Ionian Jewels Cruise
Overview
Explore the Northern Ionian Islands – Corfu, Sivota, Antipaxoi, Plataria, Paxoi, and other lesser known islands – off Greece’s west coast.Small Ship Cruising
- Guaranteed Departures
- Small Ship Cruise
- Unique Itineraries
Itinerary
Our Corfu cruise starts on Saturdays, at 17:00. Disembarkation, also takes place on Saturdays, exactly one week after embarkation, at 09:00.
With this in mind, we start our journey from Corfu’s Old Port, which is full of Greek tavernas, local product markets and plenty of antique shops.
Apart from that, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed “Old Town” offers a unique scenic experience, given its architecture and general structure which is quite unique!
Note: In case that all of our guests are on board by 17:00 and weather conditions allow us to, we might cruise towards our 1st destination which is Plataria.
The Ionian Islands are the wettest of the Greek islands, so forget about the typical rugged, rocky coasts of Greece.
The Ionian Sea will amaze you with its lush forests, green hills covered with olive groves, crystal clear waters and sparkling white beaches! You can find this descriptive scenery, hidden among the Sivota – Mourtos Islands, which are located south of Corfu’s mainland.
We arrive here, on the second day and while we are at this island complex, we need to visit its highlights, the blue lagoon and the famous Papanikolis cave!
Later into the day, don’t miss out on strolling through the traditional Marina village and before you leave, be sure to grab something to eat and drink from the numerous idyllic tavern-lined tavernas, which are located on the marina, above the shore!
Optional activity - Plataria oil tasting.
Parga has been described as one of the most beautiful villages in Greece and undoubtingly, as the most beautiful in the Ionian Sea!
With its two crystal clear bays, each on both sides of the village, its famous Venetian castle, and its numerous bars and water sports facilities, Parga is a must-see for your summer holidays!
Grab your hats and sunglasses, put on plenty of sunscreen and prepare to create some forever-lasting Greek summer memories, at this beautiful, picturesque destination!
Note: Due to Parga’s undeveloped-port infrastructure, there is not plenty of available space, on the marina, which means, that in case the gullet does not manage to dock at the port, you will need to use a water taxi, to reach the shore. The cost, for this, is not included in the overall price package!
Optional activity - Parga wine tasting.
The small island of Antipaxos is a true hidden gem and will be, a one-of-a-kind experience, for you!
While here, we fuel up with lunch, before stopping for some coastal relaxation, at some of the island’s most secluded and tranquil bays, which are home to the famous Greek beaches of Voutoumi and Vrika!
You will have the chance, to snorkel, in the turquoise waters and feel the pebbles under your feet! Take a walk amongst the clifftop and visit one of the three main towns – Gaios, Loggos or Lakka.
Later in the night, we dine at a pop-up beachfront tavern, on a private beach off the public-main coast, and admire the sparkling night sky, from our gulet’s deck!
Note: The late-night dinner, is not included in the initial package price.
Until recently, Paxos was best known for its excellent olive oil, which is rumored to be one of the world’s, best varieties!
Enjoy the lush green scenery of this tiny island, by renting a bicycle or a bike and head to any of its secluded coves to spend an idyllic summer afternoon, while sunbathing and swimming!
After returning to the city, enjoy some traditional local Greek seafood or even Meze, at one of the many local taverns, which are run by the local fishermen!
Optional activity - Paxoi Bus Tour.
This part of Paxos Island is packed with secluded coves and sea caves. A true dream, for any sea explorer!
Lakka is home to a small but vibrant village with shallow waters, known as a diving hotspot, for those who want to discover the Ionian Sea, by exploring its underwater wonders!
With multiple bars and tavernas, off the coast, Lakka is the epitome of Greek charm!
Note: The vessel cannot dock at Lakka’s marina, that is why we dock at one, of its numerous, secluded private coves!
We arrive at Corfu’s Old Port, in the afternoon, which means that we will have enough time, to roam around its new and Old Town!
Head to the old Venetian fortress to see the city from up high, or walk through the Old Town, admiring its gems, if of course, you have a couple of hours left!
While in the Old Town, make some time, to grab some Greek local souvenirs, or visit its museums and churches for a last sightseeing!
We spend the night at the Marina of Corfu’s Old Town, where we enjoy an optional traditional dinner with the group, for our final farewell party! After that, we head to the gulet, to enjoy our last night together on board, and on the next day, early in the morning, we sadly depart.
Optional activity - Corfu Greek Night.
As we have successfully cruised around Corfu and its island complex, this is our departure day..
We say goodbye to each other, take some last photos and head back!
Hopefully, though, we will see you again. Until then, we wish you all the best!
