Corfu, Greece - Mediterranean Cruises

The landscape around Paleokastritsa is famous for its breathtaking beauty and magnificent scenery. Sheer cliffs and rugged headlands are interspersed with coves of silver sand, coiled between mountains cloaked in emerald green.

The Virgin Mary Monastery of Paleokastritsa was founded in 1228, while the buildings in their present state, date back to the 18th century. Inside this cliff-top Monastery, you will find whitewashed walls and a carefully-tended flower garden.

Old Corfu Town is a most interesting place to visit and huddles around a great central esplanade. Your guide will take you on a short tour through the public gardens and past the cricket ground on to Corfu's famous St Spyridon's Church. From here you will have some free time in the Old Town, where the British influence is evident in grand municipal buildings, while the French made their mark with an arcaded block overlooking the Esplanade.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised that there are 15 steps to negotiate at the Monastery and a steep uphill walk of approximately 30 yards. The Old Town of Corfu is explored on foot, over uneven terrain; total time spent in the town is approximately one hour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Flash photography and shorts are not permitted in the Monastery and women are required to cover their shoulders. There are some hairpin bends on this tour and those guests suffering from vertigo should take this into consideration.

Start your day on a chartered boat, with a leisurely cruise along the north-eastern coast of Corfu. Gentle rolling plains give way slowly to cliffs overlooking small, quiet bays.

Approximately one and a half hours' sailing will bring you to the remote beach of Limnopoula. Please bear in mind that due to its isolated nature and locality there are no facilities on the beach.

As you relax on the beach, the crew will be setting out your luncheon. As soon as it is prepared you will be invited to re-board to enjoy their spread, accompanied by local wine.

Afterwards set sail for the beautiful seaside resort of Kassiopi. Spend free time here strolling around the village, before heading for the bay of Aghios Arsenios for more swimming and relaxing.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
P&O Cruises will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. P&O Cruises does not provide or supply the excursion services. P&O Cruises will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and P&O Cruises shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions P&O Cruises is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of P&O Cruises.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by boat. Please remember your swimwear and towel along with sun protection. In the height of summer there may be other boats at the beach. The beach is pebbly. Please take all possessions onto the beach, as the boat will anchor at sea. Please bear in mind that Aghios Arsenios Bay requires that you step off straight into deep water in order to swim. You will be required to climb down a step ladder and wade ashore. Please note for safety reasons it is not permitted to barbecue on the beach or on board the boat and food is prepared in the morning prior to departure. Space on the open deck is limited and cannot be reserved.

Begin your tour with a scenic drive through the Old Town of Corfu, passing monuments such as the Old and New Fortress and Esplanade Square.

Continue along the coast towards Paleokastritsa Village, a seaside village built among six small coves nestled in the rugged coastline and surrounded by olive, lemon and cypress groves. The scenery here is considered by many to be the finest in the entire Mediterranean.

The Monastery of the Virgin Mary, was founded in 1288. The present day complex was erected in the 18th century and offers unrivalled views of Paleokastritsa. You’ll pass by lemon trees and a carefully tended flower garden on the way to the chapel where a small museum exhibits Byzantine and ecclesiastical art.

The stunning beach of Glyfada is situated on the western coast of Corfu. You will have approximately three hours of free time to relax on the beach and swim in the Ionian Sea. The beach is fronted with cafés and tavernas, where you can purchase refreshments. The beach offers sun beds and umbrellas for hire so please remember to bring local currency with you.



BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a 150 yard elevated walk to the beach. Please remember sun-cream, a hat, towel and local currency. There may be independent suppliers on the beach that may offer watersports. These are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard.

Corfu is one of the most lush and verdant of the Greek islands and, as you drive around on your panoramic tour, you will understand why so many tourists return year after year. Enjoy a trip through traditional mountain villages and across the spine of the island.

A scenic drive around Corfu Town will take you past the New Fortress and onto the Old Fortress, where there are magnificent views of the town. Drive past the Palace of St Michael and St George, the Esplanade and the cricket pitch.

The small village of Paleokastritsa is set amidst six small coves, nestled in the rugged coastline and is surrounded by olive, lemon and cypress groves. This is a popular resort and is considered to have some of the finest scenery in the entire Mediterranean.

