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Travel through the Ionian Sea aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day circular voyage beginning and ending in Corfu.
The route brings together the larger islands of Lefkas, Zakynthos and Kefalonia with the quieter shores of Antipaxi and Paxi, the sheltered bays around Sivota and the Albanian Riviera. Each day reveals a different part of the region: white limestone cliffs, sea caves, mountain landscapes, small island harbours and clear-water anchorages surrounded by olive-covered hills.
Life on board follows the rhythm of the sea. Mornings may begin with breakfast on deck as the ship approaches a new island, while afternoons are divided between exploring ashore and spending time in the water. Guests can swim directly from the ship, snorkel, use kayaks and windsurf boards or relax in the Jacuzzi while the scenery changes around them.
The itinerary also introduces the cultural variety of the Ionian region. Venetian architecture can be found in Corfu and Paxi, traditional villages are scattered across Kefalonia and Lefkas, and Saranda opens the way to the ancient ruins of Butrint and the landscapes of southern Albania.
Full-board dining, spacious outdoor decks and a limited number of guests create a relaxed onboard experience throughout the journey. The Illyrian Cruise is suited to travellers who want to combine island-hopping, swimming and sailing with enough time to discover each destination at their own pace.
Welcome aboard
Afternoon
Arrive in Corfu and make your way to board Running on Waves. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and explore the ship’s open decks, lounge areas and onboard facilities.
Depending on your arrival time, take a walk through Corfu Old Town before embarkation. Narrow lanes, shaded squares, Venetian fortifications and the arcaded Liston promenade reflect the island’s long history between Greece, Italy and the wider Adriatic.
Evening
The voyage begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.
Spend the evening getting to know the ship and the other guests as Running on Waves leaves Corfu and begins its passage south towards Lefkas.
| Estimated time of arrival: | |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 22:00 |
Small islands and clear water
Morning
After breakfast, spend the morning surrounded by Antipaxi island’s clear turquoise water, pale beaches and low green hills.
Antipaxi is considerably smaller and quieter than neighbouring Paxi. The island is known for its vineyards, secluded coastline and beaches such as Voutoumi and Vrika, where white pebbles and light sand create an almost tropical contrast with the Ionian Sea.
Day
The ship remains at Antipaxi until approximately 15:00, leaving plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling and exploring the coast by kayak. Guests can also relax on deck or enjoy the water directly from the ship’s swimming platform.
In the afternoon, Running on Waves leaves Antipaxi and continues towards Paxi, arriving at approximately 16:00.
Go ashore to discover one of the island’s harbour towns. Gaios, the capital of Paxi, is reached through a narrow channel protected by the green islets of Panagia and Agios Nikolaos. Its waterfront is lined with cafés, small shops and traditional tavernas, while the streets behind the harbour reveal pastel-coloured houses and elements of Venetian architecture.
Evening
Running on Waves remains in Paxi overnight, allowing guests to experience the island after most daytime visitors have departed.
Spend the evening walking along the illuminated harbour, having a drink by the water or enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the old streets. Dinner may be served on board according to the cruise programme, with additional time available to explore ashore.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | Next day 06:00 |
Caves, mountains and harbour villages
Morning
Wake as the ship approaches Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands. Its landscape combines steep mountains, fir forests, colourful coastal villages and deep bays surrounded by limestone slopes.
After breakfast, prepare for a day of swimming, coastal exploration or an optional excursion into the island’s interior.
Day
One of Kefalonia’s best-known natural landmarks is Melissani Cave, where small rowing boats cross an underground lake illuminated through an opening in the cave roof.
Other possible stops include Drogarati Cave, Myrtos Beach or the harbour villages of Assos and Fiskardo. Each reveals a different side of the island, from dramatic landscapes to Venetian architecture and quiet waterfront streets.
Guests remaining near the ship can spend the afternoon swimming, snorkelling or relaxing on deck.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner. The evening passage is shorter as the ship continues north towards the smaller islands of Antipaxi and Paxi.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 20:00 |
Sea caves and protected coastline
Morning
Begin the day beside the white cliffs and vivid blue water of Zakynthos. Breakfast is served on board as the ship approaches one of the island’s coastal anchorages.
The northern part of Zakynthos is shaped by limestone formations, secluded coves and natural caves carved by the sea.
Day
Weather permitting, explore the coastline around the Blue Caves. Sunlight reflects from the pale rock beneath the surface, creating changing shades of blue inside the caves and along the surrounding cliffs.
Swim, snorkel or take a kayak closer to the rocky shoreline. There may also be time to go ashore and experience another side of Zakynthos through its villages, viewpoints and local waterfront tavernas.
