GREEK IONIAN ISLANDS
SAILING TOUR

15 to 29 July 2023

15 Days / 14 Nights

From $ 5,795 AUD per person
Group Size - 20 pax average

Start: Lefkas, Greece
Finish: Lefkas, Greece

Sailing the Greek Islands. Just the thought of it conjures images of summer. It is the kind of place that brings you to the essentials of life and forces you to stop and relax. The Ionion Islands lie to the west of mainland Greece and they offer a unique flavour compared to their Aegean counterparts. Luscious green, mountainous islands dotted with olive groves, Byzantine remains and ancient fishing villages and not forgetting the beaches with stunning clear water!

Still unsure why you should sail the Ionian Islands? Here's why!

The Ionian Islands are some of the most picturesque and beautiful islands in Greece, featuring crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and lush greenery.

Unlike other Greek islands, the Ionian Sea is quite calm and peaceful, offering smooth sailing conditions for even the inexperienced sailor.

The Ionian Islands are relatively less crowded compared to other popular sailing destinations like the Aegean Islands, allowing for a more serene and peaceful sailing experience.

The islands have a rich history and culture, with locations like Kefalonia and Zakynthos featuring historical landmarks, museums, and Venetian architecture. We can even visit the Ancient site of Olympia!

So let traditional Greek hospitality prevail and be wined, dined and shown around until ... siesta time.
Ancient Greeks had a rule of hospitality (Xenia) which extends to people far from home. Today it is usually grandma who embodies this rule, she will invite you into her garden to eat grapes warm from the vine and she will insist you ‘eat, eat, eat’ until you cannot move more than two steps to the nearest bed to sleep it off.
We can't imagine anything better.

The Greek islands are where it all started for Mariner Boating, it’s a country that we hold dear to our hearts and we can’t wait to share it with you once more.

VIEW FULL ITINERARY

Pricing options

There are several ways for you to experience this amazing trip:

1. Travelling by yourself or with a friend/partner? Book a cabin!

From AU$5,795 per person - double share
From AU$8,795 per person - single share
Price includes private cabin and a professional skipper onboard

2. Travelling with your friends or family in a group? Sail your own yacht!
From $5,395 based on 6 people sharing 44ft yacht

Please contact us for more pricing options if you have a smaller group or would like a larger yacht

BOOK NOW

Why Mariner Boating Holidays?

Small group comfort
You’ll sail in comfort as part of a small group of yachts, sometimes called a Flotilla or Yacht Rally. The maximum group size is 30 people but usually you'll be sailing with around 20 people across 3 to 4 yachts.

More time to explore
Our tours give you more time to immerse yourself and really get a feel for the destination. Our trips also include more leisure days where you can choose how to spend your day!

Flexible joining options
Our trips are designed so that everyone can sail with us - single travellers, couples or larger groups/families! For 1 or 2 people we offer the option of booking a cabin (max 6 guests plus a professional skipper on the yacht), whilst groups and families can book the whole yacht for themselves.

30+ years of experience
We've been doing this awhile and tend to know a secret spot or two. We know you want to visit the main sights (and why wouldn't you!), but we also love to share our favourite spots you might not find otherwise.

Your guides
A Mariner Boating guide and a local technician will travel with you to assist with the yachts, berthing, provide navigational support and have intimate local knowledge of things to see and do along the way.

Your travelling companions
Every group is different, but typically you’ll find your co-travellers will be aged between 40 and 65, enjoy keeping active, love the ocean, have a sense of adventure, love fine foods, an occasional glass of wine, and a good chat.

Is this trip right for me?

Do I need to know how to sail?
Absolutely not - the only "qualification" for joining our sailing tours is a desire to see yourself on the deck of a sailboat in one of the great travelling destinations of the world

That being said, if you wish to book a whole yacht you will need to either have International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or organise a professional skipper.

Will I have my own bathroom?

While vessel layouts will vary depending on which yacht you choose, most yachts generally have cabins with a private bathroom attached or just outside.

If you book a cabin we will always guarantee a private bathroom, but if travelling as a group on your own yacht you may need to share.

What's life on board like?
Our yachts are modern and comfortable with areas to relax both below and on deck. Most yachts have 4 double cabins and are usually less than 5 years old. Below deck you will find the kitchen (galley) where you can prepare meals with the option to dine at the adjacent table or on deck in the open air.

So throw down a cushion, curl up and read a book, or make use of the easy access to the water for a swim.

