Achilleion Palace, Kanoni & Corfu Old Town Private Tour

If you’re heading to Corfu and looking for a way to see its best sights without the hassle of navigating on your own, a private tour like this one could be just what you need. This particular experience takes you through some of the island’s most iconic spots—the Achilleion Palace, the picture-perfect Kanoni area, and the charming streets of Corfu Old Town—all within about four hours.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its personalized touch. Being a private experience, it offers flexibility and direct access to a knowledgeable driver who can tailor the journey to your interests. Plus, the tour includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple and stress-free. That said, it’s worth noting that entrance fees, food, drinks, and guides are not included, so you’ll want to budget for those extras.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a quick, rundown of Corfu’s highlights with a touch of comfort and customization. It’s especially suited for travelers who favor a relaxed pace, want insider tips, and prefer not to be part of a large group. If you’re traveling with family or friends and appreciate a personal touch, this private outing will suit you well.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: The tour is exclusive for your group, allowing for tailored stops and flexible timing.
• Stunning Views & Iconic Sites: Expect breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea, Mouse Island, and impressive architectural wonders.
• In-depth Visits: Explore Achilleion Palace’s art and gardens, plus the historic streets of Corfu Old Town.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus make for a stress-free experience.
• Additional Expenses: Entrance fees, food, and guide services are not included, so plan accordingly.
• Authentic Local Insight: The reviews highlight how knowledgeable drivers, like Spiros and Makos, bring insights and helpfulness to the trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Achilleion Palace: A Majestic Start

Starting your tour at the Achilleion Palace means stepping into a place that’s as much about stunning gardens as it is about history. Built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the palace’s architecture is grand, but it’s the grounds that steal the show. You’ll find beautifully maintained gardens that are perfect for a leisurely wander, and the artworks inside are quite impressive—think Greek statues of Zeus and Era, and the famous statue of the Dying Achilles.

One of the things we loved, based on reviews, is how the site provides a mix of art, history, and scenery. The views of the Aegean Sea from the palace grounds are spectacular and make for a great photo stop. If you have a bit of time, you might even catch a boat to Mouse Island or visit the 13th-century Church of Pantokrator, adding a layer of local legend and history to your visit.

The tour guides or drivers aren’t listed as guides in this experience, but the reviews suggest that your driver, like Spiros, will be well-informed and happy to share insights, which makes the visit richer without the cost of a guide fee.

Kanoni & Mouse Island: A View Worth a Million

Next, the drive takes you along Corfu’s scenic west coast to Kanoni, a hilltop area famous for its jaw-dropping views. From here, you’ll enjoy a peaceful cafe or bar for a drink as you gaze out at Mouse Island (Pontikonisi). This tiny islet, topped with a 13th-century monastery, looks like it belongs in a postcard—and it’s a highlight for many visitors.

According to reviews, the scenery here is truly stunning, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to take a breather. The driver will likely point out the old fortress and give you a quick rundown of the area’s history. If time permits, you might hop a boat to get even closer to Mouse Island or explore the nearby Panagia Vlacherna Church, known for its charming appearance.

The views from Kanoni are often praised for their postcard-perfect quality, so be sure to bring your camera—or just enjoy the moment. The calm, scenic setting is especially good if you prefer a slower pace and meaningful photo ops.

Corfu Old Town: A UNESCO Treasure

No visit to Corfu is complete without wandering through Corfu Old Town. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is a maze of narrow streets, vibrant squares, and historic buildings. It’s lively but not overly commercialized, offering a perfect blend of local charm and history.

Expect to see the old fortress, the biggest square in the Balkans, and charming cafes where you can sit back and watch the world go by. Shoppers will appreciate the opportunity to browse small boutiques and souvenir shops, while others might prefer a coffee break while soaking in the ambiance.

Based on reviews, this part of the tour is relaxing, with many visitors commenting on how the driver allows enough free time to explore. The city’s medieval architecture and lively streets make it a fascinating place to walk around, especially if you love history and local culture.

What’s Not Included and What That Means

Since entrance fees, guides, and meals aren’t included, you should plan for some additional costs if you want to visit specific sites or buy souvenirs. This setup actually works well for those wanting a flexible experience—your driver can recommend options, but you’re not tied to a preset schedule or guided tour.

The tour’s value really depends on how much you prioritize personalized service and scenic stops over guided commentary. The reviews indicate that drivers like Spiros and Makos are helpful and accommodating, which adds a lot to the experience of being in a private vehicle.

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How Does the Price Stack Up?

At $394 for up to 15 people, this tour is quite reasonable considering it’s private and includes pickup and drop-off. For a group, that’s less than $30 each, which is often cheaper than booking multiple individual excursions. Plus, you get the benefit of a relaxed pace and personalized attention.

Keep in mind that additional expenses like entrance fees or souvenirs aren’t included, so factor those into your budget. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the per-person cost might seem higher, but the private setting and ease of logistics often make it worthwhile.

The Real-World Experience

What makes this tour stand out, according to reviews, is the helpfulness and knowledge of the driver. One traveler praised Spiros as “world class,” mentioning how helpful he was with handling mobility issues and tailoring the tour to their needs. Another customer called Makos “wonderful and very accommodating,” emphasizing the personal touch.

The ability to customize the experience—whether it’s spending more time at Achilleion, stopping for photos, or just relaxing in a cafe—really enhances its appeal. It suits travelers who want a more relaxed, intimate look at Corfu without the constraints of a large group or rigid schedule.

If you like the idea of seeing several highlights of Corfu comfortably and privately, this tour offers a good mix of scenic beauty, cultural interest, and flexible timing. It’s ideal for those who appreciate personalized service and want to avoid the crowds. Families or groups with mobility concerns may find this especially appealing, given the positive mention of helpful drivers.

However, if entrance fees or guided commentary are essential to your experience, you might need to supplement this tour with additional bookings. It’s more suited for travelers who prefer a quiet, relaxed exploration with the benefits of a private vehicle and the company of a knowledgeable driver.

• Is this tour private?
  Yes, it’s designed for your group alone, providing a personalized experience.

• How long does the tour last?
  It lasts about four hours, but check availability for specific starting times.

• Are entrance fees included?
  No, you’ll need to pay for entrance fees separately if you visit sites that charge.

• Is there a guide?
  No guide is included, but your driver may share insights and local knowledge.

• Can I be picked up from my hotel or port?
  Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your specified location.

• What if I want to customize the stops?
  Since it’s a private tour, your driver can tailor the experience to your wishes—just ask.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Children must be accompanied by an adult; the tour is flexible enough for family groups, but consider the pace.

• What should I bring?
  Bring comfortable shoes, your camera, and some cash for extras or souvenirs.

• Are food and drinks included?
  No, those are not included, so plan to buy food or drinks during the stops.

• What if my cruise ship is late or I miss the tour?
  Refunds are not issued if the tour is missed due to cruise delays, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, this private Corfu tour offers a relaxing, customizable way to see some of the most photogenic and historic spots on the island. If you value comfort, personal attention, and flexibility, it’s a solid choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure, with the added benefit of a driver who knows the island well.

You can check availability for your dates here: