Corfu
Parga
North Coast of Corfu
Beautiful water at Paleokastritsa
Greek Monastery
Perithia
Looking down on Paleokastritsa
Perithia
Superb five-star hotel in glorious setting
The historic streets of Corfu town
Day trip to Albania that includes a visit to the fantastic historic UNESCO listed site of Butrint
The scenic beauty of seaside Paleokastritsa and Mount Pantokrator
Optional day trip to the Greek mainland visiting the picturesque River Acheron, reputedly the gateway to the underworld, and pretty seaside Parga
Magnificent, verdant Corfu was Homer’s ‘beautiful and rich land’. Mountains dominate the northern half where the coastlines can be steep and dramatic and the island’s interior a rolling expanse of peaceful countryside. Stately cypresses, used for masts by the Venetians, rise from shimmering olive groves, whilst in the south the island flattens and narrows. This wonderful natural scenery is enriched by the islands long heritage that has been shaped by Byzantine, Roman and Venetian influences and, later, by both the French and the British. In the early days of modern Greece Corfu was a seat of European learning. While the rest of the nation struggled simply to get by, the Corfiots established cultural institutions such as libraries and centres of learning, and many major Greek figures like Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first head of an independent Greece, hailed from Corfu. To this day, Corfiots remain proud of their intellectual and artistic roots. This legacy is visible in its fine museums and its rich cultural life, which ensure a friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere in which the visitor is always made to feel at home.
Available Departures |
From |
|
| 14 - October - 2024 | Sold Out | Travel Info On Request |
|
Provisional Timings London Gatwick Departing: 14th October 2024 at 09:40 Returning: 21st October 2024 at 12:45 |
||
| 17 - October - 2025 | £ 1875.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
|
Provisional Timings London Gatwick Departing: 17th October 2025 at 13:00 Returning: 24th October 2025 at 11:35 |
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Corfu (some regional flight options may be available, including a later flight from Gatwick and possibly flights from London Heathrow. Please enquire for more details.) On arrival transfer to the very comfortable five-star Kontokali Bay Spa Hotel for a seven-night stay. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Guided tour of Kanoni and Corfu Town with the afternoon free for you to explore further or relax at the hotel
We start our tour at Mon Repos Palace, birth place of Prince Philip, and its small museum, we then visit the area of Kanoni, where we find the incredibly picturesque Vlacherna monastery, probably one of the most photographed spots in Corfu, where we find time for a coffee before visiting the wonderful ‘old town’ and capital of the island, Corfu Town, with a local guide. A fascinating and attractive town that owes its character to its extensive history and the influence of the various occupiers of the island who left a beautiful architectural legacy. Magnificent buildings line the narrow streets that are perfect for strolling and exploring but also for lingering and enjoying a break in one of the many cafes or restaurants that line the atmospheric streets. The rest of the day is free leaving you time to explore further, perhaps visiting one of the towns selection of wonderful museums such as the unusual Museum of Asian Art, the Byzantine Museum or the Municipal Art Gallery, or return and relax at the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Day 3: A taste of Albania.
We depart from the port of Corfu and journey by boat to Agia Saranda in Albania and then join a coach that takes us on a picturesque drive to the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will be guided by a local guide. Lunch (included) will be arranged in a local restaurant after our visit and there will be some free time before catching the ferry back to Corfu in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Today is a free day to enjoy at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 5: Exploring Corfu
Today will be a relaxed scenic day seeing a bit more of Corfu. We shall visit the monastery of Pantokrator, situated on Mount Pantokrator, the highest point of the island (906m), which ensures a very picturesque drive. The monastery was built in the 14th century but destroyed in 1537, the present church dates from the 17th century and the outer cells from the 19th century. After the dramatic drive to Pantokrator it's on to the charming seaside village of Kassiopi with its narrow-cobbled streets overlooked by the ruins of an ancient castle where there will be free time for lunch before returning via a different route, equally scenic, to our hotel.
Day 6: Relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel or join an optional tour to the Greek mainland visiting the Acheron River & Parga
We depart in the morning by ferry to the mainland. On arrival there we drive to the picturesque resort of Parga, which sits next to the sea on the west coast. There will be free time to wander the town’s pretty harbour front, swim if you wish, walk to the remains of a Venetian castle that watches over the town or just relax in one of the many seaside cafes. Later re-join the coach for the 30-minute drive to the vilage of Gliki. This little village sits next to the picturesque Acheron River, known as the mystical river Styx in Greek mythology that was believed to lead to the entrance of the underworld and the Kingdom of Hades. In this beautiful surrounding with rich vegetation and crystalline waters there will be a short 20-minute walk along the banks of this very beautiful river. After our walk, there will be time for lunch in one of the river side tavernas before heading back to Igoumenitsa to catch the ferry back to Corfu. (Minimum numbers required for this tour to operate). Dinner at the hotel.
