In the lush green estate of Merlin, a peninsula in the region of Dassia, some 11kms fromCorfu port, famous for its orange, lemon and kumquat tree plantations, there are numerous hidden tracks, trails and paths to explore, around the estate and along the coastline, leading to stunning beaches.

In this shady tranquil environment of the Merlin estate, the Corfu Riding Centre has its base, keeping its horses and ponies.

As part of your horse back riding tour in Corfu, you will be transported by bus to the riding centre, where on arrival you will be able to enjoy a soft drink for refreshment and be shown around the estate and its plantations of fruit before setting off riding.

The group of clients, depending on numbers, will be split into groups of 8 riders each. The first group will be fitted with riding hats, given some basic instruction on how to control their mounts, to stop, start and to steer, before mounting their horses and setting off for their ride. Each group of riders is accompanied by professional instructors/assistants for safety reasons. In the meantime and while the first group enjoys their ride, the other members of the party will have the opportunity to explore the estate on foot, swim and sunbathe at the local sandy beach,  before setting off themselves for their horse ride.

The horse ride takes us through the estate on nature tracks and trails, pass a shallow fresh water stream, down to a sandy beach, where clients can rest on their horses for a short while, take photographs, and enjoy the stunning views across the sea of Albania, the East Coast of Corfu, Corfu Town, as well as, Vidos and Mouse Islands.

The riders will then follow another track around the estate, back to the starting point, having spent approximately one hour riding.

Once back at the centre, they will have the chance to enjoy another drink, rest or explore the area with a local escort, or, to go down to one of the beaches of the estate for a refreshing swim or some sunbathing, while the other group/s have their turn to ride on the horses.

All clients will have the chance to buy some of the local fruits grown locally at the estate if they so wish to do.

Once all clients have enjoyed their ride and relaxation time at the estate, they will then be transferred by bus back to their cruise ship.

Our tour starts at the northern gate of this beautiful old Venetian town, known as the “Bonati” arch, an aristocrat from 1774, where we enter the old town on our walking tour.

First stop is at the traditional 200-years old Darmatis’ store, whose owner still makes the original “nouboulo” (olive wood smoked ham) and salami he is best known for, where we get the chance to taste these unique local products. Our tour continues through the old Jewish Quarter of the city, where until the II World War, more than 4,000 local Jews used to live, in harmony with the local population and past the local Synagogue, known as the “Old School”.

Second stop is at the local traditional taverna of Sakis, named the “Pergola” after the vines that shade its courtyard, popular with the locals, where we have the chance to try some traditional Corfiot recipes, like the spicy “bourdetto”, a casserole dish cooked with fresh fish and sweet paprika, served with fresh baked bread and local wine.

We continue the tour through the old town, past the Orthodox church of Saint Sophia to the delicatessen shop run by Mr Thymis, where we get to taste his unique fresh made ice cream with “koum-quat” or “ginger-beer” flavour.

Our walking tour continues in the serpentine-like streets, to the Town Hall Square(or piazza, as locally known), past the historic Town Hall San Giacomo building, the Catholic Cathedral “Duomo” of St Jacob & St Patric, to the 16-century Church of Saint Spyridon, the Patron Saint of the island. We visit this unique temple, renowned for its frescos and the silver & gold gilded coffin with the Saint’s holy remains, celebrated throughout the Orthodox world for his miraculous healing abilities.   

Further down the street, at the local products’ shop “Afthonia” in the neighborhood, we taste the unique locally produced “koum quat” liquor, made from a particular citrus fruit that only grows in a few parts of the world.

Having experienced the unique culinary pleasures Corfu has to offer and tasted some of the best local products and recipes, at the end of the tour you have some free time for your souvenir shopping, or, just simply for some relaxing time at one of the popular café bars in the Liston piazza, under the warm sun, a favorite pastime with the locals !

Leaving from your hotel, you are driven through the beautiful countryside, to the famous Monastery of the Virgin, located high on the hill overlooking the gorgeous Paleokastritsa Bay, known as the “Capri” ofGreece. This Byzantine monastery is still inhabited by a self-reliant community of monks; its long history is evident from the collections of Byzantine icons and other religious relics featured in the chapel and its museum. 

Following your guided tour of the monastery, you board your coach and are driven uphill to the panoramic position of the Golden Fox Café, found high on the hills in the traditional village of Lakones, famous for its spectacular views over the Bay of Paleokastritsa.  Locals know this location as «God’s Balcony» because of the spectacular views it offers of the scenic Paleokastritsa Bay, the surrounding hills, even of the entire island. At the Café you enjoy a refreshing glass of ouzo or wine together with a ‘meze’ snack (feta cheese, tomato, olives, salami, tzatziki and bread) and a show by a group of local dancers in traditional costume accompanied by musicians.

