CORFU SIGHTS TOUR
DEPARTURE
- Corfu
EXCURSION THEME
- Entertainment, Historical
EXCURTION TYPE
- 1-16 (persons) Sprinter, 1-6 (persons) Mini Van, Individual
GUIDE SERVICE
- With Guide, Without Guide
DURATION
- Full Day
SHORT DESCRIPTION
GALLERY
ROUTE
| Time | Description |
| 08:00:00 | departure from the hotel (depends on the place of residence) |
| 08:30:00 | Monastery of Zoodochou Pigi, Paleokastritsa |
| 10:30:00 | production of kumquats (liqueurs, sweets) |
| 11:30:00 | Achilleion |
| 13:30:00 | Church of St. Spyridon, Liston, Old Town |
| 14:30:00 | Free time |
| 16:45:00 | departure for the hotel |
| 17:15:00 | return to the hotel (depends on the place of residence) |
EXCURTION DESCRIPTION
Corfu
Corfu is one of the most northern and western islands of Greece and the Ionian Sea, belongs to the Ionian Islands. The north-eastern coast of the island is located quite close (about 2 km from the city center).) from the coast of forty in Albania.
Corfu has an elongated shape, wider in the northern part, narrowing to the South. The coastline has a total length of 217 km. and forms several bays and capes. The region is mostly mountainous, especially in the northern part.
It is a medium-sized island with an area of 588 sq.m. km, and according to the 2011 census with a population of 101,113 inhabitants. Although unofficially the population is larger, approaching 150,000, Corfu Town (the capital of the island) is home to 30,000 people. The length of the island from end to end does not exceed 61 km. and its width is 27.
It is one of the most populous islands in the Mediterranean with a population density of 193 inhabitants per square kilometer and, in percentage change, ranks third in Greece in terms of population density after Athens and Thessaloniki.
Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is one of the most famous resorts of Corfu. Picturesque bays and sandy beaches, olive groves, green hills, steep cliffs and caves that are hidden inside, create a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors to the island and residents of the area.
According to historians, during the reign of Alkinoos, the King of the Phaeacians, the capital of the island was located here.
The city is located just 25 km from the city from the capital. The area was made famous by 19th century English travellers and artists who were inspired by its sophisticated and romantic atmosphere. The British also built the first road in the area, connecting the Castle-Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi with the city of Corfu.
Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi
The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi in Paleokastritsa is male and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to legend, it was built in the place where the icon of the Theotokos appeared. The monastery was built on the rock, the location made it not only a spiritual center, but also part of the island’s defense system. The monastery is located 26 km northwest of Corfu Town and is built on the highest hill on the Right Bank of the Gulf of Paleokastritsa.
All the buildings of the monastery are designed in the Byzantine style and date back to 1228. But the monastic cells and the courtyard with arches were built in the 18th century. Also in the monastery there is a traditional olive press and a small museum with Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons (Cretan School of the 15th-18th century). One of the most important exhibits is the Icon Of The Assumption of Lambardos (16-17 centuries), as well as the icon of Panagia Skopiotissa, painted on Bull skin, dated 1494. The museum also contains sacred vestments, books, religious relics and utensils.
In the 19th century, during the British rule, the monastery was used as a military hospital, in parallel a road was built to the very village of Paleokastritsa and the monastery. An old Russian cannon with the coat of arms of the Romanov dynasty at the entrance reminds of the presence of Russians in the region in 1799.
Today the monastery is one of the landmarks of the island and, with its unparalleled natural beauty, attracts a large number of not only pilgrims, but also ordinary tourists.
Kumquat products
The golden orange is called “kam kwat” in its homeland in China, while its English name used in Europe – kumquat. This citrus shrub has been cultivated in Corfu since 1924. It is said to have been brought to the island by the British agronomist Merlin. Following the ministry’s decision in 1994, it was declared a product of a Protected Geographical Indication.
