Ionian Islands and the Gulf of Corinth, Panagiota

Individual arrival by plane and transfer to the ship. Check in on the Panagiota is possible from 2 pm onwards. Dinner on board and overnight stay on Corfu.

Cast off! In the morning we sail to Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands. This tiny island is so densely covered in olive trees the whole island seems to glisten a wonderful silver green colour. Our morning tour leads us around the whole island. There is plenty of time to enjoy a swim in the sea at one of the many beaches. Later, we can enjoy the evening in a cosy tavern in the unique natural harbour of Gaios! Overnight stay on Paxos.

The day begins with a longer sail to the town of Lefkas. During the crossing we pass by the original swing bridge which connects the island of Lefkas to the Greek mainland. Today’s tour leads us across the island’s fascinating mountain landscape to the lively harbour of Nidri. The island of Skorpios, once the private haven of shipping magnate Aristotle Socrates Onassis, can be seen from our mooring. The night is spent in Nidri.

Early in the morning we cruise to the island of Ithaca for our day’s bike tour. This hilly island with its spectacular scenery is said to have been home of the mythical king Odysseus. During the ride we get to enjoy the special character of the Ionian Islands off the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. We then board the boat once more for a longer sail to Mesolongi in the Corinthian Gulf, where we spend the night.

A transfer bus will pick you up in the morning to take you to the medieval town of Nafpaktos. There you can take a short stroll through the enchanting old town with its Venetian harbour and fortifications. Afterwards, the journey continues by bringing us to the famous site of Delphi at the foot of the Parnassos Mountains. In Delphi, the god of light, Apollo, was once worshipped and the oracle was consulted. The many beautiful temples & treasure houses, the well-preserved theatre & stadium, but particularly the breath-taking hillside location of the sanctuary make a visit to the Delphi an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, your transfer bus takes us to the picturesque port of Galaxidi, where we spend the night. For those would are interested, one can bike to a nearby beach in the afternoon and enjoy a swim in the sea! Overnight stay in Galaxidi.

Today we lift anchor early and the journey continues towards the Isthmus of Corinth. The impressive passage through the Corinth Canal, which was completed in 1893 and whose construction was already planned by Julius Caesar, is one of the absolute highlights of this trip. The passage is 6.3 km long, 24 meters wide and 8 meters deep and it connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth. It saves passengers from the nearly 400 km long trip around the Peloponnese. From the Saronic Gulf, we set course for the island of Aegina. In the afternoon, we enjoy a coastal bike tour to the quaint fishing port of Perdika. In the evening, the old town of Aegina entices visitors to take an extended stroll.

The island of Aegina is also known beyond its borders for its pistachios. In the morning, our last bike ride from the island’s capital take us past the Monastery of Saint Nektarios and to the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia, perched high above the blue sea. Our ship waits for us in the town of Aegina for our last crossing to Athens/Piraeus where we round off our Greek adventure with a final cozy dinner on board.

After breakfast check-out and individual return home or extended stay in Athens.