Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 2 miles; flat, sometimes slippery stones with steps, no handrails; standing up to 2 hours.
In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.
Upon early morning arrival in Corfu, we will board a bus and ride into the city for a walking field trip led by a local expert. The historic center is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “The Old Town of Corfu, on the Island of Corfu off the western coasts of Albania and Greece, is located in a strategic position at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, and has its roots in the 8th century BCE. The three forts of the town, designed by renowned Venetian engineers, were used for four centuries to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. In the course of time, the forts were repaired and partly rebuilt several times, more recently under British rule in the 19th century. The mainly neoclassical housing stock of the Old Town is partly from the Venetian period, partly of later construction, notably the 19th century. As a fortified Mediterranean port, Corfu’s urban and port ensemble is notable for its high level of integrity and authenticity.” Next, we will drive from the port to the village of Gastouri, a listed “traditional settlement” where we will explore the renowned Achilleion Palace overlooking the Ionian Sea with our Group Leader. It was built in 1891 by the Empress Elizabeth of Austria — affectionately known as Sisi — and served as one of her favorite retreats. The design was inspired by ancient palaces and Greek mythology, in particular legends of Achilles. She said, “I want a palace pillared with colonnades and hanging gardens, protected from prying glances — a palace worthy of Achilles who despised all mortals and did not fear even the gods.” German sculptor Ernst Herter was commissioned to create the centerpiece of the palace gardens, a statue of “The Dying Achilles.” The palace and lush grounds are adorned with other statuary. Following her assassination in 1898, the palace was sold to Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. It is now a museum.
Late lunch onboard in your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.
Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship. We will gather for a port talk in the late afternoon.
Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Corfu on our journey to Katakolon, Greece.