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Peregrine Travel Centre

Illyrian Cruise – From Corfu to Corfu

Illyrian Cruise – From Corfu to Corfu

From EUR €2,837

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Description

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.

Trip Name
Illyrian Cruise - From Corfu to Corfu
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-Mast Sailing Vessel, Barquentine Length: 64 metres Passenger Capacity: 42 Running on Waves is a majestic three-mast barquentine and one of the world’s largest sailing yachts, offering a rare blend of authentic sailing adventure and five-star luxury. At 64 metres in length and carrying just 42 guests, she delivers a truly exclusive yachting experience. With her sleek silhouette and full sail performance reaching up to 17 knots, she brings the romance of the sea to life while maintaining ultra-low emissions. Guests are treated to personalised service from a dedicated crew of 21, ensuring every detail is handled with care and elegance. Her small size allows access to hidden harbours and intimate marinas that larger vessels simply cannot reach. Life on board is designed for indulgence and discovery. From sunbathing on the spacious Sun Deck to sipping cocktails at the Ocean Bar or relaxing in the Jacuzzi Pool at the bow, every space invites relaxation. Cabins feature refined nautical interiors, marble-finished bathrooms, and modern comforts such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and underwater camera feeds. Whether you’re dining on Mediterranean cuisine, unwinding in the massage lounge, or watching the horizon from the observation point above the bowsprit, Running on Waves is more than a voyage—it’s a celebration of freedom, beauty, and the art of slow travel.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Corfu
This Greek island used to belong to Italians. The town of Kerkira is an evidence of such influence - Venetian labyrinth of streets, garlands of laundry ropes high above the head and coffee aroma streaming from every open door.If time allows, stop by the St. Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral on your commute from the airport to the port. It is one of the most prominent Christian Saints.
Day 2 - Day 2: Lefkas
“Lefko” in Greek means “white,” and the island got its name due to white upright rocks, which stand along most of the island’s western coast. This rocky and mountainous landscape on one side of the island is balanced with splendid wide sandy beaches on the other side.Those who appreciate medieval atmosphere may stroll along the streets with abundance of ancient churches. We also invite you to visit the wine factory at Lefkas and the Monastery of Panagia Faneromenis. Only 5 monks live on the territory of the monastery, although it attracts an abundance of pilgrims as a miraculous icon of God’s mother is here. This is icon is considered today as the island’s protector.
Day 3 - Day 3: Zakynthos
Zakynthos is the only Greek island having international status of the natural wildlife preserve. The island has been called “The flower of Mediterranean East” for its beauty and balmy gardens. Mirror-like waters of Zakynthos may be seen on almost every postcard of Greece.Yachts floating on the water surface appear to be suspended in the air. It would be a crime to visit and not to swim in this magical place! Once in town, one may go to the National Sea Wildlife Preserve or visit the temple of Saint Dionysus, the local winery and the olive oil pressing factory or walk along the coastal avenue – Strata Marina – the liveliest street in the town, filled with coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
Day 4 - Day 4: Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the island of sailors and mountain climbers, Greeks and Venetians, winemakers and travelers. Here stands Enom – the tallest mountain of Ionic islands (1628m), covered with unique pine trees. Those willing to make a pilgrim tour may get into the Saint Gerasim monastery. There you will find an ancient sycamore tree still standing, said to have been planted by the saint himself. His cave-cell is located under the building of the monastery. Then we shall go for Andrew the First-Called Apostle monastery, the museum with miracle-making icons of Stephano Tsagarol, the Monastery of Saint Crucifixion in Pessado and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary with benches. It is also possible to pop into the local winery, where six kinds of Kefalonian wine are being made out of Robola grape.Another excursion will go to the famous Drogarati cave with stalactites, stalagmites and unusual acoustics, due to which Maria Kallas and Luchano Povarotti took the floor there once. Then the observation ground above the famous beach Mirtos awaits us, followed by a lunch in the picturesque nearby village of Agia Efimia. Our trip will end with the visit to the underground lake Melissani; the cave that once stood over it was destroyed during an earthquake. Now the lake is exposed to the sun, which creates beautiful light show on the water with colors ranging from sky-blue to intense dark-blue.
