SCENE Week Ender

Nat Geo Day Tour: Flavours of Corfu, Cook with Locals at an Organic Farm

Feel the soul of Corfu at Bioporos Organic Farm, situated on the banks of Korission lagoon. Your deep dive into Corfiot farming begins with an introduction to your hosts for the day and the true stars of the show: the farm's owners.First, you'll join the host's mother who will teach you how to make organic cosmetics, such as face masks, beeswax cream, and more. You'll use ingredients which you can find in your kitchen or garden back home, and take your creations with you at the end of the day.Next, prepare a traditional Corfiot pie, mix up your own tzatziki and knead bread. Your host will light the wood-burning oven and soon you can enjoy the aromas of the slow-cooked pie and bread you helped to prepare.While your lunch bakes, the owner himself will lead you through the farm, proudly showing off his collection of farming tools, his olive trees and bee hives. His tales illuminate the relationship between Corfu and olive farming, and his passion for regenerative agriculture shines through when he demonstrates how he promotes the conservation of endemic plant species. You'll also discover the history of this EU-protected lagoon and its impact on the local people, as well as details of the surrounding wildlife, rare flora and numerous bird species found here.After your trip around the farm, you'll savor lunch fresh from the oven, paired with a fresh salad from the farm's garden. For dessert, relax with a cup of coffee while you gaze over the idyllic scenery.

Corfu Catamaran Cruise with Traditional Greek Lunch and Drinks

Our ultimate catamaran trip gives you a new perspective on Corfu. The island's rugged coastline is the backdrop of this relaxing day out, which features plenty of swimming stops. What's more, a traditional lunch and drinks round off the experience. Spiros, one of our local guides, says, ‘This cruise for me is Corfu in a nutshell – in the lap of luxury and in the lap of the gods. You get to enjoy vistas of heavenly coastline whilst living it up on board with unlimited drinks and a typical Greek lunch.'You'll be picked up and brought to the harbour to board your catamaran – and from here on in, you won't have to lift a finger. This cruise is all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the scenery. Steep cliffs, secluded beaches and little fishing villages surrounded by juniper green vegetation – it's quite a view. Spiros adds, ‘This catamaran is the real deal, with a trampoline net for lying on. It's like being on a hammock – but over the water. I love it.' Along the way you'll get to spot some famous landmarks from the hit-series 'The Durrells', as well as the house of the real Laurence Durrell, back in the 1930s. And, there's at least four anchored stops for you to dive into the Ionian Sea and use the snorkelling equipment provided. Relax on the breezy deck or in the shaded area, before a lunch of Greek specialities and drinks await. Plus, you'll have a crew at hand to cater for every need, as well as give you information on Corfu and the fauna and flora of the Ionian.

Corfu Blue Caves cruise with swim stops and onboard lunch

With fantastic scenery on the agenda and lunch on board to look forward to, this cruise invites you to relax. We'll set sail for an island adventure on the Ionian Sea, setting out from Imerolia port. First up, we'll head for the rugged island of Kapareli. It's the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot, and you'll have plenty of time to capture great photos from the comfort of the boat.Next, we'll make our way to the beach of Limnopoula, a natural bay with calm, green-blue water. Here, you'll have the opportunity to swim and soak up the sun, and we'll serve lunch on board so you won't have to worry about a thing.After lunch, we'll continue our cruise in the direction of Saint Arsenious bay and its Blue caves, where you can enjoy another refreshing swim. Then, we'll head to Arrias Bay for more swimming time and to take in the beautiful views before starting our trip back to Imerolia port. All that's left for you to do is relax and enjoy the breeze on deck as we head back to base.

Corfu east coast catamaran cruise with drinks and snacks

A half day at sea to blow the cobwebs away. This catamaran cruise has all the ingredients for a morning or afternoon of total relaxation, including scenic sailing around Corfu, beer on tap and snorkelling opportunities between sunbathing on deck.

Adults-only Corfu sunset catamaran cruise with drinks and snacks

When it comes to relaxing cruises, this one is in a league of its own. Sailing along the coast of Corfu towards sunset is what being on holidays is all about. Snacks, drinks and a swimming stop are also included in this adults-only catamaran trip.

Boat trip from Corfu to Sivota with barbecue and Blue Lagoon

A delightful foray to the west coast of mainland Greece from Corfu. Skippered by local legend Captain Theo, you'll cruise over to Sivota, enjoying a barbecue on board along the way. Theo, who's been sailing these waters for four decades, says, ‘I love the sound of guests whooping with joy – the sound of summer – when they jump into the Blue Lagoon for a swim. We then explore Papanikolis sea cave, which is also popular.'You'll board the boat ready for a picture-perfect journey across the Ionian Sea towards the mainland. And between taking in the scenery of pine-clad islets, you'll cruise into Papanikolis sea cave, where you'll see the sea glittering on the roof. The next stop will be for swimming in the Blue Lagoon. Its fluorescent-turquoise waters look radiant – and inviting – when contrasted against the tree-topped white headland that shelters the lagoon. Captain Theo will anchor here for 90 minutes, during which time you can swim or snorkel and feast on an on-board barbecue with free-flowing wine.After all that fun, Theo will rev up his engine to glide over to a scenic little bay for one more swimming stop where you can make the most of the sparkling Ionian Sea. Afterwards, it's time to hop back on board for the return cruise to Corfu.

