Corfu

The landscape around Paleokastritsa is famous for its breathtaking beauty and magnificent scenery. Sheer cliffs and rugged headlands are interspersed with coves of silver sand, coiled between mountains cloaked in emerald green.

The Virgin Mary Monastery of Paleokastritsa was founded in 1228, while the buildings in their present state, date back to the 18th century. Inside this cliff-top Monastery, you’ll find whitewashed walls and a carefully-tended flower garden.

Old Corfu Town is the most interesting place to visit and huddles around a great central esplanade. Your guide will take you on a short tour through the public gardens and past the cricket ground on to Corfu’s famous St Spyridon’s Church. From here you will have some free time in the Old Town, where the British influence is evident in grand municipal buildings, while the French made their mark with an arcaded block overlooking the Esplanade.

Your scenic drive starts with a visit to Paleokastritsa village, regarded by many as the most attractive area in the Mediterranean. You cannot fail to be impressed by these 6 small coves with incredible turquoise water, nestling in a coastline of hills, draped in olive and lemon trees. A short drive away you will find The Virgin Mary Monastery, inhabited by monks and founded in 1228; the present day complex was erected in the 18th century and offers unrivalled views of the area.

In the village of Gastouri you will visit the Achilleion Palace and explore the hill-top gardens containing statues such as the dramatic Dying Achilles as well as enjoying the outstanding views.

A beautiful taverna in the mountain village of Kinopiastes will be the setting for your traditional lunch. Relax with a glass of wine and enjoy lunch whilst being entertained with a show of local Corfiot dances performed by a traditionally dressed troupe of dancers.

A visit to Corfu Town, including a guided tour, will acquaint you with its elegant charms. Walking through the old town you will visit St Spyridon Church, where in a small chapel you will find the glistening silver coffin of the island’s patron saint.

Corfu is one of the most lush and verdant of the Greek Islands and, as you drive around on your panoramic tour, you’ll understand why so many tourists return year after year. Enjoy a trip through traditional mountain villages and across the spine of the island.

A scenic drive around Corfu Town will take you past the New Fortress and onto the Old Fortress, where there are magnificent views of the town. You’ll drive past the Palace of St. Michael and St George, the Esplanade and the cricket pitch.

The small village of Paleokastritsa is set amidst 6 small coves, nestled in the rugged coastline and is surrounded by olive, lemon and cypress groves. This is a popular resort and is considered to have some of the finest scenery in the entire Mediterranean.

The ‘Koum Kouat’ fruit, which grows only in Corfu, is made into one of the island’s most famous products, a liqueur with the same name, along with fruit-preserved sweets. Sample some of the delicious wares and purchase some of the produce made from the Koum Kouat.

Admire the magnificent panoramic views from Lakones, a dreamy mountain village, where you’ll also have free time to purchase refreshments and do a little souvenir shopping from the small local vendors.

Your transfer to Aqualand will take you through the verdant and lush countryside of Corfu, through villages to the Ropa Valley area.

Under the watchful eye of lifeguards, experience the thrill of the Giant Slides, Black Hole, Screaming Frog, Caribbean Pirate Adventure and the Slippery Octopus, where lots of twisting, turning and splashing water fun is guaranteed. Alternatively you can choose to relax in the sun, swim in the pools or glide along the Lazy River, there is something for everyone at Aqualand.

Lunch has not been included on this tour to allow maximum flexibility and you can make your choice from a variety of bars and fast-food outlets throughout the Park. Changing rooms, washrooms and fresh water showers are available for use; there is a small charge for using lockers; however sun-beds are included.

Greek cuisine is famous throughout the world for its distinctive flavours. Herbs and fresh ingredients from the countryside are the inspiration for many dishes.

Olives, typical village bread and creamy feta cheese, accompanied by the traditional aperitif, ‘ouzo’, will be served when you arrive at one of Corfu’s favourite tavernas. Next comes the fun part – you’ll watch a fascinating cookery demonstration on how to prepare famous Greek dishes and pick up a few tips from the chef along the way!