The island is also home to protected nesting areas of the loggerhead sea turtle. Wildlife sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed, and all activities depend on local environmental regulations.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and time on deck. The ship leaves Zakynthos and begins its passage towards Kefalonia.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | Next day 00:00 |
White cliffs and Ionian beaches
Morning
Wake on the open sea as Running on Waves approaches Lefkas. Breakfast is served on board with views of the island’s green mountains and pale limestone coastline.
Lefkas is connected to mainland Greece by a narrow causeway, yet its western coast has the dramatic character of a remote island. High cliffs descend towards long beaches, while the eastern side is calmer and protected by smaller islands.
Day
Spend the day exploring the coastline, swimming from the ship or going ashore, depending on the selected anchorage and weather conditions.
The island is known for beaches such as Porto Katsiki and Egremni, where white cliffs meet deep blue water. Other possibilities include the waterfront town of Nydri, Lefkas Town or one of the quieter bays along the coast.
Kayaks, snorkelling equipment and windsurf boards are available whenever conditions permit.
Evening
Return to the ship for dinner and a relaxed evening on deck. Running on Waves continues south towards Zakynthos as the sun sets across the Ionian Sea.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | Next day 00:00 |
Islands and the Blue Lagoon
Morning
Wake near Sivota, a coastal village surrounded by small green islands, sheltered coves and calm stretches of clear water.
Breakfast is served on deck as the ship approaches its anchorage.
Day
Spend the day around the Sivota islands. The area is particularly suited to swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, with protected bays and short distances between the islands.
One of the best-known locations is the Blue Lagoon, also called Pisina, where transparent turquoise water is enclosed by a wooded shoreline.
There may also be time to go ashore in Sivota, walk around the marina, explore the waterfront or stop at a local café.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a quiet evening on board. The ship prepares to cross the narrow channel towards the Albanian coast.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 09:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 21:00 |
The Albanian Riviera
Morning
Arrive in Saranda, a coastal city overlooking the Ionian Sea and the channel between Albania and Corfu.
After breakfast, go ashore to explore the waterfront independently or join an optional excursion into the surrounding region.
Day
One of the main destinations near Saranda is Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site set between woodland, wetlands and the waters of Lake Butrint.
The ruins preserve traces of several civilisations, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian structures. Temples, city walls, a theatre and an early Christian baptistery can be explored within the archaeological park.
Other possible destinations include the beaches around Ksamil, the Blue Eye spring or viewpoints above Saranda, depending on the available time and excursion programme.
Evening
Return to the ship for the final dinner of the voyage. Running on Waves leaves Albania and crosses back towards Corfu, with the lights of the island gradually appearing across the water.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 22:00 |
End of the voyage
Morning
Running on Waves arrives back in Corfu. Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew and the guests who have shared the journey.
Disembarkation marks the end of the cruise, but the trip can be extended with additional time on the island. Explore Corfu Old Town, visit the Venetian fortresses or spend another day beside the Ionian Sea.
Eight days after departure, the voyage concludes where it began, after a week of island-hopping, swimming, sailing and discovering the changing landscapes of Greece and Albania.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: |
* Please note the quoted timing (arrival /departure time to/from the islands) is indicative and may slightly change due to weather conditions and especially for the sake of better provisioning of all the activities and benefits of the cruise.
YOUR EARLY BOOKING BENEFITS:
30% off the cabin fare if booked more than 9 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise;
20% off the cabin fare if booked 9 to 6 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise;
10% off the cabin fare if booked 6 to 3 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise.
Please note that the above discounts do not have direct force. They can be revoked or renewed again depending on bokking situation. Please refer to your booking confirmation to see if a discount applies.
- Full board
- Coffee/ tea and still water, crackers free during the day at the bar counter
- Kayaks, windsurf boards, fins and masks for snorkeling
- Entertainments on board: show and animation programs, sails practices, yoga classes, karaoke (activities are indicative and may differ from cruise to cruise, depending on weather, cruise schedule, cruise program, cruise itinerary, guests' preferences, etc)
- SAT TV in the cabins
- Jacuzzi
- Cocktails, alcohol and drinks in the bar
- Diving equipment and diving instructor services, underwater group tours
- Water ski, wakeboards etc.
- Bus excursions with invited guide
- Laundry services
- Air tickets, transfer and visa cost
- Port charges
- Service charge (tips) (on passengers decision)
- 2 adults +1 child 8-12 years, discount for children (in Economy class) - 100% off
- 2 adults +1 child 12-18 years, discount for children (in Economy class) - 50% off
- 1 adult + 1 child 8-12 years, discount for children (in Standard & Premium class) - 50% off
- 1 adult + 1 child 12-18 years, discount for children (in Standard & Premium class) - 25% off
Notice: For safety reasons children are allowed on board starting from the age of 8. Children under 8 may be allowed on board by special permission of the Company.