Small group Corfu tour with Achillion Palace and Paleokastritsa

Corfu is jam-packed with palaces, monasteries and picturesque villages. On this small group tour, you'll head into the rolling hills and along its rugged coastline to discover the Achillion Palace and Paleokastritsa. You'll also get to taste the fruits of the countryside. Spiros, one of our local guides, says, ‘It's a tour that mixes scenery with spirituality and nostalgia. And the visits to the kumquat distillery and olive oil museum offer a real glimpse of rural traditions.'As you journey your way through Corfu, you'll visit some of its top attractions. There's Achillion Palace, built by Empress of Sisi of Austria a year after a family tragedy. It was in its classical-inspired gardens and interiors that she hoped to find comfort and solace. It also boasts panoramic vistas over Corfu town, the coastline and even mainland Greece. And the views are also top-notch at the seaside village of Paleokastritsa. You'll have free time to visit the Orthodox monastery – admission is free – or the coves. A boat trip can also be arranged here.Plus, you'll get to sample some of the rich flavours of rural Corfu. There's a visit to a family-owned kumquat distillery. Here, you'll learn everything there is to know about this citrus fruit and the sweet and fragrant liqueur made from it. There's also a visit to a local olive oil museum. ‘Seeing historic pressing equipment in state-of-the-art modern facilities really drives home the timelessness of olive oil production,' says Spiros.

Corfu day tour with Bella Vista, Old Perithia and fortress visit

A great day out in some of Corfu's most beautiful spots. Tragic Empress Sisi fell in love with the island – and you'll see why on this adults-only tour laden with fishing harbours, a deserted village, a fortress and amazing scenery. Eleni, one of our guides, says of her favourite stop, "I've lived here all my life – and yet the first time I visited Old Perithia, I thought that I was in heaven. That's how special it is."You won't have long to wait to discover it, but first up is Bella Vista. Here, you can gaze at the Paleocastritsa coastline from above. ‘The views over heart-shaped bays will reveal why locals call it the Balcony of the Gods,' says Sofia, another of our expert local guides. Next, you'll head to the once-abandoned village of Old Perithia. Take a stroll among restored Venetian-era stone dwellings and groves teeming with wildflowers, almond, oak and walnut trees. ‘You'll not only get the historic background,' says Eleni. ‘But also the stories hidden in the walls of the abandoned houses.'En route to Kassiopi, we'll enjoy lunch with local wine in a family owned taverna. Kassiopi, with its busy little fishing harbour and pretty lace shops, is a delight. Rounding off the day is a visit to Corfu town's Venetian-built Old Fortress. It boasts a Greek revival church and great views over the old town. What's more, admission fees help maintain the fortress and purchases in the villages support the local economy.

Corfu tour with Achillion Palace and Paleokastritsa

Northern Corfu is all idyllic villages, monuments and rugged coastline. Head into sun-dappled rolling hills to discover Achillion Palace, the scenic Paleokastritsa coast and many other delights. There's also a visit to a kumquat distillery to sample this trademark Corfu liqueur. Spiros, one of our local guides, says, ‘Kumquat liqueur is a uniquely Corfu phenomenon – it's made nowhere else in Greece. It's a part of our Corfiot identity. To learn how this Asian fruit came to the island is a real eye-opener.'You'll visit some of Corfu's top attractions. First up is Achillion Palace. The palace boasts stirring views of the Corfu coast, and the meticulously landscaped gardens are a work of art. Spiros adds, ‘Empress Sissi of Austria was enamoured with Corfu and its mythological heritage, particularly the story of Achilles, and the palace and gardens are filled with sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses.' The vistas are also top-notch at the seaside village of Paleokastritsa. You'll have free time to visit the Orthodox monastery – admission is free – or the many coves with beautiful beaches. A boat trip can also be arranged here.Plus, you'll get to sample the trademark flavour of rural Corfu. There's a visit to a family-owned kumquat distillery. Here, you'll learn everything there is to know about this exotic citrus fruit. Marmalade, soda drinks and syrup are just some of the products made from kumquat. But it's the sweet and fragrant liqueur – often sold in Corfu-shaped bottles – that's become an island icon.

Corfu Town Tour and Scenic Bay Cruise with Taverna Dinner

Make an afternoon out in Corfu Town a memorable one. This excursion includes a guided walking tour through Corfu town and is followed by a boat trip in the waters off the capital. You'll also enjoy dinner in a nice restaurant. You'll kick things off by making your way down the narrow cobbled streets of the capital, passing the ramparts of the old castle as you go – with your knowledgeable guide giving you plenty of insight into some quirky points of interest. Then, it's time to drop into a taverna for a traditional Greek dinner. The evening ends in style, with a sundowner harbour cruise.