Walk the Venetian lanes, Byzantine churches, and Napoleonic arcades of Corfu's UNESCO-listed Old Town with a private local historian — a layered city where every archway tells a story of Venetian doges, French emperors, and British lords. Greece's most elegant island capital, explored without the crowds.
What to expect
Your guide meets you dockside and leads you through the narrow kantounia — alleyways barely wide enough for two — pointing out the Venetian aristocratic crests carved above doorways and explaining why Napoleon personally wrote a letter of admiration to Corfu's citizens. The twin fortresses frame each end of the old town; the Old Fortress offers sweeping Ionian panoramas. A curated stop at a traditional kafeneion for Greek coffee and pastries is woven into the walk. The Liston arcade — modelled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli — is a perfect finale stop.
Good to know
Corfu is a common Ionian port call; the Old Town is walkable from the main cruise pier in under 10 minutes. Pre-book a private guide through Corfu's licensed guide association; peak season (June–Aug) fills quickly. Old Fortress entry is approximately EUR 6 per person (pay on-site). Wear comfortable walking shoes — cobblestones are uneven. All-aboard times are typically early evening.