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Achilleion

Achilleion: Our most recommended tours and activities

Corfu: Private Customized Tour

1. Corfu: Private Customized Tour

See the sights of Corfu that interest you most on a fully customizable private tour by air-conditioned minibus. Benefit from pick-up at your accommodation, the cruise ship port or other location of your choice, and then discover the island's beautiful locations at leisure. Head to Glyfada Beach, Barbati Beach or Marathias Beach to spend some time in the sun, or indulge your passion for history with a visit to some of the historic monasteries. Marvel at the Achilleion Palace, built for the Empress of Bavaria, or wander around the pretty towns of Sidari and Acharavi. Enjoy the freedom of an itinerary that can be completely tailored to your preferences, whether you are a fan of local food and wines, want to see the top attractions in a day or would prefer to shop! Upgrade your experience and book a private guide to accompany you throughout the day.

Corfu: Achilleion Palace, Palaiokastritsa, and Old Town Tour

2. Corfu: Achilleion Palace, Palaiokastritsa, and Old Town Tour

Make the most of your trip to Corfu and visit 3 of the island’s highlights in just 1 day. Your action-packed day begins with pickup from your hotel then heads to the first stop of the tour, Achilleion Palace. Famous for its statues and paintings, the palace holds great historical significance for the island. Learn about the palace’s rich history and influence on the evolution of Corfu as you wander through its stunning rooms and gardens, admiring the architecture throughout. After the palace, head towards the stunning region of Palaiokastritsa, which is steeped in local mythological history. Board a traditional style boat then head out onto the crystal clear waters for unrivaled views of the island and its surrounding coastline. Visit a selection of secret and isolated beaches as well as the island’s famous blue caves and coves. Cool off from the hot Mediterranean weather with a refreshing dip in the sea, or climb up a nearby hill to reach one of the oldest monasteries in Greece, which is a popular hotspot for tourists thanks to its breathtaking and panoramic views. Last but certainly not least is a tour of Corfu’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Center. Learn about and visit the imposing fortresses that protect the town, and marvel at the many protected monuments and buildings. Take a stroll to the largest square in the Balkans, then wander through the narrow streets of the town as you soak up the authentic atmosphere and experience life like a local.

Corfu: Achilleion Palace, Kanoni and Old Town Tour

3. Corfu: Achilleion Palace, Kanoni and Old Town Tour

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel or location of your choice, and then head to the Achilleion Palace at the edge of the village of Gastouri. Built for the Empress of Austria, Elisabeth of Bavaria, the 19th-century palace is dedicated to the mythical hero, Achilles. Admire its beautiful art works, including the famous "Dying Achilles" statue and the "Triumph of Achilles" by Franz von Matsch that depicts Achilles dragging Hector’s lifeless body in front of the Gates of Troy. Next, explore the former capital and heart of the island in the district of Kanoni. Go to the Church of Panagia Vlacherna and get views of one of the most photographed spots in Corfu as you look across at Mouse Island. Pause for a coffee and watch the planes come in to land at the airport. Then, explore the Old Town of Corfu, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Journey through the epochs of the island and its various rulers with views of the British-era City Palace (Palace of St. Michael and St. George), the Venetian edifice of the Old Fortress and the beautiful colonnades lit up by Venetian lanterns of the French-built Liston. Stroll between the tall old houses and buy traditional products in the ancient cellars.  Soak up the age-old atmosphere of the Esplanade, Europe's second largest public square. Saunter under the arches of the Liston promenade, and discover a symbol of the aristocratic society of Old Corfu before getting dropped off at a location of your choice.

Corfu: Customized Private Tour

4. Corfu: Customized Private Tour

Make the most of your time in Corfu with on this tailor-made private tour. Admire the magnificent architecture of Achilleion Palace, explore the Venetian elegance of Corfu Town, sink into contemplation at the Monastery of Virgin Mary, or wander secluded side streets in the villages of Corfu – whatever you do, it's up to you. From famed landmarks to local secrets, from tavernas to fine dining, your guide will lead you to some of the best spots on the island, sharing a Corfiot perspective along the way.  Speak with your guide before your tour date to share your interests and ideas, and they'll prepare a personalized itinerary in advance, arranging all transportation. On the day of your tour, you'll set the pace, stopping as often as you like. 

Corfu: Achilleion Palace, Kanoni, Corfu Town Shore Excursion

5. Corfu: Achilleion Palace, Kanoni, Corfu Town Shore Excursion

Discover Achilleion Palace, Mouse Island, and Corfu's old town all in one day on this minibus tour. Start your day by visiting the Achilleion Palace, the summer residence of Empress Sissi of Austria. Enjoy the panoramic views of the old town, the olive groves, and mainland Greece from the beautiful palace gardens. After leaving the palace, drive to the Kanoni area, one of the most picturesque places of Corfu. Admire Mouse Island and Vlacherna Monastery. Last but not least, enjoy a guided tour of Corfu's old town. This historic center resembles an open-air museum with many old buildings and remains of all the conquerors from various time periods of the past.

