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Island-hopping in the Ionian Islands

- Wonderful cycling in beautiful surroundings -

8 Days / 7 Nights
Moderate

The southern Ionian Islands are still relatively unknown and that is truly a shame. This cycling holiday in the Ionian Islands in Greece, offers unspoiled nature, lovely beaches, and a trip in authentic Greece with small charming villages off the beaten track.

Zakynthos is a fertile island with hundreds of small narrow roads and immediately upon arrival you will experience them and ride though olive groves and vinyards.

Kefalonia is more rugged and hilly which means that you will have to handle the occasional climb. We promise that every ascent is worth the effort and promises amazing views over the turquoise seas below.

The small intimate island Ithaka is a true gem and we will virtually guarantee that you will fall in love with the place. It’s covered with forests of tall and thin cypress trees, indigenous mastic- and pine trees. Thanks to the porous limestone soil and wet winters are the islands very green and fertile. Especially during springtime a rainbow of colourful wild flowers dominate the setting.

When you arrive to Zakynthos you will be given a booklet with the day-to-day itinerary and route-notes, which serves as your guide. You luggage is transferred and will be present when you arrive at the hotel of the day. To experience the charm of the islands and to meet locals, you’ll stay in small scale family run accommodations.

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More about the route

Here you can see a map of the route.

Itinerary

Here you can see the program for the trip.

Depending on the arrival time, one could immediately test the bike. You could cycle to the church on top of the Ano Gerakari hill. The route is ideal to get familiarized with the gears and during descend with the breaks. You could also take a dip in the blue waters, at the beach nearby, or just stay around the hotel pool.

 

Hotel (example): Hotel Zante Garden

 

Before you’ll set off and start the bike Odyssey, the local representatives will tell you all about the coming week. After packing your cases a wonderful route is designed, running over narrow paved roads through olive groves and vineyards. You’ll cycle from village to village; be aware the road may be blocked by crossing sheep and goats. In the quaint village of Macherado you could have lunch before setting of the capitol of the island. Here you’ll be reunited with your luggage while you’re expected to board the ferry. Via the mainland of Greece, the ferry sets its course to the harbor of Poros on the island of Kefalonia. On the pier you’ll be greeted by the hotel owner and here you’ll stay for the night.


Hotel (example): Astir Rooms

 

In the fresh morning mist, just after check-out, a serious climb follows. Your reward will be cool water from the well at a little church on top of the summit. Rolling over a gallery road with amazing views, along the slopes of the majestic Mount Aenos, ends in the capitol of Argostoli. This town of stately avenues with palm trees is well worth a visit. The city has been Venetian for centuries and Italian influences are present everywhere. The central 'piazza' is a place to see and especially to be seen.


Hotel (example): Hotel King Agamemnon

 

Argostoli is a lovely place to have a break. It offers several beaches, with your bike just a short ride away. Real gems are the popular sandy beaches of Lassi or the remote beaches of Gradakia (which are tucked away by coves and caves). Keen cyslists could cycle to the Mycenean wall of Krani, hidden up in the hills. Or challenge yourself by cycling the tough ride to the monastery of Kipourion, hanging above the cliffs, on westcoast of the peninsula of Pelaki. But, you could also park your bike for a day, shop on the hightstreet Lithostroto. Discover the huge Caretta Caretta sea turtles, which can always be spotted behind the vegetable market of town. Or stroll over the Dam along the Koutavos lagune and rent a small electric boat around the bay.

Hotel (example): Hotel King Agamemnon

 

 

Today is going to be a long day and perhaps the best day for cycling. The morning starts with a short ferry ride to the other side of the bay. From the town of Lixouri, the route heads north to Livadi. The route goes uphill, but not for long.

The reward is the spectacular view of Mirtos beach, a white pebble beach that contrasts beautifully with the azure sea and is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece. A long descent through a green and lush valley leads you to the fishing village of Agia Efimia. The last part of the tour runs parallel to the sea along the Gulf of Sami.

The afternoon ferry to Ithaca takes about half an hour. The only road is an almost two-kilometer long uphill. On the subsequent descent, the view of the main town of Ithaca suddenly appears. Vathi is wonderfully protected in a natural bay. Enjoy this
charming town, walking through its many narrow streets or enjoying a cold frappé coffee as you watch the world go by. Visit the small
archaeological museum with local finds from Mycenaean times. In the evening, Vathi is a lively village and you can enjoy freshly caught fish at one of the traditional restaurants.