Following your relaxing break at Lakones village, the tour continues on coach over the mountain ridge passing through some of the most picturesque traditional villages on the northern side of the island. In about 45 minutes you arrive in Corfu Town where you have a scenic coach drive around town, passing by the Palaiopolis (ancient ruins), the summer palace of the ex-King of Greece, Mon Repos, Garitsa Bay, the 14^th century Old Venetian Fortress – now a UNESCO World Heritage monument, the Espianade square – once used as drilling grounds for Napoleon Bonaparte’s soldiers, the Royal  Palace of St. George and St. Michael  built by the first British Commissioner of the island in the 19^th century, the Old Port crowded with traditional ‘caiques’, the New Venetian Fortress built in the 16^th century, the open-air flee market and San Rocco square – the commercial centre of town, before driving back to your hotel.

You visit the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin, still inhabited by a community of monks, and its small museum housing a priceless collection of Byzantine icons and church relics. From the monastery’s gardens you can enjoy breathtaking views of beautiful bays of the area with their crystal-clear waters and rocky promontories. According to local myth, the legendary Greek ancient hero Odysseus was shipwrecked in one of these bays before meeting and becoming enchanted with the beautiful local Princess Nausicaa.

Your coach drives you up to the traditional old village of Lakones, built high on the mountain slopes, from where you enjoy a panoramic vista of Paleokastritsa and take some marvellous photographs. Driving onwards, you arrive at the traditional village of Makrades, where you enjoy a “meze” (local snack) with a glass of local ouzo or wine at the village taverna. You then continue over to the north-eastern section of the Pantokrator mountain range – the highest on the island. Your next stop is at the picturesque village of Acharavi, where you have lunch (optional), Greek-style, at one of the best traditional tavernas in the village (optional).

Your coach then drives you down the north-eastern coastal road of the island – facing the shores of Albania, just 2 nautical miles away – passing by the beautiful bay villages of Kassiopi, Kerasia, Kouloura and Kalami – the latter made famous by the British author Lawrence Durrell who lived there, and the coastal resorts of Barbati, Dassia, and Kontokali, before arriving into Corfu Town. On arrival in town, you leave your coach by the main square, the “Esplanade”, and set off on a guided walking tour, around some of the most elegant quarters of this Venetian-built town. You visit the 300-year old Church of the Patron Saint Spiridon with its priceless collection of icons and offerings. You also have free time for shopping, before boarding your coach again for your return transfer back to your hotel.

The Mon Repos Palace is located in the suburbs of Corfu Town, on the coast of Paleopolis. The mansion, built in 1828 – 1831 by the British Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, Sir Adams in neo-classical style, was a gift to his beautiful local Corfiot wife, Mrs Palatianou. In 1864 it was given as a present to the King of Greece, George A’ and has served since as a summer mansion for the Greek Royal Family.

Nowadays the palace mansion operates as a museum: The rooms on the ground floor of the palace, with their original fixtures and furnishings offer guests an insight into palace life in the 19^th century and the British colonial era. The first floor houses an well-presented and appointed exhibition of significant archaeological findings from the local excavations in the ancient city of Paleopolis, featuring a display of ancient coins, tomb remains, ceramics, tools and other artifacts. 

The excursion continues with a guided walking tour of the historic Old City of Corfu  and its main monuments: the Town Hall, the Duomo, with a visit to the famous historic 16^th cent Orthodox Church of Saint Spyridon – the saint protector of the Island.

Free time is available at the end of the tour for shopping.

The excursion commences with a Panoramic Drive through the new city, the Old Harbour, the Old Venetian Castle (14^th cent), to the Esplanade Square – the largest in the Balkans.

From there the excursion continues on foot for a guided tour of the Old Medieval City of Corfu  and its main monuments: the Town Hall, the Duomo, the 16^th cent Orthodox Church of Saint Spyridon – the protector of the Island, followed by a guided visit of the Royal Palace of Saint George and St Michael, the most imposing building of medieval Corfu town, and its unique exhibition of Asian Art.

The Royal Palace of Saint Michael & Saint George was built entirely of yellow Maltese limestone, especially imported from Malta for this purpose, between 1814 and 1824, in Georgian style, during the rule of the first Lord High Commissioner, Sir Thomas Maitland, to a design by Sir George Whitmore. Throughout the British Protectorate period it was the seat of the Commissioner. The palace was named after the Order of Saint Michael & Saint George and served as the Order’s Seat in Corfu under British Colonial times.

The palace features two wings; the right wing houses the Royal Throne room and the Assembly rooms. Its left wing today houses the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu, a unique by European Standards museum of a vast collection of priceless Asiatic artefacts.  

Following the visit at the Royal Palaceof Saint George& St Michael, coffee or soft drink will be offered at the café in theRoyalGardens of the Palace.

This excursion offers you a comprehensive view of the island, combining visits to cultural and historical sites with delightful breaks at spots of unique natural beauty. The coach follows the road leading out of  town; soon you are found in the beautiful dense Corfiot countryside, driving through olive groves interspersed with pine and cypress trees, vineyards and fields carpeted with wild flowers and shrubs.

The bayof Paleokastritsa is one of the most famous locations on the island, much celebrated for its unique natural beauty, known as the “Capri of Greece”. You visit the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin, still inhabited by a community of monks, and its small museum, housing priceless Byzantine icons and church relics. From the monastery’s gardens you have spectacular views over the beautiful bays of the area with their crystal-clear turquoise waters and rocky promontories.

