St Michael, St George Palace & Paleokastritsa

Corfu is undoubtedly the greenest and one of the prettiest of the Greek islands with rows of cypress, orange, lemon and olive groves as well as vineyards that grow amidst grassy fields studded with colorful wildflowers. Begin this exploration of Corfu with a visit to the Museum of Asian Art. Housed in what was once the St. Michael & St. George Palace, this neo-classical building was completed in 1824 and served as the headquarters of the British High Commission during the years of British rule of the Ionian Islands. The building has been a museum since 1927 when Ambassador Gregory Manos donated his 10,500-piece collection of Sino-Japanese art, the foundation of the museum’s exhibits. Admire the impressive throne room, the ballroom and the dining room where the walls are decorated with medals of chivalric orders of bygone eras. Then stroll through Corfu’s Old Town, visit Saint Spyridon Church (the island's patron saint), and admire its important religious collections. Then walk along the narrow streets of the town, beneath the picturesque balconies and archways, past the Town Hall and cricket pitch (central strip of the cricket field), which is still in use today. Rejoin the motorcoach for the drive to Perama and admire wonderful views across the bay and Mouse Island from the Monastery of Vlacherna. Enjoy a break for lunch at a traditional Greek restaurant that offers Corfiot specialties. Then it is on to Paleokastritsa, often referred to as "Corfu's Capri". Paleokastritsa is a dramatic natural harbor protected by a rocky cliff and laced by a golden sandy beach. Here, you will have time to take photos and browse in the village’s little shops or have a quick coffee. A brief stop is made at the Monastery of the Holy Virgin to admire the views before returning to the ship.