Greece Sailing Adventure: Kefalonia to Corfu
Experience Overview
Take a relaxing sailing trip through some of the most beautiful Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. On this eight-day trip from Kefalonia to Corfu, you’ll journey to some secluded coastlines, private islands, rolling hills and orchards, Venetian architecture, warm and inviting tavernas and some of the world’s most transparent waters. Each day, swim in secluded bays, watch the sunset on the deck of your group’s sailing boat and spend the night on the town, exploring everything these islands offer. Explore Atokos, Kastos, Kalamos, Othaca, Skorpios, Meganisi, Lefkadas, Paxos and Antipaxos, and their winding shores, white sands, comfortable beaches and coves that are only seen by boat.
Highlights
- Begin your sailing adventure on the biggest and one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – Kefalonia, famous for its delicious wine, white cliff faces and world-famous beaches.
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3301
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZSRK
Starts: Kefalonia, Greece
Finishes: Corfu, Greece
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Accommodation: Overnight boat (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,110 ($389 /day)
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your sailing adventure begins on the biggest and one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – Kefalonia. Famous for its delicious wine – primarily Robola and Mavrodafni – Kefalonia is also home to a beautiful national park, white sand beaches and friendly locals. If you have the time, why not stay a few extra days and explore the island to its fullest or maybe visit Melissani Cave. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon to meet your group and trip leader at Sami Port, at the Oasis Café. Head out for some food shopping after for some supplies. Tonight, you’ll head on a night out with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
TThis morning after breakfast, you’ll head towards Fiskardo – with hills covered in cypress and olive trees, this fishing village is so beautiful, it was added to Project Natura 2000 for its protection. Declared as having ‘great natural beauty’, this harbour town has iconic Venetian architecture and is one of the only islands with its original buildings still standing. Over the next two days, you’ll explore the islands of Atokos, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca. Spend your days lounging on the boat’s deck, swimming in the clear waters, eating out at local tavernas and watching sunset on the deck or on the sands of a nearby beach.
Visit Atokos – one of the most secluded of the Echinades Islands, 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. Lastly, visit Ithaca – famously the homeland of Odysseus (Ulysses), the hero of the Homeric poem Odyssey. Surrounded by 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, 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 boasts 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 close by.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
You might want to get up early this morning to see the sunrise on the deck or take a quick dip before breakfast. Today, you’ll sail north, 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 beach day or night out on the town. Lefkada is also home to some dense forests and world-famous beaches, which you have undoubtedly seen photos of (spoiler alert – it’s better in real life!). You’ll wander the busy streets with your group, find some delicious Greek food to feast on and maybe grab a cocktail (or two), before spending the night on the 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 – and Antipaxos – its sister island. Paxos is a unique blend of lush landscapes set in a bright blue sea. Two miles south, Antipaxos is a small island 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 many Paxiots own vineyards and cottages here. Stop to take a refreshing swim in the glittering water before arriving in Gaios – the main port and the centre of life in Paxos. When you approach Gaios from the north, you’ll enter a beautiful river-like passing through the islands of Panagia, where you can see a monastery of the Virgin Mary and the pine-covered island of St. Nicholas with its 1423 Venetian castle hidden in the trees. Explore the village of Gaios and the coastline with your group tonight.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy breakfast on the boat this morning, then set sail to the other most beautiful island in the Ionian belt – Corfu. 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. When you arrive, you might like to swim and then walk the winding streets to see all the town's Venetian influences. 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. Tonight, hit Corfu’s main town for a final night out and farewell dinner with your group.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, disembark at Gouvia marina in Corfu 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. If you would like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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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 2024
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: 02/23/2024
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
Karen - Traveled, September 2024
Overall a great trip with a good group of people. I would highly recommend for those wanting to visit some less touristy islands and experience some of the best Greek food there is and enjoy swimming right off the boat in crystal clear waters.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2024
Katie - Traveled, September 2024
I had the most amazing time sailing! As a solo traveler I felt immediately comfortable. I loved the amazing dinners out together. Experiencing the best food I’ve had in Greece, not to mention all of the beautiful beaches and towns we visited. Loukas was a fabulous and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend it was an awesome experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2024
Kath - Traveled, September 2024
Incredible tour! Lots of laughs, water, blue for days and amazing food. Fabulous skipper, and island hopping lived up to expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2024
Brendan - Traveled, August 2024
Our cruise was life changing! Lukas, our skipper had the correct balance of solitude when concentrating and then humorous interaction! Great Spotify collection and excellent whistling! Swimming & scenery was stunning. Evening dinners were delicious and engaging. We have never sailed before and it was brilliant!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2024
Cat - Traveled, August 2024
The best way to explore the Greek islands! We visited a variety of islands, swam in unforgettable spots, and enjoyed amazing local food. Everything was perfectly organized, and our skipper Loukas knew all the hidden gems. His expertise made the trip worry-free and a dream sailing experience. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2024
Katharine - Traveled, July 2024
Getting a taste of the beautiful Ionian Islands was a special thing. Loukas is an excellent skipper. I'd choose a little cooler time of year to sail, as with above averages of 35+ degrees late July/Aug, I personally found it too hot during the day to explore the islands we berthed at and would have liked to have done more otherwise.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2024
Jaymie - Traveled, June 2024
Highly recommend this experience. It was a new adventure to sail the Ionians. We had an excellent group from the UK and Australia. The sites and swimming stops were wonderful. We really lucked out with our skipper, Lukas. He was an excellent guide and super knowledgeable. He also had impeccable taste in music. My husband and I had a phenomenal time. We can’t wait to do a sailing excursion again. Lukas, if I could leave you 11 stars I would. Thank you, thank you, thank you. ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Vincent - Traveled, June 2024
Sailing the Ionia coast with Lukas was an absolute dream. Majestic sights, hidden coves, islands of all sizes and fantastic food. Lukas was the epitome of polite confidence that comes with the mastery of a subject. Couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to sailing. Bravo!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Lyn - Traveled, June 2024
Sailing from Kefalonia to Corfu. Couldn't have asked for a better group of travelers whom we did not know before our trip. We had 5 on our trip plus our fantastic Crew - Lucas. We were in good hands and had so much fun. Sunny days and beautiful scenery. What more could you ask for in a holiday and to just sit back and enjoy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
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