Greece
Greece bike and barge tour: Ionian Islands & Gulf of Corinth on MS Panagiota
8 days
Bike and barge tours
Departure days: Saturday
140km
Intermediate
Greece Bike and Barge Tour: Ionian Islands & Gulf of Corinth on MS Panagiota
This 8-day guided Greece bike and barge tour takes you between Corfu and Athens on MS Panagiota, a two-masted motor sailer with just 10 cabins. Each cycling day you ride 18–35 km on a different island, such as Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca and Aegina, while the ship sails on to the next harbor. You also visit ancient Delphi by coach and sail through the Corinth Canal. Departures run on Saturdays from May to early October, in both directions.
A barge sails on rivers and canals. In Greece your floating hotel is a motor sailer, so you may also see this trip called a bike and boat tour. The idea is the same: unpack once, cycle every day and let the ship carry you to the next stop. New to this kind of tours? Read how a bike and barge tour works.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Route: Corfu to Athens (Piraeus) or Athens to Corfu
- Departures 2027: Saturdays, 1 May to 2 October 2027
- Price: from €2,229 per person (2-person lower-deck cabin), up to €3,745 for single-cabin use
- Cycling: five cycling days, 18–35 km a day, about 125–140 km in total
- Level: moderate to challenging, hilly terrain, 300–500 m of elevation change a day, e-bike available
- Guidance: guided, English- and German-speaking tour leader
- Ship: MS Panagiota, 10 cabins, maximum 22 guests
- Meals: breakfast daily, 2 full board days and 5 half board days
Highlights of this Greece bike and barge tour
Corfu: Venetian architecture and a UNESCO-listed old town
Corinth Canal: sail through the 6.3 km canal that links the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Corinth
Delphi: the sanctuary of Apollo at the foot of Mount Parnassus, with its temples, theater and stadium
Ithaca: the hilly island linked to Odysseus, far from the crowds
Lefkas: mountain roads, the swing bridge and the lively harbor of Nidri
Paxos: the smallest of the main Ionian Islands, silver-green with olive groves
Aegina: pistachio island with the Temple of Aphaia high above the sea
Who is this tour for?
- Active travelers who like hills, sea views and ancient history in one trip
- Confident cyclists, or e-bike riders who want help with the climbs
- Couples, friends and small groups who like a social, guided trip on a small ship
- Families with children from age 10 who have good fitness and cycling experience (see family vacations in Europe)
- Not ideal if you want flat, easy riding. For that, look at our Netherlands bike and barge tours. Not for you either if you want a self-guided trip, because this tour is guided only.
Day to day itinerary
Both directions visit the same highlights in a slightly different order. The tour leader may change the program because of wind, weather or busy harbors.
Route A – Corfu to Athens
Arrive on your own and transfer to the ship. Check-in is possible from 2 p.m. Dinner aboard, overnight in Corfu.
The ship sails to Paxos. Cycle around the whole island, with time for a swim. Spend the evening in a taverna in the natural harbor of Gaios.
Sail past the original swing bridge to Lefkas Town, then cycle through the mountains to Nidri. Skorpios, once the private island of Aristotle Onassis, is visible from the quay.
Sail early to Ithaca, the legendary home of King Odysseus. Cycle past gnarled olive trees and clear water. In the afternoon the ship continues to Mesolongi in the Gulf of Corinth.
A coach takes you to the medieval town of Nafpaktos with its Venetian harbor and fortress, then on to Delphi. In the afternoon you continue to the harbor of Galaxidi. An optional bike ride to a nearby beach is possible.
An early start brings you to the Corinth Canal. It opened in 1893, is 6.3 km long, about 24 m wide and 8 m deep, and saves a trip of nearly 400 km around the Peloponnese. In the afternoon, cycle along the coast of Aegina to the fishing harbor of Perdika.
Cycle past the monastery of St. Nektarios to the Temple of Aphaia. Then the ship takes you to Athens (Piraeus) for a farewell dinner aboard.
