Sailing the Ionian Islands
8 Days Starting and ending in Corfu, Greece
Visiting: Corfu, Kassiopi, Syvota, Parga, Antipaxos, Paxos, Lakka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
607
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 25
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
From:
$885
$845 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$40
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
This 8-day sailing trip will take you a seabound adventure, through the idyllic Ionian Islands, known for their green landscapes and small, secluded bays and coves. During your trip, you'll travel onboard one of our traditional gulets, spending the week at sea with stops in Sivota, Parga, Paxos and Antipaxos (Gaios and Lakka), not to mention the Old Town of Corfu from where this trip starts and ends. Starting out in Corfu, our first stop will be Kassiopi, a fishing village on the north of the island. Leaving the main island of Corfu behind, we'll sail south, where we'll make stops in Sivota and Mourtos where we'll sail to the Blue Lagoon and visit the famous Pananikolis cave. Continuing south, we'll visit Parga, known as one of the most beautiful villages in Greece. Changing course, we head to the South West, where we'll find Paxos. We'll visit Paxos, Antipaxos and Lakka Paxos, all known for their white beaches, turqouise seas and vibrant taveras which can be found lining the coast line.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Embark In Corfu
Location: Corfu, Kassiopi
Accommodation Name: On board gulet
Meals Included: Dinner
The Gulet will be available for boarding from 5pm today. We will provide joining instructions for where to find the boat in Corfu Harbour. Prior to embarking, we recommend taking the time to explore the UNESCO listed Corfo Old Town, where you'll plenty of traditional tavernas, local produce markets and a good selection of interesting shops. After boarding your gulet, you'll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and enjoy your first dinner onboard whilst sailing to our first stop - Kassiopi.
Day 2 : Sailing Around Sivota And Mourtos Islands
Location: Syvota
Accommodation Name: On board gulet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The Ionian Islands are known for their lush forests, green hills and abundant olives groves, not to mention the clear waters and white beaches! Today you'll be sailing around the Sivota and Mourtos Islands, located south of the Corfu mainland.
After arriving here you'll spend time sailing around the islands, visiting the Blue Lagoon and the famous Papanikolis Cave, which played an important role in WWII, sheltering Greek war ships.
Later today, you'll have free time to explore the traditional Marina Village, where you'll have time to eat in one of the many tavernas.
Day 3 : Exploring Parga
Location: Parga
Accommodation Name: On board gulet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Parga, with its two crystal clear bays and Venetian Castle is often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Greece. For those visting Greece in the summer months, a stop in Parga is a must! You'll have plenty of free time today to explore the town or visit one of the beautiful beaches.
Note: As Parga has a relatively undeveloped port infrastructure, it is not always possible to find space for our gulet to dock. If this is the case, it may be necessary for you to take a water taxi to reach the shore. The cost of this is not included in the overall trip price.
Day 4 : Hidden Antipaxos
Location: Antipaxos
Accommodation Name: On board gulet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Despite its small size, Antipaxos is a true hidden gem. After arriving on the island, we'll fill up with an onboard lunch before a day of exploring the coast. We'll visit some of the islands most secluded and tranquil bays. We'll also visit the famous beaches of Voutoumi and Vrika. Whilst here, you'll have the chance to snorkel in some of the clearest waters in Greece or take a walk to one of the three main towns of Gaios, Loggos or Lakka.
In the evening, the group will normally visit a beachfront restaurant for dinner together - the cost of dinner is not included in the overall trip price.
Day 5 : Beautiful Paxos
Location: Paxos
Accommodation Name: On board gulet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we'll visit Paxos, known for its excellent Olive Oil, which is often considered one of the worlds best varieties. You'll have time today to explore this lush green island, why not consider renting a bycycle to head to one of the secluded coves which surround the island. Alternatively you can spend the day exploring the city, eating traditional seafood and meze or grab a drink in a local taverna (which are often run by the local fishermen).