Day 7: Achillion Palace, Paleokastritsa and Makrades
We will visit the Achillion Palace, if it has reopened, as it closed in 2022 for renovation and the confirmed reopening date has not been announced as yet. Built by the Empress Elisabeth “Sissy” of Austria in 1891, and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. Corfu was Empress Elizabeth's favourite vacation place and she built the palace because she very much admired Greece, its language and culture. The palace was designed with the mythical hero Achilles as its central theme. If Achillion has not re-opened we will visit the traditional village of Sinarades instead, enjoying a short walk to admire the village and to visit the interesting little folklore museum. We then continue north to the very beautiful seaside village of Paleokastritsa, described as the 'jewel of Corfu'. We will visit the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin and its gardens, which has spectacular views overlooking Paleokastritsas’ beautiful turquoise bays. There will be free time for lunch and then on to our final visit, via a very spectacular drive, Makrades, where we have a short stop to try some local products, perfect for any last-minute shopping, before returning to the hotel! Dinner at the hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to Corfu Airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Kontokali Bay Resort Hotel
The five-star Kontokali Bay Spa Hotel, located on the lush Kontokali Peninsula, offers comfortable rooms and a magnificent setting. The included rooms in the tour are all bay view rooms, all have private bathroom facilities, safe, hairdryer, TV, free wi-fi, air-conditioning, telephone, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. Sea view rooms are available at a small supplement.
Facilities at the hotel include a pool, private beach, two speciality restaurants, bar/cafe, and spa.
Kontokali Bay Hotel Website
Excellent hotel and tour leader
Review by Clarke who travelled 08-May-2024
The only problem I had was that I live in north wales and had to stay over in Gatwick at the start of holiday . Enquiries re flights from Manchester were dealt with swiftly but timings did not work for me . I found that some other passengers arrived the day before and next time I travel I shall ask to travel day before . It would be a good idea for your staff to surest this if this situation should arrive again which I’m sure it will . Otherwise I cannot fault the tour . The hotel was exceptional the staff we very cheerful and helpful the breakfast buffet and evening meals were superb with something for every taste . The food was fresh and beautifully presented with lots of choice . Our tour guide Jane was confident friendly and very well organised she was available the whole time was patient and kind to the less able members of the group. Mary who led the tours on Corfu was jolly professional with excellent English and interesting information . I did nt join a couple of the tours but from what I gathered from other members were enjoyable and well planned. I have travelled a lot with much more expensive companies and thought the whole trip especially the accommodation were excellent value for money . I’ve been on three trips in the uk with travel editions and I must applaud your choice always iof hotels and tour guides . Well done you ll see me agiain .
Review by Humphreys who travelled 18-October-2023
On arrival it would have been helpful to have been given detailed information about the scheduled itinerary for the week ahead. The hotel was excellent but very much out on a limb. There were no other shops, bars, restaurants nearby. The hotel curtesy bus only ran to Corfu town in the morning.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-October-2023
Jane was a very good tour manager, well organised, empathetic. The local guide Mary was also very knowledgeable. The hotel was excellent. Corfu airport very crowded and disorganised - we nearly missed our flight home.
Review by Vigors who travelled 18-October-2023
Jane, our Tour Manager, was caring and attentive; as were the ntwo tour guides - Mary and our Albanian guide
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-October-2023
Excellent quality hotel but because of its location virtually no choice of places to eat other than hotel restaurants on days that dinner was not included. Jane, the tour manager was brilliant she quickly learnt everyone's name, was well organised, extremely caring and good humoured throughout the tour.
Review by Pellant who travelled 18-October-2023
We really enjoyed this tour. The hotel was excellent, superb location, great food, especially at breakfast, friendly helpful staff and good sized, comfortable room. Our local guide, Mary, was very good, full of information and went at a sensible pace. However, our tour manager, Donna, although very pleasant and helpful had never been to Corfu before and we felt she was as much a tourist as we were. She wasn't able to give us local knowledge or information, and we felt a bit 'short changed' by this. This particularly showed on our trip to Albania, where there was some confusion when we tried to enter the country which took some sorting out. Initially our guide was going to be Jane Freeman - we have done previous tours in Greece with her and know how good she is. We found the flights with BA pretty poor, they are not the airline they once were! When we returned to England we were not given seats together, and most of our party were in the same position. Despite these niggles it was a great trip and we had a very good time.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-October-2023
A really wonderful holiday, helped by the (mostly) excellent weather. The local tour guides in Corfu, Albania and mainland Greece were all excellent as were the coach drivers who sometimes had to negotiate hairpin bends on narrow roads. Would definitely recommend this holiday.
