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Die Reiseleiterin Sophie hat sehr kompetent und engagiert, die Gruppe geführt. Es hat Spaß gemacht, ihr zuzuhören. Der Rundgang durch Korfu Stadt war etwas zeitlich begrenzt, aber man hätte ja noch in der Stadt bleiben können. Aufgrund des starken Verkehrs erfolgte die Rückfahrt aber später, was eine Wartezeit nach sich zog.
Achillion Palace was the beloved summer retreat of Empress Sissi of Austria. You'll visit her history-steeped estate on this exclusive tour along with Kanoni and also enjoy free time in the UNESCO-listed old town of Corfu. Eleni, one of our local guides, says, ‘The well-preserved neo-classical mansions of the old town are showstoppers. But I love getting lost in the narrow streets of the Campiello district, where the hanging laundry and peeling paint have an air of Naples.'
This half-day tour packs a lot in. First on the agenda is a guided tour in the gardens of Achillion Palace. Constructed in 1890 for Elizabeth - 'Sissi', the former Empress of Austria, who only had a few years to enjoy it before her untimely and tragic assassination in 1898. Boasting stirring views of the Corfu coast, the meticulously landscaped gardens are a work of art. Spiros adds, ‘Empress Sissi was enamoured with Corfu and its mythological heritage, particularly the story of Achilles – she named the palace after him.' You'll be able to snap up pics of sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses – including the impressive statue of Achilles that stands on top of the terrace.
We'll then head to Kanoni, a little harbour on the outskirts of Corfu town. Here, you'll see landscapes that have inspired artists for generations – Perama Bay and the Instagrammable Panagia Vlacherna church on Mouse Island. To round off the morning, you'll enjoy free time to explore the old town of Corfu. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its urban and port ensemble, which boasts Venetian fortresses and British neo-classical architecture.
