A personal journey into the world of the Durrells in Corfu Town begins with a visit to the Old Fortress, where you’ll meet your guide and get a quick snapshot of the island’s strategic past. For just over two hours, you’ll walk through the streets where Gerald Durrell and his family once lived, uncovering the stories behind the pages of My Family and Other Animals and scenes from the beloved TV series. The tour costs $138.82 per person, making it a private experience that’s ideal for those craving an authentic, intimate look into Corfu’s literary and filming history.
What we really love about this experience is how it combines cultural storytelling with visual locations—walking through the actual streets, shops, and hidden corners where the Durrell family spent their days. It’s like stepping into a living museum, where each corner holds a story. The guide’s knowledge makes the past vivid, and the places visited are both picturesque and meaningful. Another highlight is the chance to see filming locations used in the TV series, making it especially appealing for fans of the show.
A possible consideration is that the tour is relatively short—about two hours—so if you’re looking for an extensive deep dive into Corfu’s entire history, this might feel a bit limited. However, for those interested in a focused, engaging exploration of the Durrell family’s life, this strike of the perfect balance.
This private tour is best suited for literature fans, TV series enthusiasts, and travelers who enjoy personal stories woven into scenic settings. It’s ideal if you prefer a flexible, customized experience rather than a large group, and if you want to linger a bit longer at key sites to soak up the atmosphere.
Key Points
- Personalized Experience: Private tour means tailored attention and flexibility.
- Authentic Locations: Walk through the actual streets where the Durrells lived and filmed.
- Engaging Storytelling: Guides bring the family’s eccentric personalities and stories to life.
- Filming Locations: Visit the spots used in the TV series for extra visual interest.
- Accessible and Convenient: Starts at the Old Fortress with easy access from public transportation.
- Value for History and Pop Culture: Combines literary history with entertainment.
An in-depth look at the Durrells in Corfu Town Private Tour
Corfu’s Old Fortress as a Starting Point offers a compelling introduction. Meeting here, you begin to get a sense of the island’s layered history—originally a Venetian fortress, it now serves as a scenic, historic backdrop to your journey. From the moment you gather here, your guide is likely to share snippets about Corfu’s strategic importance and how it became the home of the Durrell family.
Walking through Corfu Town, your guide will lead you past the streets and shops where Gerald Durrell’s vivid descriptions and the series’ scenes spring to life. The tour emphasizes personalized storytelling, which keeps the experience lively and engaging. You’ll get a vivid picture of the family’s eccentricities, their relationships with locals, and how they fit into the fabric of the town.
The actual locations visited are carefully chosen to match key scenes from the series and the book. As one reviewer noted, “I loved seeing where Gerald Durrell wrote about living,” which highlights how tangible these sites are. The tour’s focus on hidden corners and filming locations makes it feel like a treasure hunt—finding the spots that have remained unchanged for decades.
Authentic stories about the family’s habits and controversies anchor the experience in reality. Expect to hear about their different personalities, their interactions with the locals, and some of the more controversial stories that have persisted over the years. This adds depth to the scenic walk, turning it into a lesson in the island’s social history.
The guide’s knowledge is a particular highlight, as reflected in reviews praising the guide as “amazing.” Such guides make the history accessible and entertaining, turning what could be a simple stroll into an engaging narrative. Their insights make these locations come alive, especially for fans eager to connect literary descriptions with real-life spots.
The scenery itself is stunning. From charming alleyways to lively markets, you’ll enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Corfu Town. The location is near public transportation, enhancing convenience, and the entire experience is designed to be comfortable and manageable within the two-hour window.
Cost and value are worth considering. At approximately $138.82 per person, it’s on the higher side for a two-hour private experience. But when you think about the personalized attention, exclusive access, and rich storytelling, it provides excellent value—especially for fans or those wanting an authentic connection to the series.
The tour’s flexibility is another plus. Since it’s private, your guide can adapt slightly if you show particular interest in certain places or stories. This kind of customization isn’t often available on larger group tours.
To sum it up, if you cherish literary or television history, enjoy scenic walks, and prefer a private experience, this tour offers a memorable, well-rounded way to explore Corfu’s connection to the Durrell family.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Corfu
Who should consider this tour?
This experience is particularly well-suited for book lovers and TV series fans eager to see the locations described in Gerald Durrell’s books and the series. It’s also perfect for travelers who prioritize intimate, flexible tours over large, generic groups. If you’re curious about the family’s eccentric personalities and want a guide who can bring stories vividly to life, this tour hits the mark. Conversely, if you’re after a comprehensive exploration of Corfu’s entire history or prefer longer tours, you might want to look for additional activities.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, as it’s a 2-hour walk through scenic streets, making it accessible for most age groups.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Statue of Count Von Der Schulenburg in Corfu and ends back at the same meeting point.
How long is the tour?
Approximately 2 hours, including walking and storytelling.
What’s included in the price?
All fees and taxes are included, as well as an official tour guide. There are no additional charges for the sites visited.
Are tickets needed for the Old Fortress?
No, the admission is free, so you can enjoy the site without extra cost.
Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 65 days in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, providing a personalized experience.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are advisable, as you’ll be exploring streets and possibly uneven pathways.
Are food or drinks included?
No, snacks or beverages are not included, so you might want to bring water or a small snack if you’re sensitive to time during the walk.
What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
In essence, this private tour offers a charming, personable way to connect with the Durrell family’s life in Corfu. It’s a delightful blend of scenic strolls, storytelling, and cultural insight—perfect for those who want more than just a sightseeing walk, but an intimate experience rich in stories and scenery. Whether you’re a fan of the books, the series, or simply love discovering the real places behind beloved stories, this tour truly makes Corfu’s literary and screen history come alive.
More Private Tours in Corfu
More Tours in Corfu
- From Corfu: 14-Day Balkan Tour to Dubrovnik or Split
- Full-Day Boat Tour of Paxos Antipaxos Blue Caves from Corfu
- The Governor’s Olive Mill Tour with Olive Oil Tasting
- Paxos Antipaxos Blue Caves (Lakka Village) from Corfu
- Small-Group Food and Cultural Tour in Corfu
- All Day Cruise – Paxos and Antipaxos Islands with Blue Caves
More Tour Reviews in Corfu
More Corfu experiences we've covered
- Corfu Town: 75 min. Pirate Ship Cruise around Corfu town
- Corfu Airport Arrival Private Transfers
- South Corfu Premium 4×4: Villages, Views & Flavours
- Corfu Island: Old Town and Achilleion Palace Coach Tour
- Corfu: The Durrells’ White House Dining Experience
- Corfu Sunset Cruise on a Traditional Wooden Sailing Yacht
- Corfu 4×4 Sunset Safari North West
- Achilleion Palace, Kanoni & Corfu Old Town Private Tour
- e-MTB Tour – Analipsis Area [42Km – 26Mi]
- Corfood bites – Cooking classes by Christos
- Corfu Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour
- The Durrells in Corfu Town: Private tour