Will I get seasick?
Sea legs come naturally to some but unfortunately not so much for others. Your Mariner Boating guide will be able to suggest some options to help you with the effects of sea sickness if needed. The majority of this trip is on a yacht though so you will need to feel comfortable moving about the vessel, including using the stairs to get to cabins etc. below deck.

Sailing Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday
Arrive Preveza Airport and make your own way to Lefkas.
We’ll embark the yachts then enjoy a group dinner and overnight at the marina. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 2 - Sunday
This morning we'll sail to the south of Lefkas Island, where we will overnight in town of Vasiliki .

Day 3 - Monday
Our destination for today is Fiskardo, on the island of Kefalonia. The village of Fiskardo is built around its waterfront with many private yachts and small fishing boats. The main coastal road hosts plenty of shops, taverns and bars and it throbs with activity during the summer. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 4 - Tuesday
Spend a full day enjoying Fiskardo or take a day trip overland to Assos and explore Venetian ruins, swim with the fish in the clear waters at Embelisis cove.

Day 5 - Wednesday
This morning we will have our choice of beautiful bays for a swim and lunch stop, before a short sail to Sami, also on the island Kefalonia. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 6 - Thursday
Enjoy a full day in the small village of Sami. We recommend spending the day in the beautiful countryside, discovering nearby ancient ruins or the Melissani Cave Lake.

Day 7 - Friday
Today we will sail to Agios Nikolaos, Zakynthos. The beach of Agios Nikolaos is located 32 km north west of Zakynthos Town and owns its name to the little chapel that stands on the left side of the beach. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 8 - Saturday
Set sail for the Gulf of Lagana. Relax this afternoon with the choice to swim through sea caves with logger head turtles, mingle with locals or trek to hilltop villages.

Day 9 - Sunday
Today we will sail to Katakolon, Peloponnese, our gateway to Ancient Greece's Olympia.

Day 10 - Monday
Included today is a guided tour to the Olympia Archaeological Site. Enjoy a trip 'back in time' in the rich and fascinating history of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Our tour will also include free time in the modern town of Olympia plus a stop at a beautiful, traditional family winery, where you will be offered a guided tour by the owner around the vineyards and get an insight about their wine.

Day 11 - Tuesday
Today we sail to Poros, Kefalonia, where you'll find serene landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere.

Day 12 - Wednesday
Spend a leisurely morning in Poros before sailing to Kioni, Ithaki. The charming traditional village of Kioni sits on the eastern side of Ithaki island. This unique town was built amphitheatrically on the slopes of a mountain, overlooking the picturesque port.

Day 13 - Thursday
Spend the morning enjoying Kioni before we head inland for a scenic drive and lunch. Lunch is included today.

Day 14 - Friday
Today is our final sailing day as we head back for our last night in Lefkas marina.

Join us for a fun farewell dinner tonight and share your favourite stories from the trip. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 15 - Saturday
Disembark and continue onward with your adventures of Greece or beyond.

What's included?

• 14 nights’ overnight accommodation on yacht
• 1 lunch & 5 dinners ashore during the sailing itinerary

• Olympia Archaeological Site tour

• Professional skipper onboard if booking a cabin
• 24/7 support from experienced guides
• 24/7 professional technical assistance for the yacht

Also included:
• Berthing/marina fees for first nights in Lefkas, Fiskardo, Sami, Agios Nikolaos, Kioni, Katakolon

• Bed linen and bath towels for two weeks
• Standard navigation equipment
• End of charter cleaning
•  Daily weather updates, regular newsletters with activity suggestions and local information

Additional costs
• All flights

• Pre & Post Accommodation or land arrangements e.g. transfers
• Local tourist taxes & National Park fees
• If you require a skipper the total cost is approx. AU$285 per day + food + cabin
• Personal travel insurance
• Reduced refundable yacht security deposit payable at the base
• On board provisioning or meals ashore for meals not included
• Fuel for the yacht and outboard motor (Estimate AU$300 total)
• Drinks during dinners or tours ashore are not included unless specified

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended by Mariner Boating Holidays. Travellers should ensure they have a valid policy at time of booking. Your travel insurance policy must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the heads of cover. MBH also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects.

Please Note
• A deposit of AU$1,500 per person is required to confirm a booking
• The designated skipper on board your yacht must possess suitable experience and qualifications
• Prices are subject to currency fluctuation until paid in full
• Credit card transactions are subject to merchant fees
• Single supplement may apply for private cabins
• The prices are correct at the time of issue but subject to change without notice


Enquire now to book your spot or to learn more about exploring
Ionian Islands in 2023