Embarking on a private shore excursion to Paleokastritsa and Corfu Old Town offers a chance to take in the rich history and natural beauty of these captivating Greek destinations. The journey begins with a scenic van ride to the 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary, where breathtaking views await. From there, the adventure continues with a boat cruise and swimming in the pristine waters of Paleokastritsa, followed by an exploration of Corfu Old Town’s charming streets and architectural wonders. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable experience, this excursion promises to deliver a day you won’t soon forget.
Key Points
- This 4-hour private shore excursion in Corfu provides a comprehensive experience, including visits to the 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary and exploration of the Corfu Old Town.
- The tour offers scenic activities in Paleokastritsa, such as a boat cruise and swimming, as well as the opportunity to immerse in the island’s Venetian and Byzantine architecture.
- With private transportation, the excursion allows participants to discover the island’s cultural heritage and sample regional cuisine at their own pace.
- This shore excursion accommodates groups up to 11 people with flexible booking and free cancellation, making it suitable for various group sizes.
- However, the tour has received a one-star rating from customers, indicating unmet expectations, particularly regarding the service and guidance provided by the tour operator.
Tour Overview
The private shore excursion in Corfu offers a comprehensive 4-hour tour that takes participants to the picturesque Paleokastritsa and the charming Corfu Old Town.
Priced from $319.78 per group (up to 4 people), the tour features private transportation, monastery visits, and time for scenic views, activities, and exploration.
Guests can enjoy a boat cruise, swimming, and sampling of regional cuisine in Paleokastritsa before venturing to Corfu’s historic city center.
The tour accommodates private groups of up to 11 people and offers flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, this shore excursion provides a well-rounded experience in Corfu.
Itinerary Highlights
Highlights of the private shore excursion in Corfu include a 30-minute van ride to the 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Paleokastritsa, where visitors can enjoy scenic views, activities, and a boat cruise along the turquoise waters.
After an hour in Paleokastritsa, the tour continues with a 30-minute van transfer to Esplanade Square in Corfu Old Town. Here, guests can explore the city’s Venetian and Byzantine architecture, visit ancient castles, stroll through charming streets, and discover hidden gardens.
They’ll also have time for a break, lunch, shopping, and sampling regional cuisine. The excursion concludes with a 15-minute van ride back to the Corfu Port Authority Company.
Points of Interest
Paleokastritsa is renowned for its turquoise waters and historical significance as the site where Odysseus is said to have landed.
The 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary nestled in Paleokastritsa offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s rich religious history.
Corfu Old Town boasts a captivating blend of Venetian and Byzantine architecture, ancient castles, charming streets, and hidden gardens.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Corfu Old Town presents a delightful exploration of the island’s cultural heritage, with opportunities to discover traditional products and savor the flavors of the local cuisine.
These distinct points of interest make this private shore excursion a truly immersive experience in Corfu’s natural and historic wonders.
Customer Experience
Customers have provided a one-star rating for this private shore excursion, expressing concerns about the overall experience not meeting their expectations.
According to the reviews, the value for money received a low rating of 1 out of 5. While the safety and organization aspects were rated slightly better at 3 out of 5, the service provided by the tour operator fell short, earning a 1 out of 5.
Customers highlighted the lack of guidance, poor communication skills of the driver, and an overall experience that failed to live up to their anticipations.
The tour’s operator will need to address these issues to improve customer satisfaction and provide a more enjoyable and worthwhile private excursion in Corfu.
Important Information
The activity has no age restrictions, allowing participants of all ages to join the private shore excursion in Corfu.
The driver will greet customers inside the Corfu port terminal with a sign, and the itinerary may be subject to change.
Customers can expect food and drinks to be included, although the specific options may vary.
This private tour offers flexibility, as it accommodates a maximum of 11 participants and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Customers can reserve now and pay later, making it a convenient option for planning their Corfu sightseeing experience.
Getting to the Meeting Point
Participants will be met by the driver inside the Corfu port terminal, where they’ll be greeted with a sign. This ensures a smooth and effortless start to the tour.
Once everyone’s gathered, the driver will provide clear instructions and guidance to help make the transition from the ship to the excursion as seamless as possible.
The meeting point’s location within the port terminal is designed to minimize any confusion or difficulty in finding the group.
What to Expect on the Tour
Once the meeting point formalities are handled, the tour will commence with a scenic 30-minute van ride to the renowned Paleokastritsa, home to the 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary.
Here, you’ll have around an hour to explore the area, which is known for its turquoise waters and historical significance as Odysseus’s landing site. You can take a break, snap photos, join a boat cruise, or even go for a swim.
From there, the van will transport you to Esplanade Square in Corfu Old Town, where you’ll spend 2 hours exploring the charming streets, hidden gardens, and sampling regional cuisine.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
This private shore excursion includes round-trip transportation via air-conditioned van, admission to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, and 2 hours to explore Corfu Old Town at your own pace.
A boat cruise and swim time are provided at the beautiful Paleokastritsa.
Lunch and regional food options are available, but not included in the tour price. The excursion doesn’t cover entrance fees to any sites or attractions other than the monastery.
Personal expenses, such as souvenirs or additional food and drinks, are also excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Make Additional Stops Along the Way?
The tour provider may allow additional stops along the way, but this would depend on the tour’s itinerary and schedule. Participants should check with the tour company about the possibility of customizing the tour or making extra stops.
What if We Want to Spend More Time at a Specific Site?
If participants want to spend more time at a specific site, they can customize the itinerary with the tour provider. This allows flexibility to adjust the duration at each location based on personal interests and preferences.
Is the Boat Cruise Included in the Tour Price?
Yes, the boat cruise in Paleokastritsa is included in the tour price. According to the itinerary, the tour offers a 1-hour break in Paleokastritsa, which includes a boat cruise as one of the available activities.
Do We Need to Book the Tour in Advance?
The tour should be booked in advance to secure availability. Flexible booking options allow reserving now and paying later, though free cancellation within 24 hours is possible for a full refund.
Can We Request a Different Language Speaking Guide?
Yes, you can typically request a different language-speaking guide for a private tour. It’s best to communicate your language preference when booking the tour to ensure the guide assigned matches your needs.
Recap
The Paleokastritsa and Corfu Old Town Private Shore Excursion offers a chance to take in Corfu’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
From the breathtaking views of the 13th-century Monastery to the charming streets of Corfu Old Town, this excursion promises a memorable experience.
Ideal for small groups, it’s a perfect way to explore the island’s highlights during a shore visit.
