Sunday 28th August – Sunday 4th September 2016
About the Ionian
This is a one week trip to a favourite Greek cruising ground. The Ionian islands are to be found off the west coast of the Greek mainland and are one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. In contrast to the barren central Cyclades group, these islands are famed for their lush green interiors thanks to relatively heavy winter rains. More winter rain falls in Corfu than London!
There are about 25 islands in the Ionian and we’ll be concentrating on the southern sector including Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zante. The busier of these being complemented by quiet ports and secluded bays in the less accessible islands.
Itinerary
Starting from Lefkas our trip will be a gentle sail round these picturesque islands with plenty of time for stopping off in bays at lunchtime for a swim. In the evenings after the obligatory sundowners we’ll go ashore to find a taverna.
Kefalonia is known to millions from the best-selling novel, and later film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The romantic film set in the Second World War starred John Hurt, Nicholas Cage & Penelope Cruz.
Skorpios is best known for its connection with the late Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis who lived on the island. He married former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy there on 20th October 1968. The private island, valued at $100m, is now owned by a Russian billionaire.
Melissani Cave, Cave of the Nymphs – hidden in the forests of Kefalonia, the lake is a mix of sea and fresh water. The cave is about 500m from the sea, and the water level is a metre higher than sea level. The brackish water rises from a 30m deep cave system on one side of the cave and flows silently to the other end before seeping through narrow crevices out into the sea.
Zakynthos – the island now famed for the shipwreck of the Panagiotis stranded on Navagio Beach since 1981. It is one of 3 shipwrecks in Greece which are renowned for being the most stunning in the world.
With short sailing distances and fair weather this trip should not be demanding. Winds are generally light but pick up in the afternoons to F3-4. Temperatures reach 30 degrees by day and drop to a warm 25 degrees by night.
To connect with direct flights from the UK, this event will be from Sunday to Sunday.
The nearest airport is Preveza on the mainland which is 15km away from our starting base in Lefkas.
Important Trip Information
The member price of the trip for the yacht charter is £410.
Not included in the event price are flights, transfers, end cleaning, victualling, meals ashore, diesel, mooring fees, any shore accommodation and any personal expenditure.
The payment schedule is as follows:
PAYMENT | DUE DATE | AMOUNT |
Deposit | Late October | £200 |
Mid payment | 18th January 2016 | £100 |
Final payment | 2nd May 2016 | £110 |
The Club’s standard terms and conditions apply. Full details can be found on the website but in summary:
- Paying your deposit commits you to the trip and to paying all payments as and when required.
- If you withdraw from an event you are still liable for the full cost unless a replacement participant is found.
- If a replacement is found there will be a admin charge made for the change of participant.
- You agree to bear the shared cost of any security deposit loss levied by the charter company for damages. The full cost of the deposit is 3000 to 3500 Euros per boat.
Flights
Flights to Preveza cost approx £370 – £420 return
Direct flights are available from Thomas Cook, Thomson, Monarch Airlines and EasyJet
Do not book flights until advised to do so by the event organiser.
Booking
Whilst we are still getting our back end booking system sorted if you want further information or wish to book please email info@www.sundowners.org.uk.