Inclusions
- Onboard En-Suite Accommodation
- The Crew (Captain, Engineer, Steward, Chef)
- The Daily Fuel Consumption (4 hours/day)
- Half Board
- Welcome & Captain’s Dinner
- Private Beach & Swim Stops
- Use of Snorkeling Equipment
- Basic Bath Amenities
- Free Cellular Wi-Fi (Subject to Limitation)
- A/C (Subject to Limitation)
Exclusions
- Flights –Not Optional
- Accommodation Pre/Post Cruise
- Local Transportation
- Excursions/Activities
- Full Board/Dinners
- Drinks/Drink Packages
- Overnight A/C & Fan
- SUP / Kayak
- Port Fees: AUD 357/person (Mandatory, not optional)
Kindly note, that although not included, all the above-mentioned exclusions, except the flights are optional.
Notes
Join our Gulet Hera cruise, a comfy gulet with 9 cabins for up to 25 passengers. Enjoy a week-long itinerary covering Sivota, Parga, Paxos, and Antipaxos (Gaios and Lakka) for an adventure and historical sightseeing. Cabins offer comfort mattress, wardrobe, reading light, a/c, a hairdryer, and a private shower.
Meeting Point: Corfu’s Old Port
Check-in (Embarkation):Saturday (July-October) at 17:00
Departure: Sunday (July-October) at 09:00
Check-out (Disembarkation):Following Saturday at 09:00
Note
-The itinerary is subject to change, due to inclement weather, difficulties at docking, or further unforeseen circumstances. This decision will be made solely at your captain’s discretion, based on the vessel’s and group’s safety.
-If all passengers are onboard before 17:00 on Saturday, the vessel will most probably depart to Plataria (North of Sivota), instead of departing the following day on Sunday.
-All our vessels embark/disembark on Corfu’s Old Port.
-We can arrange private transfers to and from your preferred location, tailored to your needs, either before or after your cruise.
Operational and Important Information:
1. All cabin lights, fans, showers, and toilets onboard, work at 220W. Additionally, as the vessels are equipped with batteries that supply an output of 220W, there is no need for an external power supply for the electronics inside your cabin to operate.
2. The onboard Wi-Fi router works only when the vessels are connected to the equivalent port’s power supply, or while the onboard generator is working.
3. The A/C on board is working only when the generator is on and running but unfortunately due to local port regulations,
generators are prohibited from working after midnight.
4. The power supply from the shores at Corfu, Sivota, and/or Plataria (weak infrastructure) is not powerful enough to operate all our A/C units simultaneously.
Note: The ports we dock at, Parga, Antipaxos, Gaios & Lakka do not have electricity at all.
5. The standard daily operating hours for all onboard A/C devices is up to 6 hours and does not include any type of overnight service.
For the overnight A/C service, you will have to upgrade your cabin entry, at an additional cost of AUD 333 per person.
6. Onboard cleaning service includes daily basic floor cleaning, dusting, bin changing, bathroom cleaning and the sanitization of all shared areas. During the weekly cruise, our stewards change sheets and bath towels once.
7. Cabin keys are not provided for locking the cabins. If you have personal belongings that you wish to keep secure, you can entrust them to the Captain for safekeeping.
8. Regarding shower water, you can have a shower at any given time of the day.
Keep in mind that when the gulet is docked at any of the ports we visit, the engines are turned off, the water flow is reduced, and thus there is in no warm/hot water after midnight. Also, all water tanks onboard are limited, meaning when multiple cabins shower at once, hot water is likely to run out faster. If this happens, and you do not have warm/hot water available, inform your operating Captain so that he can activate the water heater. After 15 to 20 minutes, you will have warm/hot water again.
Important Note: The only additional expenses passengers need to take into consideration are the local port fees, which all guests need to pay in cash, at their arrival directly to the Captain. The port fees are at AUD 357 per person.
Solo Traveller: If you want to have your own private cabin, there will be an extra charge of 50% of the total amount of 1 person’s price.
Cabin Information:
Standard Cabin Type: All our standard cabins besides, their comfortable mattresses, are ensuite with their own shower, a hair dryer, a wardrobe for storage, reading lights, their own individual A/C device and an electric fan!
Premium Cabin Type: Our premium cabins are available on the majority of our gulets, always subject to availability. By premium cabin we define cabins that have a separate shower box inside the WC, and also cabins with more space compared to the other cabins on board.
Regarding our cabins, we do have a variety of doubles/twins (lower beds/bunk beds) and a few triples and quads, depending on your cruise package and demand.
*We cannot guarantee any specific bank ATM at any of the destinations we visit, so we advise you to have cash during the cruise.
Please note that the prices tend to increase from those listed below, as prices fluctuate, depending on the availability and the period.
Our main cruising periods are:
Peak period (July, August)
Shoulder period (June, September)
Low period (May, October)
The below-stated prices are subject to change without any notice. Keep in mind, that as the departure date of the sailing tour comes closer, the prices might increase, so it is wise to book in advance and secure the cheapest price possible!
In case of any price increase/decrease, you will be informed in time, accordingly. Prices fluctuate regularly, in line with the demand. Our Price Promise ensures clients, who book early, that they will never have to pay more, than those who book quite after them.
