Standard Bicycle - included!
The bicycle rental is included in the price for this tour and features the Hybride Mongoose Crossway model. Additionally, bicycle bags, helmets, and an emergency kit with patch supplies are included.
Variations of this tour
The route
Here you can see a map of the route.
See video
Here you can watch a short video from our cycling holiday on the Ionian Islands, where we ride on Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Ithaka. The video was filmed by three of our colleagues during a study trip and gives a vivid impression of the landscapes, atmosphere, and experiences along the way. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for what to expect on the tour. The video shows the 1-week version of the trip.
Easy cancellation up to 35 days before departure
This tour is covered by our special easy cancellation policy up to 35 days before departure.
Itinerary
See the day-by-day itinerary below.
Upon arrival in Zakynthos, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your first hotel, where your bikes will be waiting for you. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to cycle up to the church at the top of Ano Gerakari Hill – a perfect short ride to get familiar with your bike. Alternatively, you can take a dip in the beautiful turquoise sea or simply relax by the hotel’s swimming pool.
Category B - Hotel (example): Hotel Eleni's Garden
Category A - Hotel (example): Varres Hotel
Today, your Cycling Odyssey truly begins. The route winds through olive groves and vineyards, along the coast and into the island’s heart – the Riza villages. Each village has its own little church, and you’ll find yourself cycling almost “from bell tower to bell tower.” Take a break in Machairado, where the church of Agia Mavra hides a black icon said to bring good luck. Enjoy lunch at a local café and soak up the peaceful countryside before returning to the coast through fragrant lemon and orange groves.
Category B - Hotel (example): Hotel Eleni's Garden
Category A - Hotel (example): Varres Hotel
You decide how far you want to cycle today. The route follows the east coast northwards, passing small coves and beaches – some almost secret, like Larpada and Xigia. Here, you can smell the sulphur from the natural springs while the sea shimmers in turquoise. You can take a boat trip to the famous Blue Caves or the iconic Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach – perhaps the most photographed beach in Greece. Continue to the harbour of Agios Nikolaos, where the taverna Micro Nisi is perfect for a lunch with a view. The more adventurous can take the final steep climb up to the lighthouse at Skinari – where the road ends and the horizon begins.
Category B - Hotel (example): Hotel Eleni's Garden
Category A - Hotel (example): Varres Hotel
The day begins with breakfast at the hotel before you set out on a lovely route that winds along small paved roads through olive groves and vineyards. You’ll cycle from village to village, occasionally stopped by sheep and goats crossing the road.
In the charming little village of Macherado, you can enjoy lunch or simply a cup of coffee before continuing towards the island’s capital and the ferry. Before boarding, you’ll be given your luggage to take with you. Upon arrival in Poros on the island of Kefalonia, the hotel owner will meet you and ensure your luggage is transferred to the hotel where you’ll spend the night. The ride from the ferry port to the hotel is quite short.
Category B - Hotel (example): Astir Rooms
Category A - Hotel (example): Odysseus Palace
The route begins with an ascent through a dramatic gorge – but the reward is a spring with fresh mountain water at the top. Afterwards, panoramic roads await along the slopes of Mount Aenos before you roll down towards Kefalonia’s main town, Argostoli. The town has a Venetian soul and style, with palm trees, piazzas, and cosy cafés. You’ll stay here for three nights, with plenty of time to explore the town and its surroundings.
Category B - Hotel (example): Hotel King Agamemnon
Category A - Hotel (example): Ionian Plaza
After several days of cycling, it’s time for some lighter adventures. Take your bike out of town towards the small Fanari Peninsula, where the iconic lighthouse stands guard over the bay. From here, a beautiful route continues to Lassi, known for its golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear, calm waters.
Park your bike, take a swim, and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a beach taverna – perhaps a Greek salad and an ice-cold Mythos beer?
On the way back, you can make a short stop at Gradakia Beach, tucked away in small rocky coves with hidden caves. It’s a day to breathe deeply, feel the warmth, take in the scent of pine trees – and simply enjoy life on the Ionian Islands.
Category B - Hotel (example): Hotel King Agamemnon
Category A - Hotel (example): Ionian Plaza
For those of you who still have some energy left in your legs, today offers two exciting cycling routes.
You can choose a shorter route (approx. 12 km) to Krani, where an ancient Mycenaean wall winds through the olive groves – a remnant of a civilisation that flourished long before Odysseus set sail on his adventures.
Or take the longer ride (approx. 30 km) to the Kipourion Monastery, dramatically perched on the western cliffs. The climb is steep and sweaty, but the reward is a magnificent view over the Ionian Sea.
On the way back, stop in Lixouri, enjoy an ice cream by the harbour, and take the small ferry back to Argostoli as the sun sets behind the mountains.
In the evening: Find a local taverna, order a moussaka and perhaps a glass of local wine – you’ve earned it.
Category B - Hotel (example): Hotel King Agamemnon
Category A - Hotel (example): Ionian Plaza
Today, you’ll cross to the other side of Kefalonia – and it will be a day full of contrasts: from lively towns to peaceful coves, from mountain passes to small fishing villages.
