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Passports Please ensure your 10 year British Passport is not Baggage Allowance out of date and is valid for a full three months We advise that you stick to the baggage beyond the duration of your visit. The name on allowances advised. If your luggage is found to be your passport must match the name on your flight heavier than the airlines baggage allowance the ticket/E-ticket otherwise you may be refused charges at the airport will be hefty. boarding at the airport. With British Airways your ticket includes one hold Visas bag of up to 23kg plus one cabin bag no bigger Visas are not required for for citizens of than 56 x 45 x 25cm including handles, pockets Great Britain and Northern Ireland. For all other and wheels, and one personal bag, such as a passport holders please check the visa handbag or computer bag. requirements with the appropriate embassy. For more information please visit Greek Consulate: 1A Holland Park, London W11 www.britishairways.com 3TP. Tel: 020 7221 6467 Labels Please use the luggage labels provided. It is useful to have your home address located inside your Tickets suitcase should the label go astray. Included with this documentation is an e-ticket which includes a reference number for your flight. Departure Tax At check-in you will need to quote/show this and UK Flight Taxes are included in the price of your you will be issued with your boarding pass. Online holiday. check-in is not available Transfers Please check that the details on your On arrival at Corfu Airport please collect your documentation are accurate and that all names luggage and exit the luggage area and proceed are spelt correctly and match the names on your until you are in the arrivals hall. You will find your passport. Your flight ticket is non-transferable and Tour Manager situated in arrivals, holding a Travel non-refundable. No refund can be given for non- Editions sign. The journey time to your hotel is used portions. approximately three hours.

Special Requests

If you haven’t already done so, please notify

Travel Editions of any special requests as soon as

possible to allow sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements.

Accommodation

Philoxenia Hotel, Monodendri When eating out the Greeks nearly always eat The family-run Philoxenia Hotel is a very attractive, ‘Mezedes’ style. This means ordering several traditionally designed, stone-built hotel situated in dishes, starters and/or main plates, whatever the upper part of the quiet village of Monodendri. takes your fancy, to put in the middle of the table Featuring wooden ceilings and floors, warm for all to share. It’s a very sociable way to eat and colours and dark wood furnishings; the a great way of tasting lots of different dishes! comfortable bedrooms, with private bathrooms, Don’t be shy in the amount you order, or if you are equipped with TV, fridge and hairdryer. A only find yourselves ordering starters – any breakfast buffet is served daily in a traditionally combination is acceptable. furnished dining area. The hotel has a small bar and a small library, with books on the local area. When ordering fish in Greece you will find the Free Wi-Fi access is available in all public spaces; price on the menu relates to a cost per kilo. Don’t magazines and board games are also be put off by this. You are expected to go into the available. Tavernas are within a 2-minute walk. kitchen, choose the fish you want and then it will For more information visit the hotel website; be weighed in front of you so you know what you www.zagoriaphiloxenia.gr will pay.

Nearly all tavernas sell their own ‘open’ wine, Arion Hotel, Corfu known as village wine. It is something of an acquired taste but it goes well with the local food. The "Arion" Hotel recently renovated, is situated The white is usually always very drinkable but the in the area of Anemomylos just 100m from the sea red varies quite a lot. If you are unsure you can front, 1200 m from the centre of historic Corfu always ask if you can try the wine before you town and just a short walk from the beautiful agree to it. Prices of local ‘village’ wine are usually gardens of Mon-Repos. All rooms have their own between 3 and 5 euros per half litre. private bathroom, direct phone-line, TV, air- conditioning, balcony and free WiFi. The lounge Local drinks are ouzo, tsipoura, metaxa and, of area, the indoor bar and the restaurant with their course, Greek wine. Tsipoura is the local firewater! elegant furniture and high windows create a This is distilled from the residue of the grapes after comfortable and friendly atmosphere. A buffet making wine. You will probably find you come style breakfast is served in the dining room on the across this whether you want to or not, as it is very ground floor. The "Arion" offers an excellent often served, complimentary, at the end of a meal. location as well as a friendly service and comfortable rooms. Tavernas are easily accessed In Monodendri and Corfu you will find a from the hotel on foot. reasonable choice of tavernas within walking distance of the hotel. For more information visit the hotel website: http://www.arioncorfu.gr/

Meals included in your holiday Dining The standard of food in Greece is excellent and Breakfast daily offers a remarkable variety of freshly prepared and very tasty dishes, many of which use locally One dinner and two lunches grown products and locally produced olive oil.

