Achilleion Palace, St. Spyridon Church & Corfu Town (Guided in Spanish)

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic 30-minute drive to the Achilleion Palace. En route, you'll pass through olive, lemon and orange groves interspersed with cypress trees, and the Old Fortress that stands guard over the harbor and Corfu.

During the period of the 6th and 13th century A.D, Corfu stood within the fortifications of the Old Fortress. Built by the Byzantines, it was reinforced by the Venetians and later by the British. Although much has been destroyed, the Venetian insignia still remains, as do the lower ramparts and a steel bridge that connects the fortress to the city.

Upon arriving at the Achilleion Palace, you may be awe-struck - perhaps from its sheer magnificence or because it feels oddly familiar-- Achilleion Palace was featured in the James Bond classic, For Your Eyes Only.

Achilleion Palace was built in 1889-1891 for Princess Elisabeth von Witelsbach of Austria, and paid homage to Greek mythology. Upon her death, Kaiser Wilhelm II made the palace his summer home until WWII. You'll marvel at its formal Italian garden with its trees and statuary, and the exquisite mural positioned at the reception enclosure that artistically portrays Achilles carrying the dead body of Hector.

Corfu Town is your next stop. Best seen on foot, the old town is a mixture of the medieval and the modern. With a guide by your side, you'll tour Old Corfu Town and see the Esplanade (planted with palms and eucalyptus by the French), the English cricket pitch, and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, once home to Corfu's British rulers. You're free to follow the narrow streets and small plazas to the church of St. Spyridon, the final resting place of the island's patron saint.

Your tour concludes with a walk back to your motorcoach and a relaxing drive back to the pier. With Corfu behind you, you'll leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories.

Special Notes:

Shorts are not permitted in St. Spyridon Church; women must cover their shoulders.

Anticipate a few steps to visit the Achilleion Palace as well as two staircases without handrails to visit its gardens. The old town of Corfu will be explored on foot over level terrain - those with physical limitations should take this into consideration.

Flash photos are not permitted in the Palace - photos and video cameras are not permitted in the Church of St. Spyridon. Guide portion of Church of St. Spyridon will be conducted outside the church. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.