The island of Corfu is the greenest of the northerly Ionian Islands and has a history that weaves together Venetian, French and British dominion over the centuries with a well-known literary connection to the Durrell brothers and links to the royalty of Europe. The mountainous north of the island has extensive groves of olives, figs, almonds and orange trees, interspersed with traditional villages and areas of open maquis, and is especially noted for its mantle of wildflowers in spring.
We enjoy 4 nights in a 3 star hotel by the sea on the northeast coast before tasting the city lights of Corfu Town for 3 nights. In the evening, we eat out in one of the island’s many tavernas and restaurants, whose specialities include fresh fish and seafood, spicy sausages and roast lamb.
HIGHLIGHTS of our Corfu walking tour include:
Guests' comments on this trip:
‘A super trip with an enjoyable balance between walking by the sea and in the mountains, and cultural aspects.’'A most enjoyable and varied trip with some surprising elements eg how interesting Corfu Town proved to be - (we hadn’t been to Corfu before) and confirmation of the freshness and quality of much of the food in Greece. Kudu certainly continue to produce interesting and varied trips.’
After meeting at Corfu airport in the afternoon, we have an hour’s drive to our seafront hotel in Kassiopi, founded by King Pyrrhus – he of the victory – of Epirus in the 3rd Century B.C.. There is time for a stroll in the harbour, reviewing the boats of local fishermen, as Scops owls begin calling at dusk. We stroll to dinner, perhaps sampling the Bourdeto, a Corfiot fish dish with Venetian roots, and our first taste of much improved local wines.
After a short road transfer, our walk (2.5 hrs/6 km) follows an easy track as it climbs gradually across the hillside, rewarding us with wild mountain scenery and sea views towards Albania, once dark, now an equally enticing Kudu destination. We spend time identifying wildflowers, discover a deserted village and picnic in a shaded church yard. In the afternoon, we drive to the picturesque fishing village of Agios Stefanos and set off for a moderately challenging (optional) coastal walk which takes us back to Kassiopi (2.5 hrs/8 km).
Our circular walk (2 hrs/5km) on a nearby headland protected as a nature reserve takes us past lonely beaches, an abandoned monastery and through a pinewood. Further inland, this afternoon’s walk (2 hrs/6 km) descends through olive groves, forest and ancient villages. We reward ourselves with afternoon tea/coffee and traditional Greek nutty cakes soaked in syrup, before returning by vehicle to our hotel.
A 2.5-hour/6 km walk takes us to a hidden, half ruined village, once one of the most important on the island, with churches and fine old houses and far-reaching views down to the coast. We should find excellent flowers by the wayside, including Jerusalem sage, tassel hyacinth and violet honeywort. We may spot crested larks or hoopoes and hear nightingales singing in the thickets. We lunch in a local taverna, eating the locally gathered ‘horta’ (greens) and home-made cheese before heading down a dramatic gorge filled with wildflowers and through an oak wood.
A scenic drive takes us to a traditional village high up on the Mount Pantokrator massif (906 m), Corfu’s highest mountain. We commence a 3-hour/9 km walk across the limestone plateau that stretches below the summit of the massif. We picnic on freshly baked spinach pies and fruit before heading for Corfu Town and our 4-star hotel.
B, L, D included
We drive (1 hr) south-west to a coastal lagoon, a nature reserve set up to preserve the area’s rich biodiversity. In the morning, we walk (2.5 hrs/10 km) an inland track, while, in the afternoon, we investigate the sandy beach and dunes between the lagoon and the sea. In the evening, we have a stroll on the Liston, Corfu’s French designed arcaded street, the centre of evening life. Who knows, perhaps cricket will be played on the Spianádha (esplanade) where people still sip ginger beer, thanks to the British.
On a guided tour, we explore the old town with its maze of alleys between two iconic forts, magnificently positioned overlooking the sea. The narrow streets lead to some beautiful palaces, hidden squares and many churches, amongst them Agios Spyridon, home to the relics of the town’s patron saint and famous for a white marble iconostasis. The rest of the day is free to choose a café for lunch, take photographs and go shopping – perhaps for Greek linen, leather, honey and herbs. Alternatively, you may visit the elegant neo-classical Palace of S.S. Michael and George, built to house British civil servants of the Ionian islands, and currently showcasing a notable collection of Asian art.
After a leisurely morning in Corfu Town, we enjoy lunch on a terrace by the sea. Our visit to the island concludes with an airport transfer for flights home.
£460 double for ingle room supplement
If you are willing to share, but no other suitable guest books the trip, we regret that the supplement will be payable. We shall endeavour to obtain double rooms for single occupancy whenever possible.
On Kudu trips you will only need money for postcards, presents to take home, the odd G & T or an irresistible ice cream. Festival and opera tickets, museum and gallery entrances, National Park fees, all meals (with a very few exceptions specified in individual itineraries), wine with lunch and dinner, access to specialist books carried by the guides, gratuities for porters and hotel and restaurant staff, boat rides, train trips, internal flights, wine tastings, 4WDs with drivers, the services of skilled local guides and trackers etc are ALL INCLUDED in the cost of your holiday.
We are confident that, like previous very satisfied guests, you will discover that our tours give you excellent value for money.
Visa and Health Requirements
Visitors from the UK, EU, US, Australia, Canada & New Zealand require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to Greece. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Greek Embassy or call our office.
Normally, there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Greece. You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.
Insurance
It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for a quote for a policy available to UK residents. If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.
Size of party
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 14 guests.
