Corfu Shore Excursion

This Corfu shore trip is the most popular choice for those who have a full day available. You visit the islands two historic palaces and then enjoy a scenic driving tour of the island with stops a panoramic viewpoints. There's a chance to taste the local liqueur too!

After meeting your private licensed guide you leave the city and drive into the fertile area of orange and lemon groves until you reach the Achillion Palace. This villa was built 100 years ago and 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.

After visiting these palaces you will drive into the town of Corfu where you have free time for lunch (meal not included).

This afternoon you embark upon a driving tour to wonderful viewpoints on the island. First 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.

Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)