Destination

Zagoria interiors, kalderimi (old mule trails), and forests of The word Zagoria comes from the Slavic language beech, chestnut, and pine. and means "behind the ", Za Having our main base for the tour at Monodendri, meaning "behind" and gora "". Visiting one of the larger of the Zagoria villages, really the region and experiencing its undulating and provides the opportunity to truly soak up the local dramatic landscape that includes the second atmosphere of this remarkable region. highest mountain in Greece, Mount , and the imposing Mount range, it is easy to Metsovo understand why the region was given this name. Metsovo, situated at an altitude of 1200 metres, is The northern area of Zagoria has been designated famous for its roast meat, home-made pies, and a National Park, covering a distance of 2500 sq. km smoked cheese, as well as for its skiing with the dramatic slicing through the opportunities in the winter months. A village of middle. This status has ensured the rich flora and 5,000 Vlachs, Metsovo (60 km east of ) fauna of Epirus has been vitally protected. More rests upon the ruins of ancient Tymphi. It extends than 1800 species can be found here, many of along one of the highest peaks of the , and which are endemic and considered endangered. has a real ‘mountain resort’ feel with its "Alpine" Five species of wild lily flourish in the area; other architecture and its striking scenery. The village is impressive species that can be found are the built on the steep side of one mountain and looks Poet’s Daffodil, the Australia tulip, the spring across a valley to some of the highest peaks of the gentian and the saxifraga spruneri. Various Pindus Mountains, capped with snow even medicinal herbs and plants can also be found; through the summer. The inhabitants' income mint, sage, thyme, daphne, myrtle spurge and comes from lumber, grazing, cheese making, many others. Orchids are also prominent. Wildlife weaving and a robust red wine! Houses are made in the park includes 60 species of mammals, the from wood and stone, with slate roofs and carved most famous being the European Brown Bear with wooden ceilings. Metsovo and the other mountain others of note including wolves, wild cats, otters, villages of this area are completely unlike the rest boar and badgers. 187 bird species, 30 species of of Greece. Even the language is different, since reptiles, 14 kinds of amphibians and 17 species of most of the people, although they speak Greek, fish are also known to inhabit the park. are Vlachs and speak Vlachika as their native tongue. It’s not unusual to see some of the older Places of interest included in the tour: people wearing the traditional Vlach dress: men in black, sometimes with skirts and white leggings, Zagorohoria tasselled clogs and shepherd’s crooks, and women Zagorohoria means the villages of Zagoria, which in long skirts and embroidered velveteen bodices. comprise 46 stone-built villages situated to the north and northwest of Ioannina. Vikos Gorge During the last decade, the Zagorohoria region has Although our tour doesn’t include a walk into the become incredibly popular among Greeks, but it’s Vikos Gorge, it is such a striking feature of the a place that only foreigners ‘in the know’ visit. Its region that it has to be mentioned. cultured people, stunning landscapes, cozy The gorge is about 20km long and spreads guesthouses, World Heritage–protected between the villages of Monodendri and Vikos, architecture, and wonderful rivers make it a and is in the Guinness book of records as the unique destination. deepest gorge in the world. The average depth of Most of the villages consist of the the gorge is 700 metres, but its highest point is same ‘arhontika’ style houses - stone mansions 1,600 metres, the width varies from 450 to just a with walls and roofs made of grey slate, taken few metres. from surrounding mountains, and winding cobbled The Vikos Gorge makes up the majority of the streets. Dotted between the villages are graceful Vikos- National Park and has the arched Turkish bridges, churches with painted River running through it, which is also the cleanest

river in Europe. The gorge is very important to scientists as it has some unique eco-systems and endangered wildlife and plants. The gorge is popular during the summer months for hiking, although the full distance of the gorge doesn't Your Guide have to be completed in one go as you can enter Graham Kendall and leave the gorge at different points along the Having studied at the Savill Gardens, Windsor and way. the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Graham Kendall went on to be Head Gardener at three The Vikos-Aoos National Park National Trust Properties before starting his own The Vikos-Aoos National park is named after the consultancy. In the 1970’s he spent a year studying two Gorges within its boundaries; the Vikos gorge in Greece at a pioneering garden which combined and the lesser known Aoos gorge, which is about native plants with plants from other 10 km long. The Aoos gorge, like the Vikos is Mediterranean-type climates. This kindled popular with hikers and has a number of historic Graham’s love of Greece’s rich native flora. stone built arch bridges, which cross the Aoos river Numerous subsequent visits have only increased that flows through the gorge. his fascination and knowledge. The Vikos-Aoos National park has much more than just the two canyons, the amazing mountainous Tour manager landscape has many rivers, mountain lakes, Your tour manager will be on hand throughout the ancient coniferous and deciduous forests, caves tour to ensure that everything operates according and a unique ecosystem. It is one of the last places to plan. If you have any problems or questions in Europe to have wild Brown Bears, the park also please see him or her immediately and they will do has wild Cats, Eagles, Egyptian Vultures, and all their utmost to resolve any issues. kinds of rare plants. Please note as this tour is very much dictated Corfu by the hands of nature, it is possible some of the Magnificent verdant Corfu, ( Kerkyra in Greek), sites mentioned may change if the flora is found to was Homer’s ‘beautiful and rich land’. Mountains be better elsewhere. If appropriate, these dominate the northern half where the coastlines decisions will be taken by the guide and tour can be steep and dramatic and where the island’s manager during the tour. interior is a rolling expanse of peaceful countryside where stately cypresses, used for masts by the Venetians, rise from shimmering olive groves. South of Corfu Town the island narrows and flattens. Corfu was a seat of European learning in the early days of modern Greece. While the rest of the nation struggled simply to get by, the Corfiots established cultural institutions such as libraries and centres of learning, and many major Greek figures like Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first head of an independent Greece, hailed from Corfu. To this day, Corfiots remain proud of their intellectual and artistic roots. This legacy is visible in its fine museums and cultural life to its high-calibre, Italian-influenced cuisine.

