Explore the sunkissed Mediterranean island of Corfu, which inspired My Family and Other Animals and ITV's The Durrells. This five-day tour features visits to show locations, including the White House in Kalami, once home to Lawrence Durrell, Gerald's novelist brother.
Meet renowned naturalist and writer Lee Durrell, who'll give a private talk about her family's connection to the island and her late husband Gerald's pioneering work in wildlife conservation.
Lee will accompany you to some of the Durrell family's favourite spots, including the Lake of the Lillies, where she'll read an extract from My Family and Other Animals. Lee will be the perfect guide to the island her family so adored.
Other excursions include visits to Perithia, Corfu's oldest village, and the museum at Achilleion Palace. You'll stay at the five-star Corfu Holiday Palace, where you can relax by the pool or on the private beach and explore Corfu at your own pace.
The magic of Gerald Durrell’s childhood can still be experienced and savoured. It is a privilege for me to be with people when they visit Corfu, to watch their sense of enchantment unfold as the sun, sea and flower-filled olive groves that so beguiled the young Gerry once again weave their spell.
Lee Durrell
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single room from £2,020pp. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).
Today you'll depart from London on a direct flight to Corfu.
On arrival, you'll be transferred to your luxurious home for the next four nights, the five-star Corfu Holiday Palace, where the facilities include two swimming pools and a private beach.
This afternoon, ease into your holiday with an optional guided walking tour through Corfu Town, taking in the famous Spianada Square and the 16th-century St Spyridon Church, one of the island's most iconic sights.
This evening, you'll enjoy a welcome drink and dinner where you can mingle and get to know your fellow guests.
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll set off to visit to one of Corfu's must-see attractions, the museum at Achilleion Palace. This impressive palace is filled with statues and other mementoes of its former royal owners, the Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
As well as your local guide, you'll also be joined today by Lee Durrell, who'll accompany you as you follow in the footsteps of the Durrells around Corfu. There'll be 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.
This evening, as you dine at the Corfu Holiday Palace, Lee 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 Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
After another delicious breakfast at the hotel, you'll set out to visit some of the locations that millions have fallen in love with through reading Gerald Durrell's books or watching ITV's The Durrells.
Your first stop is another favourite of the family, the famous White House in Kalami. This beautiful building on the northeast coast of Corfu was once the home of Lawrence Durrell, Gerald's novelist brother.
Lee joins you again today on a visit to the Lake of the Lillies, featured in My Family and Other Animals. While here, Lee will give a reading of the extract where the lake is mentioned.
Next stop is the picturesque village of Perithia, the oldest village on Corfu, which dates back to the 14th century. You'll enjoy a leisurely lunch here in one of the traditional tavernas which serve local specialities.
After lunch, you'll meet a local beekeeper and have the opportunity to buy some delicious honey.
You'll have the whole day free today to spend as you wish. You may choose to head out and discover more of Corfu at your own pace or to relax and make use of the swimming pool and private beach at your hotel.
A regular bus service into Corfu Town runs from just outside the hotel and local excursions and boat trips to other islands, or to nearby Albania, can also be arranged.
This evening, enjoy a final dinner at your hotel as you reflect on the wonderful places you've explored over the past few days.
After your last breakfast at the hotel, it's time to check out and transfer to Corfu airport in time to catch your flight home.
For those who'd like to stay in Corfu a little longer, ask us about an optional, two-night extension including airport transfers and breakfast.
This fabulous five-star hotel overlooks the glittering ocean from its clifftop location - a truly spectacular spot close to Corfu Town. The hotel has its own private beach, plus a health club with indoor heated pool, shops, an outdoor swimming pool, a bowling alley and two tennis courts.
To view Brightwater Holidays’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single room from £2,020pp. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).