Corfu

It begins in Paleokastritsa, with its clover-shaped bay and a sea that almost doesn't look real, where Homer set Alcinous’s palace (and not by chance). Then head to Kanoni for the obligatory photo at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna, which seems to be suspended above the water like an optical illusion. Finish up in the lively city of Corfu, with its elegant buildings, stores and the Church of Saint Spyridon, brimming with gold, icons and the scent of laurel. Myth, views and character. In that order.

• Paleokastritsa Bay
• Islet of Kanoni, photo stop
• Corfu Town: church of Saint Spyridon, Town Hall and Spianada Square, church of Saint John or church of the Virgin Mary.

• The tour starts in Paleokastritsa, a town overlooking a clover leaf-shaped bay on the western coast of the island of Corfu. The name Paleokastritsa recalls an ancient castle and, according to the Odyssey, it is the site of the Palace of Alcinous, King of the Phaeacians.
• Legends aside, the setting is unimaginably beautiful. The second stop at Kanoni, a headland that takes its name from a French 18th century cannon, removes any doubt. Take a photo at the Vlacherna Monastery, on its island connected to the land by a jetty.
• It's time to visit Corfu town, with its elegant buildings, craft workshops and cobbled streets. See the church of Saint Spyridon, the island's patron saint: richly decorated with gold, famous for its religious icons and scented with laurel, as is customary in Greek churches.
• Walk to the Town Hall at piazza Spianada and the church of Saint John.

• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.
• No photography/filming or talking is allowed inside the Church of Saint Spyridon.
• When there are religious festivals, the visit to the church will be limited to the outside.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• Due to heavy rains on Corfu, as a part of the asphalt road leading to the Paleokastritsa Monastery has collapsed and the road is currently closed and undergoing maintenance, however, the adequate authorities do not allow pax to walk up to the monastery, for the reason that ground being slippery in some areas uphill and consequently presenting the risk that pax can slip

Fasten your seatbelt and leave the tarmac behind. In an off-road vehicle, you’ll explore the less-traveled corners of Corfu, passing through hidden villages, steep climbs and enjoying views that take in two seas at once. From Mount Korakio to Sokraki, all the way to Troumbetta with a view over Mathraki and Othoni, the island really plays dirty (in a good way). Enjoy a tasty break in Lakones with Greek meze, followed by a mythological finale in Paleokastritsa, where Ulysses made one of his most memorable appearances. Seen from this perspective, Corfu is something else.

• Sightseeing tour of Alykes, Kontokali, Gouvia, Sokraki, Troumbetta
• Villages of Alimataed, Vistonas and Makrades
• Lakones with food tasting at the Castellino restaurant
• Paleokastritsa Bay

• We're off on a jeep trip towards the northern coast of the island. This is what you'll experience: a cool breeze on your face, the smell of the countryside and contact with nature. 
• You'll go through many lesser known but characteristic places, which often reward you with unexpected bonuses, like the view of the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea from the summit of Mount Korakio or Sokraki, one of the oldest villages on the island, surrounded by pine trees and olive groves, which you'll reach along a scenic and winding road.
• From the typical village of Troumbetta, the view stretches to the Mathraki and Othoni islands.
• Driving makes you hungry. Discover Greek meze with meatballs and feta, the local cheese, at the Castellino restaurant overlooking the village of Lakones.
• After lunch, it's worth heading to Paleokastritsas bay, where Ulysses is said to have met Nausicaa after the shipwreck. 

• During the tour, a local guide will provide information in English.
• The jeeps can accommodate 4 people, you may have to share the vehicle with other passengers.
• Strollers cannot be carried in the jeep
• Before departure, all drivers must show a valid driver's license and sign a rental agreement that includes insurance.
• To be able to drive you must be at least 23 and have held a driver's license for at least 3 years.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• Menus may vary according to the season to ensure the constant high quality of the dishes served.
• This is one of the most popular excursions so book early.

Get your camera ready and make some space in your phone memory: From Kanoni, you can admire Garitsa Bay, the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna and Pontikonissi, the ‘Mouse Island’ said to have been created by Poseidon himself. Then, step inside Corfu’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cricket in the square, Venetian fortresses and the Church of Saint Spyridon. Myth, views and history. All at once, without asking your permission.

