Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts

Thomas Cook charters in 2014



                       
With concerns over which weeks and hotels Thomas Cook will be running in 2014, I've been corresponding with Thomas Cook's Greek Manager, Vanessa Freeman.

Vanessa has confirmed that t hey will be flying, from Gatwick, on the 19 April 2014 and 26 April 2014 (same early weeks as this year).

On the hotel situation, she said all hotels will be coming on line shortly and that ony being offered one hotel is a glitch. 

She commented "We have changed over to a new reservation system for 2014 and unfortunately have faced a few problems which resulted initially in only the 26th appearing, hopefully this has now been resolved and the 19th should also be on sale. Again, due to a new system we were only able to put one property on sale (Kalloni Bay being the most popular), however all our additional portfolio [of hotels] in Skala Kalloni should be on sale shortly."

I've just checked online (3 June 13) and whilst the 19 April is now coming up, they still only have the one hotel being offered.

So, lets all be assured they are flying as in recent years, and despite what you see on their website and told by their staff, all hotels will be available in the near future. 

Lesvos Birding 2012 day trips - update!


Come and enjoy the real Lesvos with Lesvos Birding's Steve Dudley!

I only announced the finalised dates for next years day trips a few weeks back, and you guys aren't slow are you?!

I'm thrilled that so many of your have already booked your stay on the island and are keen to book your places on my trips. The first two weeks, 22 April to 5 May 2012, are already proving very popular with places booking up very quickly. Still plenty of places on the 6 - 18 May dates.

So, if you haven't booked your places yet, hurry! I'll flag up dates which are filling up on the day trips page - see here.

Lesvos Birding 2012 day trips - update!


Come and enjoy the real Lesvos with Lesvos Birding's Steve Dudley!

I only announced the finalised dates for next years day trips a few weeks back, and you guys aren't slow are you?!

I'm thrilled that so many of your have already booked your stay on the island and are keen to book your places on my trips. The first week, 22 - 27 April 2012, is already proving very popular with places booking up very quickly.

So, if you haven't booked your places yet, hurry! I'll flag up dates which are filling up on the day trips page - see here.

2014 birding holidays

Sorry but I won't be running any holidays this year but will be offering 18 different day trips running between 20 April and 9 May.

More details here.

Lesvos Birding's 2011 group holiday dates

Come and enjoy the real Lesvos with Lesvos Birding's Steve Dudley, author of A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos.

Group holidays (max. 7 participants)
For 2011 spring dates for guided bird and wildlife holidays see here.

Day trips and excursions (early mornings, half day and full day) - for more details see here.

Lesvos holiday competition!

The prize - a week at the delightful Hotel Pasiphae in Skala Kallonis.


P
urchase a copy of A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos before the 30 September 2009, and you could enter a competition to win:

Twin room bed and breakfast accommodation for 7 nights for Friday 10th - Friday 17th September 2010 at the Hotel Pasiphae on the beautiful island of Lesvos!

To enter, simply answer the question on the competition bookmark enclosed in your copy of the book and send it to:

Subbuteo Natural History Books
The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4UR.

Closing date 2nd October 2009.

All correct entries will be entered into a draw for the hotel accommodation!

If you do not have a bookmark present in your copy, please keep your receipt/ proof of purchase and contact Subbuteo for a replacement bookmark. Call 0870 0109700 or email info@wildlifebooks.com.

Terms and conditions apply - click here.

Lesvos Birding holidays in 2010

The best way to see Lesvos is on a guided holiday with an experienced bird and wildlife guide. And who better than the man who has written the book - A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos!

Holidays with Steve Dudley/Lesvosbirding.com
Join me and see just why so many people rave about Lesvos - many of them returning time and time again!

If your interested in joining me on Lesvos, email me to register your interest. I've visted the island annually since 2000 and have led over 20 bird trips on the island. Find reports, photos and lists of species seen from many of my presvious trips here.

Max group size 7 participants. B&B at Hotel Pasiphae in Skala Kallonis. Lunches - all at tavernas across the island. Evening dinner at a Skala Kalloni taverna.

The delightful Hotel Pasiphae in Skala Kallonis.

What does your holiday with Lesvos Birding/Steve Dudley entail? Click here to find out!

2010 weeks
Dates and prices will be confirmed in August 2009.

I'm also available for private groups, spring and autumn, if you need someone to arrange your itinerary and guide/drive you around the island.

For previous trips see reports.

We enjoy our food on our Lesvos Birding holidays! We eat out every day for lunch and dinner using local taverans, occasionally the hotel, but always fresh, local produce including sardines, seafood, fabulous Greek salads - you won't go hungry!

