Greece Sailing Adventure: Corfu to Kefalonia

Greece Sailing Adventure: Corfu to Kefalonia

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8 Days From

$2723

Greece Sailing Adventure: Corfu to Kefalonia

8 Days Starting in Corfu and ending in Kefalonia

Visiting: Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos - Lefkada, Skorpios - Meganisi - Ithaca, Atokos - Kastos - Kalamos - Ithaca, thaca - Kefalonia, Kefalonia

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ZSRZ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 8

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Sailing

From: $2723 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Take a sailing trip through some of the most beautiful Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. On this eight-day trip from Corfu to Kefalonia, you’ll journey through secluded coastlines, private islands, rolling hills and orchards, Venetian architecture, warm tavernas and some of the world’s cleanest waters. Each day, swim in almost-untouched bays, watch the sunset on the deck of your group’s sailing boat and spend the night on the town, exploring everything these islands have to offer. Explore Paxos, Antipaxos, Lefkadas, Skorpios, Meganisi, Ithaca, Atokos, Kastos and Kalamos and their winding shores, white sands, comfortable beaches and coves that are only seen by boat.

Highlights

  • Begin your sailing adventure on one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – the island of Corfu, filled with gorgeous Venetian architecture and surrounded by sea.

  • Spend your nights on a sailing boat and fall asleep to the relaxing undulation of the waves below. Watch sunset every night from a nearby beach and wake up early to catch sunrise on the deck.

  • Explore the finest beaches in the Greek Islands at sister islands Paxos and Antipaxos, swimming in translucent waters and walking along the white sand.

  • Take a dip near private islands like Skorpios – once home to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – and Atokos – uninhabited except for a few wandering goats.

  • Explore the seaside villages, hospitable locals, glittering bays, rolling hills and inviting tavernas of Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca – all at the desired pace of your group and friendly skipper.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Corfu

Location: Corfu

Accommodation: Overnight boat

Accommodation Name: Overnight boat

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your sailing adventure begins on one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – Corfu. If you arrive early, walk the winding streets to see the Venetian influences and architecture of the town. Liston is one of the most popular pedestrian streets on the island and a perfect meeting place, right next to the famous Spaniada Square – coffee, anyone? You’ll have a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon to meet your group and trip leader. Head out after to grab some supplies for your trip. Tonight, hit Corfu’s main town for a night out. Flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses, Corfu’s town features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George.

Day 2: Paxos

Location: Paxos

Accommodation: Overnight boat

Accommodation Name: Overnight boat

This morning, get an early start as you sail towards Paxos – the smallest of the Ionian islands, about seven nautical miles from south Corfu. Paxos is a unique blend of green landscapes set in a bright blue sea. Inhabited by some of the world’s most charming and hospitable people, and constantly bathed in European sunshine, this is a gorgeous place to explore. Along the way, take a short stop to swim. When you arrive in Gaios, the main port and the centre of island life, explore the village and coastline with your group. Tonight, why not head out for dinner at one of the many cosy spots to eat.

Day 3: Antipaxos - Lefkada

Location: Antipaxos - Lefkada

Accommodation: Overnight boat

Accommodation Name: Overnight boat

Make the most of the day by rising nice and early and enjoying breakfast on the boat. Stop for a morning swim near Paxos’ sister island Antipaxos. Two miles south, this small island is home to some of the finest beaches in the Ionian Sea. Antipaxos doesn’t have its own permanent population, but there are many Paxiots who own vineyards and cottages here. After your swim, sail south, passing through the north channel and docking in the marina of Lefkada – this island’s busy streets are perfect for a wine and dine or night out on the town.

Day 4: Skorpios - Meganisi - Ithaca

Location: Skorpios - Meganisi - Ithaca

Accommodation: Overnight boat

Accommodation Name: Overnight boat

This morning, you’ll head to Skorpios – primarily known as the private island of the late Greek shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis, bought in 1963 for numerous high-profile parties. This was also the site of Onassis’ wedding to the former United States First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968. Now, the island is owned by the Russian oligarch and art collector Dmitry Rybolovlev. Stop for a swim by the island before heading to the bays of Meganisi. This remote island is located between Lefkada and the Greek mainland. Untouched by mainstream tourism, it features secluded coves that can only be reached by boat! Except for its two traditional villages and the small number of facilities they offer, the island is unspoiled. Take some time to explore the beautiful bays and then dock in the marina of the small fishing village of Vathi closeby.

