HOW DO YOU FIND OUT MORE OR MAKE A BOOKING? 

We hope that our website has given you a clear picture of the type of holidays, service and properties we offer but we are always happy to answer any detailed and specific questions you may have. Our friendly team has first-hand experience of all our locations and if there is anything they can’t answer personally they will certainly know a man who can! Please telephone us on 020 8847 8700 

Our office hours are: Monday to Friday 0900 - 1730 and Saturday 1000 - 1500. 

When you have decided on your preferred dates and location, just telephone us or complete the booking form on this website and we will make the necessary reservations, subject of course to availability. In order to confirm the booking we require a deposit of £100 per person, or the full balance if you are booking within 8 weeks of travel. If your booking involves flights where the most advantageous air fares are tied to advance purchase conditions, the full cost of the flight will be payable at the time of booking in addition to the standard deposit.

We accept cheques and most types of debit cards and credit cards. Regrettably in order to keep the price of our holidays competitive, we have to pass on a credit card processing charge, so a 2% fee will be added for payments made by Visa or Mastercard and a 2.5% charge for payments made by American Express. There is no charge for payment made by debit card. If you wish to make your initial payment by cheque we allow 5 working days for its receipt but the booking is deemed to be confirmed and our booking conditions apply from the time that you make the reservation. 

We have allocations on most of the properties listed in this brochure, so we can usually confirm availability instantly for most of our holidays. However, some of the smaller hotels and individual villas work on a request basis, which means that we will need to reconfirm the availability when you come to make a booking. The same applies to scheduled flights, and in cases where we have already filled our contracted allocation at your chosen accommodation. To request flights or accommodation, we need to take your full details, including a credit card number as a guarantee for your deposit, and will confirm the booking back to you as soon as we receive confirmation from our suppliers, which is usually within 24 hours. 

We are also happy to accept bookings via certain independent travel agents. Please ask us if your local agent is on our list.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 

Once we have taken your deposit we will issue a confirmation/invoice, which you should check thoroughly as soon as you receive it. If there are any errors or omissions please advise us immediately, as any changes made at a later date will incur amendment fees. Your confirmation acts both as your contract and final invoice, so you should make a diary note of the date that your balance is due. 

Tickets will be dispatched to you approximately 14 days before you travel. 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN OUR PRICES? 

• Return daytime charter flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion or Chania on Tuesdays. Regional departures, flights on other days of the week, and scheduled flights can be arranged at a supplement. Please click here for full flight details. 
• Accommodation and any meals specified. 
• Return transfers between the airport or ferry port and your accommodation, unless a complimentary car is included in the cost or you are not flying into the nearest airport to your property on Crete. 
• Domestic flights between Rhodes and Karpathos, or ferry transfer between Crete and Karpathos, as applicable.
• Complimentary cars, including their insurance, where specified. 
• All airport and local government taxes. 
• Maid service, linen and towels. 
• Services of our local Representatives and Agents. 
• A small ‘goodie bag’ of basic provisions and drinks on arrival at your first centre, in our self-catering properties. 

WHAT EXTRAS ARE ADDED TO YOUR INVOICE? 

• Any applicable flight supplements. 
• Any additional car hire or car-hire upgrades. 
• Any pre-booked private transfers. 
• Any room upgrades or optional board supplements.
• Handling charges for payment by credit card (Visa/Mastercard 2%, American Express 2.5%. No handling charge for payment made by debit card).

WHAT COSTS ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR? 

• Travel to and from your UK departure airport. 
• All meals except those in-flight, where provided or where a board basis is specified. 
• Personal travel insurance. 
• Fuel for hire cars. 

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN AND INFANTS? 

Children between 2 and 16 receive the reduction specified at the bottom of each price panel as long as they are sharing a self-catering accommodation with two adults. For hotels, child prices and applicable ages are clearly indicated in the relevant panels and again apply provided the child is sharing with two adults. Children are liable to pay any flight supplements in full. 

Infants under 2 pay just £35 and this charge includes the provision of cots, high chairs and car seats. Please indicate clearly at the time of booking if any of these are required or if you are planning to bring your own. Infants are not entitled to a flight seat. 

CAN YOU CHOOSE A MULTI-CENTRE HOLIDAY? 

It is not normally feasible to combine a stay on Crete or Karpathos with a stay on Samos in a single holiday, due to the distance between the islands and the lack of any direct flights or frequent enough ferry connections. 

However, you can choose any two locations on one island for a twin-centre holiday, and certainly on Crete this is an option that is well worth considering, as the island is too large to be explored fully from a single base. 

Crete and Karpathos may be combined but it means spending the beginning and the end of your stay on Crete to fit in with the flight and ferry connections.

If you wish to divide your stay between two different locations during a two-week holiday we are more than happy to advise you on your selection of properties and the logistics of the journey between them. To calculate the cost of a two-week twin centre holiday simply take the cost of a two week stay at each of your chosen properties (both based on your departure date from the UK), add them together and divide by two. The cost of transferring between the two properties is not included in this price and we can quote you a price for a pre-arranged taxi, you can transfer yourself by hire car or our Representative can help make the arrangements locally. As the holiday prices are based on charter flights into and out of the same airport on Crete additional transfer costs at the beginning or the end of your holiday may be incurred if you are planning to visit both sides of the island.

Alternatively you could consider our Explore Crete by Car option which is described in more detail here. 

CAN YOU CHOOSE A LONGER STAY? 

It is sometimes possible for us to arrange a stay in excess of two weeks but this is very much subject to flight availability and will attract a flight supplement. Please ask us for availability and a quotation. 

ARE THERE ANY PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR SINGLE TRAVELLERS? 

We are able to accommodate single travellers in many of our self-catering studios and hotels. All our rooms are either twins or doubles capable of sleeping at least two people and our prices include either a taxi transfer or a hire car where the cost is based on two people sharing, so there will be an under occupancy supplement. in some properties at certain times of the year the supplement may be minimal so please ask us for a quotation. 

WHAT IF YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS OR MEDICAL PROBLEMS? 

Any special requests must be advised to us at the time of booking and whilst we will endeavour, wherever possible, to meet or pass on to suppliers any reasonable special requests we cannot always guarantee that they will be fulfilled. If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday, it is vital that you tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen accommodation. 

TRAVEL & MEDICAL INSURANCE

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have Travel and Medical Insurance before embarking on any of our holidays. This can be purchased from a number of reputable companies who must comply with the latest legislation relating to the sale of insurance. Please ensure that your policy choice has adequate medical cover, including the cost of repatriation in the event of a serious illness or accident, and covers you for any of the activities you plan to engage in whilst on holiday. 

CAN YOU MAKE A BOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR? 

As many of our properties are so unique to avoid disappointing our regular customers we have initiated a pre-booking system to allow repeat bookings for 2010. We hold the property that you occupied for the same period the following year until one week after you return from holiday. You can confirm the property by paying the normal deposit either by credit or debit card or by cheque. This is on the understanding that if you are unhappy with the up to date price once the new brochure is released we will refund the deposit or transfer your booking to another property of your choice, subject of course to availability. We are also more than happy to take advance booking from new clients or for a change of property on the same understanding but you should bear in mind that as per the above the previous year’s guests have the first option until a week after their return. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR YOU TO TRAVEL?

For those not tied to specific holiday dates it is certainly worth considering the seasonal differences.

On Crete, April and May are the best times to enjoy the abundant flora, the countryside and sites, although the weather may be a little less settled. June, September and October are the most popular months for those wishing to enjoy a combination of sun, sea and sites. July and August are the hottest months and are more suitable for traditional beach holidays than exploring. The weather patterns on Karpathos are similar, but as the weather in early spring tends to be less settled, and the tourist infrastructure is slower to get going, we do not start operating our holidays to Karpathos until the beginning of May. The following average daytime temperatures (in centigrade) are to be taken only as a guide as weather patterns everywhere over the past few years have become more and more unpredictable.

Crete
April              18C
May               22C
June              26C
July               29C
August          29C
September     26C
October         23C

Karpathos
April              18C
May               22C
June              26C
July               28C
August           28C
September     26C
October         23C

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR SURROUNDINGS? 

Our locations and properties are all chosen to give you a relaxing but authentically Greek holiday. Many of our properties are in beautiful rural areas where it is likely that you will experience the sight and sounds of some local wildlife or farm animals. In many of our locations you will exist in close proximity with the local population so their way of life should be not only observed and enjoyed but also respected. 

It should also be remembered that, although we make every effort to provide all the facilities you would expect from your holiday, you are on a Mediterranean island and it is possible that from time to time, especially in high summer, you may experience such things as a temporary power cut or water shortage. 

In the low season and on Public Holidays some of the public facilities may not be available and during local festivals villages which are normally peaceful may be transformed. 

Sadly there are no seasonal building restrictions in Greece and we have no control over such matters but we will endeavour to keep track of any planned long-term construction and withdraw any properties likely to be adversely affected. Any short term local ‘DIY’ activities are however totally beyond our control. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION? 

Our properties are chosen primarily for their location and appeal and although they are all of a good standard they are not necessarily luxurious. Our self-catering properties are all equipped with linen and towels, which are normally changed twice a week, and maid service is provided a minimum of twice a week, often more frequently. Beach towels are provided courtesy of Cachet Travel in all self-catering properties but will not be changed during your stay. 

