General Information

FOR ALL SELF CATERING AND HOTEL HOLIDAYS

The price of your holiday includes:

• Return flights between the U.K. and Preveza airport in Greece.
• Your villa, house, hotel or pension.
• A comprehensive welcome hamper (selfcatering 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:

• 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 our accommodations (except Villa Melivaro) and our cars have air- conditioning.
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, Manchester and Stansted. 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. engine boat. Other boats with larger size engines are available for hire but may require certification of the Skipper.
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. 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 £60. Please note that a baby will receive an E-ticket 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 brochure 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 of trainers for light walking or walking boots for Zagori for the active, and sandals for everyday use. 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, 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. Please note that credit cards are not widely accepted in remote areas or islands of Greece. There are no full time money exchange or ATM facilities on Meganissi. 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 that include 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.
FLIGHTS
We use charter flights from London Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted. Our flights are with airlines such as First Choice, Monarch, Astraeus or other reputable airlines. The duration of all our flights to Greece is approximately 2 - 3 hours. All operate ‘No Smoking’ policies.

The above times given are local times and the flight details and times are historical and to be used as a guide line only. These slots are often retained year after year but are not confirmed and are subject to possible changes. (Greece is 2 hours ahead of the UK). We may change the above charter company to a different one, which will be issued different times of departure/arrival. Check-in times are 21⁄2 hours (minimum) prior to the confirmed departure time stated on your E-ticket 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.
FRIENDS OF THE IONIAN
Friends of the Ionian (FoI) has been set up as a non-profit making company, limited by guarantee and independent of any company or organisation, to ensure that tourism develops in a manner consistent with the interests of the Ionian community, the environment and the ‘greening’ nature of today’s traveller. FoI provides a public information service in order to aid the protection of endangered species, and to preserve and promote the region’s heritage. FoI aims to bring the experts (often the locals themselves) on science, nature and the Ionian heritage, to the Ionian community and its visitors. This introduction could be in the form of self-guiding/guided walks, information leaflets, or the provision of practical opportunities for cultural exchange. FoI operates in co-operation with projects across the Ionian including the Monk Seal and Loggerhead Turtle projects on Cephalonia and Zakynthos. FoI aims to complement, from a public awareness aspect, any Ionian project that will lead to a greater understanding and protection of this unique region. FoI has also been instrumental in coordinating a co-operative effort of monthly island cleans across the Ionian and a production of a number of useful information leaflets on the Birds and Marine life of the Ionian along with enjoyable Self-Guided Trail leaflets designed to introduce you to the environment and culture of the islands. www.foi.org.uk.
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. 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, 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 re-confirm 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
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.ukpa.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, whom have travelled on one of our package holidays in the last 3 years, will be entitled to a 5% reduction off the 2008 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 60 in our brochure. This maybe a one-day charter with skipper, a three day learn to sail course or maybe a one-week 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. Please call us on 01580 765000.
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 deepfried, 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, Manchester or Stansted (peak dates only) 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 £25.00 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 are 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 equirements, 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 4959300
VILLA (OR APARTMENT) APPLIANCES
The following appliances are provided in most of our accommodations; dishwasher, automatic washing machine, air-conditioning, CD player,
DVD/TV, full cooker and 4 rings, fridge, freezer, microwave, hairdryer, iron (and ironing board), as stated per accommodation description. 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 ZAGORIA
(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 days 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 82.) 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 and 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:
1. Return flights from UK airport to Preveza airport, Greece.
2. In-flight meals, Greek and UK taxes
3. Return transfers from Preveza airport to the accommodation.
4. Transportation during the programme.
5. Luggage transfers.
6. Accommodation as stated above.
7. Meals on a full board basis. Meals excluded are: Lunch on transfer days (Sunday).
8. 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.