Corfu’s historic old town with a tour of Achillion Palace

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.