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News and Travel Updates

A new name:

Greek Islands Club has arranged villa holidays to the Greek islands for 51 years. There has, on occasion, been some confusion about the meaning of "Club". We gave our company this name because we saw that our holidays were appealing to like-minded people, who in turn were recommending us to their friends and these friends would then recommend us to their friends. We are aware however that some people might think of us as a holiday club and for this reason and because we are planning to offer similar holidays in other parts of the world - we introduce GIC The Villa Collection.

We still offer hideaway villas on the Greek islands for those seeking privacy, comfort and an escape from the crowds so - just a new name!

Last update: 14-Feb-2024
Greece and Eurozone Agreement Reached

Greece and Eurozone Agreement Reached

Last update: 13-Jul-2015
Overnight meetings in Brussels have concluded with a deal reached to keep Greece in the Euro. Our resort representatives report that daily life has been continuing as normal with no visible impact from the negotiations. We continue to send the clear message that Greece is open for business and welcoming guests with open arms. We still recommend guests departing in the next few days to take enough Euros with them to cover the duration of their trip, although cash machines are still stocked.
Greek Referendum

Greek Referendum

Last update: 8-Jul-2015
The recent 'NO' vote by the Greek people in Sunday's referendum has probably signalled the start of the last lap in the long running 'GREXIT' saga. We continue to monitor the situation across the mainland and the islands. Our local representatives report that all is normal - our resorts remain calm and unaffected and currently the supermarkets and pharmacies are fully stocked.Whilst most ATMs are still stocked with cash, we advise travellers to follow the Foreign Office advice and to take enough euros with them to cover the duration of their trip. We are also offering to make cash available through our local offices should the need arise. For customers covered by our own travel insurance policy, the personal cash cover has been increased to £500 per person for those travelling in July. We rarely have thefts in Greece but if you have not taken out our own travel policy and are worried about the cash cover you currently have, then contact your own insurance provider. The 'NO' vote does not mean that Greece will necessarily revert back to the Drachma. The vote was whether to reject or accept the current bailout proposals. Hopefully, common sense will prevail and all concerned will return to the negotiating table over the next few days. Whatever the outcome there is unlikely to be any immediate change and, should the final decision be that Greece withdraws from the euro, the adoption of the new currency is likely to happen over a period of time. Tourists travelling to Greece this summer will not be affected. As always, we will look after you and keep you abreast of any changes. Chris Wright – The Villa Collection
M56 Weekend Closure at Manchester Airport Junction

M56 Weekend Closure at Manchester Airport Junction

Last update: 7-Aug-2014
M56 Weekend Closure at Manchester Airport Junction closed Friday 1 Aug-Monday 4 Aug 2014. Drivers are being reminded that the M56 will be closed near Manchester Airport this weekend as the Highways Agency demolishes a bridge as part of its £5.5m pinch point improvement in the area. The motorway will be totally closed in both directions between junction 5 at Manchester Airport and junction 6 at Hale for up to 55 hours from 10pm on Friday night (Friday 1 August) and may be closed until 5am on Monday morning (4 August). Drivers needing to access the airport from the M60 and Manchester will still be able to use the airport spur from the westbound M56 at junction 5. However, people heading towards the airport along the eastbound M56 from North Wales and Liverpool will need to leave at junction 6 for Hale and follow the short diversion using Runger Lane. People travelling to the airport are being urged to leave extra time for journeys and check traffic conditions before setting out.
Sunvil airline partner Germania releases stellar OTP statistics

Sunvil airline partner Germania releases stellar OTP statistics

Last update: 26-Sep-2013
This week Germania Airlines has released outstanding on-time performance statistics for August 2013 flights operated on behalf of Sunvil Holidays and GIC The Villa Collection. Germania is reporting no less than 100% on-time arrivals and 94% on-time departures for Sunvil’s London Gatwick charter programme in August, with the remaining 6% of flights delayed by only 15 to 30 minutes. In contrast, the Civil Aviation Authority has revealed that just 76% of all charter flights from the London Airports departed on time during the second quarter of 2013, representing a fall of two percentage points on the previous year. Indeed, Germania’s figures very comfortably surpass those of the scheduled airlines, which achieved on-time performance of 80% from all London Airports during the same time period. Comments Chris Wright, Managing Director of Sunvil Holidays: “We established a new partnership with Germania earlier this year, based on their excellent reputation, and we have not been disappointed. Germania’s OTP figures for the first few months of 2013 were very positive, but the latest figures for August are astounding – they can be very proud of such an achievement. We’re delighted to see them bucking the trend towards poor punctuality at UK airports. “Germania has proved to be an unqualified success with our clients, both in terms of punctuality and inflight service. We look forward to working together in 2014 and continuing to provide our clients with an excellent experience of flying in and out of the UK.” Flight prices include a 20kg baggage allowance and a hot meal service with complimentary soft drinks.
Germania Makes It's Mark!

Germania Makes It's Mark!

