Ionian Island Odyssey
Selected departures up to September 2020
Experience more with so much included
- Cruise on our gulet-style boats sailing around some of the most idyllic islands in the Ionian Sea
- Swim in quiet bays of crystal-clear water, surrounded by fragrant pine forests
- Explore tiny secluded coves and villages
- Relax and enjoy wonderful fresh food at harbourside tavernas
- Visit the islands of Lefkas and Meganissi
- Overnight in the port of legendary Ithaca
- See Aristotle Onassis’ private island
- Get off the beaten track with visits to the unspoilt islands of Kalamos and Kastos
- Return flights from a selection of regional airports, and all transfers
- Seven nights on board the MV Aphrodite or MV Harmonia, including all local port taxes, daily breakfast and lunch, plus one dinner
- The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
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At a Glance
7 nights on the MV Aphrodite or MV Harmonia
Programme of daily tours & visits
14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 1 dinner
Return flights & transfers
complimentary tea & coffee on board
Expert tour manager
All port charges, airport taxes, overseas transfers
Checked Luggage
Overview
Think of Greece and the first thing that comes to mind is its incredible islands – there’s more than 227 inhabited islands, all with their own unique ‘feel’, architecture and fascinating histories spanning thousands of years. Our Ionian Island Odyssey visits some of most beautiful islands in the Ionian, and as we’ll be travelling by sea on our own wooden schooners, we’ll have the added advantage that we can seek out idyllic coves and villages still relatively untouched by the modern world.
All the Ionian islands were occupied for several hundred years by the Venetians, and their influence is still evident in the Italianate style of the houses, the food, and the fortifications built to repel pirates and the Ottomans. For about 50 years in the 19th century the islands fell under British protection and they have been a welcoming destination for British travellers ever since. Our tour starts in Kefalonia, Greece’s sixth largest island, known for its Robola wine and high limestone cliffs falling into azure seas.
We’ll visit two of its prettiest harbours at Fiscardo and Assos, the latter overlooked by one of the largest fortresses in the region. Separated from Kefalonia by a narrow 4km channel, Ithaca is a world apart – its mountainous spine and few roads have kept out large hotels and although the charming main town of Vathy is a buzzy little place, it’s not difficult to imagine how it looked in the distant past, when Odysseus and Penelope ruled the land.
Lefkas is covered in verdant hills, with high white cliffs on one side and a myriad of tiny coves and bays on the other. The island has some of the most protected harbours in the region and is justly popular amongst sailors who come to enjoy its clear seas and wonderful harbour-side cafes. South of Lefkas we’ll sail by the tiny islet of Skorpios, once the family home of Aristotle Onassis, who is buried there. Less well known are the nearby islands of Meganissi, Kalamos and Kastos – with few permanent residents, these are places where time really does seem to slow right down.
Our tour doesn’t visit busy towns or ancient monuments – it’s for those who just want a genuinely relaxing, informal and convivial break and to appreciate the simple pleasures of azure skies, emerald seas, simple fresh food and warm, star-lit skies.
Price Includes
The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a cabin. Single cabins are available subject to availability at the appropriate supplement. The price includes:
- Return flights
- Seven nights’ accommodation
- Daily breakfast and lunch, plus one BBQ dinner
- All local taxes
- Transfers
- All tours as mentioned
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
Our Ships: MV Aphrodite or MV Harmonia
These two wooden-hulled, almost identical twin-masted schooners were built in Turkey and are ideal for inshore cruising around some of the best sailing areas in Greece. Both have spacious open decks, ideal for sunbathing and informal drinks and lunches. With a maximum of just 16 guests and three crew on each boat, you can be assured of excellent personal service.
All meals are served on the spacious aft deck, starting with a simple breakfast followed by a relaxing buffet lunch, always prepared with fresh local ingredients. The deckhouse has a fully stocked bar and space to dine inside, should you wish. Complimentary tea and coffee are available daily. Since we will always overnight in port, you are free to find your favourite taverna for dinner.
All cabins have a fixed double bed, a limited number of cabins have an additional single bunk which can be used for twin occupancy. Cabins are simply furnished and very compact with small portholes and private shower/WC.
Useful Information
Fact File
- Currency: Euro
- Deposit: £250 per person
- Flight time: Approx. 3 hrs 30 mins
- Language: Greek
- Time zone: GMT+2
- Country: Greece
Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Greece however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
Ships
The air conditioning on-board is turned on as long as the generator is working. The generator will be switched off overnight to ensure a quiet night for all, this means that the air-conditioning and electricity will not be operating overnight. However, lighting on board the ship will still operate throughout the night.
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
Health
There is no specific health advice for this tour, though it is always advisable to contact your GP six to eight weeks prior to travel. For mobility related queries please contact the reservations team.
Itinerary
The published itinerary is subject to change depending on wind and weather conditions and the order of places visited may be changed.
Transfer Times
All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
| Airport | Ship location | Transfer time |
|---|---|---|
| Kefalonia Airport | Kefalonia | 40 mins |
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