Ouzo, Schnapps, Rosé & Prosecco

[Gem56]

Our accommodation in Kalambaca - Amalia Hotel. A little out of Kalambaca proper. Nice but need a car. Good value for the money. In hindsight we would stay at somewhere like Kastraki, heading up the hill towards the Monasteries, provided we could pick up something at the right price. Cute villages, nice looking accommodation places, lots of tavernas and easy to walk around but albeit a little hilly.

 

[Gem56]

The next morning we headed for Igoumenitsa to catch the ferry across to Lefkimmi on Corfu Island. To take the car on the ferry was €25 one way and €7 per person. The weather was not so flash and consequently a very rough ride, however JV being the mariner, had a slightly different opinion. The fact that the ice cream freezer went for a ride across the floor and all of the bottles of Kumquat liqueur fell and some smashed indicated to me it was more than just a little bumpy The total of the trip normally takes approximately 45mins, however on this occasion the trip was more like 1½ hours.

 

[love_the_life]

You. caught me by surprise with this TR. I thought you were still in India.

 

[Jacques Vert]

You. caught me by surprise with this TR. I thought you were still in India.

I think that somewhere in the first couple of posts of the India report I mentioned that I should have done that report at the time (Oct/Nov); instead I managed to finish it while in transit in Doha at the start of this trip!

 

[Jacques Vert]

I should add that +1 and I (or am I the +1 this time?) have been surprised at how cold it has been.

Driving to Kalambaka I was shocked to see snow on many mountains; don't remember seeing that in the tourist brochures.

 

[RooFlyer]

Love the monasteries. Gotta go there now .. I think this might be an expensive (for me) TR ....

 

[craven morehead]

You got me at the mention of alcohol magnificent photos.

 

[Gem56]

Love the monasteries. Gotta go there now .. I think this might be an expensive (for me) TR ....

The inside of the chapel is beautiful with paintings and frescos however we were not allowed to take photos, so you will just have to make the trip and see for yourself. It really is worth it.

 

[Gem56]

Our accommodation is at the Domes Miramare, Moraitika – part of the Marriott chain. Very comfortable room, Nice hotel which is about a 15 minute drive from Corfu Town.

Originally built in the 1960s for the Onassis family. The property has many olive trees that were planted by the Venetians 450 years ago and it was agreed at some point that the trees would not be removed. From what I understand the hotel was closed for major renovations that were commenced sometime prior to the GFC. Work stopped at some point for a considerable time and was only reopened at the end of last year. The hotel was visited by many famous people eg Sir Lawrence Olivier to the original hotel. It is now owned by the Emir of Qatar and is leased and operated by Domes. The hotel is situated right on the shore of the Ionian Sea so from the back door it is literally only meters to the water. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The staff are lovely, warm and helpful.

 

[Gem56]

We had recommendations for 3 restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. The first one, The Village Taverna, is a family owned and run restaurant – Mumma is the chef, Dad is the Maître d’ and both the daughters are the waitresses with a young man also assisting with table service. The atmosphere is very cheerful and they all LOVE their jobs. The meals are very reasonably priced, 3 courses and a carafe of wine for 2 of us €48.80. When we asked for the bill we were told we couldn’t leave and offered us a free liquor to finish the evening.

 

[Gem56]

The hotel has a few things for the guests to get involved in, eg Greek coffee experience, city tour, yoga and meditation, pilates to name just a few. One of the local Philharmonic Bands (of which there are approx 14 on Corfu) came to play for a couple of hours one night and another night we had jazz musicians. It was all really nice.

A complimentary bus goes every day to Corfu Town at 12MD returns at 4pm. A guide meets the bus and will take you (should you wish) around the various places in the city with some explanations. This usually takes around 45 mins.

As a platinum member we got free breakfast – they don’t have an executive lounge.

 

[Gem56]

Corfu Town

 

[Gem56]

 

[Gem56]

 

[Jacques Vert]

A Marriott double bunger:

As +1 noted above, I have Platinum status with Marriott. This came about from a challenge they threw at me last year: stay 12 nights and receive Platinum Status.

Since our trip to India in Oct/Nov, we haven't stayed at a Marriott as we haven't been anywhere. They must have been worried that we had jumped ship because just before the start of this trip I received two offers:

1. Double points on all stays until 4 June;
2. Double elite nights on all stays until 30 June.

Just in time for this trip and I was able to status match to Hilton Diamond as well.

Can't complain.

 

[Gem56]

A short drive west of the hotel is The Governor's Olive Mill. We learnt all about the history of the olive trees and the pressing of olives, the Venetian's influence, the progress of machines throughout the years and the medicinal benefits of olive oil. We finished with a taste testing. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours.

 

[Gem56]

Apparently the Greeks fight over 3 things: politics, football and tomatoes!

 

[Gem56]

Too bad we didn't have that big car that the girl from the rental car company tried to advise us to take! Certainly would have helped us negotiate those narrow roads... NOT!

 

[Gem56]

A drive a little further north from the Mill to Pelakas for lunch and some sightseeing. The views from Kaiser's Throne are worth seeing. Apparently the sunsets are spectacular from here.













Views from Kaiser's Throne




Beach near Pelakas

 

[Gem56]

With recommendations from the Concierge, the next day we drove up to the Canal D’Amour, right at the northern end of the island. Quite famous and popular swimming spot, just not the day we were there. Very pretty although the wind was extremely strong and quite chilly. Looks like they've had some serious storms here recently.