Day 5-6: Atokos - Kastos - Kalamos - Ithaca

Location: Atokos - Kastos - Kalamos - Ithaca

Accommodation: Overnight boat

Accommodation Name: Overnight boat

Over the next two days, you’ll be exploring a few islands at your group’s individualised pace. Spend your days lounging on the boat’s deck, swimming, eating out at local tavernas and watching sunset on the deck or the sands of a nearby beach. Visit remote Atokos – one of the most secluded of the Echinades Islands. The tiny islet is uninhabited except for a few goats that roam freely. There is the small chapel of St. John and the beach at One House Bay to explore. Visit Kastos, where you’ll find peaceful beaches and a simple island lifestyle. Kastos is one of the smallest of the Ionian islands, with only a few hundred people, making it the perfect spot if you’re looking for some relaxation and peace. Then, visit Ithaca – this beautiful island is famously the homeland of Odysseus (Ulysses), the hero of the Homeric poem Odyssey. Surrounded by lush vegetation, European architecture and the deep-blue sea, you’ll see why this place caused such inspiration.

Day 7: Thaca - Kefalonia

Location: thaca - Kefalonia

Accommodation: Overnight boat

Accommodation Name: Overnight boat

This morning, enjoy breakfast on the boat and take a morning swim at Adri Bay in Ithaca. Then, head towards Fiskardo – with hills carpeted by cypress and olive trees, this fishing village is so beautiful that it was added to Project Natura 2000 for its protection. Declared as having ‘great natural beauty’, this harbour village has iconic Venetian architecture and is one of the only islands with its original buildings still standing. Hills surround a winding coast that stands on the northern tip of Kefalonia – the largest of the seven Ionian Islands. Enjoy a day exploring unforgettable beauty and history and top it all off with a farewell dinner on the seafront.

Day 8: Kefalonia

Location: Kefalonia

After breakfast this morning, disembark at Sami in Kefalonia and say goodbye to your skipper and fellow travellers. If you are flying out today, your trip leader can help you organise a taxi to the airport.

What's Included

Transport

  • This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a monohull yacht. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure.
  • Bow - front of the boat
  • Stern - rear of the boat
  • Port - left
  • Starboard - right
  • Deck - outside, upper area of the boat
  • Hull - the main part or body of the boat
  • Keel - part of the boat under water that keeps the boat stable and stops it capsizing
  • Mainsail - the large sail attached to the mast and boom
  • Mast - the big vertical pole that supports the mainsail
  • Boom - the big horizontal pole attached to the mainsail, coming off the rear of the mast (swing from side to side)
  • Jib, headsail, genoa, foresail - smaller sail near the front of the boat
  • Sheet - ropes used to control the sails
  • Booty - another word for pirate treasure
  • Lines - other ropes on the boat (ropes are never called ropes on yachts)
  • Spinnaker - large extra sail
  • Trim the sails - adjust the position of the sails when the wind changes strength or direction
  • Tiller or wheel or helm - used to steer the boat
  • Helmsman - person steering the boat
  • Running - sailing with the wind
  • Tack - turning the bow of the boat when sailing through the wind
  • Jibe - turning the stern of the boat when sailing through the wind
  • Figure-eight knot - the stopper: often used at the end of lines to stop them getting away.
  • Bowline (knot) - strong and dependable knot that is commonly used
  • Clove Hitch (knot) - not as secure it is often used to attach an object to a line

Included Activities

    Accommodation

    • ACCOMMODATION ONBOARD THIS SAILING YACHT
    • This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of 48ft It is equipped with 2 double share cabins, 2 twin bunk cabins and 4 shared bathrooms with showers. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.
    • Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, this may mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.
    • While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.
    • ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
    • Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. For most of our destinations, we can provide transfers between the airport/hotel and the port/marina. Please check the joining and finish point information in the trip notes for details.
    • ELECTRICITY:
    • While there should be electricity on board throughout your trip the voltage is likely to vary widely, from 12V to 220V, and when in port or moored we are dependent on the supply available. Please be aware that the supply may not be sufficient to power some electronic devices all the time and that you may need a voltage adapter or similar (such as portable inverter used in cars). On some trips it may be possible to charge devices ashore at restaurants or resorts, however this is not guaranteed.
    • WI-FI:
    • Please note that our sailing boats do not have Wi-Fi. You will be getting off the boat and visiting towns regularly so you will be able to connect with the outside world then.

