Volendam 2026, Kerkira (Corfu), Greece...

The final sail into the Island of Corfu was very scenic. We had a tour this morning so Ann, Cathy, myself and our friend Imke met our driver/guide for an island tour. Our first stop was Paleokastritsa. In Paleokastritsa, we visited the 13th century Byzantine monastery high above the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea. This is a dramatic coastal area showcasing six clear-water bays, boat tours to sea caves and the monastery…because of the high winds we passed on the boat cruise. Just down the road we had a quick stop overlooking the village of Krini for a view of the ruins of the Byzantine Angelokastro Castle. Our next stop was the traditional village of Lakones, built on the hillside and famous for the view of breathtaking sunsets. We stopped for a coffee break at a cafe perched on a verdant slope above Paleokastritsa. Known as the "Balcony of the Ionian," it offers some of the most famous panoramic views on the island. Continuing on the winding roadway we arrived at Kanoni peninsula, iconic for several reasons. Firstly, the Vlacherna Monastery below the village is absolutely stunning and the view of Mouse Island is great. Of course, we got the chance to see a plane take off from Corfu Airport, whose runway sits right next to the sea and the Vlacherna causeway. Our last stop was the Old Town of Corfu; a UNESCO World Heritage Center located at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea. We passed the Palace of St Michael and St George and wandered around the Campiello, the oldest and most atmospheric Venetian quarter in Corfu Old Town renowned for its a charming tangle of labyrinth alleys and staircases, multi-story pastel buildings, dead ends and arched passages. We visited St Anna’s Church and the Cathedral of Saint Spyridon before finding a cafe down an alleyway. To escape from the hordes of people, (there were four ships in port today), we stopped for a Greek Lunch at the Bellissmo Cafe…by coincidence we met our friend Jessica Potter also there having lunch with her former Holland America Line colleague. Jessica is now the Travel Director on the Princess ship, the Sun Princess. What a great reunion and the Greek lunch was amazing, probably one of the best I have ever had and I lived in Greece for a year. It was very nice day in Corfu, great sites, food and enjoying it with friends. We returned to the cruise terminal, with a mass of passengers to clear security.  Another memorable day on the Volendam…