Check out after breakfast. Travel home or extend your stay in Athens.
Route B – Athens to Corfu
Arrive at Marina Zeas in Piraeus. Check-in is possible from 2 p.m. Dinner aboard, overnight in the harbor.
Sail to Aegina and cycle to the Temple of Aphaia. In the afternoon you pass through the Corinth Canal. In good weather the ship continues to Galaxidi, otherwise you stay in or near Corinth.
A coach takes you to Delphi. In the afternoon you have lunch and a walk in Nafpaktos before a short coach ride to Mesolongi, where the ship waits. No cycling today.
A longer sail brings you to Ithaca, with a swim stop if the weather allows. Cycle around the island in the afternoon. Overnight in Vathy.
Sail to Meganisi during breakfast. Ride through three villages and stop for coffee and a swim at Spartochori beach. Later the ship goes to Nidri. Optional: ride through olive groves to the hidden waterfall.
Cycle over the mountains to Lefkas Town, with coffee in the mountain village of Karia. Then sail to Paxos and spend the evening in Gaios.
Cycle around Paxos in the morning and swim. In the afternoon the ship sails to Corfu for a farewell dinner with crew and fellow travelers.
Check out after breakfast. Travel home or extend your stay on Corfu.
Route Map: 8-Day Cycling & Sailing Holiday from Corfu to Athens
Set off from historic Corfu and discover the highlights of the Ionian Islands and the Gulf of Corinth over eight unforgettable days. The MS Panagiota takes you to Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca and Aegina – each island with its own unique character and a new stunning view of the Ionian Sea every day. The absolute highlight of the journey: the spectacular passage through the Corinth Canal. A cycling holiday in Greece you won’t soon forget!
MS Panagiota, your floating hotel
MS Panagiota is a carefully restored two-masted motor yacht with six cabins on the lower deck and four on the upper deck. Every cabin has a small private bathroom, air conditioning and a French bed. Some cabins have an extra bunk bed, which suits families. The ship has two sun decks, deck chairs, a swim ladder and a salon in Mediterranean style where you eat. Read more on the ship page: MS Panagiota or see all Travel2Move ships.
Sights along the route
Corfu
Your journey begins in Corfu, one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. The historic Old Town, with its Venetian architecture, charming narrow streets and lively waterfront cafés, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the perfect starting point for an unforgettable cycling holiday in Greece.
Paxos
Paxos is covered in ancient olive groves, giving the entire island a beautiful silvery-green glow in the sunlight. The natural harbor of Gaios is one of the most picturesque in Greece, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing evening at a traditional Greek taverna.
Lefkada
Lefkada (Lefkas) delights visitors with its dramatic mountain scenery, hidden forest trails and the breathtaking Nidri Waterfall. The lively harbor of Nidri offers stunning views across the Ionian Sea towards Skorpios, once the private island of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
Delphi
Delphi is one of Greece’s most impressive archaeological sites. Set against the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the Sanctuary of Apollo features ancient temples, historic treasuries and a remarkably well-preserved theater. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an unforgettable highlight of your cycling holiday in Greece.
The Corinth Canal
Sailing through the Corinth Canal is one of the most spectacular highlights of this journey. Stretching 6.3 km (3.9 miles), this impressive waterway connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and was completed in 1893. With its towering limestone cliffs and narrow passage, the Corinth Canal is a truly unforgettable sight and a must-see highlight of any trip to Greece.
Prices & departure dates
Prices per person.
