We had the most glorious sunrise as we came into Corfu this morning. Corfu, off Greece's northwest coast in the Ionian Sea is defined by rugged mountains and a beautifully preserved Old Town. Corfu unlike the rest of Greece never fell under the Ottoman oppression - a fact which the population are extremely proud of.

The beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu ( a UNESCO world heritage site) lies between the "old" 15th century fortress and the "new" fortress which is only 500 years old !!!! Renaissance, Baroque and Classical buildings seem to blend seamlessly amidst the cobble stoned streets.

The centre of town is dominated by the Spianada - the largest square in the Balkans. At the northern end of the Spianada is the St Michael and George Palace which was built during the British occupation. Strolling through a complex of narrow cobbled streets with stairways and vaulted passages we visited the most imposing cathedral - The Church of St Spyridon (patron saint of Corfu). Our guide told us about the four processions held every year during which the body of Saint Spyridon is carried around the streets of the city (on Palm and Easter Sunday, on April 11th and the first Sunday in November). All the philharmonic bands of the city accompany the processions creating a remarkable awe-inspiring spectacle.

Listón, the city's trademark, is where the aristocrats used to enjoy their evening promenades. The characteristic arcades are home to a myriad of cafes today in which one can enjoy a welcome cup of coffee and watch the world go by.........



Tonight we say farewell to Greece as we head to Albania and the Dalmatian Coast