Travel from Corfu to Athens aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day journey combining cycling, sailing, watersports and cultural exploration.
The route connects the green Ionian Islands with the western and southern coasts of the Peloponnese. Guests travel through Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Katakolo, Pylos, Gytheio and Nafplion, discovering underground lakes, limestone caves, protected bays, archaeological sites and historic harbour towns before completing the voyage in Athens.
Cycling expeditions lead through karst valleys, olive groves, mountain landscapes and coastal roads. The routes connect the ship with destinations such as Melissani Cave, Ancient Olympia, Polylimnio Waterfalls, Voidokilia Beach, the Diros Caves and Ancient Mycenae. Some stages can also be completed by bus as an optional alternative.
The programme extends beyond cycling. Guests can join a step-by-step mast-climbing lesson, swim directly from the ship, use the slide and watersports equipment, take a private boat to the Blue Caves of Zakynthos or spend time exploring local towns independently. Optional experiences include a private vintage-car collection and a tasting of Kefalonia’s Robola wine.
Full-board dining, spacious outdoor decks and a limited number of guests make Running on Waves a comfortable base throughout the journey. This cruise is designed for active travellers who want to combine days on two wheels with Mediterranean landscapes, ancient history and life aboard a tall ship.
Cruise highlights
Sea adventure - History - Cycling
Afternoon
Arrive in Corfu and make your way to the port to board Running on Waves. After checking into your cabin, meet the crew and the other guests joining the journey.
Take time to explore the ship’s open decks and onboard facilities before departure. Depending on your arrival time, walk through Corfu Old Town, where narrow streets, arcaded squares and Venetian fortifications reveal the island’s long connection with the Adriatic.
Evening
The cruise begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.
The programme for the week is introduced, and guests have time to settle in as Running on Waves leaves Corfu and begins the passage towards Kefalonia.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 01.05.2027 |
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| Estimated time of departure: | 20:00 |
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands. Its landscape combines mountain slopes, karst valleys, traditional settlements and a long, irregular coastline.
During the passage, join the crew for a step-by-step mast-climbing lesson. After a safety introduction, climb above the deck for a different perspective on the ship and the surrounding Ionian Sea.
Day
After arriving, prepare for a cycling expedition towards Melissani Cave. The route leads through the island’s karst landscape and along sections of its elongated coastline.
At Melissani, small rowing boats cross an underground lake illuminated by sunlight entering through an opening in the cave roof. After the visit, continue exploring the surrounding roads and settlements before returning to the ship.
An optional excursion is available to a private collection of vintage cars, including early European models.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and time to recover after the ride.
Guests may also join an optional evening tasting of Robola, Kefalonia’s characteristic local wine.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 02.05.2027 12:00 |
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| Estimated time of departure: | 03.05.2027 08:00 |
Morning
Sail towards Zakynthos, an island shaped by pale limestone cliffs, sea caves and clear blue water.
After arriving, Running on Waves anchors for a day centred on the sea. The crew lowers the swimming platform and slide, giving guests direct access to the water.
Day
Spend time swimming, snorkelling or using the ship’s watersports equipment.
Visit Xigia Beach, a small cove enclosed by high rock formations. Its dramatic coastline and distinctive water colour make it one of the most unusual settings on the island.
The programme also includes an opportunity to take a small private boat to the Blue Caves of Zakynthos. Sunlight reflects from the limestone and clear water, filling the caves with changing shades of blue.
Evening
Running on Waves remains at Zakynthos overnight.
Spend the evening relaxing on board or go ashore for dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Meals and drinks purchased ashore are paid for separately.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 03.05.2027 14:00 |
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| Estimated time of departure: | 04.05.2027 08:00 |
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Katakolo, a small harbour on the western coast of the Peloponnese.
After breakfast, prepare your bicycle and receive the route briefing for the day.
Day
Cycle inland towards Ancient Olympia, the archaeological site where the ancient Olympic Games originated.
