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Ionian Cruise – Discover the Greek Islands in 12 Days

Ionian Cruise – Discover the Greek Islands in 12 Days

From EUR €4,243

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Description

This Greek cruise offers a captivating journey across a series of iconic islands, beginning and concluding in Corfu. The itinerary includes visits to lush Lefkada, the serene Zakynthos, the rugged landscapes of Kefalonia, the pristine waters of Antipaxi and Paxi, and the adventurous Sivota. A brief stop in Saranda highlights Albania’s charm before returning to Corfu. The tour continues to historical Ithaki, seaside Itea, the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, and Aegina known for its pistachios. Concluding in Piraeus, this trip combines natural beauty, ancient history, and modern leisure seamlessly.

Trip Name
Ionian Cruise - Discover the Greek Islands in 12 Days
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-Mast Sailing Vessel, Barquentine Length: 64 metres Passenger Capacity: 42 Running On Waves is one of the biggest sailing yachts in the world. According to SOLAS convention, the highest safety standards are maintained on board a vessel of this class, the same as would apply to a cruise liner carrying thousands of passengers. “Running on Waves” operates under the flag of Malta. The ship was conceived to combine maneuverability of a sport yacht, the highest standards of comfort and decor, and a shallow draft that allows calling at small marinas inaccessible even to many a big yacht, let alone cruise liners. The unmatched draft of 3.2 metres was made possible owing to a brilliant idea to use lead ballast. The uniqueness of a number of technological solutions confirmed by the US Patent Department. Every guest of ours enjoys 15,5 square metres of available open teakwood deck space, that is three times more than aboard most expensive cruise ships and would befit a most prestigious private mega-yacht. The policy of the Company is to always keep the boat in a mint condition. That is why, despite her tender age, we do profound refitting every winter, so that in Spring she welcomes you in full glamour of perfection. Sails are our main driving power, thus we boast unbeatably low level of fuel consumption, on average 75 l per hour only, which is about 10 times lower than on a motor boat of a comparable size. Premium comfort notwithstanding, RUNNING ON WAVES is nothing close to a floating hotel or a museum on water, she is a supercharged windship, and with favourable wind can run at 16 – 17 knots under sail. The ship’s superbly efficient ratio of sailing surface to displacement 2 sw.m/t makes her one of the fastest sailboats of old and new times. To make sailing comfortable at any sea conditions, cutting-edge technologies were used, such as pitch-killing stabilizers, while sophisticatedly calculated mass distribution prevents the hull oscillation frequency from resonating with the frequency, which affects human vestibular system. There are desalinators on board which account for the unlimited supply of fresh water. Air–conditioning throughout the vessel makes you feel a sheikh even in hottest days of Mediterranean summer. Our state-of-the-art hydraulic ramp at the stern of the vessel allows for a direct access to water for swimming and water sports. Sun Deck Primary feature — a spacious deck for sunbathing with 16 chaise lounge chairs, which are accessible at any time absolutely free of charge. Additionally, the ship has a large area of covered surfaces, creating vast shaded zones on open decks, which allow for an enjoyable cruise while being protected from the sun. A fresh water Jacuzzi-swimming pool, accommodating six people, is located in the fore of the ship. In the aft of the ship, navigation equipment is behind the command bridge, followed by the massage center and the lounge area. A tour of the command bridge can be arranged at passenger’s request. One may enjoy professional massage services in the massage parlor, followed by some downtime on a small sofa in the lounge area. Main Deck The restaurant located on the Main deck is ready to please the ship’s guests with delicacies of Mediterranean cuisine. A fantastic Ocean Bar, located in front of the restaurant in the central part of the deck, offers refreshing drinks and exotic cocktails. You can enjoy your breakfast seated on comfortable sofas located in the cockpit, aft of the ship. Smoking is not prohibited in this zone. An observation deck in the fore of the ship is above the bowsprit, creating the feeling of flying over the water! Mini-suites and Premium cabins are located on the main deck. Size of the cabins vary from 16m2 to 20m2 (172ft2 – 215ft2). Tween Deck Passenger cabins occupy most of the tween deck. Crew cabins, companion cabins for the crew and the galley are also located on the tween deck. Fully equipped Water sports center with access to a hydraulic ramp is located in the stern. The stern can be opened up and lowered onto the water, transforming into a diving deck for water sports and recreation. Standard cabins and economy class cabins are located on the tween deck. Cabin sizes vary from 11m2 to 12m2 (118ft2 – 129ft2).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Corfu
Still recognisable as the idyllic refuge where the shipwrecked Odysseus was soothed and sent on his way home, Corfu continues to welcome weary travellers with its lush scenery, bountiful produce and pristine beaches.Since the 8th century BC the island the Greeks call Kerkyra has been prized for its untamed beauty and strategic location. Ancient armies fought to possess it, while in the early days of modern Greece it was a beacon of learning. Corfiots remain proud of their intellectual and artistic roots, with vestiges of the past ranging from Corfu Town's Venetian architecture to British legacies such as cricket and ginger beer.
Day 2 - Day 2 Lefkas
Despite being connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, making it one of the few Greek islands that you can drive to, Lefkada remains surprisingly unaffected by tourism.Laid-back Lefkada Town is a charming place to spend a day or two, while the hills of the interior still conceal timeless villages and wild olive groves, and the rugged west coast holds some amazing beaches, albeit in some cases badly damaged by recent earthquakes. Only along the east coast are there some overdeveloped enclaves; if you continue all the way south you’ll find stunning little bays and inlets, as well as windy conditions that attract kitesurfers and windsurfers from all over the world.Lefkada was originally a peninsula, not a true island. Corinthian colonisers cut a canal through the narrow isthmus that joined it to the rest of Greece in the 8th century BC.
Day 3 - Day 3 Zakynthos
Zakynthos, the most reserved island of GreeceZakynthos is the only Greek island having international status of the natural wildlife preserve. The island has been called “The flower of Mediterranean East” for its beauty and balmy gardens. Mirror-like waters of Zakynthos may be seen on almost every postcard of Greece.Yachts floating on the water surface appear to be suspended in the air. It would be a crime to visit and not to swim in this magical place! Once in town, one may go to the National Sea Wildlife Preserve or visit the temple of Saint Dionysus, the local winery and the olive oil pressing factory or walk along the coastal avenue – Strata Marina – the liveliest street in the town, filled with coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
Day 4 - Day 4 Kefalonia
Kefalonia, the largest Ionian islandKefalonia is the island of sailors and mountain climbers, Greeks and Venetians, winemakers and travelers. Here stands Enom – the tallest mountain of Ionic islands (1628 m), covered with unique pine trees. Those willing to make a pilgrim tour may get into the Saint Gerasim monastery. There you will find an ancient sycamore tree still standing, said to have been planted by the saint himself. His cave-cell is located under the building of the monastery. Then we shall go for Andrew the First-Called Apostle monastery, the museum with miracle-making icons of Stephano Tsagarol, the Monastery of Saint Crucifixion in Pessado and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary with benches. It is also possible to pop into the local winery, where six kinds of Kefalonian wine are being made out of Robola grape.Another excursion will go to the famous Drogarati cave with stalactites, stalagmites and unusual acoustics, due to which Maria Kallas and Luchano Povarotti took the floor there once. Then the observation ground above the famous beach Mirtos awaits us, followed by a lunch in the picturesque nearby village of Agia Efimia. Our trip will end with the visit to the underground lake Melissani; the cave that once stood over it was destroyed during an earthquake. Now the lake is exposed to the sun, which creates beautiful light show on the water with colors ranging from sky-blue to intense dark-blue.
Day 5 - Day 5.1 Antipaxi
Enjoy Caribbean-esque beaches and translucent blue brightest waters – the landmark of Antipaxos. Vountoumi and Vrika are main beaches. Do not miss the chance to get to a secluded beach with a tender. Get adventures and cross the whole island through thickets of vineyards and olives. Sit and watch the world go by, the boats coming in and out of the bay at a few nice taverns. Regale yourself with famous Black wine, made of special sort of grapes that grows only here.
Day 6 - Day 5.2 Paxi
Unspoiled sceneryMeasuring a mere 13km from tip to toe, and spared overdevelopment by its lack of an airport, Paxi packs a lot of punch into its tiny frame. Facilities are concentrated in three delightful harbour villages tucked into its eastern shores – Lakka, Loggos and the ferry port of Gaïos. Each has its own crop of tasteful little hotels, rental apartments and seafront tavernas, and its own devoted fans.All make wonderful bases for exploring the rolling hills and centuries-old olive groves of the interior, and the wilder scenery of the west coast. Unspoiled coves can be reached by motorboat, while former mule trails lead to sheer limestone cliffs that plunge into the azure sea. Great hikes lead out to majestic Tripitos Arch in the south, and down to Erimitis Beach in the west, beneath a vast wall of crumbling rock, with a potential pause at Erimitis Bar & Restaurant en route.
Day 7 - Day 6 Sivota
Sivota, often dubbed the "Blue Lagoon," is a mesmerizing gem nestled along the western coastline of Greece. Snorkelers and divers revel in the opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, encountering colorful fish darting among swaying sea grass. The rugged cliffs that frame Sivota add an element of drama to the landscape, providing breathtaking vistas for hikers and photographers alike. For those seeking adventure, Sivota offers a range of water sports activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to sailing and jet skiing. Excursions to nearby islets and caves provide opportunities for exploration and discovery, with each outing revealing new facets of Sivota's enchanting beauty.