Learn how to prepare ‘tzatziki’ with yoghurt, garlic and cucumber; cod roe ‘taramosalata’ and a typical Greek salad, known as ‘horiatiki’. Find out how to make the best ‘moussaka’ ever, and then sit down to feast on these delicious creations. Local wine will enhance the flavours, followed by seasonal fruits and coffee.

You’ll drive through the charming colonial town of Corfu and enjoy a brief orientation of the Old Town, before heading back to the harbour. The tour will end at the port, however you have the option to be dropped off in the town of Corfu to explore independently and return to the ship on your own.

Start your day on a chartered boat, with a leisurely cruise along the north-eastern coast of Corfu. Gentle rolling plains give way slowly to cliffs overlooking small, quiet bays.

Approximately 1½ hours’ sailing will bring you to the remote beach of Limnopoula. Please bear in mind that due to its isolated nature and locality there are no facilities on the beach.

As you relax on the beach, the crew will prepare lunch for you to enjoy, accompanied by local wine.

After lunch set sail for the beautiful seaside resort of Kassiopi. Spend free time here strolling around the village, before heading for the bay of Aghios Arsenios to continue swimming and relaxing.

Relax as your escorted transfer takes you through the lush and verdant Corfiot countryside to the resort of Dassia. Here, you can use the facilities of one of the leading hotels in the area, the Chandris Hotel, located on the east coast of the island.

Enjoy over 3 hours sitting back and relaxing in this beautiful setting, taking a swim in its clear waters.

A sun-bed and umbrella are provided, along with a refreshment of either a soft drink or coffee from the hotel. Further refreshments may be purchased from the venue and beach bars.

A return transfer will transport you from the ship to one of the Island’s most famous beaches at Glyfada, where you will have approximately 5 hours to enjoy the sun, relax or swim in the sea.

Glyfada Beach is said to be where Odysseus washed up on the final leg of his Odyssey to his way back to Ithaca.

The beach is flanked by cafeterias and kiosks where you may purchase refreshments. The beach offers sun beds and umbrellas for hire so please remember to bring local currency with you.

Paleokastritsa consists of 6 small coves with incredibly turquoise water, nestling in a coastline of hills and promontories, draped in olive, cypress and lemon trees. Legend tells us that this is the location where Odysseus met Nausica after his final shipwreck. Here you will visit The Monastery of the Virgin Mary which is located on a cliff and inhabited by monks. It was founded in 1228 but the present day complex was erected in the 18th century and offers unrivalled views of the area.

Situated in the fertile Ropa Valley and owned by one of the oldest families on the island is the Theotoky Estate. The Estate produces some of the best wine on the island as well as the most sought after olive oil. Experience the production process for both the wine and olive oil, followed by a sampling of the wine with some local cheese, fresh bread, olive oil and olives grown on the Estate. At the end of your visit there will be the opportunity to purchase wines and olive oil from the Estate.

The Town of Corfu is bustling, elegant, often charming and sometimes bewildering, and combines the picturesque ambience of a medieval town with many of the comforts of a modern resort. You will have a guided tour of the Old Town and some free time to explore on your own.

This tour will include a brief stop outside the Church of St Spyridon, the Patron Saint of the Island, to view the church and its distinctive bell tower.

Your scenic drive will take you into the village of Gastouri where you will visit the Achilleion Palace. Enjoy the stunning views and explore the carefully manicured hill top gardens containing statues such as the dramatic Dying Achilles.

High in the mountains of Corfu and nestled in a beautiful green camouflage of tall pine, cypress and olive trees is the stunning traditional village of Kato Garouna. Visit the small municipal museum which is housed in an old olive oil factory where the mill is still in place and see how the olive oil was made. The last remaining traditional craftswomen will also demonstrate the old art of carpet weaving. At the end of your visit you will be given some free time to explore this beautiful rural village.

A welcome refreshment stop for a glass of local wine with traditional fare of fresh bread with olive oil, feta cheese, olives and salami will be made in a local taverna. A brief photo stop will be made near the Old Fortress of Corfu to take in the beautiful Old Town. Please note that this excursion does not include a guided tour of the town, however you may wish to remain in town and make your own way back to the ship; if you choose to do so, please ensure that you advise your guide.