Explore the remains of the stadium, the temples of Zeus and Hera and the buildings once used by athletes and officials. The surrounding countryside adds a quieter side to the ride, with agricultural landscapes and small settlements between the harbour and Olympia.
Guests who prefer not to cycle can join an optional bus ride and excursion to the archaeological site for an additional charge.
Evening
Return to Katakolo and board Running on Waves.
Dinner is served on board, followed by a relaxed evening and time to recover before the next cycling stage.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 04.05.2027 12:00 |
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| Estimated time of departure: | 04.05.2027 23:00 |
Morning
Arrive in Pylos, a coastal town built above the wide natural harbour of Navarino Bay.
The surrounding region brings together beaches, lagoons, caves, castles and waterfalls, creating one of the most varied landscapes of the cruise.
Day
Begin a daytime cycling route towards Polylimnio Waterfalls, a chain of pools and cascades hidden among vegetation and rocky slopes.
The ride continues towards Voidokilia Beach, known for its almost perfectly curved bay and surrounding dunes. After time beside the water, return towards Pylos through the countryside.
The programme also includes an opportunity to visit Methoni Castle, situated south of Pylos beside the sea.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and time on deck.
Spend the evening looking across Navarino Bay as the ship prepares to continue around the southern Peloponnese.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 05.05.2027 08:00 |
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| Estimated time of departure: | 05.05.2027 20:00 |
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Gytheio, a colourful harbour town that once served as the port of ancient Sparta.
After breakfast, prepare for a cycling route through the landscapes of the Mani Peninsula.
Day
Cycle from Gytheio towards the Diros Caves, travelling through a region of dry mountain scenery, stone villages and traditional tower houses.
At the caves, an underground system of chambers and waterways extends beneath the Mani landscape. After the visit, begin the return journey towards the ship.
Along the way, discover the distinctive architecture of the Mani Tower Houses and sample regional specialities such as cured pork and traditional village sausage.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a quiet evening on board.
The ship leaves Gytheio and continues east towards the Argolic Gulf.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 06.05.2027 08:00 |
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| Estimated time of departure: | 06.05.2027 18:00 |
Morning
Arrive in Nafplion, one of Greece’s most atmospheric historic coastal towns.
After breakfast, prepare for the final cycling route of the voyage, leading inland towards Ancient Mycenae.
Day
Cycle through the Argolid countryside to the archaeological site of Mycenae, once one of the most influential centres of Bronze Age Greece.
Explore the Lion Gate, the fortified citadel and the monumental tombs before returning towards Nafplion. Optional bus excursions to the surrounding historical sites may also be arranged for an additional charge.
Later, spend time exploring Nafplion on foot. Walk through the Medieval Old Town, visit its waterfront and discover the fortresses, churches and monasteries that reflect the town’s layered history.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for the farewell dinner.
Spend the final evening on deck as the ship prepares for its last passage towards Athens.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 07.05.2027 10:00 |
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| Estimated time of departure: | 07.05.2027 20:00 |
Morning
Running on Waves arrives in Piraeus, the port of Athens.
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew and the guests who have shared the journey.
After disembarkation, continue to the airport or extend your stay in Athens. The cruise concludes after eight days combining cycling expeditions, island landscapes, archaeological sites, watersports and tall-ship sailing.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 08.05.2027 08:00 |
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| 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.
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
Road bike
Guided or individual cycling tours as described in the itinerary
English and German speaking tour guide (Greek)
Kayaks, windsurf boards, fins and masks for snorkeling
Entertainments on board: show and animation programs, sails practices, 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
Road bikes Cannondale Disk 5
E-Bikes rental cost: approx. 315 euro / week Cannondale Tesoro X 2 StepThru; approx. 525 euro / week Specialized TURBO TERO 4.0
Itinerary changes:
* Please note that the quoted timing (arrival /departure time to/from the islands, as well as some ports) 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.
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.
Add me to the waiting list / 1 May 2027 - 8 May 2027