17 May 2019
Come and explore the magical Mediterranean island that inspired ITV's hit drama The Durrells. Aside from Keeley Hawes, who plays a British widow who moved her family to Corfu in 1935, one of the biggest stars of the show is the island itself. In fact, it's almost impossible to watch the hit show or read Gerald Durrell's wonderful books on which it’s based without thinking, "I wish my family had moved to Corfu!"
So this is your chance to go on an unforgettable five-day holiday that includes some fantastic treats for Durrell fans. During this exclusive Corfu experience, we'll get the chance to meet the famous naturalist and writer Lee Durrell, who will give a private talk about her family's love affair with the island and her late husband Gerald's pioneering role in wildlife conservation. Lee will also accompany us on a visit to some of the Durrell family's favourite places in Corfu.
We have arranged the very best luxury accommodation for our stay on the island - the five-star Corfu Holiday Palace. There will also be plenty of time to relax by the pool or on the hotel's private beach, and to explore Corfu at your own pace.
So instead of daydreaming about The Durrells, why don't you come and discover this beautiful and beguiling Mediterranean island for yourself? Lee Durrell will be the perfect guide to the Corfu that she, her late husband Gerry and the family Durrell so fell in love with.
What's included?
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
Call for availability £1,395
Deposit: £200 Single supplement: £200
Tour highlights:
- Private talk and Q&A session with Lee Durrell
- Lunch at the tavern in the White House, a former home of the Durells
- Visit to Mouse Island, one of the Durrells’ favourite places
Tour details
| Dates | 17 May 2019 - 21 May 2019 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days |
| Cost | £1,395 Deposit: £200 Single supplement: £200 Balance due by 22 February 2019 |
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Tour code | BWCOR19A |
17 May 2019: Itinerary
We depart from London Gatwick (other airports are available on request) on a direct flight to Corfu. On arrival we will transfer to our luxurious home for the next four nights: the five-star Corfu Holiday Palace, which has superb facilities including two swimming pools and a private beach.
In the afternoon, we ease into our holiday with an optional guided walking tour through picturesque Corfu Town, taking in the famous Spianada Square and the 16th-century St Spyridon Church, one of the island's iconic sights.
A welcome drink and dinner are served this evening.
Meals include: Dinner
Hotel: Corfu Holiday Palace
We start today with a visit to one Corfu's must-see destinations, the Achilleion Museum, which is filled with statues and other mementoes of its former royal owners: Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
The afternoon is free to discover more of Corfu Town at your leisure, or to relax and make use of the swimming pool, spa and private beach at your hotel.
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE: This evening, while dining at the Corfu Holiday Palace, we will meet the famous naturalist and writer Lee Durrell, who will give a fascinating talk about the Durrell family's long love affair with Corfu and its wildlife and tell the story of her and Gerald's pioneering work for the Gerald Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which he founded in 1963.
Meals include: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Corfu Holiday Palace
Inspired by meeting Lee, today we will visit some of the unforgettable locations that millions of viewers have fallen in love with while reading Gerald Durrell’s books or watching The Durrells.
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE: Lee Durrell will accompany us as we follow in the footsteps of the Durrells, first by taking a trip to Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island, a place that Gerald and his sister Margo both loved to visit, and where Gerald Durrell’s ashes are scattered.
The venue for lunch today is another favourite of the Durrells: the taverna in the famous White House in Kalami, the beautiful building on the north-east coast of Corfu that was once their family home. This afternoon our adventure continues with the chance to see some of the picture-perfect villages in the north of the island.
In the afternoon we continue with Lee to the Lake of the Lillies (as featured in My Family and Other Animals chapter 16 – Lee will give a reading of this). We conclude today at the abandoned but picturesque village of Perithia, where we will meet a local bee keeper with an opportunity to buy delicious honey.
All meals included
Hotel: Corfu Holiday Palace
Today is free to discover more of Corfu at your leisure, or to relax and make use of the swimming pool, spa and private beach at your hotel. A regular bus service into Corfu Town picks up just outside the hotel. Local excursions and boat trips can also be arranged.
Meals include: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Corfu Holiday Palace
After breakfast we must check out of the hotel – please ensure any extras are paid and take your luggage to the coach - and transfer to Corfu airport in time to catch our flight home.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP!
Don't want to go home? For those who'd like to stay in Corfu a little longer, we have arranged an optional, great value two-night extension for an additional £200 per person, including airport transfers and breakfast (single price £300).
Meals include: Breakfast
17 May 2019: Additional Info
17 May 2019: Accommodation
This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Overlooking the sea, a lagoon and the famous Pontikonissi, this holiday resort is close to Corfu's town centre. It offers private access by cableway to the sandy beach, and indoor and outdoor pools.
Featuring a bowling alley, Corfu Holiday Palace offers the possibility to visit the sauna or soak up the sun on the terrace. Free WiFi is available in the property's lobby.
The 4 on-site restaurants beckon with International and Greek cuisine. Hotel guests can also enjoy Japanese dishes at the Sushi Bar.
Private balconies, accessed via large sliding doors, ensure that each guest room has an airy feel. Views of the sea or lagoon further complement your stay at the Corfu Holiday Palace.