payments and you may like to check these with your credit card supplier before travel. The Basics Electricity – 220 volt, two-pin continental plug. Climate – The weather in Greece at this time of year is likely to be pleasant, but evenings at visits Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink at altitude can be quite cool and there is the although you should check at the hotel if the chance of the odd shower. Our best advice is to bathroom water is safe to drink as it could be tank come prepared. Layers are useful as is a rain jacket water rather than mains water. Bottled water is and small umbrella. readily available to buy in all of the local shops and

very reasonable priced. Time – GMT +3 hours (Summer time Apr-Oct);

GMT + 2 (Standard time Nov-Mar). In reality this Plumbing - Unless there is information to the means, summer or winter, Greece is 2 hours ahead contrary please do not put toilet paper down the of the UK toilet. As you may know this is common practice in Language – Greek Greece due to the narrowness of the waste pipes. Religion – Greek Orthodox Please dispose of the paper in the bins provided,

which will be regularly emptied by the hotel. Currency – Euro. €1 = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Telephones/mobiles – You should be able to use Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, your mobile phone in Greece, depending on your 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. operator and contract. If you are calling the UK

Banks – Cashpoints compatible with international from a mobile in Greece, you will need to prefix the number with the international dialing code banking networks are located in all towns and 0044. cities, as well as airports and other spots. Those banks that still exchange foreign currencies into Tipping –To keep our tours affordable, we do not local money will always charge a transaction fee, increase the tour price by adding in tips. However, so withdrawing money from an ATM usually represents the most logical means of obtaining in the tourism industry, there is a certain level of euros other than bringing euros with you from the expectation that, when receiving a good service, UK. one does award with a tip. Tour Managers, Banks are open Monday to Friday 8am – 2pm. Representatives, Guides and Drivers appreciate a ATM machines can be easily accessed in the town tip at the end of their involvement with the tour, but this is entirely at your discretion. We believe in and you can use a UK debit card, using the same allowing you to tip according to your level of pin number you use in the UK, to withdrawn cash. satisfaction with their services. The instructions are in English. Just look for signs on ATM’s for Delta or Cirrus. Walking shoes – as our days are spent in various

Please Note: As the Zagoria region, where we sites botanizing with a variety of terrains, which stay for most of the tour, is quite a remote area can be a little rocky and uneven underfoot, we we cannot guarantee that cash machines will be recommend that you bring shoes which have good readily available so advise you bring enough cash gripping soles that are fairly sturdy and definitely to cover your time in this area. We would suggest comfortable. an amount of 50 euros per person per day should cover your essential needs.

Credit cards– Greece remains very much a cash society so credit cards are not always widely accepted, however, more places are accepting these nowadays but it is best to check first in restaurants and shops that they accept credit cards, if you wish to pay by card. Varying amounts of commission can be charged for credit card

Health Insurance

General Health Advice European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) We suggest you take a good supply of your own It is essential to carry an EHIC card with you as this individual medicines with you and always keep will assist you if you are admitted to a hospital in some in your hand luggage in case you get delayed Greece. or your luggage goes astray. General-purpose The EHIC replaced the old E111 in 2006. Valid in all supplies for bites, stings, or scratches, and your EEA countries, the card lets you get state usual medication for headaches, or stomach healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for upsets are always recommended. Oral re- free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed hydration sachets are excellent for topping up salt to allow you to continue your stay until your and glucose levels. planned return. It also covers the treatment of Visit the NHS Fit for Travel website for more pre-existing medical conditions. generally information specific to the country you Please note that the EHIC is not an alternative to are visiting – www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs such as being flown Doctor/Dentist/Chemist back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC Please talk to your tour manager if you are feeling and a valid private travel insurance policy. It is also unwell and they will organise for you to see a important to note that each country’s healthcare Doctor if necessary. There is normally a charge of system is slightly different, so the EHIC might not about 60 Euros for calling out a doctor (or more, cover everything that would be generally free on depending on the distance the doctor has to the NHS. travel) and there is also a charge to visit a Doctor.