Lesvos Birding at Birdfair 2009

I don't have a stand but I will be at the Birdfair (21-23 Aug) all three days. My fixed events are as follows -

Friday, 21 Aug
1100-1200 - book launch and signing, A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos, Subbuteo Books stand (Marquee 3, stands 10-13).

Saturday, 22 Aug
0930-0950 - Lecture - Lesvos - the jewel in the Aegean, Lecture Marquee 1
1100-1200 - book signing, A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos, Subbuteo Books stand (Marquee 3, stands 10-13).

Sunday, 23 Aug
1100-1200 - book signing, A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos, Subbuteo Books stand (Marquee 3, stands 10-13).

If you miss me and are interested in coming on one of my trips then feel free to call me on +44 (0) 7 767 787 287 (leave a message if I dont answer) to arrange a meeting at the Birdfair.

WIN! A free week at Hotel Pasiphae (B&B) in Sept 2010!! Visit the Subbuteo Books stand for details!

First Choice flight only to Mitilini this spring

First Choice are currently offering flight only deals to Mitilini as follows -

16 - 23 Apr = c.£130 pp
16 - 30 Apr = c.£239 pp
16 Apr - 7 May = nothing offered
23 - 30 Apr = nothing offered
30 Apr - 7 May = nothing offered
30 Apr - 14 May = nothing offered

Check online or with your local agent for more details.

Other carriers still have flights e.g. Aegean Airlines flying from Stansted via Athens.

Terms and Conditions

Lesvos Birding day trip terms and conditions

1. Reservations
A reservation has been made when you have paid the required payment. Booking requests will be considered in order of receipt. A telephone or email booking will be noted from the date of the telephone call or email provided it is followed by receipt of the appropriate confirmation and payment within seven days.

A booking is accepted from the date your booking is confirmed. At this point, a contract between the applicant and Lesvos Birding is effective. All contracts and matters arising from it are subject to English law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
Lesvos Birding reserves the right to decline any bookings.

2. Payments
Payment for single day trips are required in full at the time of booking.

Payment for multiple day trips require a £25 per person per trip deposit, the remaining amount to be paid in full by 31 January.

3. Refunds
Refunds for day trips cancelled by the customer will be made in full up to 31 January. Any cancellations between 1 February and 28 February will incur a £25 per person per day trip cancellation charge. No refunds for cancellations made after 28 February.

Where a trip is cancelled by Lesvos Birding the customer will receive a full refund of all monies paid at the date of cancellation.

Lesvos Birding strongly advises you take out adequate insurance cover to protect you from cancellation within four weeks of the date of the trip.

4. Consumer protection
All deposits and advance monies paid to Lesvos Birding in respect of my tours will be held in a trustee guarantee account until the completion of the trip. In the event of my insolvency all monies will be fully refunded.

5. Trip cancellation
Lesvos Birding reserves the right to cancel any day trip for which there are insufficient reservations up to the day before the date of the trip. In the event of my cancellation, all payments made to Lesvos Birding will be refunded in full.

6. What the price includes
The price of the day trip includes all land travel and meals as specified in the itinerary of each individual day trip and the services of a tour leader throughout.

The following items are not included in the cost: return airfare, travel insurance, passport and visa costs, vaccinations and medication, excess baggage charges, telephone calls, laundry, drinks and food (unless specified in the tour details), tips and items of a purely personal nature.

7. Alterations
Changes in the itinerary may occur. Changes will be made to the stated itinerary if it is felt that they will benefit the tour by providing better birdwatching and wildlife opportunities. The itinerary detailed in any promotion, advertisement, brochure or webpages is therefore an illustration of the sites we may visit to gain the maximum birdwatching and wildlife benefit from a tour, and any birds or animals listed are an example of the species present and which may be possibly seen.

Costs for spring 2013 are based on cost forecasts in August 2012. Lesvos Birding has done everything within its control to accurately forecast the costs of day trips based on information available at the time of planning. Lesvos Birding reserves the right to pass on any significant increases in costs to Lesvos Birding in providing the day trip due to currency changes or increase in local costs which are beyond the control of Lesvos Birding

8. Passport, visa and health requirements
In order to travel to Lesvos all visitors are responsible for, and must be in possession of, a full British passport, valid for at least six months beyond the end of the tour.

Visitors to Lesvos must obtain any necessary visas and vaccination certificates required for entry into Greece (none necessary for EU citizens). Because of changing requirements, and the fact that the tour details are published so far in advance, specific requirements are not always stated.

It is the visitor's absolute responsibility to seek medical advice regarding vaccinations and medication to ensure that they are prepared by the date of their departure. Any medical information supplied to Lesvos Birding must be considered as a guide only. Lesvos Birding is not responsible for your medical care and you must take all necessary steps to ensure that you are fit enough to undertake any trip including bringing with you any medication or medical care you may need during the duration of the tour and a copy of your travel insurance in case any medical needs arise.

Lesvos Birding recommends all EU citizens carry a European Health Insurance Card for tours.

9. Day Trip Information
General and more specific information will be made available to all participants. This may include details such as expected climate and clothing requirements, recommended reading, bird species we are likely to encounter, flight/ferry information, etc. Any information provided is done so as a guide and not an absolute and Lesvos Birding bears no responsibility for any actions taken on any advice given.

Please note, however, that there is absolutely no guarantee whatsoever that specific bird or other wildlife species listed in any information will be seen. Events such as floods, storms, fires etc. may prevent a day trip from visiting certain areas resulting in specific bird species being missed, Lesvos Birding will not accept responsibility for this. Any list provided is merely an indication of the species we may encounter on a tour.

10. Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. This will ensure that the necessary protection is provided against loss of payment, and medical costs, which can be enormous, should you fall ill during your visit to Lesvos. Please note that travel insurance rarely provides sufficient cover for expensive optical equipment; you are therefore recommended to add this to your home insurance policy under the 'All risks' section prior to departure. You will be required to provide Lesvos Birding with details of your insurance prior to departure.

11. Restrictions on participationLesvos Birding trips do not normally entail strenuous activity but, if this cannot be avoided, it will be made clear in the trip details. Nevertheless, participants must be able to complete moderate walks of several miles a day, sometimes on uneven or slippery surfaces, to meet the schedule of any trip. If you have any health problems or physical limitations, you are required to advise Lesvos Birding prior to booking.

Small groups do, of course, call for consideration from all to ensure that everybody enjoys the tour. Your co-operation in not participating in any antisocial behaviour is therefore expected.

Lesvos Birding operate a strict no-smoking policy. Tour participants will not be permitted to smoke whilst with the group.

Lesvos Birding reserves the right to cancel the participation of any any participant, and return to their holiday accommodation will be at their own expense, who will not conduct themselves in an acceptable manner, at my sole discretion.

12. Group size
Trips are restricted to 7 participants (excluding leaders). Lesvos Birding reserves the right to change leaders without notice. The minimum size of a group is 3 participants, if the number of bookings does not reach this figure up to the day before of any day trip, Lesvos Birding reserves the right to cancel the trip and refund the full amount paid by all participants.

13. Lesvos Birding responsibilityLesvos Birding will take all reasonable steps to ensure that all services provided are of an acceptable standard.

Lesvos Birding cannot accept liability for physical injury, loss, damage or expense resulting from any event whatsoever beyond its control. Insurance is therefore absolutely essential.

14. Your responsibility
In addition to any medical information pertinent to the trip (see 8), you are required to inform Lesvos Birding about any other personal condition or need (e.g. dietary requirement) in advance of the tour. Unusual conditions and diets should be checked with Lesvos Birding prior to a booking being made.

15. Data Protection Act
Your records are maintained on a computer and are not divulged to anyone else.

16. Errors and Omissions
Whilst the greatest care is taken in the preparation of any trip details, mistakes can occur. Unless the error or omission has a major effect on a trip to the extent that the number of species seen is materially affected then no claim for compensation can be entertained.

Lesvos Birding holidays

Lesvos birding holidays with Steve Dudley/Lesvos Birding

See here for available 2009 dates.

See here for available 2010 dates.

Whats included in your holiday? Click here to find out!

Max group size 7 participants.

2010 prices
Tour cost: £750 per person (excluding flight)
Deposit: £200
Single supplement: £50

Please read Lesvos Birding tour terms and conditions.

Private groups
I offer a variety of services for private groups:
Full tour: you can either book one of the above weeks for your hole group or I will lead your group around Lesvos for the period of your choice. If your group is over 7 participants, one or more of the group organisers can opt to be driver(s) of the second vehicle.
Itinerary: I can help you plan your trip itinerary.

For previous trips see here.

Note: Speyside Wildlife holidays are booked via them and are subject to their own pricing and terms and conditions. Lesvos Birding supplies the services of Steve Dudley as head guide for Speyside Wildlife Lesvos holidays.

Where to eat

Here are some of our own favourites. Click on the town links to see Matt Barrett's (Lesvos.com) favourites.