Day 8 - Day 7.1 Corfu
Technical stop
Day 9 - Day 7.2 Saranda
Saranda is the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, and come the summer months it seems like half of Tirana relocates here to enjoy the busy beach and busier nightlife along its crowd-filled seaside promenade. What was once a sleepy fishing village is now a thriving city, and while Saranda has lost much of its quaintness in the past two decades, it has retained much of its charisma.
Day 10 - Day 8 Corfu
Still recognisable as the idyllic refuge where the shipwrecked Odysseus was soothed and sent on his way home, Corfu continues to welcome weary travellers with its lush scenery, bountiful produce and pristine beaches.Since the 8th century BC the island the Greeks call Kerkyra has been prized for its untamed beauty and strategic location. Ancient armies fought to possess it, while in the early days of modern Greece it was a beacon of learning. Corfiots remain proud of their intellectual and artistic roots, with vestiges of the past ranging from Corfu Town's Venetian architecture to British legacies such as cricket and ginger beer.
Day 11 - Day 9 Ithaki
Ithaki is known worldwide as the motherland of Homeric hero Odysseus. The island became a symbol of returning home, as was here that his beloved wife, P enelope, has been waiting for him for 20 years. Ithaki attracts with its rich archeological heritage. Katharon – the most significant monastery on the island is located north from the capital at the elevation of 500 meters above sea level in Anogi. This is the monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A unique view of the island opens up from its bell tower - Arcadia mountains, Arkhinades islands, eastern coast of Kefalonia and even the entrance to Patra Bay can be seen on the horizon. The coastlines of Peloponnesus and Zakynthos are visible in good weather. Ithaki is a refuge of romantics. Lonely bays, stately calmness, quietness and silence and conciliatory atmosphere attract them here. It is an ideal place to restore spiritual balance.
Day 12 - Day 10 Itea
Located in the Fokida region of Central Greece, Itea is a small waterfront town located in close proximity to the archeological site of Delphi. Featuring a relatively new port that hosts a number of vessels, Itea’s view of waters and imposing mountains in the horizon make for a pleasant stroll or coffee by the sea. 
Day 13 - Day 11.1 Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal is a canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnesian peninsula from the Greek mainland, thus effectively making the former an island. The canal is 6.3 kilometers (3.9 miles) in length and was built between 1881 and 1893.The Corinth Canal, though only completed in the late 19th century, was an idea and dream that’s dates back over 2000 thousand years. It saves the 700-kilometers (430 mi) journey around the Peloponnese! The strip of land that connects the Peloponnese and mainland Greece is called the “Isthmus”. At its narrowest point, it is only 4 miles wide, and in ancient times, one could see from one side to the other.
Day 14 - Day 11.2 Aegina
Aegina offers finest pistachios in the world, olive groves and some of the most significant monasteries and temples of GreeceGlorious historical past left Aegina with many ancient monuments open for sightseeing. The most impressive archaeological site of the island is the Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia, dating back to the 6th century BC. It forms in fact an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the so-called “holy triangle” of the antiquity. Other important sites are the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Ellanios Zeus.Aegina is a food lover’s paradise- from pistachios being ubiquitous to the freshest seafood.
Day 15 - Day 12 Piraeus
Ten kilometres southwest of central Athens, Piraeus is dazzling in its scale, its seemingly endless quays filled with ferries, ships and hydrofoils. While technically its own city, it melds into the Athens sprawl, with close to half a million people living in the greater area.The most attractive quarter lies east around Zea Marina and Mikrolimano harbours. The latter is lined with cafes, restaurants and bars often filled with people who've disembarked from their yachts for the day.
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-08-202422-08-2024EUR €4,243Tween Deck Economy. From
11-08-202422-08-2024EUR €4,865Tween Deck Standard. From
11-08-202422-08-2024EUR €5,048Main Deck Premium. From
11-08-202422-08-2024EUR €7,597Main Deck Mini Suite

Inclusions

    • Corfu to Piraeus: Start your journey in the lush landscapes of Corfu, explore the serene and historical islands like Ithaki and Zakynthos, and conclude in the vibrant port city of Piraeus.
    • Stunning Seascapes and Beaches: From the Caribbean-like beaches of Antipaxi to the dramatic cliffside views in Sivota, immerse yourself in some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the Ionian and Aegean seas.
    • Rich Historical Tapestry: Delve into Greece's deep historical roots with visits to archaeological sites, ancient temples, and places steeped in myth like Ithaki, believed to be the home of Odysseus.

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