Highlights of Corfu

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Corfu (some regional flight options may be available. These are on request and subject to a supplement.) On arrival transfer to the Mon Repos Palace Hotel for a seven-night stay on bed and breakfast basis. This evening there will be a group welcome dinner in a local taverna.

Day 2: Guided walking tour of Corfu Town with the afternoon free.
We start our tour by exploring the wonderful ‘old town’ and capital of the island, Corfu Town with a local guide. A fascinating and attractive town that owes its character to its vast history and the influence of the various occupiers of the island but in particular the Venetians who left a beautiful architectural legacy. Magnificent buildings line the narrow streets that are perfect for strolling and exploring but also for lingering in one of the towns many cafes or restaurants. The afternoon will be free leaving you time to explore further and perhaps to visit one of the many wonderful museums such as the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Asian Art, the Byzantine Museum or the Municipal Art Gallery.

Day 3: A taste of Albania - Butrint
We depart from the port of Corfu and journey by boat to Agia Saranda in Albania and then journey on through picturesque villages to the site of Butrint a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will be guided by a local guide. There will be free time in the town of Agia Saranda before catching the ferry back to Corfu in the late afternoon.

Day 4: Exploring Corfu
After a long day yesterday our tour today will be a relaxed scenic day seeing a bit more of Corfu. We shall visit the charming village of Kassiopi on Corfu’s north-east coast, the abandoned village of Perithia and the monastery of Pantokrator, situated on Mount Pantokrator, the highest point of the island (906m). The monastery was built in the 14th century but destroyed in 1537, the present church dates from the 17th Century and the outer cells the 19th Century. The church is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ and it is a single-nave Basilica. ‘Old Perithia’ is a completely abandoned village that has been designated an ‘historic, heritage village’. There will be time to enjoy lunch in one of the handful of tavernas dotted in the village and to explore the village before visiting the pretty village of Kassiopi with its narrow cobbled streets overlooked by the ruins of ancient castle.

Day 5: Today is a free day to enjoy at leisure.

Day 6: Acheron River & Parga
We depart this morning by ferry to the mainland town of Igoumenitsa. On arrival there we drive to the picturesque resort town of Parga, which sits next to the sea on the west coast. There will be free time to wander the town’s pretty harbour front, swim, if you wish, walk to the remains of a Venetian castle that watches over the town or just relax in one of the many seaside cafes. Later we will re-join our coach for the 30-minute drive to the beautiful Gliki village. This little village sits next to the picturesque Acheron River, known as the mystical river Styx in Greek mythology and believed to lead to the entrance of the underworld and the Kingdom of Hades. According to tradition, Zeus was devastated when the Titans drunk from the water and so he condemned the river to remain eternally under the earth. In this beautiful surrounding with rich vegetation and crystalline waters which comprise a unique natural landscape you will start a 20-minute walk and exploration along the banks and through the river. In some parts of the walk you will wade into the water up to knee level. Returning back to the starting point, there will be time for refreshments in one of the river side tavernas before heading back to Igoumenitsa to catch the ferry to Corfu.

Day 7: Achillion Palace, Paleokastritsa and Makrades
The morning will be spent at the Achillion Palace, built by the Empress Elisabeth “Sissy” of Austria in 1891, and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. We will visit the museum, as well as its beautiful gardens which have spectacular views. The palace was designed with the mythical hero Achilles as its central theme. Corfu was Elizabeth's favourite vacation place and she built the palace because she admired Greece and its language and culture. We then continue north to beautiful village of Paleokastritsa described as the jewel of Corfu; this Arcadian, red-roofed town never fails to enchant. We will visit the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin and its gardens, which have spectacular views over Paleokastritsas’ beautiful green and blue bays. Our final visit is Makrades, which enjoys spectacular views but also offers an array of shops for any last minute shopping!

Day 8: Transfer to Corfu Airport for the return flight to the UK.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers.