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Island-hopping in the Ionian Islands

Wonderful cycling in beautiful surroundings

8 Days / 7 Nights
Moderate

The southern Ionian Islands are still relatively unknown and that is truly a shame. This cycling holiday in the Ionian Islands in Greece, offers unspoiled nature, lovely beaches, and a trip in authentic Greece with small charming villages off the high traffic roads.

Zakynthos is a fertile island with hundreds of small narrow roads and immediately upon arrival you will experience them and ride though olive groves and vinyards.

Kefalonia is more rugged and hilly which means that you will have to handle the occasional climb. We promise that every ascent is worth the effort and promises amazing views over the turquoise seas below.

The small intimate island Ithaka is a true gem and we will virtually guarantee that you will fall in love with the place. It’s covered with forests of tall and thin cypress trees, indigenous mastic- and pine trees. Thanks to the porous limestone soil and wet winters are the islands very green. Especially during springtime a rainbow of colourful wild flowers dominate the setting.

When you arrive to Zakynthos your bikes will ready for you at the first hotel. You luggage is transferred and will be present when you arrive at the hotel of the day. To experience the charm of the islands and to meet locals, you’ll stay in small scale family run accommodations.

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The route

Here you can see a map of the route.

Itinerary

See the day-by-day itinerary below.

Depending on the arrival time, one could immediately test the bike. You could cycle to the church on top of the Ano Gerakari hill. The route is ideal to get familiarized with the gears and during descend with the breaks. You could also take a dip in the blue waters, at the beach nearby, or just stay around the hotel pool.

Hotel (example): Hotel Zante Garden

A wonderful route is designed for you today, running over narrow paved roads through olive groves and vineyards. You’ll cycle from village to village; be aware the road may be blocked by crossing sheep and goats. In the quaint village of Macherado you could have lunch before setting of the capitol of the island.

Here you’ll be reunited with your luggage while you’re expected to board the ferry. Via the mainland of Greece, the ferry sets its course to the harbor of Poros on the island of Kefalonia. On the pier you’ll be greeted by the hotel owner. He will transport your luggage to the hotel. The bike ride to the hotel is very short. 

Hotel (example): Astir Rooms

In the fresh morning mist, just after check-out, a serious climb follows. Your reward will be cool water from the well at a little church on top of the summit. Rolling over a gallery road with amazing views, along the slopes of the majestic Mount Aenos, ends in the capitol of Argostoli.

This town of stately avenues with palm trees is well worth a visit. The city has been Venetian for centuries and Italian influences are present everywhere. The central 'piazza' is a place to see and especially to be seen.

Hotel (example): Hotel King Agamemnon

Argostoli is a lovely place to have a break. It offers several beaches, with your bike just a short ride away. Real gems are the popular sandy beaches of Lassi or the remote beaches of Gradakia (which are tucked away by coves and caves).

Keen cyslists could cycle to the Mycenean wall of Krani, hidden up in the hills. Or challenge yourself by cycling the tough ride to the monastery of Kipourion, hanging above the cliffs, on westcoast of the peninsula of Pelaki. But, you could also park your bike for a day, shop on the hightstreet Lithostroto.

Discover the huge Caretta Caretta sea turtles, which can always be spotted behind the vegetable market of town. Or stroll over the Dam along the Koutavos lagune and rent a small electric boat around the bay.

Hotel (example): Hotel King Agamemnon

Today is going to be a long day and perhaps the best day for cycling. The morning starts with a short ferry ride to the other side of the bay. From the town of Lixouri, the route heads north to Livadi. The route goes uphill, but not for long.

The reward is the spectacular view of Mirtos 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 lush valley leads you to the fishing village of Agia Efimia. The last part of the tour runs parallel to the sea along the Gulf of Sami.

The afternoon ferry to Ithaca takes about half an hour. The only road is an almost two-kilometer long uphill. On the subsequent descent, the view of the main town of Ithaca suddenly appears. Vathi is wonderfully protected in a natural bay. Enjoy this charming town, walking through its many narrow streets or enjoying a cold frappé coffee as you watch the world go by.

Visit the small archaeological museum with local finds from Mycenaean times. In the evening, Vathi is a lively village and you can enjoy freshly caught fish at one of the traditional restaurants.

Hotel (example): Vaso Polymnia Apartments

This day there is no program. You'll stay in Vathi, where you can enjoy the lovely beaches or go for a walk in the town. You can also choose to take a bike ride to Katheron Monastery, located on top of Mount Neriton. In the roadbook, the possible bike tours will be thoroughly described.

Hotel (example): Vaso Polymnia Apartments

Early morning the ferry will take you back to Kefalonia. From Sami you will follow the last challenging bike route. A climb, with thankful shade of cypress and pine trees, runs over the pass of Digaleto. The strenuous climb is soon forgotten as you zoom down the slopes.

An impressive canyon forms the entrance to the port of Poros, where the ferry (via Kilini) departs to Zakynthos. In the late afternoon you’ll arrive in the port of Zakynthos town. Upon arrival, your bicycle will be returned and you could stroll to your hotel.

The best way to celebrate your last night is in one of the traditional tavernas where Kantades are sung. These local songs praise the beauty of the Ionian Islands, with everything you’ve seen you could easily sing-along.

Hotel (example): Hotel Strada Marina

Unfortunately this is your final day on the tour. You are transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight home.

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

The price includes

Optional extras

  • Upgrade to Ebike (selected when booking the tour)
Not included
  • Ferry tickets (ferry tickets are purchased at the harbour, expect to pay approximately 540 NOK per person)
  • Tourist taxes (tourist tax must be paid locally at the hotels. The tax varies in price from 2-10 euros per hotel depending on the hotel's location, number of stars and season)
  • All non-mentioned meals
  • Cancellation and Travel Insurance
  • Air conditioning costs (payable locally at each hotel)

Bicycles

You can choose between these bikes on the tour.

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.

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 your 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:

  1. 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
  2. Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
  3. 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:

  1. You book your chosen holiday with us
  2. We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-5 working days)
  3. 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.

On this tour you will be accommodated in small family owned hotels with breakfast included.

In the itinerary you can see some examples of the hotels we use on this tour. Notice that the hotels are examples and you may end up staying in different hotels. It depends on availability when you book the tour.

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.

Link to the group

Note: you need to request membership, but everyone is approved.

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We have a lot of trips where we have particularly lenient conditions for cancellation.

This means that for a small fee (€50), you are free to cancel your trip up to 35 days before arrival.

Please note that this does not apply to all tours. Read more via the link below.
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