The ferry takes you to Lixouri, a sleepy little town with a donkey-slow pace. From here, you’ll cycle north along the Livadi Lagoon, where flamingos are sometimes seen in the shallow waters. The route then winds up through the hills, and the reward is one of the most iconic views of the entire trip: Myrtos Beach – a white crescent of sand embraced by steep cliffs and turquoise sea.
A long, gentle descent leads you to the idyllic fishing village of Agia Efimia, where tavernas serve freshly caught fish straight from the boat. The day’s final stretch follows the coastline to Karavomilos, just outside the town of Sami – your base for the next few days.
Insider tip: Visit the beautiful Melissani Cave, where sunlight filters through the crystal-clear water and paints the walls in shades of blue and green – a magical sight.
Category B - Hotel (example): Remezzo
Category A - Hotel (example): Sami Beach
After yesterday’s efforts, you can enjoy a slow morning and take in the sea view from your hotel. But for the restless adventurers, there are plenty of options.
- A short bike ride (approx. 12 km) leads to Antisamos Beach, one of Kefalonia’s most beautiful. Here, green forests, white pebbles, and crystal-clear water meet in perfect harmony.
- Another route (approx. 14 km) takes you inland via Poulata and Chaliotata, two villages where time stands still. Along the way, you can visit the Drogarati Cave, where thousands of stalactites hang like an underground cathedral.
Would you rather go for a swim and enjoy a cold frappé? Then do just that. The day is yours – and that’s exactly how a cycling odyssey should be.
Category B - Hotel (example): Remezzo
Category A - Hotel (example): Sami Beach
The morning begins with a short ferry ride across the bay. From the town of Lixouri, the route heads north toward Livadi. It’s an uphill ride, but not for long.
The reward is the spectacular view over Myrtos Beach, a white pebble beach that contrasts beautifully with the azure sea and is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece. A long descent through a green and fertile valley brings you to the fishing village of Agia Efimia. The final stretch of the ride runs parallel to the sea along Sami Bay.
The afternoon ferry to Ithaka takes about 40 minutes. The only road from the port climbs steadily for nearly two kilometres. On the following descent, the view suddenly opens up over Ithaka’s main town. Vathi lies beautifully sheltered in a natural bay.
Enjoy this charming town, wander through its many narrow streets, or relax with a cold frappé as you watch the world go by. Visit the small archaeological museum featuring local finds from the Mycenaean era. In the evening, Vathi comes alive, and you can enjoy freshly caught fish at one of the traditional tavernas.
Category B - Hotel (example): Vaso Polymnia Apartments
Category A - Hotel (example): Captain Yiannis
Ithaka is a small island with a big personality – and today is all about feeling its soul. Take your bike to Filiatro Beach, where locals gather to swim and chat. Or find the quieter Dexia Beach, offering natural shade from the olive trees.
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, you can cycle to Loutsa or Minimata, small coves with crystal-clear water and pine trees reaching down to the shoreline. In the evening, Vathi comes alive – order freshly caught fish and let the local wines do the rest.
Tip: Rent a small motorboat (no licence required) and sail out to the secluded, uninhabited coves where only the seagulls will keep you company.
Category B - Hotel (example): Vaso Polymnia Apartments
Category A - Hotel (example): Captain Yiannis
For the keen cyclists, a longer but unforgettable route awaits through Ithaka’s mountainous interior.
The ride takes you to the Monastery of Katharon, located just below the summit of Mount Neriton. Legend has it that Odysseus’ palace once stood nearby – and when you see the view, you’ll understand why.
The route continues to the small fishing village of Kioni, where pastel-coloured houses cling to the hillside. Here, you can enjoy lunch by the sea, watch the sailboats drift past, and savour the feeling of being in the heart of a Greek dream.
The return journey follows a coastal road with panoramic views toward Kefalonia – a perfect end to the day.
Category B - Hotel (example): Vaso Polymnia Apartments
Category A - Hotel (example): Captain Yiannis
After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Ithaka and sail back to Kefalonia. From there, the route (approx. 27 km) takes you from Sami to Poros, through the same mountains you crossed earlier – but now the landscape feels familiar, almost like home. Along the way, the air is filled with the scent of pine and thyme, and the sea views accompany you all the way down to the coast.
In Poros, enjoy lunch by the water before the ferry takes you via the mainland back to Zakynthos. A travel day, yes – but also a day to reflect on everything you’ve experienced.
Category B and A - Hotel (example): Hotel Strada Marina
Your last day on the bike deserves something special. The route heads south onto the Keri Peninsula, where the landscape becomes dramatic and wild. The goal is the small harbour of Limni Keri, where you can enjoy lunch with your feet almost in the water.
Optionally, take a boat trip to Marathonisi Island, also known as “Turtle Island” – and with a bit of luck, you might spot the protected Caretta Caretta sea turtle that lives here.