SKALA KALLONIS
The harbour area of the town boasts a plethora of tavernas, but here are some recommendations.

Dionysos - right on the harbour front this taverna offers a large and varied menu to suit all. Excellent service and value. They simply have too many good dishes to start listing! You won't go hungry that's for sure!

Sea Horse - on the sea front out of the main town square with a good menu, good food, good service.

Ambrosia (near the church) remains very good delivering a simple Greek kitchen menu.

Madousa (on the seafront between the square and the car park) is an excellent family run taverna with a very enjoyable menu.

MOLIVOS (MYTHIMNA)
The harbour area is crammed with tavernas, some good, some bad, some outstanding! Unfortunately our favourite, Onar's, disappeared in 2008.

My favourite is the To ouzodiko fish taverna next to Octopus. It often has fresh fish hanging in the doorway. Exellent food (especially the seafood and fish) and you wont have to wait long (unlike at many other tavernas on Molivos which seem to pride themselves on slow service!).

For good coffee, ice creams and snacks try my favourite cafe on the island, Briki (first on harbour front by the car park opp the harbour chapel - was Indigo). Cafe Habana (at outward end of harbour) is also good.

Sea Horse is also good - especially for ice creams!

In the town centre, try the taverna (sorry, forgot its name!), just through the arch on the left as you come up from hill. It has great food and a great balcony and view! Use the Taverna Panorama by the castle for drinks if you need them. The food and service is much better down at the harbour.

When at Molivos harbour make sure you check out the little gallery which faces the harbour – it’s great for Greek and Mediterranean art and crafts as well as souvenirs and nick-knacks.

VATERA
As with many real tourist traps good tavernas can be hard to come by in places like Vatera, but the Akrotiri is an excellent fish taverna situated on the headland of Agios Fokas to the west of the town. The Vatera Beach Hotel, on the seafront heading towards Agios Fokas, is also excellent.

SIGRI
Australia, one of a group of tavernas overlooking the harbour front, is excellent - try their fresh fried prawns. The Golden Key sits overlooking the fort and the offshore islands. Its got a fantastic balcony area and some of the best shrimps on the island.

PETRI
The Achilles Well by the car park at the village entrance is fabulous. It has a balcony view to die for and serves a fantastically simple Greek kitchen menu. Tell them Lesvos Birding sent you!

VAFIOS
The taverna Vafios on the western edge of the town has fantastic views from an olive tree lined terrace, an excellent menu and good service. A little more formal than most tavernas but casual dress fine.

NEAR MYTILINI AIRPORT
Taverna Liminaki is just a few km towards Mytilini from the airport on the beach side of the road. It does great fresh fish - a real welcome and tonic after that flight or a great way to say goodbye!

SKALA ERESOU
There are loads of beach tavernas and bars here. Look for the ones patronised by the Greeks! Soulatso (mid way along front) rates as our favourite taverna on the island! What more can I say - eat there! Roots (second in from the west end - was Cafe Agua) is one of my two favourite cafes on the island and is excellent for good coffee, drinks and snacks and offers free Wi-Fi internet whilst you're sipping and snacking!

OFFBEAT
If you're away from the main areas, don't be afraid to eat in any of the town tavernas. We frequently end up in little tavernas occupied by old men sipping Greek coffee and stuffing themselves silly with local dishes! Vatousa, Skala Vasilikon, Skalochori, etc - they all have tavernas primarlily for local custom, but don't be afraid. Many will have an Engligh version of their menu, if not, then you'll just have to brush up on your Greek! It can be great fun and you'll be surprised at just how good and simple eating at the 'local's' tavernas can be.

Where to stay

View of Molivos when approached from Petra


SKALA KALLONIS (see map)
Skala Kallonis is centrally placed (right in the centre of the island at the northern end of the Gulf of Kalloni) for exploring the whole of the island of Lesvos with ease and is the first choice for many visiting birders. Many main birding sites are on the doorstep - Skala Kallonis Pools (when wet), Tsiknias (East) and Christou (West) rivers, Kalloni Saltpans, etc, as well as very good road links to the rest of the island.

Hotel Pasiphae Used by several birding tour groups and many individual birders as a base for their birding holiday on Lesvos. An exellent hotel used to catering for birders. Great bar with pool terrace. Used by several UK bird/wildlife holiday tour companies.

Lesvosbirding.com's Steve Dudley uses the Hotel Pasiphae for all his trips (groups and private holidays).

MOLIVOS (MYTHIMNA) (see map)
A town with two names! The Medieval name of Molyvos is still preferred to the comtemporary name of Mythimna.