Kumquat is a citrus shrub and does not exceed 2.5 meters in height. The fruit ripens in December and, like other citrus fruits, changes color from Green to Orange. Thus, the most suitable collection period is from January to February. The fruit is smaller than the Mandarin, elongated, has seeds and is eaten with the peel. Like all citrus fruits, it is rich in vitamins A and C. However, its taste is very spicy and bittersweet, so it is usually not eaten raw. But it is great for liqueurs, jams and desserts. Thus, most of the products are processed directly on the island of Corfu, and a significant part of the manufactured products is exported to the countries of the European Union.
Kumquat is intensively cultivated in Corfu and specifically in the northern part of the island, in the area of Plato. Here, the soil, mild climate and a sufficient amount of water contribute to good harvests. The plantations cover a total of over 500 acres. With annual Kumquat production approaching 140 tons.
Achilleion
Achilleion is undoubtedly one of the most famous royal mansions in Europe and has long been a trademark of Corfu. It was built in 1890 by the Austrian Empress Elisabeth and designed by Italian architects Rafaele Carrito and Antonio Landi. The Queen decided to settle on the island, the climate of which had a beneficial effect on her health.
The mansion was named after Achilles, Elizabeth’s favorite hero. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens dominated by vigorous bougainvillea and tall palm trees. The gardens contain a large number of sculptures, the most remarkable of which are dedicated to Achilles himself. The first is Ernst Gustav Herter’s “Achilles dying” in 1884, in which the hero tries to pull a deadly arrow from his heel.
It is believed that the Empress acquired the statue in memory of her son, who tragically committed suicide. The second is Johannes Götz’s “Nicon Achilleus”, who was installed later, under William II. Who also placed an inscription: “To The Greatest Of The Greeks by The Greatest Of The Germans.”
Saint Spyridon Church
One of the most important Byzantine and Christian monuments in Corfu is the Church of St. Spyridon. The church is located in the center of the Old Town, in the so-called “Koutouki of St. Spyridon”, and you can easily find it from the bell tower that rises above the city. The construction of the temple was completed in 1589. It was the private Church of the Voulgaris family, to which the holy relics of the Saint belonged.
Although Spyridon is the patron saint of Corfu (his memory is celebrated in a procession four times a year), he never visited the island during his lifetime. Saint Spyridon was Bishop of Trimythounda in Cyprus in the 4th century AD.Allah. He held so high a position, though he was an uneducated Shepherd by the people. However, he was distinguished by his spirituality. Being a priest, he very quickly gained the trust of the public and other clergy.
The Old Town of Corfu
The Old Town of Corfu is a unique gem of the whole of Greece. Byzantine and Venetian architecture, narrow couches, small squares scattered through the streets, the sounds of music from Philharmonic rehearsals – all this creates a unique setting that you will surely remember for a long time. For most visitors, the historic center resembles Italian neighborhoods and makes sense, as The Venetian protectorate in Corfu lasted about 400 years, saving it from the Turkish yoke and giving the island the opportunity to flourish as a cultural, Christian and commercial area. The historic center of the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 – https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/978/
The first thing that impresses travelers arriving in Corfu Town is the two fortresses: the old and the new, which protect Corfu Town from both sides. They are fortifications of the Venetian era, designed to protect the city from attacks, mainly Turkish.
MAP
- The old town of Corfu is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (wife of Queen Elizabeth II) was born on the island of Corfu.
- The coastline of Corfu has a total length of 217 km.
- Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of an independent Greek state and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, was born in Corfu.
- Although Spyridon is the protector of Corfu (whose memory is celebrated in a procession four times a year), he never visited the island during his lifetime.
- Paleokastritsa is popular to divers – thanks to its rocky cave-shaped shores. Ordinary tourists can see the caves during small boat trips.
- Spianada Square (in Corfu) is the largest in the Balkan Peninsula.
- Total kilometer distance of the excursion – about 70-80 km.
- Wear comfortable shoes for your safety.
- Visiting churches / monasteries requires a specific type of clothing: for men – covered shoulders and long pants. For women – covered shoulders and neckline, skirt below the knee (you can tie a cover-up).
- The program of the excursion can be changed for reasons beyond the control of the company (force majeure); weather conditions and at the discretion of the tour guide, if necessary.
590 €
Φόρμα Ενδιαφέροντος
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THE PRICE INCLUDES
- All transfers made with comfortable transport (depending on the selected category).
- Guide services (unless you have selected the “no guide” service).
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Lunch
- Tickets to museums and archeological parks.
- Boating in Paleokastritsa.
SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS
TOUR IN ATHENS AND THE MUSEUM OF THE ACROPOLIS
CORFU – ISLAND OF THE ARISTOCRATS (TWO-DAY EXCURSION)
Cruise to Albania: Saints Saranda and Vouthroto
PILGRIMAGE TO THE MONASTERIES OF CORFU
DISCOVERING NORTH CORFU
FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH GREECE (PREMIUM, THESSALONIKI)
METEORAS – DELPHI (TWO DAYS)
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Entertainment
TOUR IN ATHENS AND THE MUSEUM OF THE ACROPOLIS
610 €The trip to Athens is one of those trips that will not leave any traveler indifferent. And it’s not just about the the spirit of a modern European metropolis, the atmosphere of the capital or the sequence of objects you visit. The bottom line is that you touch the pages of school textbooks and books about ancient Greek history and mythology on and on again, and, at the same time, discover a lot of new things&facts for yourself.
Not only history and gods with heroes will fill with special content your acquaintance with the city of democracy, but also a number of pleasant surprises and surprises will open Athens for you . And first of all it will be an acquaintance with the uniqueness and originality of the city, which combines a history of five thousand years with the life of a 21st century metropolis. This amazing symbiosis in Athens does not just mean the neighborhood of the majestic ruins of the 5th century BC. e. with modern trading centers and buildings of the 19th century, built in neoclassical style, but also a special atmosphere in which antiquity meets the era of technological progress.
During a sightseeing tour of Athens, you will get acquainted with the main sights of the center of the capital of Greece. Your path will run along the Kifissos River, which, according to one version, is the legendary Eridanus, where the son of the solar god Helios Phaethon fell into, strucked by lightning of Zeus for the inability to cope with the chariot of his father. You will see Cape Piraeus, where the main port once appeared, Athens, which retains such significance today. And marvel at the size columns of the temple of Olympian Zeus, which can surprise even now. Follow the steps of the Evzones – soldiers of the national guard, carrying guard at the parliament building in the very center of the city. take a selfie in the background of Olympic Stadium Kallimarmaro, where the first Olympic modern games were held. You will follow the paths of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle along the agora of ancient Athens and the path “Peripatos” around the hill of the Acropolis, in the honour of which the Peripatetic school of philosophers was named. Dive into the hustle and bustle of the Plaka – one of the old districts of Athens, conveying the mood of the second half of the 19th century. On the way back, a stop in the Thermopylae Gorge is provided, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans accomplished a feat that even today is not forgotten not only by the Greeks, but by the whole world.
After your visit to the Acropolis, the tour continues to the new Acropolis Museum, which in 2009 moved from the premises next to the Parthenon to a new building.The layout of the museum building provides transparent floors, so the basement of the exhibition is the excavation of the districts of ancient Athens. On the ground floor there are finds of Athenian pottery, in the first – finds, found mainly during the excavation of the “Persian ravine” – a pit in which were buried details of buildings and sculptural decorations of the Acropolis of the Archaic period of the 6th century BC. after the destruction of the buildings by the Persians in 480 and 479 BC. Also, in the same area, a large number of so-called kouros and koras are presented (statues of young men and women of the archaic period).
The top floor houses the original sculptures of the Parthenon, which are on display in the museum to protect them from the harmful effects of smog, rain and pollution: metopes, fragments of surviving pediments and details of the Parthenon frieze. The Acropolis Museum contains 40 plaques, the British Museum – 56, stolen in 1801-1805 by Elgin.
On the way back, a stop is waiting for you in Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans gained eternal glory.
