8 Days Ionian Cruise (from/to Corfu)

Your detailed trip plan

A suggested sequence — every flight, hotel and day can be changed.

• 1Destinations
• 5Transport

1. 01 May

   Corfu

   Stay from
   

   • Greece
   • 7 nights

   With its Venetian fortress, British palaces, and a French esplanade modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, Corfu may no strike you as Greek at all. The most populated and cosmopolitan of the Ionian Islands, it is packed with foreigners and foreign architecture. In legend, Corfu was the island where the shipwrecked Odyssey met the lovely Princess Nausicaa. Some locals claim it was also the magical isle conjured up by Shakespeare in The Tempest. Corfu Town, a small and pleasant city, is the largest and most important town on the island. This is where the airport is located and where most ships cruise and long distance ferries dock. The Old Fortress is definitely one of Corfu’s landmarks. Built by the Venetians in 1546 on the site of a Byzantine castle, the fortress is separated from the rest of the town by a moat. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets dominated by the 16th century fortress. Around every corner you can find a chapel, old mansion or secret garden square. Between the Old Fortress and the Old Town, we find The Esplanade, with its arches and cafes, is considered the most beautiful esplanade in Greece. The Achillion Palace is ideally located in the picturesque village of Gastouri, 10 km south of the city centre. It was the summer residence of Empress Sissi from 1890 until her death in 1898. This beautiful building and its picturesque gardens overlooks the sea and Corfu town. On the north western tip of the island is the lively resort of Sidari. It's actually two small coastal villages connected by a long sweeping sandy beach. The Kanoni peninsula, with the 17th century monastery for women, is one of Corfu's best known landmarks and can be found on numerous postcards from the island. From the islet of Kanoni, it's possible to go by boat to another islet, the Mouse Island or Pontikonisi. Corfu's architecture is very diverse, influenced by the civilizations that once occupied the island. Mass tourism has turned parts of the island into eyesores but a surprising amount of the island still consists of olive groves, mountains or woodland. Corfu Town is a charming and elegant town, built between two fortresses. Corfu is considered one of Greece's most beautiful cities, and it is easy to understand why when you're strolling down the narrow streets and through the alleys, walking over spacious squares, visiting Byzantine churches and Venetian monuments. And of course, Corfu also has its natural beauty; the green-turquoise water that surrounds the town.
2. 01 May

   8 Days Ionian Cruise

   Guided tour
   

   • days 1–8

   Day 1: Embarkation in Corfu (D)

   Your Ionian adventure begins in Corfu, where the cruise departs every Saturday at 17:00 from the historic Old Port. Before setting sail, take a moment to wander through Corfu Town's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, a maze of Venetian-era streets lined with Greek tavernas, local product markets and antique shops. Once aboard, you'll be welcomed with drinks and settle into your cabin before enjoying dinner on board as the gulet prepares to set a course toward the Ionian Sea. Weather and timing permitting, the vessel may begin cruising toward Plataria, the first taste of the secluded bays and turquoise waters that define this island-hopping itinerary. The night is spent back at Corfu Town, giving everyone a relaxed first evening to settle into life at sea before the real exploring begins the following morning.

   
   

   Day 2: Sivota and the Blue Lagoon (B, L)

   Waking up to breakfast on board, the gulet sails south to the Sivota-Mourtos island complex, a scenic cluster known for its lush forests, olive-covered hills and sparkling white beaches rather than the rugged coastlines typical of other Greek islands. Highlights of the day include a refreshing swim stop at the famous Blue Lagoon and a chance to explore the atmospheric Papanikolis cave, one of the most talked-about sights in Sivota. Lunch is served on board between swim stops, leaving the afternoon free for sailing and relaxing on deck. As evening falls, stroll through the traditional Marina village of Sivota, where tavern-lined waterfronts invite you to sample local food and drink before returning to the gulet for the night.

   
   

   Day 3: Parga's Venetian Charm (B, L)

   Often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Greece, Parga greets you with two crystal-clear bays flanking the village and a striking Venetian castle overlooking the coastline. After breakfast and departure from Sivota, the day unfolds with sailing and a swim stop at Arila Bay, followed by lunch served on board. In the afternoon, there's time to explore Parga itself - wander up to the castle, browse the bars along the waterfront, or simply enjoy the picturesque scenery that makes this stop a highlight of the cruise. Evening brings more exploring and dining ashore, with Parga's relaxed atmosphere and summery charm leaving a lasting impression before the gulet continues its journey through the Ionian Sea.

   
   

   Day 4: Antipaxos' Hidden Beaches (B, L)

   The tiny island of Antipaxos is one of the true hidden gems of the Ionian Sea, and today's stop is built around its most tranquil, secluded bays. After breakfast and departure, the gulet anchors near Antipaxos for a swim stop at Voutoumi Bay, where turquoise waters invite snorkeling and the pebbled shore is perfect for unwinding. Lunch is enjoyed on board, after which there's time to walk along the clifftops or visit one of Antipaxos' three main towns - Gaios, Loggos or Lakka - each with its own character and charm. As night falls, many guests choose to dine at a pop-up beachfront tavern on a private stretch of coast, taking in the sparkling night sky from the gulet's deck as the Ionian day winds down.

   
   

   Day 5: Paxos and the Blue Caves (B, L)

   Paxos has long been celebrated for its excellent olive oil, and today you'll get to experience the lush green island for yourself. Following breakfast and departure, the morning is dedicated to sailing and a stop to explore the Blue Caves of Paxos, a dramatic coastal feature well worth the detour. Lunch is served on board before you have free time to rent a bicycle or bike and head to one of Paxos' secluded coves for an idyllic afternoon of sunbathing and swimming. In the evening, a Paxos Bus Tour is available as an optional activity, or you can simply relax at one of the local taverns in Gaios, sampling traditional Greek seafood and meze prepared by local fishermen.

   
   

   Day 6: Lakka's Secluded Coves (B, L)

   This corner of Paxos island, known as Lakka, is packed with secluded coves and sea caves that make it a dream destination for any sea explorer. After breakfast and departure, the gulet anchors in one of Lakka's private coves - since the vessel cannot dock directly at Lakka's marina - for a swim stop in the shallow, crystal-clear waters that have made the area a popular diving hotspot. Lunch is served on board, and the evening is marked by a special Captain's Dinner, a complimentary highlight where guests dine alongside the crew and captain. With its bars and tavernas dotted along the coast, Lakka embodies the relaxed, authentic charm that defines this part of the Ionian Sea.

   
   

   Day 7: Return to Corfu (B, L)

   The gulet arrives back at Corfu's Old Port in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time to explore both the new and Old Town before the cruise draws to a close. Climb up to the old Venetian fortress for sweeping views over the city, or wander the Old Town's lanes, picking up Greek souvenirs or ducking into a museum or church for one last dose of sightseeing. A swim stop at Vidos Island and lunch on board round out the day's activities before the group gathers for an optional traditional farewell dinner and a lively Corfu Greek Night at the marina. The final night is spent back on board, giving everyone one last evening together before the cruise comes to an end.

   
   

   Day 8: Disembarkation in Corfu (B)

   After a final breakfast on board, it's time to check out at 9:00 and say goodbye to the gulet, the crew and the fellow travelers who've shared the week's adventure through the Ionian Islands. With Corfu, Sivota, Parga, Antipaxos, Paxos and Lakka all explored over the past week, this final morning is a chance for last photos and farewells before everyone heads home, hopefully already planning a return visit to the Ionian Sea.

   
   

   B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner