Corfu Achilleion Palace Kanoni and Old Town

Upon arrival at the port, the Shore2Shore guide will be waiting for you as you disembark from the bus provided by the cruise line, properly identified with our company’s sign.

The tour will begin with a visit to the Achilleion Palace, where we will explore its splendid gardens, overlooking the sea and the well-known Baron’s wing.
Due to restoration work, the interior of the palace is currently not open to the public.

The peaceful island of Corfu, known to the Greeks as Kerkira, was chosen by Empress Elizabeth of Austria (Sissi) as a refuge away from the obligations of the Habsburg court. A lover of peace and nature, she was the one who ordered the construction of this palace dedicated to her mythological hero, Achilles. After her death, the palace was acquired by Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was also captivated by the beauty of the island.

Accompanied by our local guide, we will discover the magical world of the Achilleion and its symbolism, while strolling through its gardens adorned with classical statues, surrounded by nature and breathtaking views.

Next, we will embark on a panoramic drive towards the old town of Corfu. Along the way, we will pass by the Kanoni peninsula, the place where, according to tradition, the first Greek settlers established themselves on the island of the Phaeacians.
From the bus, and as long as traffic permits, we will be able to take photographs of two of the island’s most iconic sites: the Vlacherna Church and the picturesque Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), also known as the "petrified ship of Odysseus".
There will be no stop at this point, as it is a national road with no possibility to halt the vehicle, but the bus will slow down to allow you to enjoy the scenery while the guide provides explanations and interesting facts about the area.

Our next stop will be the historic center of Corfu, an architectural gem declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its unique fusion of Venetian, French, and British styles. We will walk through its cobblestone streets, flanked by fortresses, elegant squares, and lively narrow alleys, where local craft shops and typical products are concentrated.

Before returning to the port, we will have free time for shopping or simply to stroll and enjoy the atmosphere.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• DURATION: BUS AND GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 4 HOURS
• FREE TIME OF APPROX. 30-45 MINUTES TO ENJOY AT THE END OF THE EXCURSION.

SUPPLEMENTS to be paid on site

• Entrance to the Garden of the Palace and the Baron’s Wing of the Achilleon Palace: 7.00€
• Children from 6 to 18 years old: 5€
• Children under 5 years old: Free
  Identification document required
  Please bring the exact amount for the entrance fee, the guide does not carry change.
  The entrance fee is set by the municipality and may vary without prior notice.

In case of unavailability of tickets for the garden of the Achilleon Palace, we will visit the Mom Repos Palace instead. Same entrance fee applies.

NOTES

• Easy Level/Panoramic/Cultural
• It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
• Due to construction works, accessibility to the Imperial Gardens for people with disabilities is difficult or impossible.
• WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS TOUR FOR PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS OR WITH REDUCED MOBILITY.

DISEMBARKATION INFO

• Please proceed to the port entrance; the guide will be waiting inside the terminal (customs building, salmon-colored), identified with the Shore2Shore sign.
  You may walk (short walk of approx. 250 meters) or use the free shuttle services provided by the port.