CORFU, GREECE

We depart the pier for a pleasant drive through Corfu’s verdant countryside, teeming with orange, lemon, cypress and olive groves. A brief photo stop will be made before arriving at the village of Gastouri, where we’ll marvel at the Achilleion Palace.

We depart the pier for a pleasant drive through Corfu’s verdant countryside, teeming with orange, lemon, cypress and olive groves. A brief photo stop will be made before arriving at the village of Gastouri, where we’ll marvel at the Achilleion Palace. The Palace was constructed under the rule of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who named it after Achilles, the Greek hero who she greatly admired. Following her assassination, Kaiser Wilhelm II bought the villa, before the Greeks confiscated it in 1914. The Achilleion Palace is neo-classical in style, with large frescoed rooms, ancient motifs and souvenirs of Elisabeth and Wilhelm II. The Italian terraced gardens are planted with flowers and Mediterranean trees, and adorned with statues including the “Dying Achilles”. Once inside this great building, we will have the opportunity to visit the vast, impressive rooms and the striking gardens, commanding breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. After our visit to the Palace, we return to the old town of Corfu - Spianada. We will walk through the old quarter, along narrow cobblestone streets known as ‘Kantounia’, and past the cricket ground. During some free time we may stroll through the arcades, and catch a glimpse of the Church of Saint Spyridon, boasting a priceless collection of icons and gifts offered to the Patron Saint of the Island.

This tour involves walking around the Achilleion Palace (plus approximately 50 steps), and in Old Corfu town. Flash Photography is not allowed in the Achilleion Palace. A visit to the Church of Saint Spyridon is not part of the organised tour, however, if there is no service taking place you may enter; suitable clothing should be worn (no strappy tops or shorts).

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES