General Information
FOR ALL SELF CATERING AND
HOTEL HOLIDAYS
The price of your holiday includes:
- Your villa, house, hotel or pension.
- A comprehensive welcome hamper (self catering
only).
- A hire car (to be collected/delivered at the
airport), bicycle, taxi transfers, ferry transfers
or 15 H.P. boat where specified in our
brochure.
- All electricity, gas and mains water supply.
- Linen and towels including a minimum of
two changes of towels and linen a week.
Our beach towels may also be used free of charge (to be returned).
- Maid Service (number of days varies
between accommodations).
- All Government and airport taxes including
VAT.
- An exclusive travel and information guide
including maps, history, culture, what to see,
recommendations (on arrival at airport/in the
accommodation).
- 30 self-guided walks covering some beautiful
and interesting parts of the island compiled
exclusively for our Lefkada guests. (Subject
to availability).
- Suggested places to visit and suggested
walks for Travelux guests going to Zagori
plus a map of the Zagorin villages and
region. (Subject to availability).
- Representative service.
- Our self catering properties includes: -
electric kettles, electric toasters, filter coffee
makers or cafetieres, an electric fan, iron and
ironing board plus other little items that can
make such a difference to your holiday. All
our villas have a washing machine or laundry
facilities and air conditioning.
The price of your holiday does not
include:
- Return flights between the U.K. and Preveza airport in Greece.
- Travel Insurance.
- Return travel between home and departure.
- Meals (other than in-flight or where stated)
and accommodation en-route.
- Visas for non-EU passport holders.
FOR ACCOMMODATION ONLY HOLIDAYS
The price of your holiday includes:
- Your villa, house, hotel or pension.
- Maid / Linen Service (number of days varies between
accommodations).
AIR CONDITIONING
All of our accommodations and cars have airconditioning.
AIRPORT HOTELS
We have details of a selection of hotels nearby
to departure airports and would be happy to
give you a quote, book it and send you the
details.
AIRPORT CAR PARKING
London Gatwick and Manchester. We can give
you a quote to park your car for the duration of
your holiday and book it for you.
AIRPORT REPRESENTATION
Skytime International represents Travelux at
London Gatwick Airport. Should you have an
emergency outside Travelux hours, you can
telephone Dave Hilton on 01293 522748 prior
to your departure. Our representative will
always be in attendance at the check-in desk for
our flights two hours before departure until the
check-in desk closes. Aeroconnect has a desk in
Terminal 1 and 2 in Manchester airport. Please
call 0161 4374899 for any queries.
BEACH TOWELS
Each guest that has booked our package holiday
will be supplied with one beach towel for use
throughout the duration of their stay and may
be kept by them if they wish.
BOAT HIRE
Fibreglass boats with outboard engines are
available for hire on Lefkada or Meganissi.
With some of our properties, the package price
includes a 15 H.P. or 25 H.P. engine boat.
Other boats with larger size engines are
available for hire but may require certification
of the Skipper. There is no guarantee we can
fulfil your request (e.g. due to breakdown) but
we will do our best. Your contract is with the
boat hire company and you will be covered with
third party insurance. The companies we use
are all licensed with the Greek Authorities.
BRING WITH YOU
Please bring with you any extra beach towels
(see BEACH TOWELS), a torch and a pair of
trainers for country walks. Please note that new
hand luggage restrictions prevail. DO NOT
pack electrical items or sharp objects such as
knives, scissors, tweezers etc in your hand
luggage for security reasons.
CAR HIRE
The law insists that you always carry your
driving licence and car hire documents when
driving in Greece. The new style European
licence has a paper part and a plastic card. Both
are required. You must have had a full clean
licence for more than one year and be 23 years
of age or older to hire a car and 26 years of age
for a 4 wheel drive. There is no upper age limit.
Random checks and breath testing are quite
common.
