Day 1 in Corfu

Welcome to Corfu! Arrive at the airport in Corfu and proceed to your hotel. After check in, enjoy a coffee in Spianada Square overlooking Liston, a row of arcaded buildings patterned after Paris's Rue de Rivoli, and the cricket court before going to the Old Fortress. Climb up the lighthouse to marvel at the gorgeous views of Mandraki Harbor and even further to Albania. Afterwards, explore Corfu Town, a sophisticated little city with a rich Venetian, French and British history; and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the north side of the Esplanade, be sure to visit the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, home of the Museum of Asian Art and then continue northwest to the Byzantine Museum, which is housed in the Church of Antivouniotissa and the Solomos Museum, dedicated to Dionysius Solomos, the National Greek Poet. Next, continue along the coast road to the New Fortress and then lose yourself in the stepped streets and narrow alleys of Old Corfu until you come to the Agios Spiridon Cathedral located just behind Liston. Saint Spiridon is the protector of Corfu and the church is the resting place of his remains. From here, head south along the Esplanade toward the Town Hall on your way to the Maitland Rotunda, which honors Sir Thomas Maitland, the first British lord high commissioner of the Ionian Islands. Beyond this is the Kapodistrias statue honoring Count Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first president of independent Greece. Still further south you will come to the Archaeological Museum and the Tomb of Menekrates.

Later, head to Kanoni, the most photographed spot in Corfu. Here you can visit the elegant, neoclassic villa of Mon Repos, with its beautiful seaside gardens and secret beach. Then stop at the famous church of Panagia Vlacherna before grabbing a bite to eat and admiring the views of Pontikonisi islet (Mouse Island), which was thought by the ancients to be Odysseus' ship turned to stone by Poseidon. Finally, make your way to Paleokastritsa, the most famous tourist resort in Corfu where you may choose to have dinner in one of the many fishing tavernas along the shore. Above the beach, there is the Monastery of the Panagia (Virgin Mary) with a small ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons, holy books and other relics; and not far away is Angelokastro (Castle of the Angels), an impressive medieval fortress. Time permitting, you can take the boat to go for an excursion in the close caves and remote beaches.

Day 2 in Corfu

Today, visit the northeastern side of Corfu, the most developed and crowded part of the island. Stop first in Dassia, where you will find a beautiful beach to relax and enjoy a swim. In the afternoon, continue to Kassiopi, a charming fishing village, with traditional taverns at the port for you to relax and have a bite to eat. After lunch, visit the ruins of Kassiopi Tower, which was constructed by the Venetians in the 12th century to protect the island from enemies and pirate attacks. From here, you can also visit Old Perithia (Palea Perithia), a semi-abandoned village located on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator, the highest mountain in Corfu. Today, the village is almost uninhabited, but it is frequently visited for its Venetian architecture and its lovely atmosphere.

The next stop is Acharavi with its ancient Roman Baths and a Folklore Museum with interesting exhibits that depict the history of the island from 1700 until today; followed by a visit to Sidari and the Canal D' Amour (Channel of Love). This is an idyllic area with unique rock formations that form a series of small coves and canals surrounded by lush green forests. You can reach these stunning coves by way of several paths and steps. And according to legend, couples who swim through the narrow canal will get married soon!

This evening, enjoy dinner and drinks and perhaps some dancing in either Sidari or Acharavi, both of which are famous for their nightlife and bars.

Day 3 in Corfu

Wake up early today for coffee in Spianda Square (these views never get old), before exploring the southern part of Corfu. A must see is Achillion Palace, located close to Gastouri village, which was the magnificent summer home, built in 1890, exclusively for Elizabeth (Sissy), the former Empress of Austria. The architecture of the palace is quite impressive and most of its decorations and garden landscaping were inspired by ancient Greek history and mythology. Next, continue to Agios Gordis, one of the most beautiful (and crowded) beaches on Corfu. The beach is named for the church of Agios Gordios, located on the sea at the center of the beach. The cove is nestled among lush green olive trees, vineyards and impressive rocks, including Ortholithi, a huge rock emerging from the sea. Relax and sunbathe on the beach or enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters.

After your swim, head to Agios Matheos, a traditional village built amid lush forests on the slopes of Mount Gamilios. Stop for lunch in one the taverns on the hill with amazing views of the sea. From here, a paved road leads to the Monastery of Pantokrator and the Grava Cave. Also worth a visit is the Byzantine Castle of Gardiki, located nearby. Not much of the castle remains, but there are other ancient buildings in the surrounding area with unique architectural features. Later, go to Messonghi, one of the oldest fishing villages in Corfu. It lies around a pristine beach with a sweeping bay and is always bustling with activity. There is a charming port to stroll around and a wide range of tourist amenities are available. Here you can while away the afternoon, swimming and sunbathing, strolling and shopping.

This evening, enjoy dinner and drinks back at the Esplanade or your favorite place on Corfu. Stroll the Liston, ice cream in hand, as you 'bid adieu' to Corfu!

Additional Days in Corfu

Should you be able to spend additional days in Corfu then go back to any of the places mentioned above that interested you the most. Explore the narrow streets of old Corfu known as Campiello or catch a cricket match at the Plateia. Additionally, you can take a boat excursion to the legendary Mouse Island or spend hours admiring the architecture and beautiful gardens of Mon Repos and Achillion Palace.

Others may enjoy lazing the days away on the numerous beaches - swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving - it is Greece after all! So grab a cocktail, kick back and relax.

Your Last Day in Corfu

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.