Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town Tour

The Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore two of Corfu’s most captivating landmarks. Travelers will be enchanted by the neoclassical grandeur of Achilleion Palace, once the summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, before embarking on a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town. What secrets and stories lie hidden within these historical gems? Discover the answers as you explore the island’s rich past and breathtaking natural beauty.

Good To Know

• This tour features a guided exploration of the Achilleion Palace, Empress Elisabeth of Austria’s former residence, and a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town.
• The tour includes transportation via deluxe, air-conditioned coach, with pickup and drop-off at the Corfu Port Authority.
• Highlights include a 45-minute visit to the Achilleion Palace, a walking tour of Corfu Old Town, and visits to St. Spyridon Church and the Old and New Venetian Fortresses.
• The tour duration is approximately 4 hours, with an included Achilleion Palace ticket, but the cobblestone streets may pose accessibility challenges for some visitors.
• Customer feedback suggests the tour may have a fast-paced walking schedule, and communication of mobility needs is recommended for a more enjoyable experience.

Tour Overview

The Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town Tour is a half-day shore excursion that allows visitors to explore the neoclassical Achilleion Palace and the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town.

Located in Corfu, Greece, the tour has an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 64 reviews.

Guests will be guided through the former home of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, which is inspired by Greek mythology, and then explore the Venetian architecture of Corfu’s historic center.

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

Itinerary Highlights

Achilleion Palace, the former home of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, features royal gardens and Greek statues inspired by mythology.

The tour also includes a walking exploration of the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town, showcasing its Venetian architecture. Visitors will get clear views of Mouse Island and the surrounding areas from designated viewpoints.

Transportation is provided via a deluxe, air-conditioned coach with pickup and drop-off at the Corfu Port Authority.

The guided tour includes a visit to St. Spyridon Church, the Old and New Venetian Fortresses, and the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George, providing a comprehensive experience of Corfu’s historical landmarks.

Meeting and Pickup

Guests can be picked up directly at the Corfu Port Authority, which serves as the meeting point for this tour.

Pickup at the port is the standard option, but hotel transfers are available upon request.

The tour concludes back at the meeting point, so guests can easily rejoin their cruise ship or return to their hotel after the excursion.

The tour starts promptly at 8:30 am, allowing participants to make the most of their time in Corfu.

Tour Details

Lasting approximately 4 hours, the tour includes a 45-minute visit to the Achilleion Museum within the palace grounds.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the cobblestoned streets of Corfu Old Town. Guests are allowed to take photos at the Achilleion Palace, but flash photography is prohibited.

No photography is permitted inside churches. While the Achilleion Palace ticket is included in the tour price, an optional boat tour of Mouse Island costs an additional 12 euros.

Previous guests have provided both positive and negative feedback, with some recommending that customers communicate any mobility needs and consider a more leisurely pace to fully experience the tour.

Customer Feedback

According to the reviews, many customers appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the beauty of the tour’s locations.

However, some guests expressed disappointment about tour cancellations, the fast pace of the walking, and insufficient time at the stops.

To ensure a more comprehensive experience, future guests are advised to communicate any mobility needs and consider a more leisurely pace to fully enjoy the Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town.

Neoclassical Achilleion Palace

The Neoclassical Achilleion Palace stands as a testament to the grandeur of Greek mythology and the opulent tastes of its former residents.

Built in the late 19th century, the palace was commissioned by Empress Elisabeth of Austria as her summer residence. Inspired by the mythological hero Achilles, the palace features a striking facade adorned with statues and mythological figures.

Visitors can explore the palace’s ornate interiors, which showcase magnificent frescoes and intricate architectural details.

The palace’s well-manicured gardens offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape, including the iconic Mouse Island.

This iconic landmark provides a glimpse into the extravagant lives of Corfu’s past royalty and a unique window into Greece’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring Corfu Old Town

Visitors to Corfu Old Town embark on a captivating journey through the UNESCO-listed historic district, where Venetian architecture and rich cultural heritage intertwine.

The guided tour takes guests to St. Spyridon Church, known for its striking bell tower, and the Old and New Venetian Fortresses, remnants of the island’s strategic importance.

Meandering through the charming cobblestone streets, visitors admire the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George, once home to the British Lord High Commissioners.

Throughout the excursion, stunning viewpoints offer clear vistas of the surrounding areas, including the iconic Mouse Island.

This immersive exploration provides a comprehensive understanding of Corfu’s captivating old town and its enduring Venetian influence.

Transportation and Accessibility

Getting to and navigating the tour sites is an important part of the Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town experience. The tour offers convenient transportation, with a deluxe, air-conditioned coach providing port pickup and drop-off. This ensures a comfortable and hassle-free journey to the tour’s highlights.

However, the old town’s cobblestone streets may pose accessibility challenges for some visitors. The Achilleion Palace itself isn’t wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to communicate their needs in advance to ensure a more enjoyable experience.

While photography is allowed at the palace, flash photography is prohibited, and no photography is permitted inside the churches visited during the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for this tour. Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves some walking on cobblestoned streets. Guests should dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour includes a stop at the Achilleion Palace, where there are restroom facilities available. However, there may not be restroom breaks during the walking tour of Corfu Old Town, so guests should plan accordingly.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though consumption is typically recommended during designated breaks or meal times. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Is Photography Allowed at All Locations?

Photography is generally allowed at Achilleion Palace, but flash is prohibited. However, no photography is permitted inside churches on the tour. Guests should check with the guide for any other photography restrictions at specific sites.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Guests of all ages are welcome, though the walking tour through Corfu Old Town may be challenging for young children or those with limited mobility due to the uneven cobblestone streets.

The Sum Up

The Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town Tour offers a captivating exploration of Corfu’s iconic landmarks. Visitors can marvel at the stunning neoclassical architecture and lush gardens of Achilleion Palace, then embark on a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town, taking in highlights like St. Spyridon Church and the Venetian Fortresses. With breathtaking views and rich historical insights, this tour provides a comprehensive experience of Corfu’s cultural and architectural treasures.