CHARTER FLIGHTS
Most charter flight operators configure their
aircraft to optimise passenger numbers
particularly on short haul destinations, and
seating may not be as comfortable as other
aircraft. However it does means that
economically they can fly to a wider range of
destinations. We do appreciate the importance
of in-flight comfort and that this varies from
one person to another. Should you wish to prebook
seats or book legroom seats, where
possible we will advise how to do this.
It is possible to fly scheduled to Athens with
Club Class upgrades. We do stress this means a
change of aircraft and we cannot guarantee
connecting waiting periods.
CHILDREN AND INFANTS
Infants under 2 years of age at the time of their
return journey, there is a total set charge of
£75. Please note that a baby will receive an Eticket
number or flight ticket but this does not
qualify for a flight seat or baggage allowance on
the aeroplane. Travelux will provide a cot,
highchair and a child car seat on request.
(Please bring your own cot linen.). Please write
your requirements in the Special Requests box
on the booking form stating your baby's age.
Disposable nappies and a selection of baby
foods are available on Lefkada. Children 2-16
years inclusive at the time of their return
journey have a reduction off the adult price,
please see pricelist for details. This price
includes a flight seat, luggage allowance, a
highchair (where requested) and a car seat.
CLIMATE
The weather on the islands and the mainland is
normally good from May until November.
Afternoon breezes provide perfect conditions
for safe and exciting sailing, windsurfing and
boating throughout the season. In May there
are wild flowers in profusion, and as June
approaches there are fireflies and the water
temperature is rising. Greater quantities of fruit
and vegetables are available. In July and August
warm seas have phosphorescence and high
temperatures. September and October see the
start of the grape harvest and the valleys are
carpeted with cyclamen. The bracken and olive
trees remain green throughout the year.
Sporadic showers can occur throughout the
season.
CLOTHES AND OTHER ITEMS
Apart from religious festivals, the lifestyle of the
islands is not formal and we therefore suggest
informal clothes. Evenings, particularly in the
spring and autumn, can be cool so take a fleece
and sweater. A light waterproof is
recommended for those who like to walk
through the occasional shower. In Zagori the
temperature can drop so be prepared. We
recommend a pair trainers for light walking or
walking boots for Zagori for the active, and
sandals for everyday use. Also useful, a
backpack or beach bag for daytime use and a
torch for possible power cuts or returning to
accommodation at night.
COMMUNICATION
There are no telephone sockets for use of a
landline telephone, broadband or Internet
access in any of our accommodations. There
are public phones available in the Cleopatra
Hotel, Lefkada, Meganissi, the villages and
Internet Cafes in Nidri, Lefkas town and
Ioannina. By prior arrangement, our office does
have Internet access and a fax machine and our
staff will deliver important messages. Mobile
phones are readily used but signals in some
areas maybe weak. Check your mobile phone
provider for roaming access abroad, terms and
conditions.
COOL BOXES
Cool boxes and ice packs are supplied in all
the villas.
CURRENCY
The currency is the Euro. Traveller's cheques
(Sterling recommended), Debit cards, Credit
cards and cash can be used in Greece.
Exchange facilities are widely available in
resorts and banks with ATM facilities can be
found in the towns of Lefkas, Nidri, Vassiliki,
Kalpaki and Ioannina. There are no banking
or ATM facilities on Meganissi. Please note
that credit cards are not widely accepted in
remote areas or islands of Greece. You may
wish to inform your bank/credit card company
that you are going abroad as some cards have
been refused if not usually used in this way.
DATA PROTECTION
All personal details we collect from clients are
treated by us as strictly private and confidential
and are not passed on to any third parties other
than the car hire company for immediate use
only. On request we can inform/show you
where your details are kept.
DISABLED PASSENGERS
If you are disabled, please contact our
reservations Staff who will be able to suggest
the most suitable holiday resort and
accommodation according to your requirements
and mobility. Collapsible wheelchairs are
accepted on all our flights, provided we have
received notification. All paperwork can be
produced in large print where requested and
booking conditions etc on tape.
DISTURBANCES
Many resorts are continuing their development
and occasionally, some local building work may
take place. Third parties generally carry out any
building works to whom we have no control.
Furthermore, they are frequently intermittent
and we may only become aware that they are
taking place when they actually commence.
Wherever we are aware that such works are
likely to occur and cause an annoyance during
your holiday, we will endeavour to advise you
before your departure.
DOCTORS There are a number of Doctors and a hospital
in Lefkada and in the City of Ioannina. Our
representatives will be able to contact a Doctor
if required. The hospital and a number of
chemists carry a wide supply of medicines and
equipment. We do recommend that clients
under medication should bring a plentiful
supply with them.
DRIVING IN GREECE
Although improvements have been made over
the past few years, most Greek roads,
particularly country and mountain roads remain
narrow, winding and some are in a poor state of
repair. Clients should take this into
consideration as some may have potholes and
bumps, especially after a period of rain. Some
of the access roads to our properties are
unmade and should be taken slowly and
carefully. We do ask you to take particular care,
listen to instructions and to show
understanding.
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
If you book arrangements other than a package
holiday or flights from this brochure, your
monies are protected by way of a bond held
with ABTA. Our ABTA number is V8177.
Your package holiday that includes flights is
protected with a bond under our ATOL licence
3719.
FLIGHT DETAILS
We use charter flights from London Gatwick
and Manchester. Our flights are with airlines
such as Viking, First Choice, Monarch, or other
reputable airlines. The duration of all our
flights to Greece is approximately 2 - 3 hours.
All operate 'No Smoking' policies. (Greece
time is 2 hours ahead of the UK). Check-in
times are 21/2 hours (minimum) prior to the
confirmed departure time stated on your Eticket
or paper flight tickets. Our flights operate
on a weekly basis.
On certain dates we are able to offer two, three
or four week holidays. It is recommended to
book such durations early, as they are limited.
FLIGHT TIMES AND CHANGES
Our brochure is compiled many months before
airline contracts and schedules are finalised.
Flight times quoted at the time of booking (and
on your confirmation invoice) are normally
provisional only and subject to change, usually
up to the point when tickets have been
dispatched (and, on occasions after). We will
inform Clients as soon as we are aware of any
changes. A significant flight time change of
more than 12 hours will mean Clients can
cancel their flights/holiday with no loss of
deposit. We advise you contact Travelux 48
hours prior to departure to confirm your flight
details.
FLIGHT DELAYS
At the time of going to press, the flight
numbers and times are as instructed by the
airlines but could be subject to change by the
CAA when the official time slots are issued.
Any changes on the day of departure are an
inconvenience. If you have already checked in
your luggage, you then become the
responsibility of the airline. Flight delays may
occur for various reasons and are beyond our
control. If there is a significant delay and you
haven't checked in, you should check your
insurance policy. Travelux Holidays adheres to
the limitations of the Warsaw Convention and
Montreal Convention. Details may be
forwarded on request or found on the internet;
www.caa.co.uk.
FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office produces
up-to-date travel information to help British
travellers make informed decisions about
travelling abroad. Clients can find any advice
on the internet: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.
BBC2
Ceefax page 470 or by telephone on 0207 008
0232 or 0845 850 2829. From Overseas 0044
1530 553424. Should we be made aware of a
situation that could affect your holiday, we will
inform you immediately.
HEALTH REGULATIONS
There are no immunisation requirements for
getting into Greece, however, having up-to-date
Polio and Tetanus jabs are always
recommended when travelling. Check BBC2
Ceefax page 461 or phone 0870 155 5455 to
obtain Department of Health leaflet or visit
www.dh.gov.uk for 'Health for Travellers'. All
British and Europeans should obtain a
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Leaflets are available from the Post Office or
from the above website. Pregnancy Note:
Airline regulations state that women 28 weeks
or more into pregnancy, at the time of return
travel, must have a medical certificate of fitness
to travel. Normally, after 32 weeks, permission
to travel is refused. (Check with your insurers
too).
HEALTH & SAFETY
Raising the standards of Health and Safety has
always been of utmost importance for Travelux.
Regulations and standards differ from country
to country and may not reach the high
standards expected in the UK. Safety standards
are certainly lower than the UK but we do
ensure we comply by the local laws and try to
make our clients aware of any possible risks. We
ask you to familiarise yourself with your
surroundings, read the villa or hotel book and
liaise with your representative, particularly
when travelling with children or if you have any
physical difficulties. All of our owners provide
fire extinguishers, and life belts are beside every
swimming pool. Should you notice other
dangers, please point them out to our
representative.
HOLIDAY EXTRAS
Airport hotels/parking, transfers and VIP
lounge. If you require overnight
accommodation at the airport, car parking, and
rail or coach transfers from your home, we
would be pleased to offer these and other
services at preferential rates. Please call us for
prices and details on 01580 765000.
IN FLIGHT MEALS
Requests for special dietary requirements
should be made at least seven days before
departure. Whilst we always pass on your
requests, we are unable to guarantee such
requests. We recommend that you always reconfirm
your in-flight meal request at check-in.
INSURANCE
It is our company policy that all clients
travelling with us are required to insure against
all holiday risks. We strongly recommend you
take out an insurance, which provides
protection against cancellation charges, medical
expenses, personal accident, and loss of
luggage, personal money and repatriation
service. Please note you are responsible if the
insurance policy you take out does not meet
your particular requirements. Travelux can
offer a comprehensive travel insurance package
at competitive rates for various durations up to
annual insurance and also to cover European
trips only, worldwide and family policies. Please
enquire on 01580 764344 for a quote. In
addition to your policy, we advise you obtain a
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). See
Health Regulations paragraph.
LANGUAGES
Greek is the Mother tongue but English,
German and Italian are often spoken by local
people on the island. A list of essential Greek
words and phrases are written in our
information books in all our accommodations.
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
On most charter flights from Britain there is an
allowance of 20 Kilos per passenger in the hold
and 5 Kilos plus size restrictions of 45cm by
35cm by 20cm for hand luggage. There is no
allowance for children under 2 years old. There
have been many changes due to recently
introduced security restrictions and you should
check with us, the airline or on the internet:
www.dft.gov.uk/airportsecurity before
departure. DO NOT pack electrical items or
sharp objects such as knives, scissors, tweezers
etc in your hand luggage and check the
regulations on carrying liquids on the above site
or with Travelux.
MAID SERVICE
The maid service usually consists of a thorough
clean and a change of linen twice a week.
Other visits are a more general sweep and tidy
up. They are not required to wash dishes or
clothes. All accommodations have sheets,
pillowcases, bedding, bath and hand towels
and tea towels provided.
MOSQUITOES
In common with other Mediterranean
countries there are times when mosquitoes can
be irritating. Anti-mosquito devices, sprays and
repellent creams are highly recommended and
can be purchased at most chemist shops, UK
airports and in Greece.
MOTORBIKES AND MOUNTAIN BIKES
There are hire shops in all the main centres.
We would like to point out that some of the
island roads are precarious for inexperienced
riders; we recommend car hire as a safer means
of transport. We use a bike company that
comply with the necessary regulations and
service their motorbikes and mountain bikes
regularly. They will collect and deliver to your
accommodation or you can collect from one of
their offices. They offer a back up service on
site should you encounter difficulties. N.B.
Please check your insurance policy to be sure
you are adequately covered. Motorbike and
mountain bike cover is at your own risk. Greek
law requires a valid driving licence with at least
category A1 - 'Light motorcycle' for hiring a
moped. Category P, which is valid in the UK
up to 50cc, is not valid in Greece. Greek law
requires you to wear a crash helmet on a
scooter, moped or motorcycle. Helmets are
available on request when hiring mountain
bikes.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
British visitors to Greece will need a full British
Passport, valid for the duration of your
intended stay; Australian, Canadian and USA
with a minimum of 3 months validity
remaining after duration of stay. All children
under the age of 16 (including babies) already
included on a valid 10-year passport and
travelling with that adult are still accepted.
Otherwise all children will require their own
passports. Passports not required by citizens of
EU countries holding National Identity Cards.
British Citizen passport holders do not require
a Visa. Any other passport holders and for
further information, please check at the
Embassy of Greece:
www.greekembasssy.org.uk or Tel: 0207 221
6467 or contact Passport Advice office:
www.ips.gov.uk or email info@passport.gov.uk
or phone 0870 521 0410. The name on your
booking, E-ticket or paper airline ticket must
correspond with the name on your passport.
Please ensure that you make the correct entry
on the Travelux booking form.
PREVIOUS CLIENTS
For all full paying guests, who have travelled
on one of our package holidays in the last 3
years, will be entitled to a 5% reduction off the
2010 brochure price. This is a gesture of our
appreciation to our loyal customers.
SAILING HOLIDAYS
We are able to provide a broad range of sailing
opportunities, see page 50 in our brochure.
This maybe a one-day charter with skipper, a
three-day learn to sail course or maybe a oneweek
charter with or without a Skipper. It is
possible to combine a yacht and villa holiday to
suit your requirements, see details/costs in
booking form.
SPORTS
Water sport facilities and activities are available
on Lefkada and mainland Greece but can differ
from year to year so please contact us for
details. Dinghy sailing, yacht sailing,
windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, selfguided
walks, mountain biking, are generally
available over the summer months.
SUN UMBRELLAS
A beach umbrella is provided for your use in all
our accommodations for the duration of your
stay.
TAVERNAS
On the Greek Islands, most tavernas offer a
similar menu (although it is best to lift the top
of the casserole dishes in the kitchen to select
by smell and sight) and the enjoyment is a
combination of a romantic waterfront location
and freshly cooked dishes, rather than the
presentation of sophisticated cuisine. Most
tavernas offer a selection of freshly grilled meat
and fish (fresh lobster except in August),
accompanied by vegetable dishes (aubergines or
courgettes lightly coated in batter and deep
fried, delicious!), and crisp, light salads. Fresh
fruit in abundance and sugary sweetmeats like
'kataifi' and 'baklava' or the creamy yoghurt,
mixed with local thyme-scented honey, tastes
best in Greece.
TRANSFERS
How you get to Lefkada, Zagori and Meganissi.
Our package includes return flights from
London Gatwick and Manchester direct to
Preveza airport on the Greek mainland. On
your arrival, our representatives will hand over
a welcome pack of maps etc and introduce you
to the car hire company. Once the formalities
are completed, for those going to Lefkada or
Zagori, you will drive to your chosen
accommodation. For those going to Meganissi,
transfers are arranged to take you to a port on
Lefkada where you will be transferred by water
taxi or ferry to Meganissi. You are then
transferred to your accommodation. Any cars
or boats will be on Meganissi. If you have
booked a Group holiday, then you will be
transferred by minibus, taxi or car to your
accommodation. Transfer times are
approximately 40 minutes to Agios Nikitas, 25
minutes to Lefkas town, 45 minutes to Nidri
and 60 minutes to Syvota. The transfer time to
Zagori is approximately 2 hrs 50 minutes.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All travel documents, including E-tickets or
flight tickets, full itinerary, check-in times,
contact addresses and telephone numbers of
our Representatives, will be sent to clients at
least 10 to 14 days prior to departure date.
