Corfu and Mainland

Day 2: Through the streets of Corfu Town

Follow us to a journey through time and learn all the trivia about the Corfiot history and the capital of the island. After visiting the gardens of Mon Repos – the summer residence of the Greek royal family until 1967 – you will continue with the visit of Jason and Sosipatros church, one of the most important churches dating back to the Byzantine times. Jason and Sosipatros were students and disciples of Apostle Paul who visited Corfu in 48 AD and are said to have introduced Christianity to the inhabitants of the island.

Further on to the centre of the old city of Corfu, included in the list of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage. The old city of Corfu with its narrow streets and its monuments with a history of 8 centuries stands between the New and the Old Fort, both built by the Venetians during their 500-year-dominion in the Ionian Islands. In the narrow streets of the old city you can find buildings with marble-flagged arcades hosting numerous galleries and souvenir shops. One of the most famous landmarks of the old city and favorite place for the locals is the enormous square of Esplanade (mostly known as “Spianada”), which is one of the largest squares in the Balkans. On the northern side      of Esplanade stands the old city part of Kambiello, located by the sea.

Do not miss a visit to the patron saint of Corfu, Saint Spyridon, thought by the locals to do miracles. In the wonderful baroque-style church decorated with western-art wall and ceiling paintings, you can find the remains of the Saint in a sarcophagus and his silver slippers, which –according to the myth – Saint Spyridon wears every night and takes a walk in the streets of the old city. Saint Spyridon died in about 350 AD in Cyprus, but when the Arabs conquered Cyprus in 650 AD the remains of the former Bishop of Trymithous were taken to Constantinople (today Istanbul) and later in 1453 from there to Corfu, in order to be protected by the Ottomans. You will also visit the City Hall at the centre of the old town of Corfu and Liston with its arcaded terraces and fashionable cafes, built in 1807 by the French imperial commissioner Mathieu de Lesseps. The design was inspired by the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. One of the most famous beliefs about its name is that it was named after the list of the noble families of Corfu written on a wooden board; these families were the only ones allowed to cross this road. Last but not least, you will breathe some fresh air on the old fortress; you may climb a little, but the view is absolutely breathtaking!

Return to your booked hotel. Hotel and overnight stay.

Day 4: The West Side & the Mouse Island

Today you will visit the west coast of the island and the villages Sinarades und Pelekas will be the first stops of your day. In Pelekas you will have the chance to visit Kaiser Throne and the old observatory. Between 1908 and the first world war, Kaiser Wilhelm II spent his summers at Achillion Palace but his favorite location was the village of Pelekas and we can easily understand why. Standing at his “throne” you have a 360 degree panoramic view of the island and one of the most impressive sunsets.

After admiring the exquisite view, you will drive to Perama for lunch and then to Kanoni, one of the most beloved sites in Corfu. Visit the monastery of Panagia Vlacherena and take one of the small boats to the Mouse Island (“Pontikonissi”), Corfu’s landmark. Return to your booked hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Preveza & the Roman Remnants

Preveza is one of the most beautiful harbor cities of Epirus. Located on a peninsula, it is a nice place for some leisure time by the sea in peace and quiet, as both the Ionian Sea and the Ambracian Gulf wash its shores.

Historically, Preveza is mostly known for Nikopolis, the ancient city founded by Roman Emperor Octavian not only in commemoration of his victory against Markus Antonius and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium nearby in 31 BC, but also – and mainly – in order to control the west side of Greece and the city of Patras. Admire the ancient gates of the city and visit the Roman theatre, the odeon, the central thermae and the Roman nymphaeum. Dinner and overnight stay at your booked hotel.

Day 8: Alpine Wine & Meteora Monasteries hanging from the cliffs

In Meteora you will have the chance to visit one of the most extraordinary sites in Greece. Meteora is considered as one of the most beautiful areas in the Greek mainland (also included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List) and is famous for its six monasteries built on top of rock towers; you will visit two of them, which will provide you a totally breathtaking view. In such a place, you can just feel that you are literally approaching the holy heavens.

Further drive to Metsovo, a traditional alpine town in a height of 1,160m. In this small town of Epirus you will visit the “highest” winery in Greece (1,000 m) http://www.katogihotel.gr. Since 1963 the Averoff family produces fine Cabernet Sauvignon. Although it is not the area of their origin, the table wines are of the finest quality; besides, the ones who do not believe, will soon taste it by themselves. Hotel stay for 1 night in Kalambaka or Metsovo. Dinner and overnight stay at your booked hotel.

Day 10: The traditional villages of Zagorochoria

Drive to the alpine landscape of Zagorochoria. In the 46 villages of the region, the visitors can find whatever they want: traditional architecture, villages built in the heart of the woods, others which offer a breathtaking view and above all, peace and quiet. Feel free in the wild nature, let the Canyon of  Vikos and the river Aoos impress you and cross the old stone bridges which endure over time. Drive back to Ioannina. Dinner and overnight stay in your booked hotel.