Ionian Island Odyssey

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.

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 with breakfast and lunch daily, plus one BBQ dinner, all local taxes and transfers, all tours as mentioned and the services of a Riviera Travel tour manager.