Corfu Shore Excursion: Private Island Tour Including Achillion Palace

Corfu, Greece

When your cruise ships docks at the Port of Corfu, set off to see the island’s highlights with a private guide! Start with a visit to Achillion Palace, the former home of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and then head inside the gorgeous 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary near Palaeokastritsa. After passing through Gastouri village, finish the half-day shore excursion with a visit to Corfu Town to discover the delights of St Spyridon Church.

Meet your private guide by the Port of Corfu, and then travel by air-conditioned minibus to Achillion Palace. Head inside with your guide and learn all about the stately site, constructed in 1892 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Intrigued by Greek mythology, the empress (or Princess Sissy, as she was often known) commissioned a fascinating statue of the Greek hero Achilles dying. Several decades later, the palace was bought by Kaiser William II of Germany who erected a contrasting statue of Achilles in a triumphant pose. Enjoy photos by each of the statues, and admire the palace’s frescoes, paintings and Neo-Classical architecture.

Hop back on board your minibus, and travel through some of the island’s traditional villages. Stop just outside beautiful Paleokastritsa, a stretch of coastline that translates as ‘heart bay,’ and then visit the nearby 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary. Explore the magnificent monastery complex with your guide and admire its impressive collection of ecclesiastical artwork and relics.

Continue your tour through Ropa Valley, and pass through Gastouri village before traveling along Kaiser Bridge. Look out for Vlachernae Monastery and Mouse Island in the distance, and then continue to Corfu Town. Enjoy a stroll to St Spyridon Church, an ornate 16th-century place of worship, and then head inside it to admire its wealth of incredible silverware. Your tour then finishes with a drop-off at the port.

Worry-Free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Port of Corfu for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Traveler Reviews

Review by:   Barbara K,    November 2015
Didn't understand had to pay extra to see palace otherwise good tour.

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