Corfu cruises, Greece

Corfu is more lush and verdant than most Greek islands and this is apparent as you drive through groves of olive, orange and lemon trees, interspersed with tall, graceful cypresses.

In the village of Gastouri is the Achilleion Palace, built for Empress Elisabeth and purchased by William II after her untimely death. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the Palace’s beautiful interior and explore the manicured gardens, containing statues including the dramatic Dying Achilles.

Situated at the top of Analipsis Hill is the Mon Repos Palace, where Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was born. Today it has been turned into the Paleopolis Museum, and your visit will show you various fascinating finds from archaeological sites. Sweeping coastline views from high up, add to the beauty of the location.

Then it’s time to enjoy a cup of filtered coffee and some traditional cake at a local restaurant near the beautiful Old Town of Corfu. Enjoy views towards the port, mainland and the famous Old Fortress.

Essential information

This tour will operate by coach and on foot. The maximum group size will be no more than 25 passengers per guide. There is a short walk from the coach drop off point to the Mon Repos Museum and an incline to negotiate. Please note that this tour will take you along some winding bumpy roads. This excursion does not include a guided tour of Corfu Town. You may opt to remain in the Town and make your own way back to the ship. Please advise your guide, if you choose this option. There are 50 steps to visit the Gardens of Achilleion Palace and the stairs do not have handrails. Total walking time during this tour is 2 hours. Comfortable non-slip shoes are recommended.

Sit back and relax as you weave your way up the mountain roads to the beautiful village of Paleokastritsa. Sheer cliffs and rugged headlands are interspersed with coves of silver sand, coiled between mountains cloaked in emerald green. Perched on a hilltop above the beach is the majestic monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Explore the magical manicured gardens and Byzantine style buildings which date back to the 18th century. Next, you’ll head to the Venetian citadel, in the heart of Old Corfu Town. Your guide will host you on a short stroll through a maze of narrow streets, passing by the public gardens and cricket ground and on to Corfu’s famous St Spyridon’s Church. From here you will have some free time to explore further or simply enjoy people watching in one of the many street cafés.

Next, you’ll head to the Venetian citadel, in the heart of Old Corfu Town. Your guide will host you on a short stroll through a maze of narrow streets, passing by the public gardens and cricket ground and on to Corfu’s famous St Spyridon’s Church. From here you will have some free time to explore further or simply enjoy people watching in one of the many street cafés.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Due to ongoing road renovations, the road to the Virgin Mary Monastery in Paleokastritsa may be inaccessible and will be replaced with the Virgin Monastery in Kanoni. Passengers are advised that there is approximately 2 hours of walking included with several steps, uneven terrain and some steep inclines. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Flash photography, filming and shorts are not permitted in St Spyridon’s and women are required to cover their shoulders and knees. Local guides are not permitted to guide inside the church. There are some hairpin bends on this tour and those passengers suffering from vertigo should take this into consideration.

Head to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town of Corfu. With your guide, meander through the Mediterranean port town and discover its delightful architecture and Esplanade, one of the largest squares in Europe. The town centre conceals a labyrinth of narrow alleyways criss-crossing larger, bustling streets abound with typical old craftsmen's workshops.

Then it’s time to sit back, relax and admire the stunning scenery, as you take a drive through the lush countryside to Paleokastritsa. Described by many as one of the most beautiful places in Greece, Paleokastritsa boasts beautiful crystal blue bays, mysterious grottoes and impressive cliff formations. Upon arrival, you’ll hop aboard a small boat and set off to discover the spectacular caves of Nafsika, the San Nicolaos Caves and the unique Blue Eye Cave. Admire the contrasting green and blue colours of the water and the array of jagged cave walls.

At the end of your boat ride, there will be some limited free time in Paleokastritsa, before the return drive to the pier.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach, boat and on foot. The small boats vary in capacity from 10 to 25 seats. The boat ride is weather dependent and may be cancelled on the day. If this occurs the time will be substituted at Paleokastritsa or Corfu Old Town. A degree of agility is required when boarding the boat as you will need to step between the boat and the quayside. The boats are regulated and must be filled as they are lined up, before moving to the next one. The boat ride is around 30 minutes. There is approximately 1 hour of walking over flat terrain. For those wishing to spend the free time in Paleokastritsa at the beach, please remember your swimwear, a towel and sun protection. Please remember local currency for purchases.