Private excursion to famous Achillion Palace, Paleokastritsa and Corfu Old Town

This tour includes:

• Transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Visit to Achillion 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

Located in the village of Gastouri, the route to the Achillion Palace takes you along coastal roads and through a landscape of orange, lemon and olive groves.

Built in 1890 by the tragic Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the magnificent palace was designed with the mythical hero Achilles as its main theme.  Massive sculptures dominate the grounds and paintings throughout the palace pay homage to Achilles.  Designed in the Neo-Classical style with Italianate terraced gardens that are planted with an array of exotic plants and trees.  The centre piece of the garden is the statue Dying Achilles by the German sculptor Herter.  In 1907 Kaiser Wilhelm II purchased the Achillion and continued the theme and added the magnificent bronze, Achilles the Victor.

After the First World War the Achillion was returned to the Greek state as part of the Treaty of Versailles.  It was used as a military head quarters during World War II.  In 1962 it was leased to a private company that converted the upper level into a casino and the lower floors became the museum.  The casino scene from the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only was filmed there.

After leaving the Achillion the tour continues with a short, scenic drive to one of the most famous landmarks in Corfu, Mouse Island in the Bay of Kanoni.

Located on the West Coast of Corfu the 30 minute drive to Paleokastritsa gives a snapshot of life in villages away from the tourist areas of Corfu.

Pine clad promontories surrounding the small bays of sand, pebbles and the crystal clear waters of Paleokastritsa. On the promontory farthest north we will visit the charming 13th century Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The Monastery is home to eight monks, who hold traditional masses and are very hospitable.  The museum has Byzantine and Post Byzantine icons, the most notable is the beautiful Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

This is a fantastic place for lunch as there are many excellent tavernas serving traditional dishes and locally caught seafood.  Afterwards we will visit Bella Vista, a famous look out, to take in the view of Corfu, Mainland Greece and Albania.

Our tour continues as we head back to Corfu Town.  You can visit the Old Town where the narrow, cobbled streets are known as Kantounia, the Espianada and the cricket ground.  You will have some free time to stroll along the Liston arcades, visit the Palace of St. Michael and St. George or the old Church of Saint Spyridon, with its priceless collection of icons and gifts offered to the Patron Saint of Corfu.

Important note:

To get the most enjoyment from any tour we recommend that you will choose an option with a professional guide. All professional guides must be licensed by the Greek Tourist Organization, they are university graduates in Greek History and Culture. A professional guide can make your tour an unforgettable experience by telling you interesting stories about places you visit as well as historical facts that might interest you. In Corfu we have professional guides who are able to cover most European languages. Please state the desired language of your guide in the checkout process.