2027
| Departure date | Sailing route |
|---|---|
| 1–8 May | Corfu → Athens |
| 29 May–5 June | Corfu → Athens |
| 5–12 June | Athens → Corfu |
| 26 June–3 July | Corfu → Athens |
| 3–10 July | Athens → Corfu |
| 21–28 August | Corfu → Athens |
| 28 August–4 September | Athens → Corfu |
| 25 September–2 October | Athens → Corfu |
| Cabin type | 1–8 May | 29 May–12 June | 26 June–4 Sept. | 25 Sept.–2 Oct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-person cabin – Lower deck | € 2,229 | € 2,529 | € 2,379 | € 2,529 |
| 2-person cabin – Upper deck | € 2,579 | € 2,879 | € 2,729 | € 2,879 |
| 3-person cabin – Lower deck | € 2,029 | € 2,329 | € 2,179 | € 2,329 |
| 3-person cabin – Upper deck | € 2,379 | € 2,679 | € 2,529 | € 2,679 |
| 2-person cabin for single use | € 3,295 | € 3,745 | € 3,520 | € 3,745 |
Included
- 8-day trip on a motor yacht with crew
- 7 nights in a 2-person lower-deck cabin with shower and toilet
- 2 full board days and 5 half board days (breakfast and dinner, or lunch, depending on the day)
- English- and/or German-speaking tour leader
- Guided bike rides and excursions as described
- Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites (group visits only)
- Coach trip to Delphi
- Passage through the Corinth Canal
- Bed linen and towels, daily cabin cleaning
- Route maps for the daily rides
Not included
- Travel to and from Greece
- Mandatory payment on board: €80 per person (children up to 16: €40) for tourist tax and a basic drinks package of water, tea and filter coffee, paid to the captain
- Other drinks aboard (tab paid to the captain)
- Meals and drinks ashore
- Entrance fees not in the program
- Bike rental and helmet rental (helmets are free but must be reserved)
- Beach towel, parking, other transfers, tips and personal travel insurance
Optional extras
| Extra | Price |
|---|---|
| E-bike | €300 |
| Hybrid rental bike | €132 |
| Theft and damage insurance, e-bike | €31 |
| Theft and damage insurance, hybrid bike | €15 |
| Shared transfer (only on boarding and disembarking days) | On request |
Practical information
- Start and end: Corfu Town or Marina Zeas in Piraeus (Athens), depending on direction
- Group pace: riders on regular bikes set the pace, so e-bike riders ride along with the group
- Helmets: mandatory on all rides
- Language: the tour runs in English and German, and travel documents come in English and German only
- WiFi: not available on board, but most harbor cafés offer free WiFi to customers
- Ship noise: a ship needs running day and night, so some noise is normal
- Season: departures from May to early October. Late spring and late September are usually milder for cycling, while July and August are the hottest months for swimming
- Safe booking: Travel2Move is covered by VZR Garant. Read how we handle safe and sustainable travel and CO2 compensation
- Good to know before you pack: packing list for bike tours and FAQ bike tours
How the tour works
You sleep, eat breakfast and have dinner aboard. The ship sails to a new island almost every day, and you cycle a guided loop or coastal route there. Your luggage stays in your cabin. Rental bikes and e-bikes are on board, or bring your own bike if you tell us when you book. You can stay aboard on any day and enjoy the sailing. Want to know more about life on the water? See our bike and barge FAQ and our ships.
Frequently asked questions
It is guided. An English- and German-speaking tour leader cycles with the group, and there is no self-guided version of this route. Riders on regular bikes set the pace.
Moderately challenging. Expect 18–35 km on cycling days over hilly terrain, with 300–500 m of elevation change a day and climbs up to about 400 m. You should feel safe on winding descents, uneven asphalt and some gravel. An e-bike makes every route easier.
Both directions visit Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Delphi, the Corinth Canal and Aegina. Pick the direction that fits your flights. Corfu to Athens ends in the capital, and Athens to Corfu ends on the island, which suits a few extra beach days.
Yes. You can always stay aboard and enjoy the sailing along the islands.
Children from age 10 with good fitness and cycling experience are welcome. Children up to and including 16 get €200 off the base price in a double cabin. Rental bikes need a minimum height of 1.30 m for hybrid bikes and 1.50 m for e-bikes, and helmets are mandatory.
Both names fit. A barge sails on rivers and canals, while in Greece you sleep on a two-masted motor sailer with 10 cabins. The idea is the same: unpack once, cycle each day and let the ship carry you to the next stop.
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