnight in the port of Nidri.
6. Sailing to Paxos Island
Get on your bike and accompanied by the olive trees, which color the landscape green, ride to Lefkas, the main city of the island. Once you reach Lefkas, go back on board: it’s time to sail to the wonderful island of Paxos. Tonight the barge is moored in the natural harbor of Gaios.
7. Last stop among the olive trees on the island of Paxos and sail to Corfu
Your last day on the pedals is devoted to the island of Paxos: the smallest Ionian island in Greece. There is certainly no shortage of olive trees; as many as 250,000 are calculated here. Riding your bike, take a leisurely route to explore the island, not giving up a swim at one of the many dreamy beaches. The boat will be waiting in the afternoon to take you to Corfu, the final destination of the week.
1. Arrival in the port of Corfu
Individual arrival at Marina Gouvia, a luxurious port that connects the Mediterranean with the Adriatic. Embarkation is scheduled from 2 PM.
2. On the pedals among the olive trees on the island of Paxos
Your first day on the bike is dedicated to Paxos Island-the smallest Ionian island in Greece. There is certainly no shortage of olive trees; as many as 250,000 are calculated here. Riding your bike, take a leisurely route to explore the island, not giving up a swim at one of its many dreamy beaches.
3. Sailing to Lefkas and then on the pedals between mountain and sea
Start the day with a long cruise to Lefkas, during which you get to admire the swing bridge that connects the island with mainland Greece. Upon reaching the island, start pedaling through the fascinating mountain landscape to the bustling port of Nydri where you spend the night.
4. The petrous Ithaca and sailing to Messolonghi
Reach Ithaca where you are greeted by the two-faced statue of Odysseus, its mythological king. Start cycling from Vathy, the capital of the Ionian island, and discover a landscape where time seems to have stood still: gnarled olive trees and crystal-clear waters appear before you. The boat is waiting for you to reach Missolonghi in the Gulf of Corinth.
5. Discovering Delphi and we set sail for Galaxidi.
Today a transfer takes you to the village of Lepanto. Here you can stroll through the charming old town, with its Venetian-style harbor and ancient walls. Then reach the famous archaeological site of Delphi, at the foot of the Parnassus Mountains. Enjoy the view of the beautiful temples and treasure chambers, the well-preserved theater, and the ancient stadium. The transfer then takes you back to Galaxidi, where you stay overnight. If you wish, in the afternoon you can reach by bike one of the nearby beaches.
6. Through the Corinth Canal and arriving at the island of Aegina
The day begins with a stretch of navigation, through the Corinth Canal. This passage is impressive; it was built in 1893 but its design still dates back to Roman times, to Julius Caesar. The passage is 6.5 km long, 24 meters wide and 8 meters deep, and connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth. Landing on the island of Aegina, pedal along the coast to the pretty village of Perdika. Return to the historic town of Aegina, where you spend the night.
7. A dip into history in Aegina and en route to Piraeus
The island of Aegina is a veritable concentration of Greek history. As if from the pages of a book, start with classical antiquity, with the splendid temple of Aphaia, white among the blue sea. Turning the page, you encounter the Monastery of Saint Nektario.
The barge awaits you in Aegina city, where the boat is waiting to take you to Piraeus.
8. Piraeus (Marina Zeas)
Disembarkation is scheduled after breakfast; if you have some time before saying goodbye to Greece, take the opportunity to visit the capital Athens.
- 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.
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.
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
enter no. of people and see all departures
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 2 days full board and 5 days half 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, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
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 in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- Transfer to Delfi on day 6
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
Round trip not included.
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Drinks on board
- Entrance tickets
- 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, we recommend wearing bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Transfer
You can book a transfer from Athens (airport or hotel) to the embarkation point and vice versa (available on embarkation and disembarkation days only) - Bike insurance
It is possible to add an insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike (negligence damage excluded): € 10 touring bike, € 20 electric 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: 150 km
- Indicative daily altitude: 300-700 m
- Terrain: paved and low-traffic roads
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled from 2 PM at Marina Zeas (Athens)/Marina Gouvia (Corfu). Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
A) Direction Athens - Corfu
The port of Zea Marina in Piraeus in Athens is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the exact boarding point.
By plane
The closest airport is Athens International Airport (ATH):
From Athens airport (ATH):
- train Trainose until Piraeus and then walk to Zea Marina port
By train
For information on timetables and prices you can consult Hellenic Trains official website.
B) Direction Corfu - Athens
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
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.
Transfer
You can book a transfer from the airport in Athens/Corfu to the embarkation point (available on embarkation and disembarkation days only).
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.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
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
- 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.
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