WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ACHILLEION, KANONI & OLD TOWN CORFU – APPROX. 4 HOURS

About this wheelchair accessible Achilleion, Kanoni & Old Town Corfu tour

This tour starts from the port, where you meet your private English-speaking licensed guide waiting for you, with adapted transportation. You will find her by the sign she is holding with your name on it. Your first stop during this Achilleion, Kanoni, and Old Town Corfu tour is at the stunning Achilleion palace built-in 1890.

The Achilleion

The Achilleion is a palace located in the mountain village of Gastouri, ten kilometers southwest of the city of Kerkyra. This palace has been the summer residence of two of the most important royals in European history: the Empress of Austria and Hungary Elisabeth, better known as “Sissi” and the Emperor of Germany Wilhelm II.

During the two world wars, it served as headquarters and hospital. The Greek government then rented it out to a German casino company, which restored the majority of the building. They also collected many objects that belonged to or related to the two imperial owners’ lives and returned these to Achilleion. At that time, there was a museum downstairs and a casino upstairs. Nowadays the palace is owned by the Greek Tourism Organization. Downstairs is the museum, and upstairs has been open to the public since 1981, however it no longer functions as a casino.

The empress Elisabeth

Once you arrive, a strange sense of awe overwhelms anyone who gazes over the palace’s imposing form. The palace dominates the area with its presence, residing between the cypress trees and other exotic plants and flowers surrounding it. The empress Elisabeth built the palace to escape the tragedies of her life. William II purchased it after her untimely death.

A lot has changed since Sissi built the palace. But what is still there, and an absolute must-see, is the beautiful mural, positioned right at the reception — Marvel at the wall painting where Achilles carries Hector’s dead body.

During the closure of the Achilleilon Palace, this will be replaced by an inside visit of Mon Repos Estate. The Estate is a beautiful place, filled with history. By means of an easy uphill and stepfree road, you can reach the Estate. An inside visit is possible (entrances not included, to be paid on the day. By means of an elevator you can visit the second floor. The views from the palace gardens is extraordinary, and makes you understand why the Greek Royal Family used to spend their holidays here. 

Village of Lakones

Next up is a beautiful scenic drive through the Greec countryside to the charming village of Lakones. Here you have time to enjoy a coffee or local dessert. This is the perfect location for a photo moment of the fantastic views and the beautiful traditional Greek architecture.

Legend of Mouse Island

As you continue your tour, your guide will tell you about the history behind some of the island’s greatest myths. One of them is the legend of Mouse Island and how it relates to the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon. You enjoy some of the most spectacular views in Kanoni, so have your camera ready!

You finish your tour with a visit to the Old Town of Corfu. Here, you see the Old Fortress, take in the breathtaking French-style architecture, experience the ancient streets, and visit the heart of the city, Esplanade square.

This is a full program, and during this tour you get a good impression of Corfu in a relatively short time. Depending on how much time you have, you have all flexibility to decide for yourself how long you would like to stay at each highlight. At the end of the tour, your driver and your guide will bring you back to the cruiseport.