EXCURSIONS À TERRE

Discover the best of Corfu on this tour. You’ll tour the island, visit a stunning palace and enjoy a traditional lunch with live entertainment at a local taverna. Drive through Corfu and arrive at Mon Repos Palace built by order of Empress Elizabeth of Austria and completed in 1891. The empress had fallen in love with the natural beauty of the island during her 1861 visit and also developed a great appreciation for Greek history and mythology.

After a guided visit of the grounds and palace, you’ll continue to the traditional village of Kinopiastes. Enjoy a rich and traditional lunch at the famous Tripas Tavern accompanied by live Greek music and dancers. Board your coach for the drive back to the Old Town of Corfu where you’ll have the opportunity to either be dropped off, to walk through the narrow lanes and browse on your own, or return with the coach directly to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Sail a sleek catamaran through the enchanting waters between Corfu and the mainland, stopping on occasion to swim, while taking in the spectacular scenery. Once you settle into the 42-foot catamaran, the Mediterranean, you will sail past Corfu’s imposing 15th-century Venetian-built fortress and defensive sea walls before anchoring off the luxurious Mon Repos Palace hotel. The water should be immensely refreshing, crystal-clear and teeming with all sorts of colorful marine life. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity for a similar experience by swimming off teeny Mouse Island. According to legend, Ulysses shipwrecked here and Poseidon turned his ship into the island. The captain will also anchor off heavily wooded Vidos Island, which has the added attraction of being a wildlife sanctuary. While enjoying a buffet lunch of classic Greek dishes on deck, you might watch for birds such as pheasants and even wild goats along the beach-blessed shoreline.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the waters off Corfu in 42-foot catamaran with a sun deck and shaded areas.
• Anchor at three different locations to swim in the crystal-clear sea.
• Admire the gorgeous scenery, while hearing about Corfu’s history and mythology.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, including a swimsuit.
• Bring a towel, hat and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Pendant cette merveilleuse excursion, découvrez les sites les plus enchanteurs, les villages les plus pittoresques et les vues les plus époustouflantes de l'île. After an approximate 30 minute drive, you'll first stop at the beautiful spot of Paleokastritsa that offers splendid views of the area's multiple bays. It's said that Odysseus met Nausica after he washed ashore at one of these bays and enjoy some free time. Your tour will continue towards the village of Lakones where you can look down on the Paleokastritsa and take memorable pictures. While continuing your drive to Mount Pantokrator, you'll get the feeling that the entire island of Corfu is spread below your feet. You'll pass various Corfiot villages, then walk through the beautiful fishing village of Kassiopi and enjoy a typical Greek lunch. After lunch you'll explore the northeast coastline via the village of Nissaki and the coastal resorts of Barbati, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia and Kontokali. As you reach the Old Town of Corfu, you'll have a chance to admire from the comfort of your motorcoach, the architecture of the beautiful mansions, the Byzantine churches, the old fortress, the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George and the lively Esplanade Square, before your return to the pier.

Spend your time experiencing Corfu's most beautiful and renowned landmarks. Traversez la campagne parsemée de citronniers et d'oliviers, pour atteindre le sommet de la colline d'Analipsis, près de la région de Kanoni où se trouve le palais de Mons Repos. It was built in 1826 by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou. It is a charming palace with colonial architectural elements. Continue driving along the coastal road of Perama, where you'll stop to take photographs of the famous views of Mouse Island before returning to Corfu town.

Leave your coach in the Esplanade, the main square of the town, for a walk through the picturesque streets of the Old Town. Here you’ll see historical sites, such as the residence of the Venetian quarters of Cambiello and Corfu’s historical center, the Town Hall and the Church of Saint Spyridon, Patron Saint of Corfu. At the end of the tour you can either board your coach to return to your ship, or remain in the city a bit longer and return to your ship later on your own.

Delight in the beautiful views of the island as you taste local favorites and visit a traditional Koum Kouat distillery. The Koum Kouat citrus fruit is a variety, which only grows in Corfu and is used to make one of the island's most famous products, a liqueur with the same name, and fruit preserved sweets. You will be able to view a small exhibition of antique distillery equipment, sample the product and purchase local liquors to take home. You’ll visit small villages offering splendid views of the area’s multiple bays.

In the charming village of Lakones you’ll have a chance to stop for photos overviewing the bay of Paleokastritsa. Experience the islands highlights on a narrated scenic drive, you will pass the New Fortress, the Palace of St Micheal and St George the Esplanade and the cricket pitch, driving along the coastal road you’ll reach the site of Kanoni, where you will stop to take photographs of the famous views of Mouse island.

Enjoy the fun and adventure of Corfu’s countryside while traveling over stony trails through the olive groves. You’ll catch glimpses of the sparkling Ionian Sea, beautiful green hills and have a glimpse of the traditional way of life led by many of the local people. After picking up your 4x4 vehicle at the pier, your guide will lead you up the main coastal road to the northeast of the island. You’ll then take small country roads to quaint villages, stopping at one of the most charming and oldest on the island to take in the views.

