Private villas and cottages across Greece and Cyprus.
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About your holiday
We have been established for over 53 years, and our aim has always been to offer our customers maximum flexibility and to provide precisely the holiday they seek. We can rightly claim to have been ahead of our time now that the unpackaged holiday – always our speciality – is so much in fashion.
For us, however, unpackaging does not mean penny-pinching by cutting corners. Our customers – 70% of whom give us their business repeatedly or who have been recommended to contact us by their friends – tell us that they like the way we organise holidays, and we plan to continue to offer precisely what our regular customers enjoy: the best all-round service possible.
Should you have a problem with any part of our arrangements, our directors or (incase of emergency) 24-hour duty manager will do their utmost to assist. If our suppliers are at fault in anyway, you can look to us in our Middlesex offices for a solution – we will not pass the buck.
Facts of Greek Life
The Greek islands offer an escape from our everyday life at home. Generally the local islanders are hospitable and understanding of our lifestyles but it is important that visitors understand and accept the local way of island life, which can be very different to ours. Buses run early in the morning, shops and offices close in the afternoon, and restaurants, bars and clubs can be noisier, open-air and open later than their British equivalents. Plumbing is rarely perfect, hot water not always available and water itself in short supply. Roads are largely unlit, often have no pavement and are sometimes unmade.
Many areas are growing resorts and building may be going on in the vicinity of your accommodation. There is sometimes a need therefore, when visiting a foreign country, to take the rough with the smooth.
If you are staying in the same village as a local fisherman you may hear his exhaustless moped or braying donkey pass your house at dusk. If you are staying close to a family whose teenage children are allowed to patronise late night music bars, you may hear them returning
early morning. A dog barking or a cockerel crowing can disturb as much as passing traffic. In August some of the village music bars obtain a license to remain open until the early hours. We
have chosen our villas for their degree of seclusion and privacy but if you are concerned about possible disturbances please ask our advice on the most suitable properties.
Many of our villas have a rural location and it is possible therefore that there is a presence of wildlife such as ants, wasps, lizards, fieldmice or rodents. If a presence is discovered our Representatives will endeavour to eliminate the problem. Some of our villas have mosquito screens on windows and this will be mentioned in the Accommodation section of the villa description.
Building work in the vicinity of your chosen villa may start without warning. If we have been made aware of such a situation we will contact you prior to your departure in the hope of being able to offer alternative accommodation. If such a disturbance occurs during your holiday, without warning, we will try to arrange alternative accommodation but this may not be possible, especially in peak season.
During the summer months local authorities on some islands might restrict mains supply of water to certain hours of the day. Most of our properties have a back-up supply but water pressure may be affected.
Transfers and luggage
Approximate transfer durations are given on page 5 of the main brochure. These do not include any waiting time for other arriving passengers, ferry/hydrofoil departures, accommodation drop-offs etc. Taxis are licensed for 4 passengers so taxi transfers are likely to be shared. Parties may occasionally be split, unless a supplement is paid. A private taxi transfer can be booked on request – please ask for a quote. Taxis do not have child seats.
We reserve the right to substitute alternative forms of transportation to those mentioned (e.g. ferry for hydrofoil) should local circumstances dictate this.
Porterage is not generally provided as the distances are not great. For some transfers involving sea crossings you may have to carry your baggage on and off the boat yourself so bear this in mind when packing! It is your responsibility to ensure that your luggage is safely on the coach/ferry/taxi before it leaves.
We cannot guarantee to transport large or bulky items eg. surfboards, bicycles etc., for which you may need to rent a car with roofrack or a private taxi transfer. In some areas luggage storage may be available, but this is at your own risk.
With car rental, please consider if there will be sufficient boot space for luggage. If in doubt, we recommend upgrading to a larger car.
Weather
As we have seen across the globe, weather patterns are now not consistent. The Greek islands can be very exposed to weather fronts.
We inspect our properties carefully to ensure that they are able to cope with inclement weather but even the strongest constructions can be susceptible to leaks.
We set up contingency plans to transfer our clients safely and comfortably during bad weather conditions but please understand that you might suffer inconveniences. If we are aware of a possible storm we may decide to transfer our clients from an outlying island to the airport island a day or two before their flight departure day in order to ensure their safe departure. If this is necessary we will provide our clients with accommodation of the highest possible standard.
Bad weather conditions may result in smaller island ferries (eg Paxos to AntiPaxos) not running and even tavernas not opening.
Currency
Cash may be exchanged in the main centres of each island. There are ‘hole in the wall’ cash machines on most islands. Credit cards are not always accepted at tavernas and shops and it is becoming increasingly difficult to exchange travelers cheques.
Doctors
There are doctors and chemists on all the islands (except AntiPaxos).
Although we require all our clients to be covered by adequate travel insurance, it is advised that you obtain the EHIC form, which entitles you to urgent medical treatment in state hospitals of the EU under reciprocal agreement between member states. For full details please refer to www.ehic.org.uk
Safety standards and regulations
The safety standards and regulations in operation in Greece are those of that country and may not reach the same levels as those we enjoy in the UK. We endeavour however to reach the same levels within our villas. The monitoring, enforcement and compliance with these local regulations is a matter for the authorities of Greece and the Greek supplier of the services concerned. Please take all precautions to protect yourself and your family whilst on holiday. In particular you should always be aware of hidden dangers involving swimming pools and balconies, especially if children are involved.
Accommodation General
Villa information
In each of our villas, houses and apartments you will find on arrival a folder giving helpful local information about doctors, chemists, tavernas, shops, buses, activities, beaches,churches, banking hours, etc.
Welcome pack and hamper
On arrival at your villa we provide a complimentary “welcome pack” of a bottle of wine, fruit juice and mineral water, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, jam, butter, bread and biscuits. A small supply of toilet paper, washing up liquid and soap will also be in your villa.
We will, if you wish, place a Club Hamper in your villa before your arrival. The package is sufficient for up to 4 people and includes: a loaf of bread, butter, honey, eggs, nuts, fruit, biscuits, yoghurt, orange juice, a pack of tea, a tin of coffee, sugar, milk, cheese, ham, salad vegetables, salt and pepper, local olive oil, a bottle of wine, 2 cans of tonic water and coca-cola, a bottle of mineral water, washing-up liquid and matches. The cost is £70 per package including delivery and the cost will be added to your invoice.
Not to forget the children we also offer Junior Hampers for £15 each, to include 1 can of coke, 1 can of fizzy orange, chocolate (without nuts), a brightly coloured lilo, a basic fishing pack and a special quiz book about the Greek islands.
Bring with you
Please bring with you beach towels and if you are staying in a villa outside the village, a torch and perhaps a pair of trainers for country walks. An alarm clock
Linen change
If a villa has a washing machine it is mentioned in the Accommodation section of each villa.
For all our properties, bed linen and bath towels are changed twice weekly.
Maid service
A maid will clean your house or villa, make beds and wash up twice weekly on all the islands.
TV/DVD/CD
If a villa has a television, DVD or CD player, this will be mentioned in the Accommodation section of each villa description.
A selection of CD’s and DVD’s is not always provided in the villas but most islands have a DVD hire shop.
We recommend that you bring your own CD’s and DVD’s.
Not all satellite TV’s show English speaking channels but most will show the BBC 24- hours news service.
Wi-Fi
If a villa has Wi-Fi this will be mentioned in the Facilities section of each villa description. Wi-Fi is available in most main villages on the islands.
Voltage
Voltage is 220 volts a.c. Please bring a 2-pin continental adaptor for electric razors and hair dryers.
Extra beds
Most of our villas can accommodate an extra bed. This is usually folding or convertible and may make the accommodation cramped. There may also be a lack of wardrobe space and privacy.
Accommodation only
Many properties can be booked without our inclusive charter flights and transfers – please ask us for a price quote. Extras, such as transfers and car hire, can be quoted for separately.
Infants & Children
Infants
For babies under 2 there is a set charge of £50 which includes provision of a cot (on request) together with linen and blanket. For those clients hiring cars, child seats are available for a small daily charge payable locally. Please write your requirements in the Special Requests box on the booking Form or in the box provided when booking through the website. Please note that a baby does not qualify for a seat on the aeroplane. Disposable nappies and baby foods are available on each island.
