Discover the best of Corfu on this tour. You’ll tour the island, visit a stunning palace and enjoy a traditional lunch with live entertainment at a local taverna. Drive through Corfu and arrive at Mon Repos Palace built by order of Empress Elizabeth of Austria and completed in 1891. The empress had fallen in love with the natural beauty of the island during her 1861 visit and also developed a great appreciation for Greek history and mythology.

After a guided visit of the grounds and palace, you’ll continue to the traditional village of Kinopiastes. Enjoy a rich and traditional lunch at the famous Tripas Tavern accompanied by live Greek music and dancers. Board your coach for the drive back to the Old Town of Corfu where you’ll have the opportunity to either be dropped off, to walk through the narrow lanes and browse on your own, or return with the coach directly to your ship.

Your air-conditioned motor coach delivers you to Paleokastritsa after an approximately 30-minute journey from the pier. With its rocky promontories cloaked in pine and cypress and its sandy bays embracing turquoise waters, this stunning area is considered the Capri of Greece. Enjoy an up-close look at the unique scenery with an expedition by local boat into the grottos. After an exploration of the sea caves known as Nafiska, Saint Nicolas and the Blue Eye, you will return to the beach for some free time to swim and sunbathe. En route to your ship, your motor coach will climb the hill to the traditional village of Lakones, where you will admire views of the island while sampling Greek appetizers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into three naturally formed sea caves, each with its own special characteristics.
• Stop at a sheltered beach to stretch out on the sand and swim in the turquoise waters.
• Enjoy traditional Greek meze in the village of Lakones.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sail a sleek catamaran through the enchanting waters between Corfu and the mainland, stopping on occasion to swim, while taking in the spectacular scenery. Once you settle into the 42-foot catamaran, the Mediteraneo, you will set sail towards the serene Vidos Island for your first swim in Corfu’s crystal-clear waters. Cruise south along the coast, taking in views of the iconic Old Fortress and the historic Mon Repos estate. You will have the opportunity for a similar experience by swimming off teeny Mouse Island. According to legend, Ulysses shipwrecked here and Poseidon turned his ship into the island. While enjoying a buffet lunch of classic Greek dishes on deck, you might watch for birds such as pheasants and even wild goats along the beach-blessed shoreline. If time and weather permit, you may also enjoy a final swim stop at the peaceful Lazaretto Islet before returning to the marina and driving back to port.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the waters off Corfu in 42-foot catamaran with a sun deck and shaded areas.
• Anchor at two to three different locations to swim in the crystal-clear sea.
• Admire the gorgeous scenery, while hearing about Corfu’s history and mythology.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, including a swimsuit.
• Bring a towel, hat and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Delight in the beautiful views of the island as you taste local favorites and visit a traditional Koum Kouat distillery. The Koum Kouat citrus fruit is a variety, which only grows in Corfu and is used to make one of the island's most famous products, a liqueur with the same name, and fruit preserved sweets. You will be able to view a small exhibition of antique distillery equipment, sample the product and purchase local liquors to take home. You’ll visit small villages offering splendid views of the area’s multiple bays.

In the charming village of Lakones you’ll have a chance to stop for photos overviewing the bay of Paleokastritsa. Experience the islands highlights on a narrated scenic drive, you will pass the New Fortress, the Palace of St Micheal and St George the Esplanade and the cricket pitch, driving along the coastal road you’ll reach the site of Kanoni, where you will stop to take photographs of the famous views of Mouse island.

Experience Corfu’s most beautiful and renowned landmarks in a small group. You’ll drive in a minibus through the countryside dotted with lemon and olive trees, to reach at the most photographed spot of the Island and you will have a photo stop to capture the famous Mouse Island and the church of Vlaherena. After, you will reach the top of Analipsis hill, near Kanoni area where Mon Repos Palace stands. It was built in 1826 by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou. It is a charming palace with colonial architectural elements. You’ll stop at Paleokastritsa, not only one of the most beautiful spots on the island but also a vantage point for splendid views of the multiple bays. Legend says that Odysseus met Nausica after he washed ashore on one of these bays and enjoy some free time.

This will be followed by a typical lunch at a local restaurant in Paleokastritsa. Your tour continues to Esplanade, the main square of the town, for a walk through the picturesque streets of the Old Town to see some of the historical sites.

Experience Corfu's most enchanting landmarks, colorful villages and breathtaking views of the island on this delightful tour. After an approximate 30 minute drive, you’ll first stop at the beautiful spot of Paleokastritsa that offers splendid views of the area's multiple bays. It’s said that Odysseus met Nausica after he washed ashore at one of these bays and enjoy some free time. Your tour will continue towards the village of Lakones where you can look down on the Paleokastritsa and take memorable pictures. While continuing your drive to Mount Pantokrator, you’ll get the feeling that the entire island of Corfu is spread below your feet. You'll pass various Corfiot villages, then walk through the beautiful fishing village of Kassiopi and enjoy a typical Greek lunch. After lunch you’ll explore the northeast coastline via the village of Nissaki and the coastal resorts of Barbati, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia and Kontokali. As you reach the Old Town of Corfu, you’ll have a chance to admire from the comfort of your motorcoach, the architecture of the beautiful mansions, the Byzantine churches, the old fortress, the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George and the lively Esplanade Square, before your return to the pier.

