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IMPRESSIVE PALACES OF CORFU
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IMPRESSIVE PALACES OF CORFU
Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece
Journeys for Culture Lovers
About this experience
Highlights
- Visit Achilleion Palace and Mon Repo Palace and learn hidden stories from your destination angel
- Hear the tale of Kaiser’s bridge
- Explore the rich heritage of the Old Town of Corfu on a guided walk with discovery stops at Esplanade Square, Liston and Town Hall
Description
Tour the majestic Palaces of Corfu, which have shaped the captivating history and culture of the island. Our experience starts at Achilleion Palace, where Empress Elizabeth of Austria (Sissi) found peaceful refuge, far from the obligations of the Habsburg court and the tragedies of her life (she lost her beloved son, Rudolf, to suicide). The solitude-loving Empress received only her daughters and their husbands at this lush hilly estate (her own husband, the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, never visited thanks to his great fear of sea voyages!).
Why were the housewives of the nearby village so grateful to the Empress? Your destination angel will spill the secret! Sadly, tragedy continued to stalk Sissi and after her assassination in Geneva by an Italian anarchist, the palace was purchased by Kaiser William II, who was enchanted also by beautiful Corfu. The Kaiser made additions to the building (namely a bridge for swimming away from prying eyes, and for mooring his yacht) and under his occupancy, it became the hub of European diplomacy. It is also said that Kaiser William II came here to draw up his war plans secretly. He commissioned his own Achilles statue to watch over the gardens. But what was inscribed on its base that had to be removed after WWII? And which movie was filmed in the palace? Again, your destination angel will reveal all.
Driving from Achillion towards the Palace of Mon Repos you may admire tiny Mouse Island on your right and the iconic Monastery of Vlacherna. The colonial-style Palace of Mon Repos (“my repose”) was built by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams as a gift to his second wife, the Corfiot Nina Palatianou, and it served as their summer residence for the few years before the Commissioner was sent to serve in India. Afterwards,it became a rarely-used holiday house for all of the governors and the inspiration for Sissi, who sometimes stayed at this villa, to build her private palace in Achillion. After the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece, the Palace was granted to the Greek Royal family.
Several royal babies have been born here, including Princess Sophie of Greece and Denmark, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Alexia of Greece and Denmark. Nowadays, the Palace houses a small museum with many Ionian treasures and is surrounded by a huge oasis-like park with rare and exotic plants. The area around Mon Repos is ripe with history: historians claim it’s the original site of the ancient city of Corfu, as evidenced by the remains of the boatyards of the ancient port Alkinoos, still visible about 100m from the main entrance. You can also see the ruins of an ancient Doric temple within the park; while opposite the main gate are the remains of the Basilica of Palaiopoli.
Our final destination is the Historic Old Town of Corfu, where you may enjoy an informative walking tour. Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a fortified Mediterranean port town of high integrity and authenticity, you can explore all the most interesting sites like the Saint Spyridon Church, protector of the island, the charming narrow alleyways of the old Venetian town, the famous Esplanade - one of the largest squares in Europe, the elegant Liston (once only accessible to the aristocracy of Corfu), the Dimarcheio or Town Hall and the imposing neoclassical-inspired facade of the Palace of St Michael and St George.
Experience Details
What is included
Your English speaking destination angel
Transfer from- to the meeting point (city centre)
Entrance Fees
What is not included
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Things you need to know
General terms and conditions
General terms and conditions
Before proceeding with the final booking, customer has to agree on applicable terms and conditions
Payment terms
Payment terms
For payment terms click here
Deadline for reservations
The latest deadline for submitting your booking request is 4 days before the desired date
Restrictions that might influence the operation
As per terms and conditions (extraordinary cancelations)
This experience is subject to weather conditions, (rain- strong winds)
Prepare for the experience
Know before you go
- Good physical condition & sturdy and comfortable shoes are required
- Guests must be without heart, lungs or breathing health problems
Starting time
09:00 am
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection cream. hat and loose fitted clothing
NOT suitable
- Wheelchair users /People with mobility impairments
Meeting point
Corfu Town Centre: Agoniston Politechniou Kerkyra