Those clients who have booked within a few
days of departure are able to pick up their travel
documents from our Airport agents. Please
check the details on your E-tickets or flight
tickets are correct and the name of the ticket
holder is the same as the name in their
passport. Any changes after issue are subject to
an admin charge of £35.00 per ticket.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Radio Travel News broadcasts live from
London Gatwick and Heathrow give out up to
the minute reports on flights, traffic conditions,
exchange rates and other relevant information.
Radio Travel News is found on 1584 AM and
can be picked up within 15 kilometres of each
airport. Travel information be found on Ceefax
can provide weather reports page 400, airport
information on page 440 and travel on page
437.
TWO CENTRE HOLIDAYS
For those clients who want to spend one week
in Zagori and the second week in Lefkada or
any holiday combinations from our brochure,
we are more than happy to tailor make your
holiday. Please discuss your preferred
arrangements with our Reservations staff.
VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians will enjoy the fresh salads,
aubergine, butter bean and courgette dishes,
spinach and other local specialities available in
the tavernas. There is a range of vegetarian
products and soya products for sale in the
supermarkets. Please make a note in the Special
Requests box on the booking form if you
require vegetarian airline meals, or if you have
any other special dietary requirements, to be
served on the aircraft. Although these requests
are forwarded, we are unable to guarantee you
will get them.
VILLA AND LOCAL INFORMATION
In each of our accommodations we have
provided an information folder. This will tell you about the villa, locality, amenities, history,
relevant numbers and details in case of an
emergency etc. For broader information about
Greek travel, culture, events etc, before you
leave, contact the Greek National Tourist
Office, www.gnto.gr or 4 Conduit Street,
London, W1S 2DJ. Tel: 0044 (0)207 495
9300.
VILLA (OR APARTMENT) APPLIANCES
The following appliances are provided in most
of our accommodations; dishwasher, automatic
washing machine, air-conditioning,
CD/DVD/TV, full cooker and 4 rings, fridge,
freezer, microwave, hairdryer, iron (and ironing
board), as stated per accommodation
description. Some villas do not have TV
reception. These are liable to breakdown at some stage and will need to be repaired or
replaced. Every effort will be made to repair or
replace the item immediately although there are
occasions it may take time. Travelux cannot be
held responsible or liable if this is the case. We
always act promptly to rectify any such incident
but can only do so within the constraints of the
island infrastructure. Such incidences are
extremely rare and we will always notify clients
if any such matter is known prior to your
departure.
VOLTAGE
The voltage in Greece is 220 volts. Plugs have
two round pins, or three round pins for
appliances that need to be earthed. Please bring
an adaptor with you for your electrical
equipment. These are available from certain
chemists, hardware stores and main UK
airports.
WELCOME HAMPER
(Self catering, package holiday only)
We realise that people are always tired on the
first day they arrive, especially families with
young children. In your accommodation there
will be a fresh welcome hamper so you can
enjoy a cup of tea/coffee, a glass of wine/beer
and a snack. This means you can relax before
thinking of an evening meal. Our packs contain;
butter, bread, jam, eggs, water, yoghurt and
honey, fruit juice, milk, sugar, tea, coffee, wine,
salt, pepper, soda, beer, cheese, biscuits, soap,
matches, toilet roll, washing-up liquid and
sponge. (All subject to availability). This is
provided as part of your package. Clients that
have booked an accommodation only holiday
may purchase our welcome hamper as no
supplies are provided. Please contact our
Reservation staff on 01580 765000.
WILDLIFE
Please note that many of the properties we
feature are located in rural areas. It is possible
that you may see or hear indigenous
wildlife/insects and farm animals in or around
the property. Some owners have dogs that are
sometimes tethered for safety reasons. If you
have any fears or allergies, please tell us so we
can offer advice regarding suitability for your
chosen holiday. Should we become aware of
problems regarding indigenous wildlife that
could affect your holiday; we will endeavour to
advise you before your departure.
