This tour includes:
- Transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
- Port pick up and drop off
- Visit to Achilleion Palace
- View of Mouse Island – famous landmark of Corfu Island
- Visit to Paleokastritsa Resort and the Monastery of Blessed Virgin Mary
- Exploration of Corfu Town including free time for shopping
As one of the most popular Corfu Shore Excursions, this day trip from Corfu Town highlights Corfu in one day.
The tour begins at the Achilleion Palace in Gastouri on the East Coast of the Island. Built in1890 by the tragic Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the palace was designed as homage to the mythical hero Achilles, of whom towering sculptures and impressive paintings can be viewed throughout the palace and gardens.
The palace has an interesting history; in 1907 Kaiser Wilhelm II purchased the property adding a magnificent bronze, Achilles the Victor. The palace was used a military hospital during World War I and became the property of the Greek state as part of war reparations as directed in the Treaty of Versailles.
In 1962 the upper level became a private casino, where a scene from the James Bond film ‘For Your Eyes Only’ was filmed.
This Corfu shore excursion continues to Paleokastritsa, on the West Coast of the Island. The 30 minute drive gives a snapshot of village life not usually seen on standard Corfu tours.
The landscape surrounding Paleokastritsa is stunning and a visit to the bays and crystal clear waters will confirm that this is one of the highlights of Corfu. On promontory farthest north is the charming 13th century Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The museum situated within has Byzantine and Post Byzantine icons; the most notable is the beautiful Dormition of the Virgin Mary which must be included in all Corfu tours.
Lunch is taken in Paleokastritsa where there are many excellent tavernas and fresh, locally caught seafood is plentiful.
This day trip from Corfu Town continues with a visit to the Bella Vista look out point to admire the views of Corfu, the Mainland of Greece and Albania.
As all good things must, including Corfu shore excursions, come to an end the final stop is Corfu Town, with free time in the historical and commercial centre of the Island. A wander through the Kantounia and the arcades of the Liston is a magical experience. The Church of the Saint Spyridon, the Patron Saint of the Corfu has a priceless collection of icons, and gifts offered by grateful worshippers.