Corfu Town (Kérkyra in Greek) was built as a Venetian city and there are overlays from the French and British presence. It is a uniquely beautiful city surrounded by exceptional scenery and greenery. A Unesco World Heritage site, it's where many Athenians go for Easter or in August. A former capital (of the seven Ionian Islands, before they joined Greece in 1864), it is Greece's largest ‘living’ medieval town, with cobblestone streets and alleyways, historic buildings, statues and fountains. People relax in the cafés along the French-built Listón arcade, looking out towards the Esplanade (Spianádha). There is an excellent range of family-run restaurants. Many consider it Venice without the canals and the hordes. 
 

“The beauty of the villages here is something not to be described,
and I should certainly like to do one or two large paintings of Corfu –
for no place in all the world is so lovely I think.
The whole island is in undulations from the plain where the city is,
to the higher hills on the west side; and all the space
is covered with one immense grove of olive trees –
so that you see over a carpet of wood wherever you look…”

                                                                              Edward Lear Letters (c 1855)
The Durrell School of Corfu (DSC) appeals to everyone with an enquiring and adventurous mind who would enjoy learning about Corfu's ecology, culture and landscape. Following in the footsteps of the writers Lawrence and Gerald Durrell (‘Larry’ and ‘Gerry’), one will come to appreciate the beauty and special Mediterranean ambience of the island of Corfu. Walking tours each day will start from the DSC premises in a Venetian building in the centre of the medieval town. The street is in a pedestrians-only zone, like all main areas of the old town. Sights will be enjoyed as designed to be viewed: from a walker’s eye-level. Views will include the famous bay of Paleokastrítsa, seen from a pathway descending from the Venetian fortress of Angelókastro, and the former royal family's Mon Repos Estate. Since the programme starts and ends in Corfu Town, one may choose how to get there and where to stay, but accommodation must be within easy walking distance of the DSC on Filellínon Street. Assistance with travel and accommodation is available, while some suggestions follow.

1. Fly direct from Dublin to Corfu and back with Falcon (daytime flights). Their best-value package tours include unsuitable accommodation in very far-away Sidári. Simply avail of the flights by booking the accommodation as a group of two/four, but don't make use of the accommodation. The airport is 2km from Corfu Town.
 
·  www.falconholidays.ie/holidays/corfu-holidays. Falcon is bonded with the Irish Aviation Authority. If there are problems with, e.g., volcanic dust, the cost of your flights and any extra stay are covered by the bond (License TO.021) issued by the Irish Aviation Authority.

2. Fly via Gatwick with Easyjet (daytime).
 
3. For those who prefer not to fly, it is feasible to get to Venice (as Oscar Wilde did in 1875) by ferry or by train. Take a luxury ferry from Venice direct to Corfu.

4.  Advice is also available on a range of suitable nearby accommodation (including single rooms) at a range of prices.
               

Programme
 
[Falcon charter flight from Dublin: dep. 08:15, arr. 14:05]
Day 1: Fri 24 Sept Orientation and Welcome Reception in DSC at 1800 hours,
                        11 Filellínon (the 'Street of the Philhellenes')
Day 2: Sat 25 Sept Talk: Venetian Corfu & the Venetian Empire (PS)
                        Walk: around the Old Town of Corfu [2 miles]
Day 3: Sun 26 Sept Talk: Ancient Kerkyra Paleópolis; Thucydides     (PS/ SMcC)
                        Walk: Mon Repos, Palaeópolis and its Museum [5 km]
Day 4: Mon 27 Sept Talk: Dionísios Solomós – National Poet   (SMcC)
                        Walk: Byzantine Museum (Vouniótissa); Archaeological Museum
Day 5: Tue 28 Sept Talk: Edward Lear in Ireland and Corfu (PS)
                        Walk; boat to Vídos island; walk to Serbian Mausoleum; swimming
Day 6: Wed 29 Sept Talk: Irish links with the Ionian Islands: Lafcadio
                              Hearn (PS); Walk: Asiatic Museum
Day 7: Thu 30 Sept Walk along (shaded) coast, Durrells' White House in Kalámi
                        Talk: The Durrells and Corfu over farewell lunch (RP)
[Fri 1 Oct Falcon charter flight departs for Dublin: dep. 14:55 arr. 16:45]  
 

·      Depending on weather (especially winds) and the like, the various days' programmes may have to be switched or amended. The final programme will be given to participants on arrival at their hotel.
 
This offer includes: welcome reception and farewell lunch; six guided walks in and from Corfu town; entrance fees and boat / bus transport; five 20-minute talks over morning coffee / Barry's tea; use of the Library of the Durrell School of Corfu
Bring: a pair of comfortable walking shoes; sunglasses and hat; your friends
 
COST (per participant)

This programme will raise funds for the DSC. Participants must pay on arrival:
1.      Donation of €200 per person to the DSC
·        Reduced donation for couples and students: €100 per person
2.  Payment for out-of-pocket costs, depending on numbers participating
      20 - 25 participants     out-of-pocket costs:  €100
      15 - 19 participants     out-of-pocket costs:  €150
      10 - 14 participants     out-of-pocket costs:  €200 
You can book your place on the programme by paying a non-returnable deposit of €100, which will be deducted from the above payments on arrival at the DSC.