• Kanoni, Pontikonisi, Vlacherna Monastery, sightseeing tour
• Garitsa Bay
• Corfu Town: old town, Old Fortress, Durrell Gardens, Spianada Square, Town Hall, church of Saint Spyridon.

• Charge your camera for a sightseeing tour that includes the most characteristics sites on the island of Corfu. After the first movie-worthy views from the bus, the Kanoni peninsula presents the spectacle of Garitsa Bay and the two minor islands of Corfu.
• The first is home to the white Vlachernas Monastery and lies at the end of a jetty. The second is Pontikonissi, or Mouse Island: legend has it that the island was created by Poseidon when he turned the Phaeacians' ship to stone after they helped Ulysses to make his escape. 
• Visit the old town of Corfu, a UNESCO heritage site. From Spianada, the second largest town square in Europe, where cricket is still played, you can enter the 15th-century Old Venetian Fortress, as well as the Durrell Gardens, the Town Hall and the church of Saint Spyridon*, the city's patron saint.

• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.
• No photography/filming or talking is allowed inside the Church of Saint Spyridon.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• This excursion is suitable if you have mild mobility impairment and can walk short distances unassisted. If you are a wheelchair user, the presence of a companion, not provided by the ship, is required. Most of our operators require wheelchairs to be foldable. However, in some ports there may not be adequate space to accommodate wheelchairs on the bus. Please therefore inform the on-board excursions office manager immediately after boarding to verify its feasibility 

Fill up on the beauty of Corfu, with its bucolic views and monuments: by bus, you'll head towards the west coast, and from the window, you'll watch the bays, villages and olive groves pass by. Then, discover the arcades, neoclassical palaces and the church of St. Spyridon in Corfu's old town, but you could almost be in Paris. Here you have the sea too, though, and in your free time, you can enjoy it to the full, along with the many shops, tavernas and cafes. Finally, stop off in the city center for a stroll and a little shopping, then head back to the ship with a new city in your heart.

• Sightseeing bus tour from the port to Bella Vista: Lakones village and Bella Vista; Kanoni and Corfu old town
• Viewpoint looking out over Paleokastritsa: local dessert and Greek coffee
• Kanoni: photo stop
• Church of St. Spyridon: interior visit
• Corfu old town: free time

• Begin your discovery of Corfu on the wildest side of the island: the bus will head towards the west coast, and you'll see beaches, mountains and olive groves pass by outside your window.
• Let your camera go crazy in the streets of Lakones and Paleokastritsa, overlooking a clover-shaped turquoise bay.
• Then, at the viewpoint that gives you views over Paleokastritsa, it's time for a tasting of local delicacies: enjoy a “kafes ellinikos”, the typical Greek coffee made using a copper and brass pot, accompanied of course by a traditional dessert.
• Having delighted your palate, head to Corfu old town, but only after you've snapped dozens of pictures at the Vlacherna monastery, which is romantically set on an island in the blue.
• However, the most incredible place of worship can be found in the old center of Corfu town: the red-topped bell tower of St. Spyridon is the same as that of St. George's in Venice. Step inside with your guide and discover frescoes, gold and precious icons.
• It is located between the Spianada, the most beautiful paved street in Corfu, and the Liston, the ultimate promenade: here, you'll find plenty of shops and cafes and luckily you've got plenty of time to discover them in total freedom.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.
• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.
• No photos/videos can be taken inside the church of St. Spyridon, and the calm and quiet of the place must be respected.

Get ready to fall in love. Paleokastritsa welcomes you with six turquoise coves nestled amongst hills covered in olive and lemon groves: it's so beautiful it almost looks fake. Then head up to Mon Repos Palace, the birthplace of Prince Philip, which is now a museum full of historical and archaeological finds. At Kinopiastes, sit down at the table and enjoy wine, local cooking and traditional dancing. The finale takes place in Corfu town, amidst elegance, narrow streets and the glittering silver casket of Saint Spyridon. Spoiler: you'll love it all.