Hotel (example): Vaso Polymnia Apartments

 

 

This day there is no program. You'll stay in Vathi, where you can enjoy the hotel's swimming pool, the lovely beaches or go for a walk in the town. You can also choose to take a bike ride to Katheron Monastery, located on top of Mount Neriton. In the handed out program, the possible bike tours will be thoroughly described.


Hotel (example): Vaso Polymnia Apartments

 

Early morning the ferry will take you back to Kefalonia. From Sami you will follow the last challenging bike route. A climb, with thankful shade of cypress and pine trees, runs over the pass of Digaleto. The strenuous climb is soon forgotten as you zoom down the slopes. An impressive canyon forms the entrance to the port of Poros, where the ferry (via Kilini) departs to Zakynthos. In the late afternoon you’ll arrive in the port of Zakynthos town. Upon arrival, your bicycle will be returned and you could stroll to your hotel. The best way to celebrate your last night is in one of the traditional tavernas where Kantades are sung. These local songs praise the beauty of the Ionian Islands, with everything you’ve seen you could easily sing-along.

Hotel (example): Hotel Strada Marina

 

 

Unfortunately this is your final day on the tour. You are transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight home.

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

The price includes

Possible options

Upgrade to Ebike (selected when booking the tour)

Not included
  • Flight to/from Zakynthos
  • Ferry-tickets (approximately € 38,- pr. person in total)
  • All non-mentioned meals
  • Cancellation and Travel Insurance
  • Air conditioning costs (payable locally at each hotel)

Bicycles

You can choose between these bikes on the tour.

Standard Bicycle - included!

The bicycle rental is included in the price for this tour and features the Hybride Mongoose Crossway model. Additionally, bicycle bags, helmets, and an emergency kit with patch supplies are included.

Ebike

On this tour it is also possible to get an Ebike. Additionally, bicycle bags, helmets, and an emergency kit with patch supplies are included.

Practical information

Here you can get answers to various questions about your trip
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The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.

On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.

Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:

  1. Choose your desired start date
  2. Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
  3. Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).

Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.

The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.

Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.

On all our cycling holidays it is possible bring your own bike but it also possible to rent a bike for the tour. The bikes you can rent are all perfectly suited for the tour and the local terrain and all bikes are perfectly maintained. If you want to rent a bike on your holiday, then you select this on the booking form.

Equipment included in the bike rental:

  • Saddle bag (water repellent)
  • Handlebar bag (water repellent)
  • Service-set with tools and extra bicycle tube
  • Combination lock

Roadside assistance
All bikes are equipped with puncture resistant tyres which means that it is virtually impossible to puncture. No rule without exceptions, so should you experience a punctured tyre then you can quickly fix it by using the tools in the service-set. If the damage is greater than a simply puncture then you simply call us and we make sure that your bike is fixed or you will be supplied with a new bike as quickly as possible.

Insurance is included
Insurance against theft and damages are included in the bike rental. Should you have any problems of this nature then all you have to do is to let us know and we will supply a new bike as quickly as possible. Naturally, careless or mischievous behavior is exempt from this.  

The flights to/from Zakynthos are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.

Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.

It works like this:

  1. You book your chosen holiday with us
  2. We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-5 working days)
  3. You arrange your transportation

Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.

Airport transfer
When you arrive to Zakynthos you will be picked up and driven to your hotel. After the tour is over you will be transported back to the airport.

On this tour you will be accommodated in small family owned hotels with breakfast included.

In the itinerary you can see some examples of the hotels we use on this tour. Notice that the hotels are examples and you may end up staying in different hotels. It depends on availability when you book the tour.

Breakfast is included every day. It is easy to find lunch in the small villages before the walks and you will have plenty of choices for dinner in the many restaurants.

Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.

Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.

Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.

On this tour, you will receive the following documents:

Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll get access to your 'my tour' page where you'll find practical information about the trip.

One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and voucher

Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags, specific local vouchers and if you have rented a bike, they will also be handed out at the first hotel. The documents are in English.

This tour has difficulty grade 3.

Grade 3
Longer distances in hilly terrain, often with steep climbs. The distance is usually 65 – 80 km or 40 – 50 miles per day. Requires good shape and health. We highly recommend that you practice on some longer rides before you leave home.

Read more about our Grading System

Here you can get an overview of the entire route and the elevation profile for each day. The data shows the data from the GPX-files related to the tour. Notice that the routes are sometimes updated, which means that there might be small variations.

See a map of the whole route

See the elevation profile

Colors
Blue routes: The route as normal
Red routes: Variations/options (such as shortened or extended routes)

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.

Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.

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