Take an uphill narrow winding road (with 27 zigzag turns) to the Sokraki where you’ll stop to admire one of the most fantastic panoramic views. Following a dusty road, you’ll arrive at Troumbetta. You’ll pass through other picturesque sites and stop at Bella Vista to take in more spectacular views and enjoy some refreshments and Greek snacks. You’ll find it difficult to decide which village is the most appealing to you.

You’ll also visit a traditional Koum Kouat distillery. The Koum Kouat citrus fruit, a variety which only grows in Corfu, is made into one of the island's most famous products, a liqueur with the same name, plus fruit preserved sweets. You’ll be able to view a small exhibition of antique distillery equipment, sample the produce and purchase local liquors.

Experience Corfu’s most beautiful and renowned landmarks in a small group. You’ll drive in a minibus through the countryside dotted with lemon and olive trees, to reach at the most photographed spot of the Island and you will have a photo stop to capture the famous Mouse Island and the church of Vlaherena. After, you will reach the top of Analipsis hill, near Kanoni area where Mon Repos Palace stands. It was built in 1826 by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou. It is a charming palace with colonial architectural elements. You’ll stop at Paleokastritsa, not only one of the most beautiful spots on the island but also a vantage point for splendid views of the multiple bays. Legend says that Odysseus met Nausica after he washed ashore on one of these bays and enjoy some free time.

This will be followed by a typical lunch at a local restaurant in Paleokastritsa. Your tour continues to Esplanade, the main square of the town, for a walk through the picturesque streets of the Old Town to see some of the historical sites.

Delight in the beautiful views of the island as you taste local favorites and visit a traditional Koum Kouat distillery. The Koum Kouat citrus fruit is a variety which only grows in Corfu and is used to make one of the island's most famous products, a liqueur with the same name, plus fruit preserved sweets. You’ll be able to view a small exhibition of antique distillery equipment, sample the product and purchase local liquors to take home. You’ll visit towns offering splendid views of the area’s multiple bays and enjoy some free time for photos. In the charming village of Lakones, built on the slopes of the mountain, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the famous ouzo together with Greek appetizers. Visit the monastery of Agia Paraskevi. In the main square of Corfu town, enjoy a walk through the picturesque streets.See historical sites, such as the residence of the Venetian quarters of Cambiello and Corfu’s historical center, the Town Hall and the Church of Saint Spyridon, Patron Saint of Corfu before returning to the pier.

Explore a centuries-old Venetian fortress overlooking Corfu’s Old Town and then savor traditional Greek dishes and delicacies at a waterfront restaurant. UNESCO has designated the historical district a World Heritage site because of the authenticity and integrity of the urban fabric and its fortresses of Venetian origins. The town’s so-called Old Fortress was constructed on a rocky promontory in the 15th century on the site of a former Byzantine castle. As you explore the restored fortification, be sure to notice the Venetian symbol on the arched entrance and a small chapel nearby, where prisoners were once held in chains before being executed. The British destroyed many of the original Venetian structures and constructed their own buildings within the Old Fortress, the most prominent being the Church of St. George. Just behind the fortress, you will find the Sailing Club, where you will enjoy local delicacies and wine. The restaurant overlooks a small marina and specializes in Mediterranean seafood dishes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Corfu, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Corfu, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Kanoni District
• Mouse Island
• Garitsa Bay
• Corfu Town
• Lazaris Distillery

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Corfu.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Stop in the picturesque Kanoni district and at sparkling Garitsa Bay.
• Spend free time in Corfu Town, where you can see St. Spyridon Church.
• Savor tastings of ouzo, and handmade sweets at Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

For those who prefer to spend a hot summer day at the beach, we have arranged a transfer and use of facilities at a leading resort. Driving for approximately 30 minutes from the port through the picturesque countryside brings you to your resort at Barbati village, on the east coast of the island. You’ll have nearly four hours to sit back and enjoy this beautiful setting with its coarse, pebbly shoreline and crystal clear waters. Swim in the Ionian Sea and pay homage to the sun and sea gods who have showered their blessings upon this mythical isle. A beach bed and umbrella (one umbrella per two beds) and a soft drink or coffee from the hotel are included. Additional refreshments may be purchased and watersports are available at an additional charge.

Enjoy the gorgeous scenery and views of the Corfiot countryside, as you travel to your horseback riding experience in the northern coast of Corfu. The stables are located in a shady olive grove by the sea. Your ride sets off across the wild headland and along Sidari’s lanes and tracks towards the beach. The trail offers you some magnificent views of the beautiful peninsula of Erimitis and paths bordered by many beautiful trees, flowers, shrubs and a variety of wild herbs.

You'll ride down to scenic Sidari Beach where you'll stop for a few minutes before retracing the same route back to the riding center.

You'll be offered a refreshing, cool drink and have free time to enjoy a swim from the rocky beach. There are concessions that offer sun beds and umbrella rentals available at your own expense. A few steps from the beach, you'll find sea front taverns where you can purchase snacks and refreshments.