ACHILLEION PALACE, PERAMA & OLD CORFU TOWN

Departing from the port, your coach follows the road leading out of town; soon you are in the
lush Corfiot countryside. Kerkyra is the most verdant of all the Greek Islands and this becomes
at once apparent as you are driven through orange, lemon cypress and olive groves, interspersed
with vineyards and fields carpeted with beautiful wild flowers, like a garden in Paradise which
has been decorated by the Gods themselves.
Approximately 20 minutes later you reach the old traditional village of Gastouri and enter the
Achilleion Palace, built by the Empress Elisabeth “Sissy” of Austria in 1891, and later owned by
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. You visit the rooms in the Palace, as well as its beautiful gardens
offering spectacular view over the Ionian Sea. The gardens, full of exotic trees and flowers
which the Empress brought with her from her trips around the world, are adorned with classical
statues, as she was very fond of Greek Ancient History and Mythology. The main “Terrace of
the Muses” decorated with statues of the Nine Greek Muses and the imposing figures of
“Achilles Victorious” and “Achilles Dying” are some of the most interesting.
Leaving Achilleion Palace, your coach takes you to Corfu Town passing by the coastal resort of
Perama, from where you will enjoy some excellent views of the Convent of Vlacherna and the
picturesque Mouse Island. Seize this photo-stop opportunity to test your camera skills on this
view, the most photographed subject on the island.
Once in the Old Quarter of Corfu Town, the coaches drop you off in front of the Old Venetian
Fortress (14 th Century – UNESCO World Heritage), opposite the central “Esplanade Square”.
Whilst your coach awaits at this point for your return, your guide takes you on a beautiful
walking tour of the historic centre of the Old Town. Walking around in the maze of winding
narrow cobbled streets known as “kandounia”, you visit some of the most elegant quarters of
this Venetian-built town, which competes with Napoli, Florence and Venice in terms of beauty,
style, character and charm. Walking along the old cricket grounds – a tradition left over by the
British – you see the Royal Palace of St. George & St. Michael, an imposing building built
entirely of yellow Maltese stone by the first British Commissioner of the island, the spectacular
arcades of the Liston Piazza, a down-sized replica of the Rue de Rivoli of Paris, built by the
French in the 19 th century – before heading into the heart of the old town. You visit the 300-year
old Church of Saint Spiridon with its priceless collection of icons and gifts offered to the Patron
Saint of the Island, explore the old flee-market, pass by the old Town Hall and you find yourself
in the busy shopping district, where you will have some free time for shopping.
Following your tour in the town, it is time to board your coach for your return transfer back to
your ship

Duration : 4 hours

Tour Timings Breakdown: 00:00 Departure from the port, 00:30 Arrival at Achilleion, 01:30
Departure from Achilleion, 01:45 Pass by Perama/Pontikonissi viewpoint, 02:00 Arrival at the
town square, 02:55 walking tour in town, 03:45 Free time in town, 04:00 Return back at the port.