Best of Corfu Private Minibus Tour

6. Best of Corfu Private Minibus Tour

Explore Corfu at your own pace on a private tour where you set the starting time and place! Start with a visit to Achilleion Palace, located atop a hill in the traditional village of Gastouri. Experience a sense of awe as you take in the imposing monument and its surrounding cypress trees and exotic plants and flowers. Go inside the palace for a closer look at the beautiful gardens, and discover priceless works of art, such as the ancient Greek statues of Zeus and Era. Admire the elegant columns and statuary, including the statue of the "Dying Achilles." Continue to Kanoni for a breathtaking view of Mouse Island (‘Pontikonisi’), formed, according to legend, when the ship that carried Odysseus back to Ithaca was turned to stone by an angry Poseidon. Next, go to the small but popular beach at Paleokastritsa, where you can catch a boat to cruise around the many caves in the area. Alternatively, soak up the sun and cool down with a dip in the crystal clear waters. Visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa and discover the home of 8 Greek Orthodox monks who receive guidance from Bishop Efthimios Thouis and conduct traditional masses, provide generous hospitality and offer regular tours of the grounds and museum. Return towards Corfu city with a drive along the scenic west coast via the hilltop village of Lakones. Stop at the "Bella Vista" viewpoint to take some souvenir photos and gather memories to last a lifetime!

Achilleion Palace, Kanoni & Corfu Old Town Private Tour

7. Achilleion Palace, Kanoni & Corfu Old Town Private Tour

Discover some of Corfu's most scenic locations and important historical sites on this minibus tour. Visit the Achilleion Palace, the Kanoni quarter of Corfu Town and see the legendary Mouse Island. At Achilleion Palace, be amazed by the beautiful surrounding gardens. Marvel at invaluable works of art such as the Ancient Greek statues of Zeus and Era, the ‘Peristyle of the Muses' and the huge statue of the ‘Dying Achilles’. See impressive wood carvings and beautiful frescoes at Panagia Vlacherna and enjoy the views out to Mouse Island. If you have time, catch a boat out to Mouse Island and discover the 13th-century Church of Pantokrator before continuing your tour. Enjoy a relaxing drive down Corfu's west coast to Kanoni, passing traditional, picturesque villages along the way. On Kanoni Hill, enjoy a cool drink in one of the cafes and great views of Mouse Island and the Aegean Sea. See the old fortress and the biggest square in the Balkans in the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax while wandering through the city's narrow streets and stop for a spot of shopping or a coffee along the way.

Corfu Island: Old Town and Achilleion Palace Coach Tour

8. Corfu Island: Old Town and Achilleion Palace Coach Tour

Depart from the port on a coach and set off to discover the lush Corfiot Italian countryside. Corfu or Kerkyra is the most verdant of all the Greek Islands which will at once become apparent as you are driven through orange, lemon, cypress, and olive groves, interspersed with vineyards and fields carpeted with beautiful wildflowers. After approximately 20 minutes of driving, reach the old traditional village of Gastouri and enter the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elisabeth “Sissy” of Austria in 1891, and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. Explore the rooms in the Palace and the beautiful gardens offering a spectacular view over the Ionian Sea. Stroll through the gardens which are full of exotic trees and flowers and are adorned with classical statues relating to Greek Ancient History and Mythology.  At the end of the tour, return to your hotel or the port.

Corfu: Achilleon Palace and Kanoni Private Tour

9. Corfu: Achilleon Palace and Kanoni Private Tour

Start with pickup from your hotel or the port in Corfu. Travel to the Achilleon Palace, also known as Princess Sissi's Palace, built as a refuge for Empress Elisabeth of Austria in 1890. Take a tour through the palace and see all the glory of its amazing gardens, statues, and paintings. Afterwards, visit the region of Kanoni, taking time to look around and capture amazing photos. Take the opportunity to swim like a royal in the historical royal baths of Mon Repo's Palace. Enjoy some refreshments, lunch, or a royal massage. The tour will conclude with a journey back to your original pickup location.

Corfu: Palace and Baths Royalty Tour

10. Corfu: Palace and Baths Royalty Tour

After meeting with your driver, you'll head south to the famous Princess Sisi's Palace, also known as Achillion. Here you will take a tour through the palace and see all the glory of its amazing gardens, statues, paintings whilst soaking in the magic of the place - its history and the atmosphere will completely take you to another era. Afterwards, visit the wonderful Kanoni, taking time to look around and capture amazing photos. Here you will find out why this area is the favorite for all the corfiots, Kings or not. Before your tour comes to an end, take the opportunity to swim like a royal in the historical royal baths of the Mon Repo's Palace. Here you can take a dip, have a refreshment and even a snack or lunch - and why not a royal massage? The tour will conclude with a journey back to your original pick-up location.

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What people are saying about Achilleion

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 94 reviews

Eirini gave us such a personal, pleasant and fulfilling tour of the beautiful island of Corfu. When we first met, she asked many questions to decide what to do and where to take us -- she did not disappoint. We couldn't have asked for a better day in Corfu; we spent time at a local beach where we were able to take a boat and explore nearby caves, sampled baklava and local beer at a small establishment high in the hills overlooking the glorious crystal clear turquoise water, and then spent some time shopping in Corfutown. Corfutown is a quaint, charming "village" with many shops, restaurants and attractions to visit with such interesting history. Eirini was extremely nice, knowledgeable and fun to spend the day with. Needless to say, this excursion was well worth the time and money.

We had the whole van to our own family of 7, van was clean and nice. Our driver Marcos was on time to pick us up from the port on time. He's very knowledgeable and speaks excellent English. We enjoyed visiting Corfu old town the most. We wish we could be there longer. Once booking is made make, it's important to message to indicate pickup time from the port.

Great experience and wonderful driver! He was the best! Would def recommend this tour! The sites were magical and beautiful !

Our guide, Markos, was great and we had a very informative and interesting tour! Thank you for a wonderful day!

Our guide did a terrific job and customized the tour to make sure we saw wh a t was most interesting to us.