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Entertainment
CORFU – ISLAND OF THE ARISTOCRATS (TWO-DAY EXCURSION)
1,150 €The two-day trip to Corfu gives you the opportunity to get to know one of the most amazing islands of Greece. An aristocratic Island, unique architecture and huge historical and cultural heritage. The classic Greek beauty of Corfu has fascinated sailors, travelers, aristocrats and artists for centuries. The Venetians, the French and the British left behind a legacy in the architecture, culture, daily life and gastronomy of the island. Today Corfu is a mix of eras and cultures, blending traditional Orthodox Greece with the Cosmopolitan influences of Western Europe.
Day one – the city of Corfu.
Once you step into the atmospheric old town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will find yourself in a fairytale world. You will hear the footsteps of kings, nobles and Knights who once walked on the cobbled sidewalks and quacks. And the labyrinth of narrow streets will lead you to the Church of St. Spyridon, protector of the city and one of the most revered saints. The port of Corfu, one of the most well-fortified ports in the Mediterranean, is characterized by two fortresses – Old and New. An ideal place to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the magnificent Ionian Sea.
Pontikonisi and the Monastery of Vlacherna off the coast of Kanoni are some of the most famous and photographed sights of Corfu. Here you will not only enjoy the picturesque landscapes, but you will have the opportunity to take truly unique photos (with planes flying just a few meters above the Monastery of Vlacherna).
The evening awaits you a walk in the north of the island, where, on the edge of a cliff in Peroulades, the most romantic sunset awaits you.
Day two – the island of Corfu.
The day will start with an acquaintance with the traditional production of liqueurs and sweets from kumquat, which have long been the trademark of the island and are widely exported to European countries. Then to Paleokastritsa, which is a favorite destination for all visitors and locals of Corfu.Picturesque bays and sandy beaches, olive groves, green hills, steep cliffs and caves that are hidden inside, create a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors to the island and residents of the area. Here, on a cliff, dominates the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, whose history will be interesting not only for pilgrims.
At the end of the route – visit to Achillion, the summer house of the Austrian Empress Elizabeth (Sissi). This is undoubtedly one of the most famous royal mansions in Europe. It was built in 1890 and designed by the Italian architects Rafaele Carrito and Antonio Landi.
It is named after Achilles, Elizabeth’s favorite hero. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens dominated by vigorous bougainvillea and tall palm trees. The gardens contain a large number of sculptures, the most remarkable of which are dedicated to Achilles himself.
A two-day trip to Corfu will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with the most European, cosmopolitan and aristocratic island of the Ionian Sea and the whole of Greece.
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Cruise
Cruise to Albania: Saints Saranda and Vouthroto
50 €Albania is located just 2 nautical miles from the island of Corfu and the history of its southern coastline is the history of Greek settlements.
A one-day cruise in Albania will acquaint you with the monuments of ancient times, the natural beauty and the customs of this country.
As part of this route, you will visit the town of Agioi Saranda, called the Southern Gate of Albania due to its key position throughout its centuries of history. The main purpose of the trip is the Butrhoto Archaeological Park, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
And at the end of the program, you will have a short tour of the medieval castle Le Cures, located on a hill above the port.
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CruiseBLUE LAGOON CRUISE
30 €Dreams of relaxation for most people are associated with azure of the sea, endless white sandy beach or sea cruise. The Blue Lagoon cruise is a great opportunity to spend an unforgettable day at the sea and get a lot of pleasant impressions.
Chalkidiki is called “a kaleidoscope of green and blue” because of the rich vegetation that borders the waters of its coasts. The beaches are long and sandy, scattered over small or large bays. The sea is perfectly clean, safe, transparent and calm. The seabed is teeming with life, and if you take diving goggles you can see fish, small octopuses and other marine life.
The cruise will start from the bay of Ormos Panagias and its itinerary will be lie to the south – towards the openwork coast of Vourvourou, after swimming in open waters you will travel to the only one of the inhabited islands in the region region – Ammouliani, where you can stroll through the atmospheric village and relax on the beach.
