Captivating Corfu - Glamour in the Greek Islands

If you'd like to see the highlights of Athens before heading to Corfu, we've arranged an optional 2-night trip extension to the Greek capital. Fly into Athens, and we'll meet you at the airport to whisk you to our stylish hotel for the next two nights - The New Hotel. Enjoy the view of the Acropolis!

Today, you're free to explore on your own, pamper yourself in the spa, or just catch up on rest. We'll meet you this evening for dinner together at the hotel's rooftop restaurant. You'll love the stunning views of Athens.

After breakfast, we'll head to The Acropolis, perhaps the most important ancient site in the Western world. Crowned by the Parthenon, it stands sentinel over Athens. It is visible from almost everywhere within the city. We'll enjoy a private, guided tour of this 5th-century BC architectural marvel, as well as the dazzling museum at the foot of the Acropolis' southern slope, showcasing its surviving treasures.

For dinner tonight, we'll enjoy a local favorite - Omorfi Poli - showcasing classic Greek food.

If you've joined us for the Athens pre-trip extension, you're already here! We'll head to the airport in the late morning to catch our 1pm flight to Corfu (a quick, 1-hour flight.) 

If you're arriving today, fly into Athens arriving in time to make our 1pm connecting flight to Corfu. We'll check-in to our Corfu hotel for the week, the stunning 5-star Corfu Imperial. Unpack, rest, and relax. Take a swim in the Ionian Sea.

We'll meet up for dinner at the hotel's seaside restaurant, Yali Seafood.

We'll have a relaxing morning and head off around 9:30am to take a behind-the-scenes tour and olive oil tasting at Governor’s Mill, an award-winning olive oil producer. Part of their secret is their aged Lianolia olive trees. Most are between 100 and 500 years old. The third-generation mill owners will show us the incredible machinery used years ago to produce olive oil, share production secrets, and host us in a private tasting event. You’ll learn firsthand why Hippocrates, the father of medicine, called olive oil “the perfect medicine”.

We'll stop for lunch at a local taverna, Apomero, known for its unique Corfiot dishes.

This afternoon, you'll have time to relax at the hotel Perhaps enjoy some time at the spa or relax at the beach.

This evening, we'll dine out at a local restaurant.

Today, we'll explore Corfu using the magical world of the Durrells as our guide. We'll visit the Kanoni Peninsula, the Kontessa’s Mavrodaki Estate, the Danilia vintage village, and more. You'll recognize many of these as real-life filming locations on the iconic show. If you're not a fan of the show, don't worry. Everything we see today is quintessential Corfu!

We'll enjoy a delicious homemade lunch at Lawrence Durrell's real White House at Kalami Bay.

Tonight, we'll reconvene at the hotel for dinner at the Trattoria & Wine Bar.

Today, we'll discover why the crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea are likened to the Maldives or the Caribbean. We'll cruise the coastal waters of Corfu in a private boat, visiting the exotic island of Paxos, a wonderful lagoon near the quaint town of Parga. We'll have time to go ashore to stroll through picturesque villages with beautiful colorful architecture, history, and rare physical beauty. It wouldn't be sailing without great music, cocktails, and conversation with your fellow travelers. Lunch is at a fish restaurant where the water splashes at your feet … A heaven-on-earth experience.

We've had a big day, so dinner tonight is on your own. Order room service or grab a bite at one of the hotel restaurants.

Today, we'll explore the old town of Corfu. Corfu boasts numerous impressive and world-famous sites. Each has its own distinctive historical development. We'll discover monuments like the royal palace of Achillion, the Venetian fortresses, Venetian-style old mansions and colorful houses, famous cosmopolitan squares, and magnificent churches that showcase the strong religious beliefs of Corfiots. 

For lunch, we'll experience the best of local products in authentic Corfiot gastronomy at the city's most historic restaurant.

After lunch, you'll have time to explore the old town on your own. We'll point you to some great shopping areas.

Today, we'll explore Corfiot cuisine with a hands-on cooking class from our friends at Ambelonas. We start with an exploration of their 17th-century estate and the surrounding vineyards with a quick lesson in winemaking. Then we'll dive into the principles of traditional Corfiot cooking, including seasonal delicacies like olives, sun-dried tomato pate, local goat cheese, noumboulo charcuterie, fresh figs, artichokes, and more. We'll taste and discuss the flavors of Melitzanosalata (smoked eggplant salad), cheese pie, pork “dolce garbo” simmered in rosemary and spices, and end with the sweet spice cake with syrup and yogurt. This is an experience for all the senses.

Back at the hotel, we'll gather for drinks and some light fare as we toast our extraordinary week together.

This morning after breakfast, we must say "Ta Leme", or until next time. But the new friends and memories we've made on this trip will last a lifetime.

Note: because everyone is flying home from Athens at different times, the return flight from Corfu to Athens is not included. This allows everyone to book a return Corfu=>Athens flight that suits their schedule. (The flight is inexpensive - <$100). leaving on flights at different times from Athens. Also, the earliest flight from Corfu leaves at 8:45am, arriving in Athens at 10:00am. So make sure you don't book a return flight home from Athens that leaves before noon.