We went on the island tour on our first visit, which is unusual for us. But, you know what? It was fantastic. The guide was amazing - she lived in a nearby village and we picked her up on the way (she looked like a Greek Judith Chalmers). We booked through SS Travel and it was the perfect intro to the island with lots of history thrown in. Loved it. A long day..........the Achillion Palace was beautiful and it touched a memory for me - apparently it was built for Emperess Sissi of Austria when she was grieving for her son. Has anyone ever seen the film Mayerling with Omar Sharif and Catherine Deneuve, where he plays Prince Rupert and falls in love with someone other than his wife and kills her and himself at the end? Well that was Sissi's son and this beautiful palace was where she went to rest - surrounded by the beautiful Corfu Scenery. Am such a romantic. Loved it.