Discover the Durrell's Corfu with Lee Durrell 609
Discover the Durrell's Corfu with Lee Durrell 609
5 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Corfu, Greece
Visiting: Corfu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BCFU
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey to Corfu with the "Discover the Durrell's Corfu with Lee Durrell" tour. This unique experience offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, starting with a stay at the luxurious Corfu Holiday Palace. Enjoy guided tours of Corfu Town, the serene islet of Vidos, and the poignant Serbian Museum. Delight in exclusive experiences with Lee Durrell, including a talk on the Durrell family's connection to Corfu and a visit to Mouse Island, a cherished spot of Gerald Durrell. Explore the picturesque White House in Kalami and the enchanting Lake of the Lillies. With ample leisure time to relax or explore further, this tour promises an unforgettable immersion into the world of the Durrells and the stunning landscapes of Corfu.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Corfu Holiday Palace
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from London 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.
Day 2
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Corfu Holiday Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Our local guide joins us again as we start today with an excursion to Vidos, a thickly wooded islet in the bay opposite Corfu Town which is home to a special array of flora and fauna and is therefore protected as a nature reserve. The 15-minute boat trip across the bay is very pleasant in itself and on arrival we will have free time to explore and take in the peaceful atmosphere, with an opportunity to enjoy the views over a drink in the taverna. Worth a visit is the Serbian Mausoleum, which commemorates the 150,000 Serbian soldiers who fled to Corfu in 1915.
On our return to Corfu Town, we will pick up the tragic yet fascinating story of these exiles at the Serbian Museum. Exhibits include photographs from the three year stay of the Serbians in Corfu, together with other exhibits such as uniforms, arms and ammunition of the Serbian army, Serbian regimental flags, religious artefacts, surgical tools and other decorations of the Kingdom of Serbia.
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 Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which he founded in 1963.
Day 3
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Corfu Holiday Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. 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: Along with our local guide, Lee Durrell will accompany us as we follow in the footsteps of the Durrells, first by taking a trip to Pontikonisi, on 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 the home of Lawrence Durrell, Gerald’s novelist brother. 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 and meet a local bee keeper with an opportunity to buy delicious honey.
Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 4
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Corfu Holiday Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. 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 to other islands or over to Albania can also be arranged.
Day 5
Location: Corfu
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 £225 per person, including airport transfers and breakfast (single price £325).
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is included as part of the tour package.
-
Services of a professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included throughout the tour.
-
Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
-
Meals as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
-
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits outlined in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
-
Welcome drink and dinner on Day 1
A welcome drink and dinner are included on the first evening of the tour.
-
Exclusive experience with Lee Durrell
An exclusive experience with Lee Durrell, including a talk and guided visits, is included.
-
Dinner at the hotel on Day 3
Dinner is included at the hotel on the third day of the tour.
What's Not Included
-
Optional guided walking tour on Day 1
The guided walking tour through Corfu Town on the first day is optional and not included.
-
Local excursions and boat trips on Day 4
Local excursions and boat trips on the fourth day are optional and not included.
-
Two-night extension in Corfu
The optional two-night extension in Corfu is not included and is available for an additional cost.
-
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as additional meals, drinks, and souvenirs are not included.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy comfortable coach travel throughout the tour, with a direct flight from London to Corfu and convenient transfers to and from the airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay at the luxurious five-star Corfu Holiday Palace, offering superb facilities including two swimming pools and a private beach, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience throughout your stay.
Check out our Q&As
-
Who will be accompanying the tour group during the visit to Mouse Island?
Lee Durrell, the famous naturalist and writer, will accompany the tour group during the visit to Mouse Island.
-
What exclusive experience is offered on the second day of the tour?
On the second day, while dining at the Corfu Holiday Palace, guests will have the exclusive experience of meeting Lee Durrell, who will give a talk about the Durrell family's connection to Corfu and their work with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
-
What activities are available on the free day in Corfu?
On the free day, guests can explore more of Corfu at their leisure, relax at the hotel's swimming pool, spa, and private beach, or take local excursions and boat trips to other islands or Albania.
-
Is there an option to extend the stay in Corfu after the tour ends?
Yes, there is an optional two-night extension available for an additional £225 per person, including airport transfers and breakfast.
-
Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
-
What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
-
Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
-
Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
-
Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
-
How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
-
Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
-
What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
-
Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
-
What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
-
What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
-
Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
-
How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
-
Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
-
How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
-
Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.