ABOUT YOUR HOLIDAY AND OUR SUPPORT

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR YOU TO TRAVEL?
For those not tied to specific holiday dates, it is worth considering the seasonal differences.

• May is the best time to enjoy the abundant flora, countryside, and the sights as they are less crowded.
• June, September and October are the most popular months to enjoy a combination of sun, sea and sights.
• July and August are the hottest and are more suitable for traditional beach holidays than exploring.

Weather information is to be taken only as a guide as weather patterns everywhere, have become more and more unpredictable.

WHAT ITEMS OF CLOTHING AND WHAT OTHER ITEMS SHOULD YOU TAKE?
Light summer clothing and of course, swimwear. Although bath towels are provided in each accommodation, they tend to be smaller than standard, so if you have any worries please bring your own. Beach towels are not provided. Other recommended items are your drivers licence, Credit/Debit cards, a small torch, a continental plug adapter, in the early and late seasons an item of warm clothing is recommended. Most requirements can be purchased locally but may be more expensive than at home.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR SURROUNDINGS?
Our locations and properties are all chosen to give you a relaxing but authentic Ionian Island holiday. Many of our properties are in beautiful rural areas where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the local indigenous wildlife. In some properties you will be staying within the local community, so their way of life should not only be observed and enjoyed but also respected.
Although we make every effort to provide all the facilities you would expect from your holiday, you are on a Mediterranean island and it is possible that from time to time, especially in high summer, you may experience such things as a temporary power cut or water shortage. In the low season, and on Public Holidays, some of the public facilities may not be available. Also during local festivals villages that are normally peaceful may be transformed. Sadly, there are no seasonal building restrictions on most of the Islands and we have no control over such matters, but we will endeavor to keep track of any planned long-term construction and withdraw any properties should they be affected. Any short-term local ‘DIY’ activities are, however, totally beyond our control.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR WELCOME HAMPER?
We are committed to making your stay in the islands as comfortable as possible. Many villas are in secluded locations and even though you may arrive at a reasonable time you may not have had the opportunity to shop and obtain basic provisions. For this reason we consider that a basic food hamper in all self-catered accommodation is essential for your convenience.
The Basic Hamper
This hamper consists of bread, butter, milk, jam, tea, coffee, sugar, biscuits, crisps, soft drinks, juice, mineral water and a bottle of wine.

To support the local community all the products are either bought or produced locally.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION?

• Our properties are chosen primarily for their location and appeal. Our self-catering properties are all equipped with linen and bath towels (except beach towels). Maid service is provided on arrivals day and midweek, linen and towels are changed on these days.
• All our self-catering properties are equipped, for the maximum occupancy, with sufficient crockery, cutlery, glassware and utensils suitable for preparing simple meals. Kitchen facilities in our self catering accommodation normally include ovens, but not washing machines or dishwashers, however there are some exceptions and details are given in the individual property descriptions. Irons, ironing boards and hairdryers are also not the norm. Some of our properties have solar power so water may be tepid rather than piping hot, especially in the early mornings and at night, but most have an electrical backup system. All our self-catering accommodation without air conditioning will be provided with fans.
• Our brochure is prepared and the photographs taken well in advance so some of the décor and facilities may well have been updated. It is also difficult to describe and photograph each individual apartment so whilst all the main facilities will be common, the layout and furnishings may differ slightly.
• Maintenance and repairs may need to be undertaken from time to time. In order to keep properties up to the standards we require our staff may make regular health, safety and quality control checks. You are responsible for any breakages or damages caused by you or any member of your party during your stay in the accommodation. It is your responsibility to leave the property as you found it. You should advise your local representative so that they can organise repairs or replacements.

WHAT LOCAL SUPPORT IS THERE?
We have our own representatives based in each island with offices in Fiskardo (Kefalonia), Vathy (Ithaka), Nidri (Lefkada), Gaios (Paxos), Corfu Town (Corfu), Skopelos Town (Skopelos), Skiathos Town (Skiathos) and Kala Nera (Pelion). Our representatives will welcome you at the airport and ensure your efficient transfer to your accommodation. They will endeavor to visit you at least twice during your stay, if you so wish. They will be available to offer friendly advice and guidance in order for you to make the most of your stay.
Should you encounter any difficulties, they are just a telephone call away and have the local contacts needed to solve any problems. They will have prepared a detailed information book to familiarise you with your property and surrounding areas. Our representatives can assist in arranging car hire and any excursions you may require.

Just how independent you would like to be is entirely up to you, but we will be there should you need us. Our representatives are not paid commission and they are on hand solely to provide impartial advice where needed.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
We are committed to raising the standards of health and safety throughout our programme. It is however important to remember that many of our properties are peoples homes and their unique character and individuality makes it particularly important that on arrival you familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Please read the villa book provided and liaise with your representative, particularly if you are travelling with children. If staying in a larger property or hotel, please ensure that on arrival, you are aware of the safety and evacuation procedures so that you are prepared in the unlikely event of an emergency.