Greece Sailing Adventure: Corfu to Kefalonia
Experience Overview
Take a sailing trip through some of the most beautiful Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. On this 8-day trip from Corfu to Kefalonia, you’ll journey to some secluded coastlines, private islands, verdant rolling hills and orchards, historic Venetian architecture, warm and inviting tavernas and some of the world’s cleanest and more beautiful azure waters. Each day, swim in almost-untouched bays, watch the sunset on the deck of your group’s sailing boat and spend the night on the town, exploring everything these islands have to offer. Explore Paxos, Antipaxos, Lefkadas, Skorpios, Meganisi, Ithaca, Atokos, Kastos and Kalamos and their winding shores, white sands, comfortable beaches and coves that are only seen by boat.
Highlights
- Begin your sailing adventure on one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – the island of Corfu, filled with gorgeous Venetian architecture and boasting an azure sea.
- Spend your nights on a sailing boat and fall asleep to the relaxing undulation of the waves below. Watch sunset every night from a nearby beach and wake up early to catch sunrise on the deck.
- Explore the finest beaches in the Greek Islands at sister islands Paxos and Antipaxos, swimming in translucent waters and walking along pure white sand.
- Take a dip near private islands seldom seen, like Skorpios – once home to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – and Atokos – uninhabited except by a few wandering goats.
- Explore the seaside villages, hospitable locals, glittering bays, lush verdant hills and warm tavernas of Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca – all at the desired pace of your group and friendly skipper.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Amurtel, who provide a safe space for refugee women and children in Greece. Donations help them provide antenatal and postnatal care programs run by qualified midwives.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3310
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZSRZ
Starts: Corfu, Greece
Finishes: Kefalonia, Greece
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Accommodation: Overnight boat (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,970 ($371 /day)
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your sailing adventure begins on one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – Corfu. If you arrive early, walk the winding streets to see the Venetian influences and gorgeous architecture of the town. Liston is one of the most popular pedestrian streets on the island and a perfect meeting place for tourists, right next to the famous Spaniada Square. Maybe stop for a Greek coffee and some people-watching among the great seaside atmosphere while you wait for your adventure to begin. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon to meet your group and trip leader. Head out for some food shopping after with your group for some supplies. Tonight, hit Corfu’s main town for a night out. Flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses, Corfu’s town features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George. Tonight, you’ll spend your first night on the sailing boat.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, get an early start as you sail towards Paxos – the smallest of the Ionian islands, about seven nautical miles from south Corfu. Paxos is a unique blend of enchanting verdant landscapes set in an azure sea. Inhabited by some of the world’s most charming and hospitable people, and constantly bathed in European sunshine, this is a gorgeous place to explore. Along the way, take a short stop to swim in the glittering water. When you arrive in Gaios, the main port and the centre of island life, explore the village and coastline with your group. Tonight, why not head out for dinner at one of the many cosy spots to eat?
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
Make the most of the day by rising nice and early and enjoying breakfast on the boat. Stop for a morning swim near Paxos’ sister island Antipaxos. Two miles south, this small island is home to some of the finest beaches in the Ionian Sea with transparent ocean and white sands. Antipaxos doesn’t have its own permanent population, but there are many Paxiots who own vineyards and cottages here. After your swim sail south, passing through the north channel and docking in the beautiful marina of Lefkada. Featuring sheer cliffs and turquoise waters, this island’s busy streets are perfect for a wine and dine or night out on the town.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll head to Skorpios – primarily known as the private island of the late Greek shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis, bought in 1963 for numerous high-profile parties. This was also the site of Onassis’ wedding to the former United States First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968. Now, the island is owned by the Russian oligarch and art collector Dmitry Rybolovlev. Stop for a swim by the island before heading to the bays of Meganisi. This remote island is located between Lefkada and the Greek mainland. Untouched by mainstream tourism, it provides amazing crystalline waters and secluded coves that can only be reached by boat! Except for its two traditional villages and the small number of facilities they offer, the island is unspoiled. Take some time to explore the beautiful bays and then dock in the marina of the small fishing village of Vathi closeby.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
Over the next two days, you’ll be exploring the beautiful islands of Atokos, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca at the group’s desired pace. Spend your days lounging on the boat’s deck, swimming in the glittering blue waters, eating out at local tavernas and watching sunset on the deck or the sands of a nearby beach.
Visit remote Atokos – one of the most secluded of the Echinades Islands. A pebbled beach and small flat hinterland make Atokos, now a private island owned by the shipowner family of Panayiotis Tsakos. The tiny islet is uninhabited except for a few goats that roam freely. On the island, there is the small chapel of St. John and the beach at One House Bay. Atokos is inside a Natura 2000 protected area, and as such, the waters and surrounding environment are nothing short of stunning.
Visit Kastos – where you’ll find peaceful beaches and a simple island lifestyle. Kastos is one of the smallest of the Ionian islands, with only a few hundred people living here, making it the perfect spot if you’re looking for some relaxation and peace.
