Kick off your Greek island-hopping tour on the mainland of Corfu, taking some time to explore its Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and picture-perfect architecture before setting sail to Mourtos, a small village on mainland Greece.
Shortly after, you’ll proceed to Sivota, a tiny cluster of islands that are home to lush landscapes and the famous Blue Lagoon Bay.
You’ll then head to picturesque Parga, a resort town known for its natural environment. Feast your eyes on the crystal-clear bays fringing its main town and its iconic Venetian fortress before sampling local wine during a tasting session.
After that, you’ll become acquainted with the sparkling beaches and bays of Antipaxos (a small yet breathtakingly beautiful island all the same) before heading to nearby Paxos and spending the following two days sampling sensational seafood at local taverns, whiling away the hours in Lakka village and soaking up the sun at the beach.
What's Included
Return flight from UK
7 nights’ accommodation aboard a cruise boat
Half Board meal plan
Welcome captain’s dinner
Standard Cabin w/ ensuite
Wi-Fi
Free use of Snorkelling equipment
Hassle free private transfers
Highlights
Spend seven nights sailing over sparkling blue seas and stopping off at secluded bays, islands and beaches for swimming, snorkeling and superb scenery
Wine and dine in traditional Greek taverns and enjoy a daily breakfast aboard the boat, as well as a delicious captain’s dinner
Visit a range of islands including Sivota (home to the famous Blue Lagoon Bay) and beautiful Antipaxos
Get to know the island of Paxos with a two-day tour, docking at Gaios Port and stopping off at the beaches of Kanoni and Harami
Accommodation & Facilities
Ionian Cruise
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Ionian Cruise
The beautiful motorised ocean vessel accommodate up to 25 passengers with 11 cabins – operates the Ionian Cruise. We will spend a week at sea, exploring the very best of this island cluster paradise, stopping in Sivota, Parga, Antipaxos, Gaios and Lakka in a round trip from Corfu.
This trip is best suited for those who want to set sail for discovery, heritage and historical sightseeing, the best of nature and deserted beaches, on-deck sea-view unwinding and the friendly atmosphere of a small ship cruise.
The friendly crew will attend to all your needs along the way. There are freshly prepared meals (Breakfast and Lunch), and all cabins include a private bathroom and air-conditioning.
Itinerary
Explore the day-by-day breakdown of your journey through Greece.
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN CORFU
We’ll set sail from the Old Port (NAOK Marina) after sunset, giving you plenty of time to explore Corfu Island during the day beforehand. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kerkyra (Corfu Old Town) and marvel at its cultural heritage. From the towering fortresses to narrow medieval streets, there are plenty of layers to Corfu’s history to unravel. If you have time to see more of the island, head to the fishing village of Agni Bay, the dramatic cliff drops of Cape Drastis, the picturesque channel of the Canal d’Amour and the community of Palaiokastritsa, a serene village that sits tucked away.
In the evening, you’ll settle into your home away from home for the next week, kicking off your stay with a delicious dinner in front of ocean views as we start sailing towards Kassiopi.
Day 2
MOURTOS AND SIVOTA ISLANDS
Today we’ll sail to the village of Mourtos and Sivota Islands, stopping off to marvel at their lush, verdant landscapes. There are thick forests, natural coves, green hills and olive groves that merge with crystalline waters and golden beaches.
You’ll have the chance to visit the striking Papanikolis Cave and the famous Blue Lagoon Bay where you can stop off for a swim. There’s also the option to go on a coach tour to Acheron River. Here, beside breathtaking landscapes and river views, learn how to prepare delicious traditional dishes (Moussaka and Tzatziki) during an optional cooking lesson with an expert chef.
In the evening, you can stroll around the port village, wine and dine in one of the taverns lining the promenade and watch the sunset bleed into the horizon.
Day 3
PARGA
Today we’ll visit Parga, nestled on the Ionian coastline and described as one of the region’s most beautiful villages. It boasts two crystal-clear bays fringing its main town as well as an iconic Venetian fortress.
The natural environment here is stunning and there will be ample opportunity for you to head to one of the beachside hangouts or try your hand at water sports (especially towards the west of Parga town).
We’ll then have lunch on board and explore the town a little more during the evening, tucking into some of the region’s specialties. There’s also an optional wine tasting session today, taking place in an area of the museum and featuring five different wine types (red, rose, white, dry and sweet) to cater to everybody’s tastes. All of the wines will come from the islands of the Ionian Sea and the Western and North Western part of Greece – regions that are well-known for their wine production.
Please note: if we’re able to dock in the port, we won’t need to use a water taxi. However, if we do have to use one, this cost is not covered in the overall package.
Day 4
ANTIPAXOS
We’ll visit Antipaxos today, a small island near the larger island of Paxos. You’ll tuck into a delicious lunch before stopping off at some of the island’s beaches and bays, including Voutoumi and Vrika.
Snorkel through beautiful blue waters, stroll along scenic clifftop routes and pay a visit to one of the three main towns (Gaios, Loggos and Lakka).
We’ll then have some food at a pop-up beach tavern in a secluded bay before watching the starry sky from the deck of the yacht later on.
Day 5
PAXOS PT. 1
We’ll then venture to Paxos, home to white pebble-strewn shores, striking blue water and lush countryside. We’ll dock at Gaios Port and explore the island for a whole day, seeking out secluded coves, marveling at Venetian architecture and sampling the world-renowned olive oil native to the island’s groves.
In addition to seeing how the fishermen operate day to day, you’ll also hunker down over “the best catch of the day” (some of the best and freshest seafood) at one of the local taverns.
Day 6
PAXOS PT. 2
Today, we’ll explore a different part of Paxos Island. First, enjoy lunch on board while we head towards the bustling Lakka, the second largest village on the island and set in a horseshoe bay against a backdrop of olive and cypress trees.
Visit the pebble-strewn Kanoni Beach and sandy beach of Harami before strolling along the seafront promenade. There are plenty of bars and traditional taverns here in Lakka, giving the village a very authentic Greek feel.
We’ll dock overnight at a picturesque bay here and in the evening you’ll enjoy a captain’s dinner.
Please note: the vessel can’t dock in the marina here.
Day 7
BENITSES BEACH AND VILLAGE
Before making our way back to the mainland of Corfu, we’ll pay a visit to Benitses Beach and village on the east coast of the island, tucking into a tasty lunch on the way.
Today you’ll also have the chance to go on a bus tour of Corfu. If you do decide you’d like to go on this tour, your first stop will be the KOUM KOUAT Distillery where you’ll watch a short presentation of the distilling process of the koum kouat (kumquat).
You’ll then stop off at Achilleion Palace, a 19th century summer palace that boasts spectacular gardens. Afterwards, head to the Mouse Island viewpoint and then drive through Corfu Town, witnessing sites such as the Old Harbour, the Old Venetian Castle and Esplanade Square. There will be some free time at the end of the tour for you to explore Old Corfu.
After strolling through the romantic Old Town, we’ll reach Markas, one of the oldest taverns in the Old Town and then watch traditional dancing while sampling some of Corfu’s local dishes during optional “Corfu Greek Night”.
Spend the night in the marina of Corfu Old Town.
Day 8
RETURN TO CORFU MAINLAND
Our tour ends today as we arrive back at Corfu mainland again. We hope you’ve enjoyed the cruise and fallen head over heels for the Greek islands!