Achilleion Palace, Kanoni and Corfu old town

Upon arrival at the port, the Shore2Shore guide will be waiting for you as you get off the shuttle bus provided by the cruise line, clearly identified with our company sign.

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

The peaceful island of Corfu, known by the Greeks as Kerkira, was chosen by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi) as a refuge away from the obligations of the Habsburg court. A lover of peace and nature, she 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 Palace and its symbolism while strolling through its gardens adorned with classical statues, surrounded by nature and breathtaking views.

Next, we will take a panoramic drive towards the old town of Corfu. Along the way, we will pass through the Kanoni Peninsula, where, according to tradition, the first Greek settlers established themselves on the island of the Phaeacians.

From the bus, and traffic permitting, we will be able to take photographs of two of the island’s most iconic landmarks: 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 where stopping is not possible; however, the bus will slow down to allow guests 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 jewel declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its unique fusion of Venetian, French, and British styles. We will walk through its cobbled streets, flanked by fortresses, elegant squares, and charming alleys filled with life, where local craft shops and traditional products are concentrated.

Before returning to the port, there will be free time for shopping or simply strolling and enjoying the atmosphere.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• DURATION: BUS AND GUIDE SERVICE UP TO 4 HOURS
• FREE TIME: APPROX. 30–45 MINUTES AT THE END OF THE EXCURSION

SUPPLEMENTS to be paid on site

• Entrance to the Achilleion Palace Gardens and the Baron’s Wing: €7.00
  Children aged 6 to 18: €5.00
  Children under 5 years: Free
• ID document required
• Please bring the exact amount for the entrance fee; the guide does not carry change.
• Entrance fees are set by the municipality and may change without prior notice.
• In case of unavailability of entrance to the Achilleion Palace Gardens, we will visit the Mon Repos Palace. Same entrance fee.

OBSERVATIONS

• Easy level / Panoramic / Cultural
• Comfortable footwear is recommended.
• Due to ongoing works, accessibility to the Imperial Gardens for people with disabilities is difficult or impossible. THIS TOUR IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS OR PEOPLE 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.