Greece Sailing Adventure: Kefalonia to Corfu
Trip Code: ZSRK
Why we love it
Begin your sailing adventure on the biggest and one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – Kefalonia, famous for its delicious wine, sheer white cliff faces and world-famous beaches. , Spend your nights on a sailing boat and fall asleep to the relaxing undulation of the waves below. Watch sunset every night from a nearby beach and wake up early to catch sunrise on the deck. , Explore the finest beaches in the Greek Islands at sister islands Paxos and Antipaxos, swimming in translucent waters and walking along pure white sand. , Take a dip near private islands seldom seen, like Skorpios – once home to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – and Atokos – uninhabited except by a few wandering goats. , Explore the seaside villages, hospitable locals, glittering bays, lush verdant hills and warm tavernas of Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca – all at the desired pace of your group and friendly skipper., By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Amurtel, who provide a safe space for refugee women and children in Greece. Donations help them provide antenatal and postnatal care programs run by qualified midwives.
Is this trip right for me?
This trip is new to our range this year, and while we have thoroughly researched every detail, new destinations can sometimes throw some unexpected surprises. Often, it’ll be a great surprise, but every now and then there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
As the majority of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs and ladders. The sailing boats will experience some roll and pitch in windier conditions (which are quite rare for Ionian waters). However, your skipper will use the sails and the force of the wind as natural stabilisers. In the event of unsafe weather conditions, the sailing will not go ahead
Our yachts have a small Zodiac on board, which is used to transport travellers to shore if we need to anchor in the bay. However, we will most often overnight in the small marinas on each island we visit, so the Zodiacs aren’t used. Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humour and a can-do attitude are all you need.
This is an adventure on board a real yacht, which means living spaces, cabins, bathrooms and showers need to be shared with other passengers. Sleeping quarters can be quite compact, but you will be spending the majority of your time above board in the open air.
Important information
START TIME:
This trip starts on Day 1 in Kefalonia at 4pm and finishes in Corfu on the morning of Day 8 depending on weather conditions.
ACCOMMODATION ONBOARD THIS SAILING YACHT
This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of 48ft It is equipped with 2 double share cabins, 2 twin bunk cabins and 4 shared bathrooms with showers. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.
Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, this may mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.
While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.
MINIMUM AGE:
The minimum age on this trip is 15. Please note that triple cabins are not available. If travelling with a child, the child will need to share with one of the adults, and the other adult will share with another adult passenger, or purchase a single supplement.
PASSPORT DETAILS:
Please provide full passport details at time of booking including exact name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, issue and expiry dates as these are essential for booking services on this trip.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. If you have pre-booked any additional accommodation through us, you will need to make your own way to the joining point on Day 1 and from the finish point on the final day. We do not provide transfers between hotels and the port/marina. Please check the Essential Trip Information for details.
SNORKELLING
There are many opportunities for snorkelling during this trip. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided onboard the yacht and are for use by all passengers. They are disinfected prior to use. Some customers may prefer to bring their own diving mask and snorkel from home and just use the fins available on board.
TRIP KITTY:
On this trip we highly recommend that you contribute to a kitty of EUR100 per person. The kitty is an on-ground payment put into a central fund managed by travellers. It helps fund for breakfast and lunch on the boat and other small items such as ice, water, snacks and drinks. Travellers are responsible for the preparation of these meals onboard and to shop at port where supermarkets are often very close to the mooring. Kitty amounts are subject to change to reflect local price increases. On day 1, the skipper will talk through the kitty and how it will be managed (by yourself or fellow travellers) The kitty will be collected when you arrive at the welcome meeting or in stages throughout your trip.
** Please note, the kitty amount should be used as a guide. More than likely you will not spend the full amount recommended however it's advisable to budget for this amount **
What to bring/pack
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.
Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).
If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.
You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.
Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Space on board the vessel is very limited - for your own comfort and safety, luggage should be kept to an absolute minimum. The use of a backpack, soft sports bag or duffle bag is recommended - we highly recommend you do not travel with a hard suitcase. If you are travelling with a larger bag or suitcase you can leave these bags at your hotel [usually for a small fee]. This is only applicable if you are returning to the same hotel at the end of the trip, if you aren't, it will be your own responsibility to make your own way back to collect your luggage. If you are leaving a bag at a hotel or in a locker do not leave cash, credit cards, passports or any irreplaceable belongings behind.
Daypack [a smaller back pack that you can take with you on island excursions]
Comfortable clothing for warmer temperatures [shorts, t-shirts, light long sleeved tops and pants]
A fleece or warmer jumper for the evenings or early mornings
A light rain coat or poncho
Comfortable shoes [trainers or walking shoes are sufficient for most trips]
Sandals or thongs/flip flops/jandals
Sunscreen [bio degradable and waterproof if available] and lip balm [to combat the effects of wind burn]
Sunhat [that can be secured as it can get windy out on the water]
Swimming costume
Rash vest [for sun protection while snorkelling and swimming]
Water bottle [filtered water is available on board the boat]
Bio-degradable shampoo, conditioner and soap
Dry bag
Beach Towel
Sarong
Pegs [so you can hang your swimming costume or towel out to dry]
Insect repellent [for island visits]
Adaptor/electrical plug
Camera
Earplugs
Batteries [if you do not have rechargeable camera batteries]
Please ensure you travel with all required medicines, pain killers and toiletries that you may need while in on this sailing trip. You are travelling to quite a remote destination and will not have immediate access to pharmacies and even then they may not stock your required medication.
Special Items required for this trip
- There are many opportunities for snorkelling during this trip. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided onboard the yacht and are for use by all passengers. Some passengers choose to bring their own, however this is a personal choice.
- Beach towels are not provided so you will need to bring your own.
- Underwater disposable camera
- During our trip, we are usually sailing and anchoring in sheltered waters. However, it is possible we may encounter some movement in open waters - if you are prone to motion sickness, and you might wish to bring some preventative medication.
Physical rating
We don't ask travellers to complete a physical participation form for this trip however we do ask you read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right trip for you. This applies to the included activities and moving around the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over 2 decks. The steps between the decks are steep
Joining your group
Oasis Café Sami Port, Kefallonia, Kefallonia, GREECE
Located on the waterfront in Sami, Oasis Café is where you will meet your Intrepid skipper and group. Please refer to day one of your itinerary for the exact meeting time. If you arrive early the restaurant serves great local food so you could enjoy lunch before your trip starts in the afternoon.
If you are wanting to stay a few days before your trip starts in Kefalonia we recommend the Mouikis Hotel, centrally located in Argostoli. Please note Argostoli is a 35 minute drive from the Port of Sami where your trip starts. Please contact your booking agent if you would like us to book your stay at the Mouikis Hotel.
Luggage storage is limited on your sailing yacht, so we ask you to pack as lightly as possible. If you need to store additional luggage during your sailing trip, we recommend looking for a luggage storage facility online. If you are flying via Athens before and after your trip you may be able to store additional luggage at Athens Airport.
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
The airport of Kefalonia is located 33 Km from Sami port and takes approximately 45 mins by Taxi to reach the meeting point.
If you have prebooked an airport arrival transfer, please look for your transfer driver holding an Intrepid sign with your name on it.
Alternatively, you can catch a taxi from the airport, for approx 60 euros. A public bus is also available from Kefalonia airport to Argostoli (main town of Kefalonia) and from there catch a bus to Sami port. For the bus schedule, please check https://ktelkefalonias.gr/en/.
If you travel to Kefalonia by ferry from Mainland Greece, please note that Kefalonia has two ports. Sami port, where our trip will start from and Poros Port of Kefalonia. Poros port is located approximately, 27 Km from Sami port and you will take approximately 40 mins by Taxi to arrive to Sami and cost is around 60 euro. Alternatively, you can take a public bus from Poros port to Argostoli town and then take a bus from Argostoli to Sami. For bus schedule, please check https://ktelkefalonias.gr/en/
Finishing your trip
Gouvia Marina, , Corfu, GREECE
If you require hotel accommodation in Corfu after this trip finishes we recommend the Sunset Hotel located a short 10 minute drive from the Port. Please contact your Intrepid booking agent if you would like us to book you accommodation at the Sunset Hotel.
Alternate Finish Point
Gouvia Marina is situated 7 km north from Corfu town, 8 km from the airport, on the east coast of Corfu Island and 6 Km from the main port of Corfu. The Marina is located on the gulf of Gouvia village.
Your leader can help you organise a taxi from the marina to the airport, or the main port for ferry connections or to your hotel if you are staying a few extra days in Corfu. The cost of a taxi to the airport is approx. 30 Euros. A cost of a taxi to the main port is approx. 20 Euros. Corfu has good ferry connections with mainland Greece, east Italy ports and Agioi Saranda of Albania.
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included:
Lunches included:
Dinners included:
The amazing food on offer is one of the highlights of any trip in Europe. To make the most of this we’ve structured our meal arrangements to provide both flexibility and variety.
For most dinners and some lunches we will moored in a port or marina near meaning that the group will have a choice of on-land eating options available. We find our group often eat together however you have the freedom to go off and do your own thing. Our skippers can recommend options for restaurants and on many occasions will dine with the group.
While your skipper will co-ordinate the shopping for and preparation of these meals we’ve found that the best trips are those where everyone pitches in together to help with the meal preparation.
If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies please notify us at the time of booking so we can determine the extent to which your dietary requirements can be met. There are many vegetarian options available in Greece, Croatia, Italy and France though vegans might find their choice less varied especially away from the bigger cities. Travellers that require a gluten free diet may also find their choices limited. Most of our trips start in a larger towns where you will find greater choice of supermarkets and markets however they do not stock the range of gluten free products that you may be used to at home.
Climate & seasonal information
HOT WEATHER
Summer temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your skipper straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your skipper may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the skipper to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Operations Team can be reached on the number listed below:
Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
Accommodations
ACCOMMODATION ONBOARD THIS SAILING YACHT
This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of 48ft It is equipped with 2 double share cabins, 2 twin bunk cabins and 4 shared bathrooms with showers. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.
Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, this may mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.
While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. For most of our destinations, we can provide transfers between the airport/hotel and the port/marina. Please check the joining and finish point information in the trip notes for details.
ELECTRICITY:
While there should be electricity on board throughout your trip the voltage is likely to vary widely, from 12V to 220V, and when in port or moored we are dependent on the supply available. Please be aware that the supply may not be sufficient to power some electronic devices all the time and that you may need a voltage adapter or similar (such as portable inverter used in cars). On some trips it may be possible to charge devices ashore at restaurants or resorts, however this is not guaranteed.
WI-FI:
Please note that our sailing boats do not have Wi-Fi. You will be getting off the boat and visiting towns regularly so you will be able to connect with the outside world then.
Transportation
This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a monohull yacht. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure.
Bow - front of the boat
Stern - rear of the boat
Port - left
Starboard - right
Deck - outside, upper area of the boat
Hull - the main part or body of the boat
Keel - part of the boat under water that keeps the boat stable and stops it capsizing
Mainsail - the large sail attached to the mast and boom
Mast - the big vertical pole that supports the mainsail
Boom - the big horizontal pole attached to the mainsail, coming off the rear of the mast (swing from side to side)
Jib, headsail, genoa, foresail - smaller sail near the front of the boat
Sheet - ropes used to control the sails
Booty - another word for pirate treasure
Lines - other ropes on the boat (ropes are never called ropes on yachts)
Spinnaker - large extra sail
Trim the sails - adjust the position of the sails when the wind changes strength or direction
Tiller or wheel or helm - used to steer the boat
Helmsman - person steering the boat
Running - sailing with the wind
Tack - turning the bow of the boat when sailing through the wind
Jibe - turning the stern of the boat when sailing through the wind
Figure-eight knot - the stopper: often used at the end of lines to stop them getting away.
Bowline (knot) - strong and dependable knot that is commonly used
Clove Hitch (knot) - not as secure it is often used to attach an object to a line