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Early Bird 20% Discount
10 July 2027 - 17 July 2027
8 days / 7 nights
8 days / 7 nights
Travel through the Ionian Sea aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day circular voyage connecting Greece and Albania.
Beginning and ending in Corfu, the route brings together Saranda and the southern Albanian coast, the sheltered islands around Syvota, the smaller shores of Paxi and Antipaxi, and the larger Ionian islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Lefkas. Each day introduces a new landscape, from forested bays and limestone caves to mountain islands, white cliffs and colourful waterfront towns.
The journey balances exploration ashore with long hours beside the water. Guests can walk through historic towns, discover local harbours and join optional guided excursions, including a possible visit to Butrint, the UNESCO-listed archaeological landscape near Saranda. Other days are shaped by swimming stops, island walks and time in the clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Between destinations, guests can use the ship’s kayaks, windsurf boards, snorkelling equipment and water slide, relax in the Jacuzzi or join onboard activities such as sail handling, knot tying, master classes and mast climbing. The exact programme is adapted to weather, sea conditions and the sailing schedule.
Full-board dining, spacious outdoor decks and a limited number of guests create a comfortable base throughout the voyage. The Illyrian Cruise is designed for travellers who want to combine island-hopping, swimming, cultural discovery and life aboard a tall ship, without spending the entire journey in the busiest Mediterranean ports.
Welcome aboard
Afternoon
Arrive in Corfu and make your way to the port to board Running on Waves. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and the other guests joining the voyage.
Take time to explore the ship’s open decks and onboard facilities. Depending on your arrival time, walk through Corfu Old Town before embarkation. Its narrow lanes, neoclassical buildings and Venetian fortifications reflect the island’s strategic position at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea.
Evening
The voyage begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.
Spend the evening becoming familiar with the ship as Running on Waves leaves Corfu and begins the short crossing towards the Albanian coast.
| Estimated time of arrival: | |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 10 Jul 2027 20:00 |
The Albanian Riviera and ancient Butrint
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Saranda, a coastal city overlooking the narrow channel between Albania and Corfu.
After breakfast, go ashore to walk along the waterfront, explore the city independently or join an optional excursion into the surrounding region.
Day
One of the main destinations near Saranda is Butrint, located approximately 20 kilometres from the modern city. The archaeological landscape preserves remains from several periods, including its development as a Greek settlement, Roman city, Byzantine centre and later Venetian possession.
The ruins are surrounded by woodland, wetlands and water, creating a setting where archaeological monuments and the Mediterranean landscape remain closely connected. Other possible destinations include the beaches around Ksamil or viewpoints overlooking Saranda and the Ionian Sea.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and time on deck.
The ship leaves Albania and crosses back towards mainland Greece and the sheltered coastline around Syvota.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 11 Jul 2027 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 11 Jul 2027 23:30 |
The Blue Lagoon and sheltered islands
Morning
Wake near Syvota, a small coastal destination surrounded by forested islets, hidden coves and clear turquoise water.
Breakfast is served on board as Running on Waves approaches one of the area’s protected anchorages.
Day
Spend the day around the Syvota islands. The area is particularly suited to swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, with short distances between secluded beaches and rocky shores.
One of the best-known locations is the Blue Lagoon, also called Pisina, where bright turquoise water is enclosed by a green, undeveloped coastline. Depending on the anchorage and sea conditions, guests can swim directly from the ship, take out a kayak or explore nearby caves and coves.
There may also be time to go ashore in Syvota, walk around the marina or stop at one of the cafés and tavernas along the waterfront.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a relaxed evening on deck.
The ship continues west towards the smaller islands of Paxi and Antipaxi.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 12 Jul 2027 10:30 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 13 Jul 2027 00:00 |
Island harbours and clear-water beaches
Morning
Begin the day near Paxi, an island of olive-covered hills, white cliffs and small harbour settlements.
Go ashore to explore one of the island’s villages. Gaios, the main town, lies behind two green islets and is known for its compact waterfront, narrow streets, cafés and Venetian-influenced houses.
Day
Running on Waves later continues towards neighbouring Antipaxi, a much smaller island known for secluded beaches and exceptionally clear water.
Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkelling or kayaking near beaches such as Voutoumi and Vrika. The pale seabed and surrounding vegetation create some of the brightest water colours on the route. Paxi’s coastline is also shaped by sea caves, rocky arches and high white cliffs that are best appreciated from the water.
Evening
Return to the ship for dinner and watch the smaller islands recede behind the stern.
Running on Waves begins the passage south towards Kefalonia.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 13 Jul 2027 10:30 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 13 Jul 2027 20:00 |
Caves, mountains and harbour villages
Morning
Wake as the ship approaches Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands.
Its landscape combines steep mountains, forested slopes, vineyards, deep bays and colourful coastal settlements. Breakfast is served on board before a day of independent exploration, swimming or optional excursions.
Day
One of the island’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 highlights include Drogarati Cave, the harbour villages of Assos or Fiskardo, local wineries and the island’s beaches. Guests remaining near the ship can swim, snorkel, kayak or spend the afternoon relaxing on deck.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner.
Spend the evening surrounded by Kefalonia’s mountainous coastline as the ship prepares to continue towards Zakynthos.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 14 Jul 2027 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 14 Jul 2027 22:00 |
Blue Caves and limestone coastline
Morning
Begin the day beside the pale cliffs and vivid blue water of Zakynthos.
Breakfast is served on board as Running on Waves approaches one of the island’s coastal anchorages.
Day
Weather permitting, explore the northern coastline around the Blue Caves, where arches and chambers have been carved into the white limestone. Sunlight reflecting through the clear water creates changing shades of blue along the cave walls and beneath the surface.
Spend time swimming, snorkelling or kayaking closer to the rocky coast. There may also be an opportunity to go ashore and explore the island’s villages, viewpoints or waterfront areas.
Zakynthos is also associated with protected nesting areas of the loggerhead sea turtle. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and activities near protected zones depend on local environmental rules.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a relaxed evening at sea.
The ship leaves Zakynthos and begins its passage north towards Lefkas.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 15 Jul 2027 08:30 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 15 Jul 2027 23:30 |
Harbour life and clear-water beaches
Day
Running on Waves later continues towards neighbouring Antipaxi, a much smaller island known for its secluded beaches and exceptionally clear turquoise water.
Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkelling or exploring the coast by kayak. Beaches such as Voutoumi and Vrika are surrounded by low green hills, with pale sand and white pebbles visible through the transparent water.
Depending on the anchorage and sea conditions, guests can swim directly from the ship, use the water slide or simply relax on deck beside one of the most peaceful island landscapes of the voyage.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for the farewell dinner and the final evening on board.
Spend time on deck as the ship leaves Paxi and Antipaxi and begins its last passage towards Corfu.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 16 Jul 2027 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 16 Jul 2027 13:00 |
Green mountain landscapes and long beaches
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Paxi, a small Ionian island covered with olive groves and surrounded by a coastline of white cliffs, sea caves and sheltered bays.
After breakfast, go ashore to explore one of the island’s harbour towns. Gaios, the capital of Paxi, lies behind the green islets of Panagia and Agios Nikolaos. Walk along the waterfront, browse small local shops and continue through narrow streets lined with traditional houses, cafés and tavernas.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 16 Jul 2027 14:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: | 17 Jul 2027 00:00 |
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. Guests staying longer can continue exploring Corfu Old Town, visit its fortresses or spend another day on the island’s coastline.
| Estimated time of arrival: | 17 Jul 2027 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated time of departure: |
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 meals
• Coffee/ tea and still water, snacks free during the day at the bar counter
• Kayaks, windsurf boards, fins and masks for snorkeling
• Water slide
• Entertainments on board: show and animation programs, sails practices, karaoke, knot tying, other master classes, mast climbing
• SAT TV in the cabins
• INTERNET
• Jacuzzi
- Cocktails, alcohol and drinks in the bar
- Diving equipment and diving instructor services, underwater group tours
- Bus excursions with invited guide
- Laundry services
- Air tickets, transfer and visa cost
- 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.
* 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.
Please select your cabin
- All
- Economy Cabin 22
- Economy Cabin 19, 23, 25 & 27
- Standard Cabin 24 & 29
- Standard Cabin 16, 17 & 18
- Standard Cabin 14, 15 & 21
- Premium Cabin 2 & 3
- Mini Suite Cabin 5
Early Bird
20% Discount
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