Child reductions
Children over two years are allocated their own aircraft seat and are priced as adults.
For Children under the age of 12 years, we are offering the following child reductions:
Child reductions only apply to children under the age of 12 on the date of return travel to the U.K, travelling with at least two full fare paying guests.
Up to two children may receive a child reduction, all other children will pay the full adult fare.
Reductions do not apply to accommodation only bookings and cannot be combined with any other offers.
Free child places are strictly limited and are offered on a first come first served basis. Free places do not count towards the priced occupancy of the property. The remainder of the party pays the price based on the occupancy excluding this child.
Unless you advise otherwise, for car inclusive properties, a car will be included for the total number of guests.
Car & Boat Hire
Car Hire
Our pre-booked rates include Collision Damage Waiver, unlimited mileage and all local taxes. Unless otherwise specified delivery is free. Some areas experience a shortage of hire cars in high season so we would especially recommend prebooking during this period.
All our villas and houses, with car hire included in the holiday cost, have car/s with air-conditioning.
Please note that we have not taken infants into account when allocating a particular car.
Group for a party size so to accommodate a baby/child seat, an upgrade to a larger car may be necessary.
For large parties not wanting to have two hire cars, please contact us for the supplement charge for a People Carrier/minibus, subject to availability.
General Car Hire Conditions
The following conditions commonly apply to most car rental companies in Greece, but may vary slightly from island to island and are for guidance only.
- A small charge to cover extra insurance (around 4 euros per day) is usually made for additional drivers and payable locally. In most areas only one additional driver is allowed.
- Drivers should be at least 23 years of age (21 on some islands, please ask us) for Groups A, B and C, 25 years of age for other Groups, and have held a full UK or EU driving licence for 12 months. On some islands an extra insurance payment may be required for older drivers (70+). Non-EU citizens will require an international driving licence. All drivers should be entered individually on the contract to be completed when picking up the car – you will need passport, driving licence, GIC – The Villa Collection voucher and a credit card.
- Automatic cars are on request.
- Unless otherwise stated in the relevant car hire panel, Collision Damage Waiver Insurance has an excess payable – typically the first 300 - 600 Euros of any damage for Groups A, B "&" C. The excess can vary and is more for higher category cars and jeeps. We advise you check the excess levels which will apply to you with the car hire company locally. Some companies offer an additional insurance (super-CDW or FDW – Full Damage Waiver) payable locally to cover this excess – please enquire on delivery of the car. It may be better value to pre-purchase this – see www.insurance4carhire.com. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) will be offered locally but is not necessary if you have GIC – The Villa Collection’s travel insurance or similar.
- Damage to the tyres, engine or underside of the car is not normally covered by insurance in Greece, although on some islands you can insure locally for this. A credit card imprint (or cash deposit of c. 500 Euros) will be required on delivery of the car, returnable at the end of the hire period if the car is delivered back with no damage to the above. This imprint or deposit also covers any petrol and refuelling charges, traffic or parking fines and CDW excess charge.
- Child seats and roof racks are available on request at a charge of around 4 euros per day payable locally and should be requested at the time of booking your holiday. It may be necessary to fit the child seat yourself. Please note that roof racks are on request only and not available on all islands, and that child seats are generally available for infants and small children only. The law in Greece does not make them compulsory for older children, and they may not be of BSS specification.
- For villas with car hire included, clients should note that luggage space is limited. Excess luggage may have to be transported by taxi, the cost of which would be payable by the client locally. If this is a concern we recommend upgrading to a larger car.
- If you want to upgrade a car, which is included in the holiday cost, please contact us for a quote as the upgrade cost may not tally with the difference in Group prices.
- The contract you sign on delivery of the car is between you and the car hire company. You should therefore read this and inspect the car and tyres before driving. The companies we use are all reputable firms who have been operating for many years.
- Refunds for unused car hire, including cars returned early, are at the discretion of the car hire company and should be agreed with them before returning to the UK.
Boat Hire
The rental of a small motorboat will add an extra dimension to your holiday. It will enable you to explore the local coastline and discover your own small coves and beaches (some may only be accessible from the sea). Take a picnic or simply moor up alongside a waterfront taverna for lunch. In some areas a boat can be more use than a car, sometimes quicker, and certainly more fun!
There are now quite a few boat hirers on Crete and it is therefore possible to hire a boat locally on a daily basis. Boat availability on the other islands is more restricted and we therefore recommend pre-booking. All necessary safety equipment is provided and no special licence or previous experience is necessary (a Power Boat licence will need to be shown if hiring a boat with more than 30HP) as instruction will be given.
General Boat Hire Conditions
These conditions may slightly vary from island to island but commonly apply throughout Greece.
- Boat hire is not recommended for those with infants under 2 years for safety reasons. For those with small children under 4 years of age please bring buoyancy aids as there may only be a limited supply of life-jackets for younger children.
- Boats are intended for exploration of the local coastline – you are not allowed to cross open sea.
- Boats are for daytime use only and, unless otherwise mentioned, have to be moored in their home port each evening.
- The maximum number of persons for which the boat is licensed must not be exceeded.
- Third party insurance is included but damage to the boat or engine is the hirer’s responsibility – on some islands additional insurance can be taken out locally for this.
- If you do not use the boat for any reason (e.g. adverse weather) no refund can be given – however our supplier will always try to arrange alternative day(s) subject to boat availability.
- Pre-booked days have to be booked consecutively for the minimum number of days stated, however it is often possible to change these days locally subject to boat availability and adequate notice to the supplier.
- Pre-booked days have to be booked consecutively for the minimum number of days stated, however it is often possible to change these days locally subject to boat availability and adequate notice to the supplier.
- Fuel is payable locally.
- Boats should be booked at the same time as your holiday – a deposit of £30 is required.
Pre-Flight Information
Travel Documents
All travel documents, including flight tickets, full itinerary, check-in times, contact addresses and telephone numbers of our Representatives, will be sent toclients 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 representatives or alternatively have these emailed directly to them.
Flight extras
We send out, with travel documents, details of “Airline Special Requests” and airline contact details for such requests as reserved seats together and/or emergency exit seats.
Details of these pre-bookable extras and more (such as access to airport lounges) can also be seen in the ‘Travel Extras section’ on our website.
Passports and visas
British visitors to Greece will need a full ten year British Passport, valid for at least 3 months from your date of return. It is now a mandatory requirement for anyone travelling into and out of the UK to provide their passport details. The booking form explains this process. No visas are required for British subjects but if your passport is not British, please check at the Greek Embassy (telephone no. 020 7221 6467) to discover whether a visa is necessary.
Baggage allowance
On our charter flights from Britain (and returning from Greece) there is an allowance of 20 kilos per passenger. Only one piece of hand luggage, of up to 5 kilos, per passenger is allowed. There is no allowance for children under 2 years. Charges are likely to be levied for any excess weight presented at check-in.
New check-in regulations stipulate that each individual suitcase/bag must weigh no more than 25 kilos so if passengers are sharing the total weight allowance please bear this in mind. The airline’s checkin staff reserve the right to refuse check-in of any suitcases/bags over this limit.
Pregnancy
If you are more than 28 weeks pregnant on the date of return travel most airlines require a medical certificate of fitness to fly. If you are more than 32 weeks pregnant you will not normally be allowed to travel
Airport representation
We have our own representative who is on airport duty for all our regular charter flight departures from Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol. Our representative will be at or near the check-in desk(s) for your flight from 2 hours prior to departure and can be contacted in the case of any difficulties.
Airport hotels & car parking
Please refer to ‘Travel Extras’ on our website for details of hotels and car parking at each UK airport.
We’ve partnered with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Aware campaign to help provide top tips and advice for planning for your trip abroad. It’s important to do some research before you travel to learn about any necessary visas and vaccinations required for entry to your destination, understand any unusual laws and customs and to be aware of the latest travel advice for the region. Click on the link below for more information on what to prepare for your trip overseas. You can also sign up for email alerts and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter for alerts whilst you are away.
Visit gov.uk/travelaware for more information