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. For the latest weather in our destinations
click here.
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.
Upgraded Villa Hamper
If you would like to request an upgraded hamper there will be an additional cost of £10 per person.
This is payable before departure. This hamper consists of the essentials - bread, butter, milk, jam, tea,
coffee, sugar, biscuits, crisps, soft drinks and mineral water. In addition to this, the hamper will also
contain yogurt, feta cheese, ham, bacon, eggs, spaghetti, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, olives, olive oil,
orange juice and extra wine and beer.
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.