Corfu Shore Excursion: Private Island Tour Including Achillion Palace

Depart the port of Corfu with direction Achillion Palace. Upon arrival, leave your motorcoach and follow your guide to visit the famous Palace, which was constructed in 1892 for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria. This ill-fated Empress obsessed by the Greek hero, Achilles, commissioned a statue of Achilles “Dying”. In 1907, the Palace was bought by Kaiser William II of Germany, who erected a contrasting statue, of Achilles “Triumphant”. Today, both statues are still standing in the gardens.

As you drive inland, see the traditional villages before arriving at beautiful Palaeokastritsa where you will visit the 13th Century Monastery of the Virgin Mary, located on top of a hill.The Monastery of Paleokastritsa in Corfu: On a green hill above the beach of Paleokastritsa, on the northwestern side of Corfu, there is a large Monastery complex dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Paleokastritsa. This monastery dominates the whole region. Built on top of a remote hill, it gives a gorgeous view of the island and the sea. This Byzantine Monastery dates back to 1228, however the current complex, the cells of the monks and the yard date from the 18th century. The monastery has a small ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons, holy books, and other relics. Inside the monastery, there works a traditional olive oil press. The road to the monastery passes through a forest of olive trees and cypresses.

Continue your sightseeing tour through this beautiful and luscious island, driving past the Kaiser’s Bridge to view, from a distance, the convent of Vlachernae and the Mouse Island, the landmark of Corfu. On your way back to the port, stop in Corfu Town and visit on foot, the St. Spyridon Church, the patron saint of Corfu, or for those who would like, stroll through the numerous narrow balconied streets.