• Paleokastritsa village
• Mon Repos Palace or Asian Art Museum
• Corfù town
• Local Lunch and Folk show on a typical taverna

• Embark on a scenic drive to Paleokastritsa village, regarded by many as the most attractive area in the Mediterranean. You cannot fail to be impressed by these 6 small coves with incredible turquoise water, nestling in a coastline of hills, draped in olive and lemon trees. 
• Continuing on to the Mon Repos Palace, Situated at the top of Analipsis Hill is the Mon Repos Palace, where Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was born. Today it has been turned into the Paleopolis Museum, and your visit will show you various fascinating finds from archaeological sites. 
• The setting for your traditional lunch will be a local restaurant in the nearby village of Kinopiastes. Relax with a glass of wine and enjoy lunch whilst being entertained with a show of local Corfiot dances performed by traditionally dressed dancers. 
• A visit to Corfu Town, including a guided tour, will acquaint you with its elegant charms. Walking through the old town you will visit St Spyridon Church, where in a small chapel you will find the glistening silver coffin of the island’s patron saint.

• Confortable shoes are recommended. 
• There is a short walk for 5 to10 minutes from the coach drop off point to the Mon Repos Museum.
• Mon Repos palace is currently undergoing renovation, therefore is closed to visitors. You will visit The Museum of Asian Art, housed in Corfu's Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, it is recognized globally for its rare collections showcased in international exhibitions.

Are you ready for a full immersion beach experience? On Barbati beach you'll find a lounger and umbrella reserved just for you, a thirst-quenching soft drink, a white beach that will stick in your mind and a designated Blue Flag stretch of the Ionian Sea. And besides all that, colorful fish, sports above and below water and relaxation are guaranteed.

• Barbati Beach

• Barbati Beach is ready to welcome you: private beach lounger and umbrella, white shingle beach for tanning perfectionists, and an ocean that seems purpose-made for you to enjoy swimming and snorkeling.
• Your excursion to Barbati Beach, at the foot of Mount Pantokratoras, will start after a 30-minute journey by sightseeing bus along the coast to the north of Corfu town. And the spectacle beings right here.
• You'll be amazed by the clarity of the turquoise Blue Flag sea water. You might spot your first fish on the sea shore or swim just a few meters out in search of photogenic prey. Have you brought your underwater camera?
• Back on dry land, you can try to better your record for relaxing on a beach lounger, sipping your soft drink or a Tsitsibira, the local Corfu beer, made with fresh lemon juice, water, sugar and chopped ginger.

• During the tour, a local guide will provide assistance and information in English.
• We provide umbrellas and beach loungers for adults. Children will share their parents' beach lounger.
• We'll even serve you your choice of soft drink.
• Water sports not included.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.

Be an explorer for a day and board a local boat for a trip to the Nafsika, Saint Nicholas and Blue Eye caves in the coves of Paleokastritsa.Then switch from the sea to art, or vice versa, in the city of Corfu, with its cricket and Venetian architecture. Yes, because Spianada Square, one of the largest squares in Europe, is the favorite destination for local people to challenge each other at this sport. At the end of the excursion, if the length of the stopover permits, stay as long as you wish in the city center for a walk and some shopping and then get back on board free of charge with the Costa shuttle bus service, showing your Costa Card to the driver. Check the time for returning on board and of the last available shuttle bus in “Oggi a Bordo”.

• Glyfada Beach, the best equipped fine sandy beach in Corfu

• Prepare to enjoy the Greek sea in an exclusive beach club on Glyfada Beach, where we provide beach loungers and umbrellas. You'll also have a chance to enjoy your favorite water sports.

• We provide umbrellas and beach loungers for adults. Children will share their parents' beach lounger.
• During the tour, a local guide will provide you with assistance and information.
• Water sports not included.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.

Step into the shoes of an explorer and set sail on a local boat on the discovery of the Nafsika, Saint Nicholas and Blue Eye caves in Paleokastritsa's bays. Then switch from the sea to art, or vice versa, in the city of Corfu, with its cricket and Venetian architecture. Yes, because Spianada Square, one of the largest squares in Europe, is the favorite destination for local people to challenge each other at this sport. At the end of the excursion, if the length of your stopover allows, stop off in the town center for a stroll and a spot of shopping, then head back on board, still not quite sure what it was that you fell in love with most.

• Paleokastritsa: boat trip to visit the Nafsika, Saint Nicholas and Blue Eye caves
• Corfu Town: medieval heart and old quarter of Campiello.