Review by Blow who travelled 18-October-2023
Review by Blackman who travelled 18-October-2023
If possible, I would have much preferred NOT to have a buffet dinner. It would be ideal if one was allowed to eat a la carte in Perea (the hotel's other restaurant) to the value of the buffet instead on some evenings. The salads/starters, fruit, desserts and 'biscuits and cheese' items were all good but the main courses (which I did not have) looked unappetising and were of variable quality according to feedback from other guests. Trips - varied and enjoyable. Excellent local guide, Mary.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-October-2023
I enjoyed the tour very much, It was a lovely hotel, with excellent guides and tour manager, enjoyable fellow travelers, a comfortable hotel, good food, and good weather, all ingredients to make a brilliant tour. Thank you Travel Editions for another fantastic holiday.
Review by Straton who travelled 11-October-2023
This trip was very good, the local guide Mary was excellent. Donna the Travel Editions guide was at times a bit casual and it was obvious this was her first time managing such a big group. However, she was very pleasant and approachable.
Review by Hyde who travelled 11-October-2023
Excellent hotel and I particularly enjoyed the excursions. Excellent local guides in Corfu and in Albania. However I was surprised that we didn't have a 'Welcome Meeting' shortly after arriving, and that descriptions of excursions were confined to one typed line sent via email before we left UK. My first Travel Editions holiday so don't know if this is the norm for your company.
Review by Jones who travelled 11-October-2023
My third Travel Editions holiday, all of which were managed by Jane who, as usual, was excellent throughout. Corfu airport is small and cannot cope with a large number of flight arrivals and departures in a short period of time. We breezed through Border Control from the later Gatwick arrival but some fellow travellers on earlier flights had a rather more traumatic experience! The Hotel was excellent with good facilities, wonderful staff and live music every night. The jazz saxophonist on the first night was outstanding. The food in the buffet restaurant was of good quality but lacked any sense of Greek, let alone Corfiot, cuisine. I ate at Aegli in Corfu Town on one night and in two local restaurants, Brouno and Roula, on the other two nights that dinner was not included. I can recommend them all. Good variety of excursions, despite the weather in Parga! Highlight for me was Butrint with an excellent local guide and restaurateur. I seemed to be the only person that knew before departure that the Achilleion Palace was still closed for renovation but the alternative visit to the Folklore Museum in Sinarades was interesting in a different way. I was disappointed that the visit to Old Perithia could not be undertaken due to the access road being unsafe following the heavy rain earlier in the week. Personally, I could have done without the alternative wine and olive oil tasting. To round off the perfect holiday, easyJet have started selling duty free booze again and I got a good deal on Smirnoff Blue Label vodka!
Review by Cackett who travelled 01-May-2023
This was my first trip with Travel Editions and I will book more! Jane was excellent throughout -so good at dealing with the varied needs and requests of our group. The local guides in Corfu and Albania were v informative and interesting.
Review by Wright who travelled 01-May-2023
The reason for Satisfactory under Brochure Description and Good under Sightseeing Tours is that you advertised a trip that included visiting the Achillion Palace, which we were really looking forward to. On arrival we found out that the palace has been closed for two years and is likely to remain closed for the foreseeable future. In the circumstance we believe that this should be removed from your brochure and website until the palace is reopened. The courier, guides and hotel were all excellent. Harry Carlton
Review by Carlton who travelled 01-May-2023
1. Well organised, pleasant week 2. Excellent manager 3. Hotel large and impersonal, with food that was edible but bland. Much better to eat out in local places. 4. Pattern of activities not optimum .. 1 day sightseeing; 2 free days (not taking option); then 3 more good days 5. Local guides would benefit from learning that less can sometimes mean more! 6. Keeping tour prices down by not including alt least half board, and making some trips optional at £65+ is a double edged marketing ploy that is a tad disingenuous
Review by Bennison who travelled 01-May-2023
Outwards flight and assisted boarding (AB) were OK although security was slow & we were last to board. Jane as ever was a great trip manager. Return flight was not good. AB in Corfu fell apart as they tried to load me on a Manchester flight(would not listen nor look at boarding card) delaying our flight 45 minutes. Gatwick North AB was OK. No AB to Gatwick South took so took triain. Took cases on moving walkway but fell and cut elbow. South DS officer located an AB vehicle which took us to our car at Valet parking. As AB is free it's unfair to complain but we were a bit shattered when we got to our car. Perhaps being delayed 45 minutes meant they thought we had gone home.No AB contact or phone numbers available
Review by Anonymous who travelled 01-May-2023
'Customer assistance' at Gatwick on the outward flight was worse than useless - in fact counterproductive, but exemplary on our return. In Corfu the assistance kept us standing, failed at first to check in our very heavy suitcase which they thought was hand luggage, and kept us standing, while our friends went through without incident. All was OK once we got to the waiting area. The local Greek guide Mary talked way too much, repeated herself, and did not tell us about contemporary life in Corfu. She even physically tried to stop me going down some steps I have previously traversed to check if they were easier for my husband to negotiate.
