Corfu’s Archaeological Museum & A Taste of Kumquat

The first traces of civilization in Kerkyra or Corfu, go back thousands of years. Evidence of this period of the island’s history can be seen through the incredible findings displayed at the Archaeological Museum. From the port, drive through busy Corfu town to the museum for this introduction to Corfu’s long history. Along with the many exhibits, you will see the large Gorgon pediment that adorned the Temple of Artemis and was considered one the best examples of archaic art. Other important pieces include findings from the excavations of Palaiopolis and Garitsa. From the museum, drive to one of the Corfu’s most beautiful locations, Kanoni, which is said to be named after the cannon left by the French in 1798 and still survives. Just below Kanoni is the 17th century Monastery of Vlacherna, the tiny islet of Pontikonissi, Mouse Island and its much-photographed Chapel of the Pantocrator. The Kumquat tree, although native to China, has flourished in Corfu since it was first introduced, and has become almost synonymous with the island. Today, kumquats are commercially cultivated, and the fruit is used to produce some of the island’s most famous products, including liqueur and preserved and candied fruit. Learn about this “adopted” tree, its cultivation and the distilling process at one of Corfu’s important distilleries. Sample some of these delicious and unique products before returning to the port.