Day 6 : Paxos Island
Location: Lakka
Accommodation Name: On board gulet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we'll visti the island of Paxos, known for it's secluded coves and sea caves. As it's not possible to dock in Lakkas marina, we'll dock in one of the many private coves from where you'll be able to explore the nearby village and beach. The Ionian Sea in this part of Greece is known as a diving/snorkelling hot spot, a dream for underwater explorers!
Day 7 : Return To Corfu Old Town
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: On board gulet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After spending the week exploring the Ionian Islands, today we'll return to Corfu, basing ourselves in the Old Town Port. You'll have plenty of time today to further explore the town or head to the Venetian Fortress. You'll have a last chance to purchase locally produced souvenirs.
Our final night onboard will be spent docked in the Old Town Marina, where the crew will offer an optional traditional group dinner in town, before returning to the gulet for our final night onboard together.
Day 8 : Departure Day
Location: Corfu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today your Greek adventure comes to an end, after breakfast and taking time to bid farewell to the crew and your fellow travellers, disembarkation will take place at 9am in Corfu.
What's Included
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Transportation by Gulet boat
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7 nights gulet accommodation in a double cabin
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Services of captain and supporting crew
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7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 2 Dinners
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Pre/Post tour accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory
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International Travel
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Optional
Suggested optional activities are not included
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Port Fees (€80.00 per person, payable at the start of your trip)
Please note that port fees are not included in the cost of this trip, these amount to €80 per person.
This will be collected at the start of your trip. -
Tips - Captain and Gulet crew
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Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
Mode of Transport
Gulet cruises and itineraries are subject to alterations while en-route or before departure. These are subject to the final decision of the boat captain and out of our control and may be made at short notice due to weather conditions, the number of other boats in certain bays or other practical reasons. The same overall experience will be maintained.
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights to/from Corfu are not included
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, airport transfers are not included within the trip price
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Accessibility
The boats we use are not suitable for passengers with special mobility needs. Embarkation gangways do not fit all types of wheelchairs and cabin bathrooms and staircases have restricted space and are generally unsuitable for people with limited mobility. If you have other physical disabilities please contact us with any queries. It is expected that any passengers requiring special attention, assistance or treatment will be travelling with an escort.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes, but only if you wish to secure a private single cabin. Please enquire for details.
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Can you tell me more about Gulets in Greece?
Spending a few days on a traditional gulet (a handmade, motorised wooden yacht) is one of the highlights of exploring the Greek Islands. You can enjoy plenty of swimming and snorkelling and explore loads of natural and historical sites along the way. As you cruise you can sunbathe on the deck, or read a book or play games on the cushioned seating in the shadow of the aft deck. Most of the gulets we use feature an interior salon/bar area, both indoor and outdoor eating areas, and a fully equipped galley. The gulets we use in Greece generally carry up to 25 passengers, in 9 cabins (on our Mykonos Gulet, we use a larger vessel carrying up to 46 passengers). All cabins have ensuite toilet & shower facilities. Single or twin bedded cabins are not generally available unless we have an odd number of people travelling so be prepared for a same-sex room share if you are travelling alone. This being said, many people choose to sleep under the beautiful Mediterranean sky on mattresses on the deck, and only use their cabins as a wardrobe. The gulets we use are motorised pleasure craft with sails, and while they can manoevre under sail, the majority of the time the motor will be used. This is particularly the case during July and August when winds are very low. Strong winds also cause them to bank steeply and so time actually under sail is generaly very limited. These are not sailing vessels where you are expected to help with the rigging or take part in sailing as an activity. The gulets come with facilities for both outdoor and indoor dining. There are freezers to keep drinks cold, a CD/cassette player (so bring your music!), snorkels and masks, fishing lines and some board games. You will need to bring your own beach towel and other personal items with you. Charging points are available for your electronic devices in your cabin (you will need to bring an adapter).
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum ship capacity is 25 guests
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Saturday
May 25, 2024 - Jun 01, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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