Review by Clark who travelled 01-May-2023
You gave us the most magical holiday. From the moment our brilliant tour manager, Jane, met us at the airport the week was a total delight. Yes, it did rain from time to time on the first days but Jane's cheerful 'can do' approach dismissed any restrictions of the weather and for all we knew, the day had been filled with sunshine. When the really hot, blue skies arrived, our world was complete. The hotel was beyond excellent and the food unbelievably varied and generous. Every tour was a new adventure, so much to learn, to see, so varied, plus the bonus of beautiful spring flowers, Judas trees, olive groves and views across blue seas to other islands. A special day was crossing the sea to Albania where a delightful guide took us to the site of ancient Butrint. Yet another memorable lunch followed at Donatella's husband's cafe. Elvis is an inspired chef, their son, Eldorado served us to the music of the original Elvis. Just too much to write down but our first visit to the welcoming, friendly, generous Greek people was such a happy one. Of course, for us, the person who made the tour so very special and I think the whole group would heartedly agree, is Jane. Her thoughtfulness, good humour and care for all is worthy of a million Gold Stars. THANKYOU
Review by Hazelden who travelled 01-May-2023
Overall an excellent trip. Great hotel ,guides and excursions. Long wait (90 minutes) at Corfu Airport passport control on arrival (no fault of Travel Editions). Regretted doing optional excursion to Greek mainland as weather was very wet. Although locations and boat journey would have been interesting in good weather, in hindsight, it might have been advisable to cancel the trip on seeing the bad weather forecast and save the 75 euros spent.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 01-May-2023
Brilliant holiday. A great introduction to Corfu. Jane, the tour manager, was outstanding and the local guides (and drivers) were excellent too. There was a good balance between organised and independent time and the atmosphere was relaxed throughout. The group gelled well and we had a lot of fun.
Review by Richardson who travelled 01-May-2023
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-October-2022
Jane did an excellent job but she had to spend quite a lot of time with three travellers with mobility problems and she deserves recognition for her efforts. She also created an interesting alternative excursion on the Greek mainland as the original destination was closing down.
Review by Paterson who travelled 20-October-2022
There were a number of people in our group requiring physical assistance to go up and down the coach during the tour. Some were unable to accompany us. Perhaps Travel Editions could enquirer about travellers’ physical limitations for these types of tours. The tour manager did an excellent job to help them. We could have spent more time at Mon Repos exploring the house and the grounds. The ruins of Butrint were explained excellently by the guide.
Review by Cheung who travelled 20-October-2022
Very nice hotel accommodation. Trips to Butrint and Epirus were excellent. Our tour leader Jane was very good indeed as was her substitute leader Carolyn, a fellow travelller, who stepped up to deputise brilliantly on our trip to Butrint when Jane was too unwell to go. We had a very good driver in Nicolas. An enjoyable holiday on a beautiful island Thank you
Review by Myer who travelled 20-October-2022
Excellent tour manager. Very good accommodation.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-October-2022
This was great, well planned so that the daily excursions alternated between the manageable for all and more arduous. Jane's knowledge of the the island and her care for her group could not have been bettered
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-October-2022
Great leader in Jane Freeman, also Mari our tourguide. Tours of the island great, and all worked really well.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-October-2022
Review by Wright who travelled 14-October-2022
Our tour manager Jane could not have been more helpful and good-humoured, kind and considerate. Our local guide Mary was delightful, humorous and full of information and love for her island. We saw some wonderful locations around the island and the Albania excursion was fascinating. A lot of steps up everywhere we went! Sadly, on the last day, one of our party tripped on a marble floor in the hotel, over a raised corner which had not been marked, resulting in her going to hospital.