Leaving Paleokastritsa, your coach takes you via the RopaValleyto the traditional old villageof Gastourifor a visit to the Achilleion Palace, built by the Empress Elisabeth ofAustria in 1891 and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II ofGermany.  You visit the rooms of the Palace open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the life of the “Sad Empress” as Sissy was commonly known, as well as its beautiful gardens with spectacular views overCorfuTown and the sea. Filled with exotic flowers and adorned with classical statues of Ancient Greek mythological figures, the gardens give evidence of Empress Elisabeth’s fondness of Ancient Greek History and Mythology.

From AchilleionPalace, you are driven into Corfu Town for a visit of the historic centre of this elegant old town. Built by the Venetians more than 400 years ago, theOldTown looks more like Napoli orVenice rather than any other Greek town. Constructed between the two Venetian Fortresses, it is a maze of winding narrow cobbled streets “kandounia”, little piazzas (squares) and high tenements in pastel yellow and brick red colours. Leaving the coach by the central “Esplanade Square”, you explore the town on foot accompanied by your guide. You visit the 300-year oldchurch ofSt. Spyridon, the Saint Protector of the island, with its priceless collection of icons and offerings to the Saint. There is also free time for shopping and wandering around on your own before returning back to your coach for your transfer back to your hotel.

You will visit the museum, as well as its beautiful gardens, which offer spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. The gardens, full of exotic trees and flowers which the Empress brought with her from her trips around the world, are adorned with classical statues, as she was very fond of ancient Greek history and mythology. The main “Terrace of the Muses” decorated with statues of the Nine Greek Muses and the imposing figures of “Achilles Victorious” and “Achilles Dying” are some of the most interesting.

Leaving Achilleion Palace, your coach takes you to Corfu Town, stopping briefly at the coastal resort of Perama, from where you will enjoy some excellent views of the Convent of Vlacherna and the picturesque Mouse Island. Take advantage of this opportunity to test your camera skills on this view, the most photographed subject on the island.

Once in the Old Quarter of Corfu Town, the coach will drop you off in front of the Old Venetian Fortress (14th Century – UNESCO World Heritage), opposite the central “Esplanade Square.”. Whilst your coach waits for your return, your guide takes you on a beautiful walking tour of the historic centre of the Old Town. Walking around in the maze of winding narrow cobbled streets known as “kandounia,”, you visit some of the most elegant quarters of this Venetian-built town, which competes with Napoli, Florence, and Venice in terms of beauty, style, character, and charm. Walking along the old cricket grounds – a tradition left over by the British – you see the Royal Palace of St. George & St. Michael, an imposing building built entirely of yellow Maltese stone by the first British Commissioner of the island, the spectacular arcades of the Liston Piazza, a down-sized replica of the Rue de Rivoli of Paris, built by the French in the 19th century – before heading into the heart of the old town.

You will also visit the 300-year old Church of Saint Spiridon with its priceless collection of icons and gifts offered to the Patron Saint of the Island, explore the old flea -market, pass by the old Town Hall, and end up in the busy shopping district, where you will have some free time for shopping.

Day 1  

Transfer to the hotel.

In the evening, you will be taken to a 2-hour dinner and jazz cruise; savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi river. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and live jazz music by the Grammy-nominated “Dukes of Dixieland.”

Day 2

After breakfast, we will go on a walking tour. You will follow in the footsteps of historic figures as you stroll along the Mighty Mississippi, through the French Market and Jackson Square, and down the banquettes (sidewalks) of quaint streets named for saints and sinners from our European past.

Learn about the Creoles on this tour through the original city, founded in 1718 by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville. See the old Quarter come to life as your guide explains its secrets and helps you understand all it has to offer – architecture, courtyards, gardens, food, music, and art. Tour the oldest building in theMississippiValley, the Old Ursuline Convent, constructed by French Colonial Engineers under the auspices of the crown and completed in 1753. 

Note: This is a walking tour on uneven sidewalks and streets, so please wear comfortable shoes! During warmer months, we recommend that you wear lightly colored clothing; caps/hats and umbrellas are also suggested.

Free time for shopping and explore at French Quarter on your own.

Day 3

After breakfast, you will be taken to Nottoway Plantation, the South’s largest remaining antebellum mansion. It is a stunning historic plantation that lies betweenBaton RougeandNew Orleans,Louisiana. After all the tests of war, economic adversity, ownership changes, and natural forces, Nottoway stands regal and strong… still a great castle greeting the Mighty Mississippi River. Step back in time and experience the 150 years of history at this Grande Dame of Plantations with its regal splendor.

Feel free to explore the plantation on your own.

In the evening, you will be taken to a 2-hour dinner and jazz cruise; savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi river. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and live jazz music by the Grammy-nominated “Dukes of Dixieland.”

Return to the hotel.

Day 4

A trip to New Orleans is not complete without taking the swamp tour. You can get a closer, more intimate feel of your surroundings, being able to see alligators, raccoons, owls, wild boars, nutria, snakes, turtles, bald eagles, black bears, and birds just feet away! Also you will see one of the only remaining preserved wetlands in Louisiana- an authentic Cajun village only accessible by boat!

Day 5

Transfer to the airport.