• How often do you get to watch cricket being played in a town square? Corfu has this treat in store for you on Spianada Square, one of the largest squares in Europe.
• Our guide will lead you from the Venetian atmosphere and narrow streets of the Campiello district to the church of Saint Spyridon, the island's patron saint, venerated both by the Catholic and Orthodox churches. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is brimming with craft workshops where you can step back in time.
• Board a local boat to visit the three caves of Nafsika, Saint Nicholas and Blue Eye. In the Nafsika cave, sea creatures swim through fields of Neptune grass The Saint Nicholas cave will astonish you with its imposing granite structure, while the Blue Eye cave is well-known for the sunlight that draws an eye on the water animated by the countless fish that inhabit it. You'll just have to take a photo for your social media friends to envy.

• There is no guide on the boat trip.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• For safety reasons, each individual must not exceed a body weight of 95 kg.

Spread out your towel, get your camera ready and keep Homer close by. In Paleokastritsa, take a dip into an emerald sea surrounded by caves, sea stacks and legendary cliffs, where the palace of Alcinous, king of the Phaeacians, is rumored to have once stood. Then, dry off because it's time for a change of scene: The Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cricket in the square, French porticoes, Byzantine churches and Venetian palaces. Finish up with a little shopping for some local souvenirs. That includes the ones with the scent of olive oil.

• Paleokastritsa, sea and relaxation
• Corfu old town: Spyridon, Spianada, Liston, Town Hall, Palace of St. Michael and St. George, free time

• Beach towel, camera and The Odyssey under your arm: you're ready for Paleokastritsa beach, renowned for its emerald green water, cliffs, sea caves and stacks. A legendary place even in antiquity: Homer set his best-seller, the Castle of Alcinous, king of the Phaeacians, right here. A clover leaf-shaped bay could only have had a fortunate history.
• Top up your tan with a sun-kissed look and take a dip before the next stop: Corfu old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The city is a melting pot of cultures: cricket players on Spianada square; the French flavor of Liston's porticos; the gold and Oriental/Byzantine icons in the church of Saint Spyridon; the neoclassical style of the Venetian buildings.
• Souvenir? You'll have plenty of time to go looking for the olive oil soap bars so typical of Corfu.

• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.
• No photography/filming or talking is allowed inside the Church of Saint Spyridon.
• When there are religious festivals, the visit to the church will be limited to the outside.
• Beach umbrellas and loungers not included.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.

Excursion details<-strong><-p>

Step off the ship and enjoy a scenic 15-minute drive to Kanoni, a picturesque area just outside Corfu Town famous for its breathtaking views where you¿ll have a 15-minute photo stop. Make sure your camera is ready to capture stunning panoramas of the tiny Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), and the iconic Vlachernas Monastery perched on the water. This is one of Corfu¿s most photographed locations, offering a beautiful blend of natural beauty and historic charm.<-p>

Next, continue with a 15-minute drive into the heart of Corfu¿s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Venetian architecture and vibrant Greek culture. Your 60-minute guided walking tour takes you through the city¿s highlights, including the imposing Old Fortress that guards the harbour, the elegant Liston Promenade inspired by Paris¿s Rue de Rivoli, and the spacious Esplanade Square, a lively hub of social life. You will also pass by the church of Saint Spiridon, the island¿s beloved patron saint, famous for its distinctive bell tower and centuries-old relics. Other notable landmarks include the Royal Palace of St. George and St. Michael, now home to the Museum of Asian Art, reflecting Corfu¿s historic ties with the East.<-p>

After the walking tour, enjoy a 60-minute break to savor a traditional Greek souvlaki meal in the heart of the Old Town. Each guest will be served a platter with two Greek souvlaki skewers, fresh French fries, tzatziki sauce, and warm pita bread. The meal is accompanied by a soft drink or a beer, offering a delicious introduction to authentic Greek flavors and local hospitality.<-p>

The tour concludes with around 60 minutes of free time to explore independently. Afterwards, you may either return to the port with your guide on a 15-minute transfer or choose to extend your time in town and return later using the shuttle service at your leisure.<-p>

Important Information:<-strong>this excursion includes almost entirely walking on uneven ground, steps and surfaces that may become slippery in the rain. It is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. All stops involve steps and walking, and in damp or wet weather, surfaces may become slippery, which could pose challenges for passengers with mobility difficulties. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call. Please note that the fee for landing ashore is not included in the excursion price.<-p>