Last update: 31-Jul-2013
Out of a total of 74 flights in June, 67 were on time, 5 flights had a delay of between 15 and 30 minutes with the longest delay of between 30 minutes and an hour affecting only two flights. As we come to the end of July, the figures look impressive, better than we expected. Feedback from our clients extols the professionalism of the crews, the tasty meals including complimentary soft drinks and the in-flight entertainment. Having listened to feedback from the first few flights, the catering order was amended to include tonic water and the number of bottles of Gin loaded was doubled. What that says about Sunvil passengers we aren't quite sure! When a holiday begins with an experience as good as this, it bodes well for the rest of your trip and you know you are in good hands.
Denied Boarding Regulation

Denied Boarding Regulation

Last update: 17-Dec-2012
(EU 261/2004) Recent legislation has confirmed that the regulation, EU261/2004 may be applied retrospectively and the obligation to pay any relevant compensation applies to the operating air carrier, i.e. the airline concerned. It does not apply to the tour operator. Therefore, any claim for compensation should be made direct to the airline with which you travelled. Please note, however, that there is no automatic right to compensation under the Denied Boarding Regulation and, as such, there is no guarantee that the airline will pay you any compensation. The airline’s liability to you under the Denied Boarding Regulation is dependant on a number of factors, which will be considered by the airline when making any decision about compensation. If you are not happy with any decision made by the airline in this regard, you will need to raise this with the airline direct. We trust that the above explanation clarifies the situation. Further information on this matter may be found at www.caa.co.uk/passengerrights
Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend Opening Hours

Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend Opening Hours

Last update: 1-Jun-2012
GIC The Villa Collection will be open for Greece reservations this bank holiday weekend:
  • Saturday 9.00 - 16.30
  • Sunday 11.00 - 15.00
  • Monday 11.00 - 14.00
  • Tuesday 11.00 - 15.00

Please call our team on 020 8232 9780
Greece Elections

Greece Elections

Last update: 16-May-2012
Our clients are understandably confused by the current situation in Greece and how it will affect their holiday or the holiday they intend to book. There are many rumours as to what will happen if Greece leaves the euro and some absolutely hilarious scenarios painted in some of the media. It is still our opinion that Greece will not leave and that the elections to be held sometime between the 10th and the 17th June will re-enforce this fact.
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Win a weeks holiday in Skopelos

Win a weeks holiday in Skopelos

Last update: 28-Mar-2012
In conjunction with the Guardian and Observer, GIC The Villa Collection are offering entrants to the annual Travel Awards the chance to win a holiday. Simply fill in the questionnaire to help decide the winners of this year's Travel Awards - and you could win a weeks holiday for two at Villa Ouranos in Skopelos. If we're lucky enough to recieve your vote, remember to put your vote under GIC The Villa Collection and not under our old name Greek Islands Club.
Small Planet Airlines replaces TorAir flights.

Small Planet Airlines replaces TorAir flights.

Last update: 7-Feb-2012
GIC flights to Greece, previously advertised to operate with Tor Air, will now be operated by Small Planet Airlines.
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New for 2012 - Sivota

New for 2012 - Sivota

Last update: 8-Dec-2011
New for 2012 is the beautiful village of Sivota.  Situated on the Ionian coastline, opposite the islands of Corfu and Paxos, Sivota is our first mainland destination.  It offers the opportunity to explore the Epirus region, one of Europe’s prime areas of outstanding natural beauty. Find out more about Sivota
Greek Air Traffic Control strike action

Greek Air Traffic Control strike action

Last update: 13-Sep-2011
Thursday 15th September, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September 2011
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Advance Registration for 2012

Advance Registration for 2012

Last update: 6-Sep-2011
GIC The Villa Collection are not yet on sale for 2012, and prices will not be available until November. However, you are welcome to register inadvance or hold a particular property until the time when we are on sale. We simply need a 2011 booking form (below) and a deposit of £150 per person (by cheque or card payment over the phone) based on this season's brochure price. If this price increases by more than ten per cent then you will be entitled to cancel with a full refund of the deposit.

Download Booking Form>

Paxos International Music Festival 2011

Paxos International Music Festival 2011

Last update: 26-Aug-2011
The 2011 Paxos Autumn Festival is in its 25th Anniversary Year. The popular local event will take place in the Loggos Schoolhouse during the two weeks commencing 5 September 2011. There will be four classical music concerts, the fifth involving musicians and children from the island.

Read more about The Paxos Music Festival>

Find out more about Paxos>

The Greek Economic Crisis - Will it affect my holiday?

The Greek Economic Crisis - Will it affect my holiday?

Last update: 21-Jun-2011
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UK Trade Union Strike 30 June 2011

UK Trade Union Strike 30 June 2011

Last update: 16-Jun-2011
UK Trade Union Strike 30/06/11: We are aware of the situation and are monitoring its impact on the airports & immigration etc. We do not expect major disruption to services and will keep passengers & the website updated
UK Border Control Strikes

UK Border Control Strikes

Last update: 1-Jun-2011
We have been advised that The Public and Commercial Services Union has called a one-day strike which will begin on the evening of Wednesday 29 June and end at midnight on Thursday 30 June. This will impact on the UK Border Agency. This could cause additional queuing at UK Border Control. Please take this into consideration when planning your onward journey from the airport.
Visit Greece at Westfield

Visit Greece at Westfield

Last update: 18-Mar-2011
The GIC The Villa Collection team will be on hand to answer questions at Westfield Shopping Centre,London between the 19th and 27th of March 2011. We will be taking part in the 'Greek Theme Park' week so come along to see us. Taste Greek delicacies, find out about outdoor activities, chill out on the Greek artificial beach and relax with a massage using Greek natural products
What's new for GIC in 2011?

What's new for GIC in 2011?

Last update: 29-Nov-2010
A new name! Greek Islands Club has arranged villa holidays to the Greek islands for 42 years. There has, on occasion, been some confusion about the meaning of “Club”. We gave our company this name because we saw that our holidays were appealing to like-minded people, who in turn were recommending us to their friends and these friends would then recommend us to their friends. We are aware however that some people might think of us as a holiday club and for this reason and because we are planning to offer similar holidays in other parts of the world – we introduce GIC The Villa Collection. We still offer hideaway villas on the Greek islands for those seeking privacy, comfort and an escape from the crowds so - just a new name!