Molyvos is situated in the very north of the island and is just over an hours drive from Mytilini (and most of the island!).

Molyvos is Lesvos's tourist capital and shows other places how to do it! It is truly spectacular and even at the busiest time of year, it can still be a realxed place to be.

The town is set on a hill rising up from its picturesque harbour to its Medieval castle, sitting atop the town like a crown. From the castle you can spectacular views of the island across as far as Ipsilou in the west, as well as across the sea to neighbouring Turkey.

Molyvos is a great place to base yourself. The north coast track along to Skala Sikaminias is great for migrants and breeding birds, and most of hte main birding areas are within an hour's drive.

VATERA (see map)
Situated on the south coast, Vatera has the longest beach on the island. This is a real package holiday hotspot and during peak season can be absolutely bustling.

During the spring birding season however, the place is deserted and makes a good base with its own good local areas to explore (inc. the Almiropotamos River, Agios Fokas, Ambeliko Valley), allows regular visits to the Polichnitos Saltpans but is a bit of a drive to the other main birding hotspots inc Kalloni (c. 45 mins drive), the north Coast (70+ mins) and Sigri (up to 2 hrs). But don't let this put you off staying here, exploring a much neglected area and shun the birding crowds around the Kalloni main area. Very few of them will bother you down here!

SIGRI (see map)
Sigri lies at the extreme western end of the island.

Few birders stay at Sigri presumably because its simply too far from anywhere, including a 2-hour drive to and from the airport at Mytilini.

Sigri is though one of the best birding areas on the island and boasts some of the best migrant areas which can easily take up most, if not all, of your holiday! You will other birders here as no matter where lese they may be staying, everyone will go to Sigri at least once during their stay - its that good!

Other places (see map)
Other towns where birders are increasingly staying include Skala Eressou (in the south-west) and Anaxos and Petra in the north.

Plomari in the very much out on a limb from the main sites, and Mytilini is simply not suitable for most wildlife-interested folk, and again away from the main birding sites.

Lesvos Birding holidays on Lesvos - 2009

The best way to see Lesvos is on a guided holiday with an experienced bird and wildlife guide. And who better than the man who has written the book - A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos!

Holidays with Steve Dudley/Lesvosbirding.com
Join me and see why so many people rave about Lesvos - many of them returning time and time again!

If your interested in joining me on Lesvos, email me to register your interest. I've visted the island annually since 2000 and have led nearly 30 trips on the island. Find reports, photos and lists of species seen from many of my presvious trips here.

Max group size 7 participants. B&B at Hotel Pasiphae in Skala Kallonis. Lunches - all at tavernas across the island. Evening dinner at a Skala Kalloni taverna.

What does your holiday with Lesvos Birding/Steve Dudley entail? Click here to find out!

2009 weeks
17-24 September 2009 (Speyside Wildlife holiday run by Steve Dudley/Lesvos Birding) - spaces available - further info and prices

I'm also available for private groups, spring and autumn, if you need someone to arrange your itinerary and guide/drive you around the island.

For previous trips see reports.

Testimonials



Here are just a few of what my previous customers have had to say about their Lesvos holiday with me:

Read Phil Hampson's account of a day with me in spring 2013 - see here and here


I seriously doubt that any other birder knows this island as well as Steve and if you really want to know more about this beautiful place and its birds, I strongly suggest you visit Steve’s website - Neil (Surrey)


Enthusiastic and expert. Steve's affection for Lesvos a real bonus - Richard (London)


Oustanding, faultless and cannot praise highly enough. Steve is 5* - John (London)


Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, thoughtful, great fun, involved and concerned for everyone - Margaret (Kent)


Steve is very good with clients and is probably the best naturalist I have ever met . . . Steve is an excellent driver and one that talks too! - David (Essex)


Steve has excellent birding skills and is very knowledgeable about Lesvos - Jenny (Bucks)


Birding skills superb - Richard (Hants)


I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the day we spent with you on Lesbos recently. We found the day to be really enjoyable, entertaining and very instructive. You are an inspiration, and, as a result of our day with you, we have resolved to try to improve our birding knowledge and skills. Keep up the good work, and we hope to see you again on Lesbos, perhaps in the spring - Stan (Lancashire, UK).


Steve - thanks for a marvelous 4 days of birding. You made our first venture into European birding a wonderful experience! Sharing Lesvos with you and your knowledge of its birds, taverna(e), cultural and natural history had been rewarding - Fred & Janet (California, US).


Keep up the good work. Impressive - Lu & Jaynne (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada).