Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town Tour

The Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the island. From the opulent palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria to the UNESCO-listed Old Town brimming with Venetian architecture, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, travelers can expect a captivating glimpse into Corfu’s storied past – but the true allure lies in the discoveries that await.

Key Points

• Guided tour of Achilleion Palace, the former summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with Venetian architecture.
• Highlights include the palace’s opulent interiors, expansive gardens, and panoramic views, as well as notable sites like St. Spyridon Church and Venetian Fortresses.
• Tour is a half-day shore excursion with pickup and drop-off at Corfu Port Authority, accompanied by an English-speaking driver-host.
• Accessibility is limited, with 50 steps in the palace gardens and cobblestone streets in the Old Town; appropriate attire is required for the church.
• Tour is subject to minimum passenger numbers, and cancellations are possible if the minimum is not met.

Tour Overview

This half-day shore excursion in Corfu allows visitors to explore the island’s rich cultural heritage.

The guided tour takes guests to the Neoclassical Achilleion Palace, the former home of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Participants will also discover Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, featuring Venetian architecture.

Highlights include St. Spyridon Church, the Old and New Venetian Fortresses, and the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George.

Visitors can admire the views of nearby Mouse Island. The small group size ensures personalized service throughout the experience.

Highlights of the Excursion

The tour highlights include a guided visit to the Neoclassical Achilleion Palace, the former summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

Guests will explore the palace’s lavish interiors and stroll through its lush gardens, taking in panoramic views of the nearby Mouse Island.

The tour also features a walking exploration of Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, renowned for its Venetian architecture.

Highlights include the imposing St. Spyridon Church, the Old and New Venetian Fortresses, and the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George.

Throughout the tour, a small group size ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable English-speaking driver-host.

Achilleion Palace Exploration

As guests step through the grand entrance of the Achilleion Palace, they’re immediately immersed in the lavish splendor of this Neoclassical masterpiece.

Built in the late 19th century, the palace was the summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Visitors can explore the opulent interiors, adorned with stunning frescoes and intricate marble statues.

The highlight is the palace’s expansive gardens, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Corfu landscape. Guests can stroll through the lush greenery, admiring the famous statue of Achilles and the picturesque fountains and pavilions that dot the grounds.

Discovering Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town

After exploring the grandeur of Achilleion Palace, visitors venture into the heart of Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Meandering through the maze of Venetian-inspired architecture, they discover captivating sights like the St. Spyridon Church, Old and New Venetian Fortresses, and the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George. A small group size ensures a personalized experience as the guide brings the town’s history to life. Visitors are captivated by the stunning views of nearby Mouse Island, creating a lasting impression of Corfu’s rich cultural heritage.

Key Highlights	Must-See Sights	Insider Tips
UNESCO-listed Old Town	St. Spyridon Church	Wear comfortable walking shoes
Venetian architecture	Old & New Venetian Fortresses	Dress appropriately for St. Spyridon Church
Panoramic views of Mouse Island	Palaces of St. Michael and St. George	Explore the town’s narrow cobblestone streets

Architectural Wonders and Historic Sites

Nestled within Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Achilleion Palace and its surrounding historic sites captivate visitors with their architectural grandeur and rich cultural heritage.

The neoclassical Achilleion, once the summer retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, boasts opulent interiors and expansive gardens adorned with statues of Greek mythology.

Nearby, the Old and New Venetian Fortresses stand as reminders of Corfu’s strategic importance, while the striking St. Spyridon Church, with its distinctive Byzantine-style architecture, pays homage to the island’s patron saint.

Amidst these magnificent structures, the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George exude an air of regal splendor, inviting visitors to explore Corfu’s storied past.

Logistics and Inclusions

The tour includes transportation by deluxe, air-conditioned coach, with pickup and drop-off at the Corfu Port Authority Company.

An English-speaking driver-host accompanies the group. All taxes and insurance coverage are included, and a 24/7 emergency contact number is available.

The entrance ticket to Achilleion Palace isn’t covered, costing 5 EUR per person. Food, drinks, and gratuities are also not included.

Accessibility is limited, with 50 steps in the Achilleion gardens and cobblestone streets in the Old Town.

Minimum passenger numbers apply, and cancellations are possible if the minimum isn’t met.

Accessibility and Requirements

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller-friendly.

Cobblestone streets in Corfu’s Old Town pose challenges for those with mobility issues. Plus, the Achilleion Palace gardens feature 50 steps without handrails.

Appropriate attire is required for the St. Spyridon Church, with no shorts, skirts, or hats allowed, and shoulders covered.

The tour has a minimum number of passengers required, and there’s a possibility of cancellation if the minimum isn’t met.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Adapted vehicles are available upon request.

Experiences and Reviews

With 64 reviews and an average rating of 3.7, this tour has received a mixed response from past participants.

Some praised the knowledgeable guides and beautiful sites like the Achilleion Palace and Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.

However, others criticized the tour’s accessibility for mobility-challenged individuals and large group dynamics.

Plus, there were mixed experiences with tour cancellations and alternative arrangements.

Recommendations included:

1. Opting for optional boat tours.
2. Personally exploring Corfu.
3. Noting the 50 steps without handrails in the Achilleion gardens.
4. Considering the cobblestone streets in the Old Town.

Despite the mixed feedback, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Corfu’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, food, drinks, and gratuities are not included. Participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks, but they are not provided as part of the tour.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered in English. It doesn’t specify if other language options are available. Guests should check with the tour provider for any additional language services prior to booking.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration. However, some reviews suggest adding optional boat tours or personal exploration time in Corfu Old Town to enhance the experience. Customers should inquire about customization possibilities when booking.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

No special equipment is required, but visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the church visit. Strollers are allowed, but the tour may not be fully accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Can I Change the Pickup Location if It’s Not Convenient for Me?

Yes, you can change the pickup location if the default one isn’t convenient. According to the tour details, hotel transfer is available upon request. Just let the tour provider know your preferred pickup location ahead of time.

The Sum Up

The Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town Tour offers a captivating exploration of Corfu’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the opulent Achilleion Palace, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and discover the island’s architectural wonders and historic sites. With personalized service and knowledgeable guidance, this half-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover the beauty and history of Corfu.