Enjoy the fun and adventure of Corfu’s countryside while traveling over stony trails through the olive groves. You’ll catch glimpses of the sparkling Ionian Sea, beautiful green hills and have a glimpse of the traditional way of life led by many of the local people. After picking up your 4x4 vehicle at the pier, your guide will lead you up the main coastal road to the northeast of the island. You’ll then take small country roads to quaint villages, stopping at one of the most charming and oldest on the island to take in the views.

Take an uphill narrow winding road (with 27 zigzag turns) to the Sokraki where you’ll stop to admire one of the most fantastic panoramic views. Following a dusty road, you’ll arrive at Troumbetta. You’ll pass through other picturesque sites and stop at Bella Vista to take in more spectacular views and enjoy some refreshments and Greek snacks. You’ll find it difficult to decide which village is the most appealing to you.

You’ll also visit a traditional Koum Kouat distillery. The Koum Kouat citrus fruit, a variety which only grows in Corfu, is made into one of the island's most famous products, a liqueur with the same name, plus fruit preserved sweets. You’ll be able to view a small exhibition of antique distillery equipment, sample the produce and purchase local liquors.

For those who prefer to spend a hot summer day at the beach, we have arranged a transfer and use of facilities at a leading resort. Driving for approximately 30 minutes from the port through the picturesque countryside brings you to your resort at Barbati village, on the east coast of the island. You’ll have nearly four hours to sit back and enjoy this beautiful setting with its coarse, pebbly shoreline and crystal clear waters. Swim in the Ionian Sea and pay homage to the sun and sea gods who have showered their blessings upon this mythical isle. A beach bed and umbrella (one umbrella per two beds) and a soft drink or coffee from the hotel are included. Additional refreshments may be purchased and watersports are available at an additional charge.

Delight in the beautiful views of the island as you taste local favorites and visit a traditional Koum Kouat distillery. The Koum Kouat citrus fruit is a variety which only grows in Corfu and is used to make one of the island's most famous products, a liqueur with the same name, plus fruit preserved sweets. You’ll be able to view a small exhibition of antique distillery equipment, sample the product and purchase local liquors to take home. You’ll visit towns offering splendid views of the area’s multiple bays and enjoy some free time for photos. In the charming village of Lakones, built on the slopes of the mountain, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the famous ouzo together with Greek appetizers. Visit the monastery of Agia Paraskevi. In the main square of Corfu town, enjoy a walk through the picturesque streets.See historical sites, such as the residence of the Venetian quarters of Cambiello and Corfu’s historical center, the Town Hall and the Church of Saint Spyridon, Patron Saint of Corfu before returning to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Meander through the cobblestone streets in Old Town and browse the one-of-a-kind shops that look most interesting. You will first pause for photos from the outside of the Royal Palace of St. Michael and St. George, a 19th-century Regency-style building that served as the royal palace and governor’s residence before it was converted into an art museum. Old Town may be even more visually spectacular as UNESCO has designated the district a World Heritage site for the authenticity and integrity of the urban fabric and its fortresses of Venetian origins. As you walk at the narrow serpentine streets – known as kantounia – you will come upon a variety of shops, boutiques and cafés. Feel free to peruse the beautifully crafted local merchandise, purchase a snack and continue exploring. You will likely come upon the 16th-century Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, which holds the saint relics. Its bell tower is the highest in the Ionian Islands.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Snap photos of the exteriors of the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, which was once the royal palace.
• Walk through the atmospheric streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Shop for local merchandise, with time to purchase a snack and continue exploring.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Corfu Town is one of the most charming and romantic places of Greece. It is a perfect example of Venetian and Byzantine art that will fascinate you with its little streets and its panoramic points. Surrounded by the sea, the old town of Kerkyra is protected between its two fortresses. The paved streets and the historical buildings will bring you to the large beautiful Esplanade and the well-known Liston. A place that you can’t miss to visit and was built by the French engineer Lesseps who was inspired by the Rue Rivoli in Paris. The Liston with its nice gallery of coffee shops and restaurants is today the heart of the social life in Corfu. Due to the past English domination, near the Esplanade, on the north side, there is stands the Royal Palace of Corfu named after St. Michele and St. George. For all those who are interested to discover the handicrafts of Corfu and love shopping, there is everywhere the opportunity amongst the small streets and alleys a variety of local shops, jeweler’s, leather-fur shops and olive woodcraft shops. After your free time in the town and already feeling the temperature raising is the best time to enjoy a refreshing swim at Barbati Beach, one of the most developed beaches of the island.

Spend your time experiencing Corfu’s most beautiful and renowned landmarks. Drive through the countryside dotted with lemon and olive trees, to reach the top of Analipsis hill, near Kanoni area where Mons Repos Palace stands. It was built in 1826 by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou. It is a charming palace with colonial architectural elements. Continue driving along the coastal road of Perama, where you’ll stop to take photographs of the famous views of Mouse Island before returning to Corfu town.

Leave your coach in the Esplanade, the main square of the town, for a walk through the picturesque streets of the Old Town. Here you’ll see historical sites, such as the residence of the Venetian quarters of Cambiello and Corfu’s historical center, the Town Hall and the Church of Saint Spyridon, Patron Saint of Corfu. At the end of the tour you can either board your coach to return to your ship, or remain in the city a bit longer and return to your ship later on your own.