WALKING IN ZAGORI
(General Information)
Groups: The
Nationality is usually British, of mixed sexes
with group sizes between 6 and 12. Groups are
made up of clients booking alone,
accompanied with a partner or a party of
friends. Age range can vary, usually no younger
than 18 and if over 65 years, we ask for a
medical certificate as proof of fitness to
participate.
Physical demands and fitness: You should
be reasonably fit before embarking on these
trips. If not, then start a small training
programme. Make time to walk, instead of
using the car, or perhaps take part in aerobics
or go swimming. This doesn't stop you feeling
weary after a day's walking but it helps build
up stamina and strength. The distances each
day differ but are never far. However, the clean
air, higher altitudes and variable rugged terrain
can easily wear out a very unfit office worker.
Health requirements: If you take regular
medication, make sure you bring up to three
weeks supply even though you may only be
away one week. We need to know if you are
allergic to anything from food to insects. Please
inform the guide and come prepared with any
antidote. If you are over 65 years old, have had
any serious operations or suffer a recurring
problem such as knees, asthma etc., we suggest
you take advice from a Doctor and get a signed
certificate. Inform us if you have special dietary
needs, such as vegetarian, diabetes etc. We
cannot guarantee to provide a variable cuisine
but we will do our best to accommodate
special needs. Come prepared with snacks as
even corner shops are far and few between.
Meals and drinks: Breakfast is usually fresh
bread, locally made butter, jam and sometimes
cake. Lunch will be a picnic most days
containing tomatoes, cucumber, cheese, eggs,
bread and fruit, also some tinned goodies for
variety. The odd day may be a light lunch in a
local taverna. Dinner is always freshly prepared
and will vary: salads, local spinach/cheese pies,
local cheeses, pastas, rice, casseroles of pork or
beef, oven cooked chicken or lamb or some
trout from the Voidomatis River. Drinks, other
than water, coffee and tea at breakfast, are to
be paid for. The local wines either bottled or
carafes are excellent. Beers and soft drinks are
also readily available. Please note that
minimarkets for fruit, snacks etc are virtually
nonexistent.
Transport: Clients are transferred to/from the
airport, accommodations or destinations by
minibus, sometimes by car or taxi. Preveza
airport to Ioannina is approximately 2 hours,
Ioannina to Vitsa/Monodendri/Ano Pedina is
40 minutes. Ioannina to Megalo Papingo is 1
hour.
Currency: The local currency is the Euro.
There are no banks or exchange facilities in
Zagori so bring cash in Euros with you. Credit
cards, Debit cards and travellers cheques will
also be useless in Zagori but for our walking
group, you will only need money for postcards,
drinks, ice creams etc. If you should go to the
City of Ioannina, you will be able to use credit
cards in some shops and get cash from one of
many ATM's. The Banks open from 0800 -
1400 hours Monday to Friday. Money is only
needed in Ioannina for drinks and presents,
museum entrance or perhaps for a boat ride to
the island on the lake. (Subject to the
itinerary).
Luggage: Please try to keep the weight and
size of your main luggage to the minimum.
One or two soft roly-poly type bags or a
rucksack is better than a suitcase as it is easier
when we transfer your luggage. If staying in
Lefkada for a second week then divide your
luggage up and give us the luggage you don't
need for the walking week to store. Maximum
weight in the hold is 20 Kilos per person.
Hand luggage restrictions of 5 Kilos plus size
restrictions of 45cm by 35cm by 20cm are also
enforced 1 piece per person. A backpack is
needed to carry your daily provisions
(including pack lunch). Don't forget to label
your entire luggage.
Contents of backpack: Spare change of
clothing, waterproofs, water bottle, sweets etc.
to suck, hat, sunglasses, suncream, mini first
aid kit of plasters, headache tablets, tissues etc,
camera and film, binoculars, plus a picnic
lunch is divided up between the groups.
Temperature: It can change radically from
extreme cases of -3ºC at night in Mikro
Papingo during early season to +30ºC mid
afternoon mid season, so come prepared for
every eventuality. June to September is usually
no lower than +15ºC at night and up to +30ºC
during the day. The odd quick rainstorm will
happen throughout the year, September will
bring a few more cloudy days with rain late
afternoon. Like everywhere in the world, the
climate is changing and unpredictable.
Clothing and equipment: A suggested items
list will be sent when your booking is
confirmed.
Guides: We use local guides in Zagori who are
fully trained and are competent to make
judgements with the Group's safety in mind.
They are able to administer first aid and carry
safety equipment as well as a first aid kit. All of
the guides are experienced in trekking, have a
love for the area and enjoy participating with
the Group. Most of the guides are skilled in at
least one subject so will enjoy giving details on
the terrain, wildlife, flowers, history, folklore or
personal previous experiences. The group must
adhere to the decision of their guide. He/she
may have to change the route, e.g. postpone a
leg of the route perhaps due to worsening
weather conditions or other reasons that may
put the Group or other fellow walkers in
jeopardy.
Grade of walks: The walking holidays in
Zagori are Grade A to B. These routes are
planned for easy walking on reasonable terrain
for clients with little or no experience of
walking or trekking but are of reasonable
fitness and can cope with some hill climbing.
Duration of walks per day is between 3 - 6
hours. Over a week, there could be one or two
more difficult days or walking in higher
altitudes. Good health and fitness is essential.
Other considerations: We try to give an
accurate assessment of the walking holidays
before participants' book. Any kind of walking
makes some physical demands so even an easy
walk can be tiring. Preparation before a trip
can mean a pleasant, trouble free holiday.
Aches, pains and teamwork is all part of a
Group orientated holiday. It sounds like all
pain and no gain but that couldn't be further
from the truth. The views are stunning. The
feeling of freedom with a sudden awareness of
your senses can be overwhelming. Achieving
personal challenges, eating pure, fresh food,
breathing in clean air and physical exertion all
play an important part in the 'Feel good
factor'.
Change of itinerary: We will endeavour to
follow the itinerary handed to you at the
airport. However, occasionally, due to factors
beyond our control, an itinerary will have to be
changed. You will be kept informed of any
changes. Once the trip is under way, it may be
necessary to exercise our right to change a
route or accommodation through reasons such
as inclement weather, comfort or safety of our
clients or should we consider participants are
physically unable to complete the walk. No
compensation will be offered under these
circumstances, although every effort will be
made to ensure you have a pleasurable holiday.
Accommodation: Our Walking Groups will
be based in the Red House, Ano Pedina. This
pension only has 8 rooms. (Please read the
property description in the brochure on page
74.) Therefore, clients are encouraged to share
two persons per room. Other nearby
accommodation will be used if rooms become
fully booked.
Meals: Full Board Basis - Breakfast will be
served at the pension each morning. Lunch will
be a picnic carried between the Group or a
light lunch in a local taverna. Supper will be
either in the pension or in a taverna.
Vegetarians are well catered for with prior
notice. Drinks are not included in the package
price.
Size of Group: Numbers are limited to a
minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 people
per group. Should you wish to put together
your own group and perhaps have a tailor
made itinerary, we will be happy to discuss this
option with you.
Equipment: A suggested items list and
further information will be forwarded to you on
receipt of full payment prior to your departure
from the UK.
Price Includes:
- Return flights from UK airport to Preveza
airport, Greece.
- In-flight meals, Greek and UK taxes.
- Return transfers from Preveza airport to the
accommodation.
- Transportation during the programme.
- Luggage transfers.
- Accommodation as stated above.
- Meals on a full board basis. Meals excluded
are: Lunch on transfer days (Sunday).
- An experienced Guide.
N.B. Our walking or flydrive holidays can be
combined as a two-centre holiday, eg: one
week walking, second week in one of our
accommodations in Lefkada. Please ask for a
quote. |
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