Visit Ithaca – this beautiful island is famously the homeland of Odysseus (Ulysses), the hero of the Homeric poem Odyssey. Ithaca is where the faithful Penelope waits patiently for twenty years for her husband to return from the Trojan War. Surrounded by lush green vegetation, European architecture and the deep-blue sea, you’ll see why this place caused such inspiration.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 2)
This morning, enjoy breakfast on the boat and take a morning swim at Adri Bay in Ithaca. Then, head towards Fiskardo – with hills carpeted by cypress and olive trees, this fishing village is so beautiful that it was added to Project Natura 2000 for its protection. Declared as having ‘great natural beauty’, this harbour village has iconic Venetian architecture and is one of the only islands with its original buildings still standing. Lush, verdant hills surround a winding coast that stands on the northern tip of Kefalonia – the largest of the seven Ionian Islands. Enjoy a day exploring unforgettable beauty and history and top it all off with a farewell dinner on the seafront.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, disembark at Sami in Kefalonia and say goodbye to your skipper and fellow travellers. If you are flying out today, your trip leader can help you organise a taxi to the airport.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Helem - Traveled, February 2023
The area covered was perfect. The guide was fantastic. Her knowledge thorough and well delivered with great personality. She had the patience of a saint!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2023
Shannah - Traveled, September 2023
Did the 10 day sailing trip around greece! Had an amazing time. Lots of time spent on the boat, beautiful swimming spots and a great way to spend a short time at lots of islands. Spent most of the day out on the water and afternoon/nights exploring different greek islands. We had the most amazing skippers (George and Orestis). They mad the trip so fun and we’re full of information about Greece and the history. Definitely recommend this trip! Best skippers ever!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Keith - Traveled, August 2023
Mia our leader gets 10/10! We were lucky to have her as our guide. She made everything easy and we saw so much in a short time. This has been a memorable trip. It's my first Intrepid tour. I will definitely be doing more and will recommend them to my friends!! Thanks Intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2023
Danielle - Traveled, September 2022
Our tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, fun, energetic, and made our week run very smoothly. The trip itself was fantastic! We saw a lot and the islands are absolutely beautiful. Great food, great new friends made on the tour, and would absolutely book with Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2022
Viraseni - Traveled, January 2020
Intrepid tour is great company. Will use this company again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2020
Sabera - Traveled, August 2019
The trip was both both educational and exciting. I very much enjoyed the sights and culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2019
Laurie - Traveled, January 2019
The itinerary was just as I expected! The guide was very good as were the accomodations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2019
Justine - Traveled, August 2019
Intrepid did such a great job. I never had to worry about where I was supposed to be and it felt so good not to worry about a thing but just to enjoy myself. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about culture and history.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2019
Patricia - Traveled, March 2018
Taiwan people very friendly. Accommodation were centrally located and easily accessible. Did extra activities then in brochure which was greatly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2018
Marian - Traveled, August 2023
Intrepid is awesome. Our guide was superb. Everything went smoothly!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Ian - Traveled, February 2018
Larus our tour guide did an excellent job and was very attentive to our needs. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2018
Michelle - Traveled, January 2018
Our guide Tarang chandola was exceptional. Courteous, knowledgeable, organized, polite, professional and went above and beyond taking care of our needs and requests offen anticipating what that might be. He made sure we all had the best possible time and offered suggestions to meet the needs of everyone on the tour. This made the trip even more enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2018
Kevin - Traveled, June 2024
Croatia is a beautiful country and Croatian Coastal Cruising is a great way of exploring its many scenic and cultural highlights. Zbigi and Ivan, Intrepid's Croatian leadership team, are truly outstanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2024
Nigel - Traveled, June 2024
Just back from the Croatian Coastal Cruise Spilt to Dubrovnik. What an incredible trip. Our leaders Zbigi and Ivan made the whole experience stress free and enjoyable. The Aurora Boat is very well appointed and comfortable. Food good and plentiful. There is the right balance of relaxation, swim stops and excursions once in port. No sea sickness either! We also had a fantastic group of Brits, Aussies and Americans to share the experience with. I cannot recommend highly enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2024
Peter - Traveled, June 2024
You must do this trip!!! We were a family of 4 with teenage girls. The itinerary was amazing and knowledge of tour leaders outstanding. If you want to see the real Croatia and avoid the tourist trail definitely book this trip.. You will also enjoy the company of like minded travellers. Initially we thought the trip was expensive but when we reflect on the value and experience, we have absolutely no doubt in recommending. Do it!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2024
Deborah - Traveled, June 2024
Intrepid has an excellent reputation for great destinations that really support local people. I enjoyed an intrepid tour 10 years ago and was delighted our trip from Split to Dubrovnik exceeded our high expectations. The tour guides and boat crew were magnificent! So highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2024
Ronny - Traveled, June 2024
The entire trip was outstanding. We were totally satisfied with all aspects of our experience with Intrepid and the Tour Leaders.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2024
SANDRA - Traveled, June 2024
Our 7 night Sail from Split to Dubrovnik was a wonderful experience. We travelled with a small group of like minded people. Our tour guides were amazing as were the boat crew. Great to visit some out of the way places that others boats didn't venture to, and loved our daily swim spots.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2024
Philip & Myrna - Traveled, June 2024
This cruise provided so much more than we had expected and each day provided something more of interest and learning. We are so happy we decided to visit Croatia this way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
Michael - Traveled, June 2024
Intrepid Travel set a standard for a vacation experience which makes all of my past vacations pale in comparison. All future vacations which don't meet those expectations will be disappointments!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2024
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