Review by Williams who travelled 14-October-2022
Enjoyable tour. Good range of excursions. Jane, the tour manager, was really excellent, as was the driver Nikos. Would have preferred to have a few tables set aside for our exclusive use to enable the group to mix more at mealtimes.
Review by Jeanes who travelled 14-October-2022
Review by Goodall who travelled 14-October-2022
Excellent week. We saw it advertised in the Daily telegraph . Jane, our tour manager was a diamond. So calm and patient excellent days out with our own coach and wonderful driver Nikos
Review by Barnett who travelled 14-October-2022
10/10 + Gold Star
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-October-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-October-2022
Our Tour Manager, Jane, , Nicos, the Driver, and Maria, our Guide, made a great team. Jane went out of her way to give us prompt help on several occasions, which was much appreciated.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-October-2021
Jane did an excellent job with the local guide to rearrange the itinerary to suit the poor weather.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-October-2021
Thank you all for a very enjoyable week. An interesting programme of daily tours. Jane is a helpful, friendly and knowledgeable manager and made it all run smoothly despite the erratic weather. Mary is a stunning guide with such deep knowledge and sparkling personality. Nikos the driver gave us all a smooth drive in unfamiliar mountain roads. Ioannina Nikos was also a fine an knowledgeable and engaging guide. And a beautiful, comfortable hotel with excellent food. So all first class.
Review by Hogarth who travelled 11-October-2021
Jane and Mary were superb
Review by Anderson who travelled 11-October-2021
Jane Freeman was excellent and always upbeat. She and the local guides used good initiative in coping with some challenging weather problems
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-October-2021
Review by Anonymous who travelled 12-October-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 12-October-2019
Angela was great as a tour manager and was very perceptive when it came to individual needs. She contributed greatly to the smooth running of the holiday. Mary, the local guide we had on 2 full days, was wonderful and did a superb job in all respects. The local guide at Butrint also did a very good job and was very clear, audible and informative about the site and the country. We chose the holiday partly because of the visit to Butrint and although it was a long day it was worth it. We were also lucky to have brilliant weather, which did contribute to a most enjoyable week.
Review by Walker who travelled 12-October-2019
Local guides were varied, one called mary was excellent, another called something like Veva was unserious and frivolous and didn't inform. The guide in Albania was excellent. The hotel was comfortable and staff was nice but it was too far from town and too "resorty". We prefer the more quirky hotels we have had with you on other tours. The design was excellent but not utilitarian - the floors in the shower were very slippery when wet and there were no grab rails and the safe was so low you had to get down on your knees to use it.
Review by Rose who travelled 12-October-2019
The tour ticked all the boxes, though I skipped Parga as I am a bad sailor. I also needed more time in Corfu town. I took the local bus to Mon Repos palace where Prince Phillip was born. In town I visited its 2017 renovated archeological museum and discovered sensational icons in a 15C church museum. Its access of 50 steps up and down again, without handrail, would sadly be unacceptable to a group. I found the hotel outstanding: I understand from Angela, our excellent tour leader, that it was the first time. The 20 seater bus, driven by Nico, was acceptable unless you were relegated to the back seat. Its slightly coloured windows did not obscure the view, as suggested by a reviewer in 2018. The different guides we had were all good and the excursion to Butrint came off brilliantly.
Review by Sharp who travelled 12-October-2019
A very enjoyable trip. Re the brochure comment, it would be useful to know that you need insect repellent in Butrint; some people were badly bitten. Otherwise all very good.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 12-October-2019
It was noticeable that other members on the tour had both luggage labels and a blue tour documentation wallet which were not provided for my wife and myself.
Review by Bridge who travelled 07-October-2018
Review by London who travelled 07-October-2018
Mary ,our local guide was fantastic.Having always lived on the island she was able to tell us so much. The drivers we had were good but the small bus had such dark tinted windows it was a bit like going around in a hearse! Space was also very limited and it was much better on the larger bus we had to change to when the small one developed a problem. The hotel was excellent,very comfortable with attractive grounds. The buffet had a wide range of items from which to choose and vegetarians were well catered for. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful. The excursions were interesting and I especially enjoyed the trip to mainland Greece. Although the holiday was well organised and great fun it is unfortunate that Corfu has a great problem with rubbish. Everywhere we went ,we encountered piles of rubbish bags, and this did spoil the holiday as it really was unpleasant. I wouldn't go back just because of this .
Review by Anonymous who travelled 07-October-2018