The 'Koum Kouat' fruit, which grows only in Corfu, is made into one of the island's most famous products, a liqueur with the same name, along with fruit-preserved sweets. Sample some of the delicious wares and purchase some of the produce made from the Koum Kouat.

Admire the magnificent panoramic views from Lakones, a dreamy mountain village, where you will have free time to purchase refreshments and do a little souvenir shopping from the local vendors.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is some uneven ground at Paleokastritsa village. There are some hairpin bends on this tour and those guests suffering from vertigo should take this into consideration.

Corfu is more lush and verdant than most Greek islands and this is apparent as you drive through groves of olive, orange and lemon trees, interspersed with tall, graceful cypresses.

In the village of Gastouri is the Achilleion Palace, or Elisabeth's Folly. You are sure to find the views impressive and there will be time to explore the manicured, gardens, containing statues including the dramatic Dying Achilles.

Today the Mon Repos Palace, where Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh was born, has been turned into the Paleopolis Museum, housing finds from various archaeological sites. Set in beautiful gardens, the grounds have ancient Greek temples and a Byzantine town. Sweeping views of the sea from high up, add to the beauty of the location.

A stop for refreshments will be made at a local venue.

A brief photograph stop will be made near the Old Fortress of Corfu to take in views of the beautiful Old Town.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Please note that the journey is along some winding roads and this excursion does not include a guided tour of Corfu Town. You may opt to remain in the town and make your own way back to the ship, please advise your guide, if you wish to do this. There are 50 steps to visit the Gardens of Achilleion Palace and the stairs do not have handrails. Total walking time during this tour is 1½ hours. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended.

Paleokastritsa consists of six small coves with incredibly turquoise water, nestling in a coastline of hills and promontories, draped in olive, cypress and lemon trees. Legend tells us that this is the location where Odysseus met Nausica after his final shipwreck. Here you will visit The Monastery of the Virgin Mary which is located on a cliff and inhabited by monks. It was founded in 1228 but the present day complex was erected in the 18th century and offers unrivalled views of the area.

Situated in the fertile Ropa Valley and owned by one of the oldest families on the island is the Theotoky Estate. The Estate produces some of the best wine on the island as well as the most sought after olive oil. Experience the production process for both the wine and olive oil, followed by a sampling of the wine with some local cheese, fresh bread, olive oil and olives grown on the Estate. At the end of your visit there will be the opportunity to purchase wines and olive oil from the Estate.

The Town of Corfu is bustling, elegant, often charming and sometimes bewildering, and combines the picturesque ambience of a medieval town with many of the comforts of a modern resort. You will have a guided tour of the Old Town and some free time to explore on your own.

This tour will include a brief stop outside the Church of St Spyridon, the Patron Saint of the Island, to view the church and its distinctive bell tower.


This excursion will operate be coach and on foot.The town of Corfu will be explored on foot and involves walking over level terrain. Respectful attire must be worn when visiting the Monastery. Please note that ladies must have their shoulders covered and shorts are not permitted. There are up to 15 steps to negotiate at the Virgin Mary Monastery. Photography and filming are not permitted in the Monastery of the Virgin Mary.

Your scenic drive starts with a visit to Paleokastritsa village, regarded by many as the most attractive area in the Mediterranean. You cannot fail to be impressed by these six small coves with incredible turquoise water, nestling in a coastline of hills, draped in olive and lemon trees. A short drive away you will find The Virgin Mary Monastery, inhabited by monks and founded in 1228; the present day complex was erected in the 18th century and offers unrivalled views of the area.

In the village of Gastouri you will visit the Achilleion Palace and explore the hill-top gardens containing statues such as the dramatic Dying Achilles as well as enjoying the outstanding views.

A winery located in the foothills of central Corfu, will be the setting for your traditional luncheon. Relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area whilst being entertained with a show of local Corfiot dances.

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.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately one and a half hours of walking over mostly level terrain. There are 15 steps at the Monastery and 50 steps at the gardens of the Achilleion Palace. For the Monastery visit, ladies are required to cover their shoulders and shorts are not permitted.