For the extra adventurous, the road continues up to the village of Keri and further on to the 250-metre-high cliffs, where a taverna with a hanging balcony offers perhaps the most spectacular view of the entire trip.
In the evening, the bikes are returned – and you can celebrate your great cycling odyssey with local wine and live kantades (Ionian folk songs) at a taverna by the beach.
Category B and A - Hotel (example): Hotel Strada Marina
This is the final day of your holiday. You’ll be transferred to the airport, from where you’ll fly home – or continue your adventure out into the wider world.
Photos from the trip
Prices and dates
Prices per person in EUR
The price includes
- 14 nights in carefully selected hotels
- Breakfast every day
- Detailed maps and route descriptions (in English)
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline
- Rental bike (Hybrid Mongoose Crossway) with panniers and helmet
- Transfers to/from the airport
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
Optional Extras
- Upgrade to e-bike (select when booking the tour)
- Flights to/from Zakynthos (contact us for a quote including flights)
- Ferry tickets (to be purchased at the ferry port – expect approx. EUR 85 per person)
- Tourist taxes (to be paid locally at the hotels; varies from €2–10 per hotel depending on location, number of stars, and season)
- Handling fee (20 EUR)
- Cancellation and travel insurance
- Costs for the use of air conditioning (to be paid locally at each hotel)
Bikes
You can choose from these bikes on the tour.
Ebike
On this tour it is also possible to get an Ebike. Additionally, bicycle bags, helmets, and an emergency kit with patch supplies are included.
Practical information
Here you can get answers to various questions about the trip
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The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill out any forms. Here’s how:
- Click on the "Calculate Price" button (you’ll find it in the "Dates and Prices" section) – this will take you to the first pages of the booking form
- Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
- See the price
Get a quote
If you would like a flight included, or changes made to the trip, you can request a customized offer by clicking the "Get Quote" button at the top of the page. Remember to describe in detail what changes you would like.
The booking process
When you book the trip, we will begin booking hotels and arranging all the practical aspects of your tour. This process typically takes 5–8 working days, but in some cases it may take longer for certain bookings. If you arrange your own transportation, we recommend waiting until we have confirmed your booking before making any arrangements.
Dates
If you can select a date in the trip calendar (in the booking form), then this is a possible start date. We regularly update our trips with sold-out dates; these dates will then appear in red/grey and cannot be selected.
On all our cycling holidays it is possible bring your own bike but it also possible to rent a bike for the tour. The bikes you can rent are all perfectly suited for the tour and the local terrain and all bikes are perfectly maintained. Bike rental is included in the price of the trip.
Equipment included in the bike rental:
- Saddle bag (water repellent)
- Bike helmet
- Combination lock
Phone holder for the bike is not included. Make sure you bring one with you on your trip so you can always follow the route on your phone while cycling.
Roadside assistance
All bikes are equipped with puncture resistant tyres which means that it is virtually impossible to puncture. No rule without exceptions, so should you experience a punctured tyre then you can quickly fix it by using the tools in the service-set. If the damage is greater than a simply puncture then you simply call us and we make sure that your bike is fixed or you will be supplied with a new bike as quickly as possible.
Insurance is included
Insurance against theft and damages are included in the bike rental. Should you have any problems of this nature then all you have to do is to let us know and we will supply a new bike as quickly as possible. Naturally, careless or mischievous behavior is exempt from this.
The flights to/from Zakynthos are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-5 working days)
- You arrange your transportation
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
Airport transfer
When you arrive to Zakynthos you will be picked up and driven to your hotel. After the tour is over you will be transported back to the airport.
The accommodations are in carefully selected hotels, often small, family-run boutique hotels. You can choose between two hotel categories on the tour.
Category B: 2- and 3-star hotels
Category A: 3- and 4-star hotels
Note: Hotels in Greece often charge an additional fee for the use of air conditioning.
Breakfast is included every day. It is easy to find lunch in the small villages before the walks and you will have plenty of choices for dinner in the many restaurants.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour.
Ask the reception where to place the luggage. Often they have one area for the luggage of hikers and another for the luggage of bike tour guests. Please place a name tag on your suitcase/bags. If you dont have one, you can write your name on a piece of paper and place it on your suitcase.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Print before travelling
On this tour, you will receive a roadbook by email before departure with all practical information and route maps that you can use on the tour. If you want to take this with you on the trip, you need to print the document yourself and bring it with you on the trip. It is also possible to simply download it to your phone and look at the document on your phone during the trip.
On the cycling routes themselves, you use the app to find your way.
This tour has difficulty grade 3.
Grade 3
Longer distances in hilly terrain, often with steep climbs. The distance is usually 65 – 80 km or 40 – 50 miles per day. Requires good shape and health. We highly recommend that you practice on some longer rides before you leave home.
Read more about our Grading System
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
Join the special ‘Bering Cycling Holidays’ group on Facebook. Here you'll be notified about new holidays, special offers and much more.
Note: you need to request membership, but everyone is approved.
"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
Bering Travel