Day 5 - Day 5.1: Antipaxi
Antipaxi is an absolutely tiny island, which literally means “opposite Paxi.”  Truly a blessed place, it is a real paradise for anyone looking for relaxation and solitude.The island is known for its famous beaches, among which Vutumi, with turquoise waters, is considered to be the most beautiful in the world. We will not miss it!
Day 6 - Day 5.2: Paxi
Paxi (or Paxoi) is the smallest group of Ionian islands. Poseidon created it by chipping out a piece of land from Corfu to build a love nest for himself and his wife, Amphitrite. And Greek gods definitely knew the meaning of a love nest – just look for yourself! At Paxi, we will go near the Blue caves known all over Greece. And although their real color is creamy-champagne they got their name because of the unusual color of water surrounding them.
Day 7 - Day 6: Sivota
Sivota, often dubbed the "Blue Lagoon" is a mesmerizing gem nestled along the western coastline of Greece. Snorkelers and divers revel in the opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, encountering colorful fish darting among swaying sea grass. The rugged cliffs that frame Sivota add an element of drama to the landscape, providing breathtaking vistas for hikers and photographers alike. For those seeking adventure, Sivota offers a range of water sports activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to sailing and jet skiing. Excursions to nearby islets and caves provide opportunities for exploration and discovery, with each outing revealing new facets of Sivota's enchanting beauty.
Day 8 - Day 7: Saranda
Saranda, a resort town in Albania, offers the most beautiful coastline of the country. Ancient town of Saranda is known from the times of Ancient Greece. A large number of Greeks still inhabit this region. The Greek government even wanted to connect this territory to Greece. Cicero wrote about Saranda as an important strategic point. In the times of the Byzantine Empire, the town was a ferry port between Italy and Epirus. Byzantine heritage left many traces here. The ruins of an ancient town of Butrinty - “The town of the world heritage” – are adjacent to Saranda. Ancient town of Phinichi is located neaby as well. According to scientists, the largest Acropolis in the world is found here; it is seven times larger than the Acropolis in Athens. “Blue eyes” and beautiful tiny islands are nature’s gift. Interested tourists may wish to spend time in Ksamile – the best beach of Albania. A group of the uninhabited islands is located at the distance of 10 minutes’ swim from the shore.
Day 9 - Day 8: Corfu
This Greek island used to belong to Italians. The town of Kerkira is an evidence of such influence - Venetian labyrinth of streets, garlands of laundry ropes high above the head and coffee aroma streaming from every open door. If time allows, stop by the St. Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral on your commute from the airport to the port. It is one of the most prominent Christian Saints. 
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-07-202717-07-2027EUR €2,837Tween Deck Cabin. From
10-07-202717-07-2027EUR €6,025Main Deck Suite. From
07-08-202714-08-2027EUR €2,837Tween Deck Cabin. From
07-08-202714-08-2027EUR €6,025Main Deck Suite. From
08-07-202815-07-2028EUR €2,837Tween Deck Cabin. From
08-07-202815-07-2028EUR €6,025Main Deck Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Kefalonia’s Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake: Explore the acoustically unique Drogarati Cave, once visited by Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti, and marvel at the sunlit beauty of Melissani Lake, where an earthquake-exposed cave creates a stunning light show on sky-blue waters.
    • Antipaxi’s Vutumi Beach and Paxi’s Blue Caves: Relax on Antipaxi’s Vutumi Beach, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful with its turquoise waters, and cruise near Paxi’s Blue Caves, famed for their creamy-champagne cliffs and vibrant water hues.
    • Saranda’s Ancient Butrint and Ksamil Beach: Discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint near Saranda, Albania, and visit the nearby Ksamil Beach, a pristine stretch with uninhabited islands just a short swim away, showcasing the region’s rich Byzantine heritage.

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