Arrive in Corfu Town, check into your hotel and take a stroll. It won't take long before you are whisked away in the towns historic charm and standing in awe at the Venetian style architecture which is dominant wherever you look. Discover the old fortress on the eastern side of town where its sit on a rocky peninsula over the sea. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century it is considered one of the most impressive fortifications in Europe. Alternatively, visit the Mon Repo gardens and villa, where Prince Philip was born, or enjoy a spot of lunch and a coffee in the town square and soak up the bustling atmosphere. In the evening, you will have an abundance of restaurants to choose from where you can perhaps sample your first taste of Pastitsada, the trademark dish of the island.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and further time to get lost in the inviting little alleyways of the town and enjoy a spot of lunch before taking your private transfer to Marathias on the south of the island in preparation for starting your trail tomorrow. You will have plenty of time to settle into your hotel and perhaps pay a visit to the welcoming golden beach to relax with a good book or a swim in the crystal waters before setting off on your hike tomorrow.

Having got a taste for the island, its history and traditions, today you begin your hike of the Corfu Trail. Feeling energised your route starts along a beautiful sandy stretch of beach, along the coast to the sand dunes of Issos. This idyllic stretch of beach separates the coast from the important wetlands of Corfu and Korission Lake. Your route will take you away from the sandy beach and along the lakeshore to explore this rich natural habitat where you will witness flamingos, ergets and migratory birds amongst the rich flora which thrives here. Before long your route changes underfoot with the final section of today's walk taking you along the Chalikounas beach and through quiet, olive grove lined, back lanes to your final goal, Paramonas village. A perfect introduction to the Corfu Trail.

Your route today begins with a steep ascent over the coastal ridge where you are rewarded with panoramic views over the boats sailing the Ionian sea and inland to the little villages of Ano and Kato Pavliana. A great place to stop to catch your breath and admire the views before descending along quiet footpaths and tracks to your next goal, the pretty village of Vounaitades. This picturesque hillside village is an insight into the carefree village life of Corfu; a series of narrow alleys and beautiful yards. Leaving Vounaitades behind you cross the Stongili River Valley on a track through olive groves and across peaceful heathland to Stongili village. Arriving in the village you can enjoy a refreshment in the welcoming tavern before making a final ascent on an old cobbled road to Komianata, Stavros, you may even spot the oldest olive tree on the island as you leave behind the village of Stongili. Arriving in Komianata Stavros you can relax and enjoy dinner in one of the nearby restaurants.

Feeling refreshed your day begins along quiet roads to the traditional villages of Stavros where you can enjoy a morning coffee. Fuelled, you join a delightful footpath skirting the mountain and ascending to the summit of Agii Deka. Reaching the top unveils the abandoned monastery and walled garden, a perfect spot to grab a drink and admire the views across the island, south from where you have come, and north over your trek ahead. When you have finished taking those all-important holiday snaps at the summit, you begin your descent down a cobbled mule path to the village of Agioi Deka where a taxi will be waiting to transfer you to Giannades village. Here, you can enjoy the final stretch of your hike along the so-called olive way, a beautiful route under the shade of the olive groves all the way to Liapades village and your hotel for the evening.

Today's walk begins with a steep ascent before the heat of the day, taking you up to the picturesque village of Lakones, also known as Bella Vista due to being one of the top 10 views in Europe. On arriving you will soon understand why, as you enjoy the magnificent views to the north west of the island dotted with colourful villages against its lush green environment. When you have finished taking in the views your route continues along a quiet road to the village of Krini where you begin your second ascent of the day, this time to the Byzantine castle of Aggelokastro perched high on top on a great monolith. We recommend paying the couple of Euro fee to enter the castle and explore this once important defensive piece of history. When you have finished exploring and taking in the views you begin your descent past the village to reach the old Venetian footpath which zig-zags steeply down the cliffside to Agios Georgios of Pagi Bay where you will spend the evening. Whilst a head for heights and some surefootedness is required for the descent the rewarding vistas are well worth it, not to mention the appreciation for the engineering of its time to create both the path and the castle.

Today you leave the coast behind and head for the mountains of Corfu's interior winding your way through the little hillside villages which dot the valleys. Just beyond the traditional farming village of Agios Athanasios you will come across the Monastery of Pantokratoras, home to 27 nuns this tranquil monastery dates back to the 17th century. You will have time to visit the monastery and admire its vivid coloured wall paintings delicately painted by the nuns who live here. The monastery's elevated location surrounded by olive groves makes for a stunning setting for their worship. Leaving the nuns behind you continue on your trail to Rekini. Here you immerse yourself into the luscious green slopes of the hills as you follow a narrow limestone path up towards Valanio village, known for its village choir, which you may hear practicing as you pass through to reach the ridge of Sokraki village and your home for the evening.

We suggest an early start today as you summit the top of Corfu. Setting off your trail soon begins to winds its way up to reach the beginning of Pantokrator's plateau, where Taxiarchis Chapel stands proud with its frescoes and magnificent views. You will be able to admire the chapel and it's staggering location before crossing the karst plateau to make your final ascent to the peak of the mountain via a rocky path under the shade of oak trees and accompanied by the scent of the wild growing herbs. From here, it is pretty much all downhill as you make your way down to sea level. Your route down will take you to the village of Old Perithia, a UNESCO stated village that is now semi-abandoned but remains full of mountainous charm. This once lively village was a safe haven from the threat of pirates along the coast, now it offers an insight into the islands history and a welcoming tavern for thirsty hikers. You continue to snake your way down the north mountainside on traditional paths to Almyros beach where your driver will be waiting to congratulate you on completing the Corfu Trail and transfer you to your final accommodation at Kalami Bay. This beautiful village is home to the White House where Lawrence Durrell and his fiancé Nancy lived during their time on the island, and now your home for the next two nights too.

After a big day yesterday, today is a little easier paced and one to pack your favourite book and swim suit too. You can enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading out northwards, along the coastline. Your route today has swimming opportunities in abundance as you pass one inviting bay after another. The far-reaching views are in abundance too; with Albania as little as 2km away from Corfu in parts, you will be able to enjoy views not only of Corfu's spectacular coastline but Albania's too. We recommend stopping off at Kerasia Bay where the small pebble beach gives way to crystal clear waters and offers loungers to relax and a little taverna where you can enjoy a spot of lunch while admiring the views across to Albania. Alternatively, you may wish to stop further along your route at the picturesque harbour village of Agios Stefanos where you can enjoy watching the local boats coming and going and excited tourists rent boats and set sail to witness the coastline anew. Your final goal of the day is Avlaki Bay where your driver will be waiting to collect you and transfer you back to Kalami where you can toast to your achievements.

You can enjoy one last breakfast on this paradise island and perhaps one last dip in its clear waters before making your onward journey. If you wish to reward your efforts throughout your trail with a few days by the beach we can extend your stay in Kalami, just ask our sales team for a quote.