Ionian Small Ship Sailing Cruise. The Odyssey
Travel through the Ionian Sea aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day circular voyage beginning and ending in Corfu.
The route connects Paxi, Antipaxi, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaki and Atokos, bringing together the larger Ionian Islands with secluded beaches, small harbour towns and anchorages accessible only from the sea. Each day reveals a different landscape: olive-covered hills, high limestone cliffs, underground lakes, sea caves, white-pebble beaches and sheltered turquoise bays.
The title of the cruise reflects its connection with Homer’s Odyssey. Ithaki is traditionally associated with the kingdom of Odysseus, while the wider route follows waters shaped by Greek mythology, centuries of maritime travel and the distinctive culture of the Ionian Islands.
Life on board follows the rhythm of the sea. Guests can swim directly from the ship, snorkel, kayak or windsurf, join sailing practices and yoga sessions, relax in the Jacuzzi or spend time on the open decks as Running on Waves moves between the islands. The exact onboard programme is adapted to the weather, itinerary and preferences of the guests.
Full-board dining, spacious outdoor areas and a limited number of guests create a relaxed base throughout the journey. The cruise is designed for travellers who want to combine island-hopping, swimming, cultural discovery and time aboard a tall ship, with a new coastline or island atmosphere appearing each day.
Highlights
• Discover the Ionian Islands aboard a tall ship – Sail on an eight-day circular voyage from Corfu, visiting Paxi, Antipaxi, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaki and Atokos, with opportunities to explore secluded beaches, charming harbour towns and turquoise bays.
• Follow the waters of Homer’s Odyssey – Discover Ithaki, traditionally associated with Odysseus, alongside the Ionian Islands’ rich Greek mythology, maritime heritage and distinctive island culture.
• Enjoy an active sailing holiday in Greece – Swim, snorkel, kayak and windsurf between destinations, join sailing practices and yoga sessions, or relax in the Jacuzzi and on deck, with full-board dining and spacious outdoor areas aboard Running on Waves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Tween Deck Cabin. From
Main Deck Suite. From
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Tween Deck Cabin. From
Main Deck Suite. From
Additional charges:
Port Taxes: €395 EUR
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.
Special Offers on The Odyssey
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.
Prices online do not show the discounted rates. Terms and conditions apply. This special offer is subject to availability. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Full board
• Complimentary coffee, tea, still water and crackers available at the bar counter throughout the day
• Kayaks, windsurf boards, fins and masks for snorkeling
• Entertainment on board: sailing practices, yoga classes, karaoke
• SAT TV in the cabins
• Jacuzzi, Internet
Exclusions
• Cocktails, alcohol and soft drinks in the bar
• Diving equipment rental, diving instructor services, and underwater group tours
• Water skis, wakeboards etc.
• Instructors for windsurfing and diving
• Bus excursions with invited guide
• Laundry services
• Air tickets, transfer and visa cost
• Service charge (tips) is € 14 per guest per day (on guests’ decision)
• Port fees
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