All our self-catering properties are equipped with sufficient crockery, cutlery and glassware for the maximum occupancy and utensils suitable for preparing simple meals. Kitchen facilities in Greece do not normally include ovens, washing machines or dishwashers but there are some exceptions (especially in the individual villas) and details are given in the property descriptions. Irons, ironing boards and hairdryers are also not the norm but are provided in some properties.

For apartments without air conditioning we are able to provide fans if you request this at the time of booking. In some apartments where air conditioning is provided there is a small local charge (usually between 6 and 8 euros per unit per day), please check at the time of booking. There is also often a local charge for the use of safety deposit boxes. 

Many of our properties have solar power so water may be tepid rather than piping hot especially in the early mornings and at night time but most have electrical back-up for use during cloudy spells. 

When satellite televisions are provided it should be noted that the only English speaking channels available are normally only one or two news channels and an international sports channel so it is not possible to view any of your normal programmes or even British sporting events. 

Our brochure is prepared and photographs taken well in advance so some of the decor and facilities may be updated. It is also impossible to describe and photograph each individual apartment so whilst all the main facilities will be common the layout and furnishings may differ slightly. 

Maintenance and repairs may need to be undertaken from time to time in order to keep properties to up the standards we require, and our staff make health, safety and quality control checks. You, however, are responsible for any breakages or damages caused by you or any member of your party during your stay in your accommodation. It is your responsibility to either put things right or advise our local representative so that they can replace things and recharge you before your departure. 

Hotel accommodation in the Greece is generally of a good standard, but naturally the level of service in the smaller, rural establishments tends to be more laid-back and informal than in the larger hotels, and the range of facilities will be more limited. Some hotels make additional charges for the use of safety deposit boxes and sports or spa facilities. 

WHAT LOCAL SUPPORT IS THERE? 

We have our own representatives on Crete (based in Heraklion and Chania). They will meet you and ensure that you are transferred to your accommodation as efficiently as possible. They will visit you once or twice during your stay, if you so wish, and offer any friendly advice and guidance that you may need to make the most of your stay. Should you encounter any difficulties they are just a telephone call away and have all the local contacts needed to solve most problems. They will also prepare a detailed information book to familiarise you with your property and the surrounding areas. We do not have our own representative on Karpathos but one of our Crete representatives is available by telephone and knows the properties and the island. 

WHAT PASSPORT, VISA AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS ARE THERE? 

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a current passport valid for travel to Greece and a visa should you require one. British citizens need a full 10-year passport valid for the duration of their holiday. Please note children under the age of 16 including infants who are not already included in their parent's passport will require their own passport. We suggest that the passport’s validity extends for six months longer then your planned return date. You must check passport and visa requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country you are travelling to. 

At the time of going to press British Citizens travelling to Greece do not require a Visa. If you do not hold a British passport it is vital that you check current entry requirements with your own Consulate or the Greek Embassy. 

Always check with your doctor as to which inoculations and health requirements are advisable or necessary for your holiday well before you travel. Information on health is contained in the Department of Health leaflet available from most Post Offices. 

Foreign Office Travel advice is readily available from the Travel Advice Unit, 1 Palace Street, London SW1E 5HE. Telephone 020 7238 4503, fax 020 7238 4545. Also this information is displayed on BBC2 (Ceefax). Travel advice is also available on the internet at www.fco.gov.uk 

TRANSFERS

Many of our properties include a complimentary car and this is collected at your arrival airport. We will ensure that you have accurate and up to date instructions to reach your property as effortlessly as possible.

For those properties where complimentary cars are not included we provide transfers – usually by taxi or minibus – from and to the airport or ferry port.  This is included in the cost only if you fly into the airport nearest to your chosen accommodation (Heraklion Airport for properties in Neapolis, Agios Nikolaos, Mavrikiano, Ferma, Makriyialos and Panormo; Chania Airport for guests staying in Chania Town, Stavros, Tersanos, Kastelli or Frangokastelo). 

Please note that it is only possible to fly into Chania from Gatwick and Manchester so guests travelling from other regional airports to Chania, Stavros, Tersanas, Kastelli or Frangokastelo will need to either hire a car from Heraklion or take a taxi at a cost of £100 per journey, which we can arrange in advance. The exception to this is properties in the Rethymnon and Plakias areas as Chania and Heraklion are almost equidstant from these places.

The approximate driving/transfer times from the airports are as follows:

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO CONSIDER? 

Our Booking Conditions are clearly laid out and you should read them carefully before making your booking. They should answer many of your remaining queries but please don’t forget we are approachable and available on 020 8847 8700.