Keep any receipts for insurance claims. For more information about the EHIC please visit:

https://www.ehic.org.uk

Hospital Travel Insurance The nearest hospitals are in Ioannina and Corfu. We strongly recommend that you take out an Your tour manager/hotel reception will assist if appropriate travel insurance policy when you you need to visit a hospital during your stay. travel abroad. If you require medical assistance Keep any receipts for insurance claims. whilst abroad it is essential that you contact the

emergency number of your insurance company to Inoculations advise them of the situation. You will NOT be No compulsory vaccinations are required for travel covered for any claim unless this procedure is in Greece. carried out. Your insurance company will then decide on the best course of action whilst in Pharmacies resort. Pharmacies throughout Greece are generally well- stocked and have knowledgeable staff who, more often than not, will speak good English.

Pharmacists will often be able to give advice and medicine for minor ailments. Pharmacies are open Monday to Friday but not on Saturdays.

Language Open – Anikto The following are just a few basic words and Restaurant – Taverna phrases that you may enjoy trying out during your Pharmacy – Pharmakeio stay. Don’t worry, it is not essential, as most Hospital – Nosokomeio Greeks speak some English! Police - Astomomio Where is – Pou ine? Hello – Yasoo When – Pote? Hello - if there is more than one person present or How much – Poso Kani? if you don’t know the person - Yassas Telephone – Telefono Thank you – Efharisto Postage Stamp - Grammatosimo Please – Parakalo Sorry/Excuse me - Signome Do you speak English? – Milate anglika? Little – Ligo I don’t understand – then Katalaveno I – Ego How are you? – Ti Kanis? We – Emis Well/good – Poli Kala You – Esi Very nice – Poli Orea They – Afti Yes – Ne So So – Etsi-k-etsi No - Ohi Where is the toilet - Poo ine e tualeta Good morning – Kalimera How much does this cost - Po'so ka'ni afto Good afternoon – Kalispera Please bring the bill - Logariasmo' parakalo' Good night – Kalinikta Coffee - Kafe Cheers – Yamas! Tea - Chi Hot – Zesty Water - Nero Cold – Krio Wine - Krasi I want – Thelo Beer - Bira Closed – Klisto Ice Cream - Pagato Open – Anikto Restau rant – Taverna Pharmacy – Pharmakeio Hospital – Nosokomeio

Police - Astomomio

Where is – Pou ine?

When – Pote? How much – Poso Kani? Telephone – Telefono Postage Stamp - Grammatosimo Sorry/Excuse me - Signome Little – Ligo I – Ego We – Emis You – Esi They – Afti So So – Etsi-k-etsi Where is the toilet - Poo ine e tualeta How much does this cost - Po'so ka'ni afto Please bring the bill - Logariasmo' parakalo'

Coffee - Kafe

Tea - Chi

Water - Nero Wine - Krasi Beer - Bira Ice Cream - Pagato

Emergencies Should an emergency arise, please call our offices on: 00 44 20 7251 0045 Outside office hours (Mon-Fri 0900-1700), telephone our emergency staff on: 00 44 20 7431 8201 or 00 44 7899 796542 or 00 44 7831 133079 or 00 44 1235 850720 PLEASE USE THESE NUMBERS ONLY IN THE EVENT OF A GENUINE EMERGENCY.

If you find that you are in need of consular assistance during your holiday:

British Vice-Consulate, Corfu1st floor 18 Mantzarou Street 49 100 Corfu Email: [email protected] Tel 0030 26610 23457 Tel 0030 26610 30055 Fax 0030 26610 37995 Open to the public, by appointment only, Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 1pm Please note that an appointment is not necessary for emergency cases requiring consular assistance Telephone enquiries: Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm

British Embassy Athens 1, Ploutarchou str 106 75 Athens Greece Tel: +30 210 7272 600 Email: [email protected]

Open to the public - by appointment only

[email protected]. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 1pm. Telephone enquiries: Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm Email: [email protected]

Travel Editions 69-85 Tabernacle Street, London EC2A 4BD Tel: 0207 251 0045 Email: [email protected] www.traveleditions.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. IT IS MEANT AS A GUIDE ONLY AND WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS OR SUBSEQUENT CHANGES.