Ionian Cruise 2027. The Odyssey 2

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, lounge areas and onboard facilities. Depending on your arrival time, walk through Corfu Old Town before embarkation, discovering its narrow streets, shaded squares and Venetian fortifications.

Evening

The journey begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.

The crew introduces the route and explains how shore visits, swimming stops and onboard activities will be organised during the week. Running on Waves then leaves Corfu and begins the voyage south towards Paxi.

Clear-water beaches

Morning 
After breakfast, spend the first half of the day surrounded by the island’s vineyards, green hills and exceptionally clear turquoise water.

Swim, snorkel or explore the coast by kayak. Depending on the anchorage and sea conditions, guests can enter the water directly from the ship, use the water slide or relax on deck beside the island’s pale shores.

The rolling hills and centuries-old olive groves

Day

Go ashore to explore one of the island’s harbour settlements. Gaios, the main town, lies behind two green islets and offers a compact waterfront lined with cafés, tavernas and traditional houses.

Spend time walking through the narrow streets, browsing local shops or relaxing beside the harbour.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for the dinner and a relaxed evening on board.

White cliffs and open-water beaches

Morning

Wake as Running on Waves approaches Lefkas, an island of green mountains, traditional settlements and a dramatic western coastline.

Breakfast is served on board before a day of island exploration and time beside the water.

Day

Go ashore independently or remain near one of the island’s coastal anchorages.

Lefkas is particularly known for beaches such as Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma, where high pale cliffs descend towards deep-blue Ionian water. Depending on the final programme, guests may also explore Lefkas Town, visit the waterfront settlement of Nydri or discover one of the island’s quieter bays.

Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing are available when the anchorage and weather conditions allow.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and time on deck.

Sea caves and a limestone coastline

Morning

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 natural arches and chambers have been carved into the white limestone.

Sunlight reflecting through the clear water creates changing shades of blue along the rock walls and beneath the surface. Swim, snorkel or take a kayak closer to the coastline, or go ashore to explore the island’s villages and viewpoints.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a relaxed evening on deck.

Discover the Ionian Sea’s best-kept secret

Morning

This small, privately owned and uninhabited island is known for its dramatic white cliffs, pebble beaches and exceptionally clear turquoise water.

Spend the morning swimming, snorkelling or relaxing beside the island’s undeveloped coastline. Atokos is also home to a small family of wild black boars, which are sometimes seen walking along the beach or cooling off in the shallow water.

The home of Odysseus

Day

Traditionally associated with Odysseus, Ithaki became a lasting symbol of homecoming and the end of a long journey. Go ashore to explore Vathy, a peaceful harbour town surrounded by green hills and protected water.

The island’s archaeological heritage can be explored independently or as part of an optional excursion. Possible highlights include the Monastery of Kathara, set around 500 metres above sea level, with panoramic views across Ithaki, Kefalonia and the surrounding islands.

Evening

Spend the evening walking along Vathy’s waterfront, exploring its quiet streets or relaxing at a local café or taverna.

White cliffs, island villages and open water

Morning

Although the island is connected to mainland Greece by a narrow causeway, it retains a distinctive island atmosphere. After breakfast, go ashore to explore independently or join an optional excursion.

Day

Walk through Lefkas Town, where narrow streets, traditional houses and small squares reflect the island’s Venetian heritage.

The western coastline is known for its rugged cliffs and beaches washed by deep-blue Ionian water, while the eastern side offers calmer bays, waterfront villages and sheltered inlets. Depending on the programme and anchorage, there may also be time for swimming, kayaking, windsurfing or relaxing beside the coast.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and time on deck.

The Blue Lagoon and a final day on the water

Morning

The area is surrounded by small green islands, rugged cliffs, hidden caves and sheltered bays. After breakfast, prepare for a day centred on the clear water and coastal landscapes around the village.

Day

Explore the area around the Blue Lagoon, one of Sivota’s best-known natural settings. Swim or snorkel in turquoise water, take out a kayak or paddleboard, or explore the nearby islets and caves when conditions allow.

Guests who prefer time ashore can walk along Sivota’s waterfront, visit the marina or follow one of the surrounding paths for elevated views of the coastline.

Evening

Running on Waves remains in Sivota until approximately 23:59, allowing guests to spend the evening ashore or return to the ship for the farewell dinner.

After departure, the ship begins its final passage towards Corfu.

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 the island’s fortresses or spend another day beside the Ionian Sea.