The Best of Corfu when Visiting Corfu, Greece

The most famous ancient Greek poet, named Homer, sang the praises of the beautiful and rich land of the Phaeacians.  Thousands of years later, Shakespeare also thought this island was the ideal setting for his play, "Tempest".  Since these times Corfu has been known as an island that stands apart from other Greek Islands.

You will meet your licensed guide at the port of Corfu and drive away from the city and into the fertile area of orange and lemon groves until you reach the Achilleion Palace.  You enjoy a private guided tour of the villa which was built 100 years ago.  The villa contains mementos of its former owners, the Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Kaiser Wilhelm II.  The gardens are adorned with statues and the views over the densely wooded countryside are magnificent.

After your visit you will drive to The Mon Repo Palace which was built in 1828 for the second British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, Sir Frederic Adam.  From then on the palace was used as the summer residence of the High Commissioners, while their official residence was the Palace of St. Michael and St. George in the town of Corfu.  Many other important personalities stayed in the Palace after the Ionian Islands were ceded to Greece after 1864 whereupon it was donated to the Greek Royal family.  In fact, the second son of King George I, George II was born here in 1869.  In 1900, the wedding of Princess Maria, daughter of King George I and Olga took place here when she married the Archduke Georgio Mihailovic of Russia.  The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, the British Queen’s husband, was born (1921) and baptized here.  The Greek Royal family spent their summer holidays at Mon Repos, hosting their guests until the last King Constantine, after a referendum in 1974, went into exile in England.

Upon completion of the visit at Mon Repo you will drive to the Palace of St. Michael and St. George and enjoy refreshments in the “People’s Garden.”

Leaving Corfu town you travel along the scenic West Coast to the hill top village of Lakones or Bella Vista as it is known.  This impressive location offers the most spectacular views over the famous Bay of Paleokastritsa, its emerald seas and unusual rock formations.  In the distance the old Monastery founded in 1225 sits serenely over this popular bay resort.

Next you drive to inland to the inspiring scenic village of Makrades, the Troumbetta Pass and the village of Scripero leading through the fertile area known as the Ropa Valley.  Your next stop is at a distillery which produces an island favorite, Koum Kouat Liqueur.  There will be time for tasting this specialty along with fruit glace.

After enjoying this refreshing stop you start the trip back to Corfu town.  Along the way a short stop is made at the area known as Kanoni, so called due the old Canons, still in place, which used to protect the entrance to the harbor . This vantage point offers wonderful views of the bay with Mouse Island and the little chapel clearly visible.  Later this afternoon your return to the pier.

Tour Breakdown-
1- Depart pier and drive to Achilleion Palace- 30 Minutes
2- Visit Achilleion Palace- 1 Hour
3- Drive to Mon Repo Palace- 30 Minutes
4- Visit Mon Repo Palace- 1 Hour
5- Drive to Corfu Town- 10 Minutes
6- Time for Refreshments or Lunch Break- 1 hour and 30 Minutes
7- Drive to Bella Vista- 40 Minutes
8- Photo Stop- 15 Minutes
9- Corfu Island Scenic Drive - 45 Minutes
10- Visit  Koum Kouat Distillery- 20 Minutes
11- Drive to Kanoni   30 Minutes
12- Photo Stop- 15 Minutes
13- Drive to town of Corfu- 20 Minutes

Total tour time is approximately 8 hours.  This itinerary requires walking and includes uneven surfaces.  It is not wheelchair accessible. The tour prices listed below are for the entire group.  They are NOT per person prices!  Entrance fees are per person and are added to the tour price.