    Important Information

    • START TIME:
    • This trip starts on Day 1 in Corfu at 4pm and finishes in Kefalonia on the morning of Day 8 depending on weather conditions.
    • ACCOMMODATION ONBOARD THIS SAILING YACHT
    • This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of 48ft It is equipped with 2 double share cabins, 2 twin bunk cabins and 4 shared bathrooms with showers. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.
    • Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, this may mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.
    • While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.
    • MINIMUM AGE:
    • The minimum age on this trip is 15. Please note that triple cabins are not available. If travelling with a child, the child will need to share with one of the adults, and the other adult will share with another adult passenger, or purchase a single supplement.
    • PASSPORT DETAILS:
    • Please provide full passport details at time of booking including exact name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, issue and expiry dates as these are essential for booking services on this trip.
    • ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
    • Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. If you have pre-booked any additional accommodation through us, you will need to make your own way to the joining point on Day 1 and from the finish point on the final day. We do not provide transfers between hotels and the port/marina. Please check the Essential Trip Information for details.
    • SNORKELLING
    • There are many opportunities for snorkelling during this trip. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided onboard the yacht and are for use by all passengers. They are disinfected prior to use. Some customers may prefer to bring their own diving mask and snorkel from home and just use the fins available on board.
    • TRIP KITTY:
    • On this trip we highly recommend that you contribute to a kitty of EUR100 per person. The kitty is an on-ground payment put into a central fund managed by travellers. It helps fund for breakfast and lunch on the boat and other small items such as ice, water, snacks and drinks. Travellers are responsible for the preparation of these meals onboard and to shop at port where supermarkets are often very close to the mooring. Kitty amounts are subject to change to reflect local price increases. On day 1, the skipper will talk through the kitty and how it will be managed (by yourself or fellow travellers) The kitty will be collected when you arrive at the welcome meeting or in stages throughout your trip.
    • ** Please note, the kitty amount should be used as a guide. More than likely you will not spend the full amount recommended however it's advisable to budget for this amount **

    Mode of Transport

    • This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a monohull yacht. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure.
    • Bow - front of the boat
    • Stern - rear of the boat
    • Port - left
    • Starboard - right
    • Deck - outside, upper area of the boat
    • Hull - the main part or body of the boat
    • Keel - part of the boat under water that keeps the boat stable and stops it capsizing
    • Mainsail - the large sail attached to the mast and boom
    • Mast - the big vertical pole that supports the mainsail
    • Boom - the big horizontal pole attached to the mainsail, coming off the rear of the mast (swing from side to side)
    • Jib, headsail, genoa, foresail - smaller sail near the front of the boat
    • Sheet - ropes used to control the sails
    • Booty - another word for pirate treasure
    • Lines - other ropes on the boat (ropes are never called ropes on yachts)
    • Spinnaker - large extra sail
    • Trim the sails - adjust the position of the sails when the wind changes strength or direction
    • Tiller or wheel or helm - used to steer the boat
    • Helmsman - person steering the boat
    • Running - sailing with the wind
    • Tack - turning the bow of the boat when sailing through the wind
    • Jibe - turning the stern of the boat when sailing through the wind
    • Figure-eight knot - the stopper: often used at the end of lines to stop them getting away.
    • Bowline (knot) - strong and dependable knot that is commonly used
    • Clove Hitch (knot) - not as secure it is often used to attach an object to a line

    Check out our Q&As

    • Is this trip right for you

      As the majority of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs and ladders. The sailing boats will experience some roll and pitch in windier conditions (which are quite rare for Ionian waters). However, your skipper will use the sails and the force of the wind as natural stabilisers. In the event of unsafe weather conditions, the sailing will not go ahead.

      Our yachts have a small Zodiac on board, which is used to transport travellers to shore if we need to anchor in the bay. However, we will most often overnight in the small marinas on each island we visit, so the Zodiacs aren’t used. Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humour and a can-do attitude are all you need.

      This is an adventure on board a real yacht, which means living spaces, cabins, bathrooms and showers need to be shared with other passengers. Sleeping quarters can be quite compact, but you will be spending the majority of your time above board in the open air.

      If you’re travelling with your own group of friends or family and would like to book a private departure on this sailing trip, our Tailor-Made team will be happy to help: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/tailor-made

    • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

      Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

    • How long has the tour company been trading?

      Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

    • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

      Yes

    • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

      Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

    • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

      Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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    Book with Confidence

    • Free Date Changes

      Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

    • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

      Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

    • Low Deposit

      Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

    • Cancellation Policy

      We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

      Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

      At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

      At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

      At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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