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Welcome “The Lord is my Shepherd… His goodness restores my soul” Psalm 23 reminds us of the goodness of rest and how the Lord goes with us in all circumstances, restoring us in Him. Every week, we hear stories about how our loving Father is at work in our resorts, pouring out His love, encouragement and rest upon those who seek Him. They are stories brimming with fun, restoration and abounding joy! So, whether you are canoeing in the stunning Aegean Sea or lazing in a hammock with a book, it is our prayer that you experience joy and rest from the Giver of Life on a Richmond holiday. New for 2018! We are delighted to introduce new Themed Weeks in Samos. ReTreat is a week with a particular focus on restorative time with God and ReCreate is all about exploring your creative side through photography, painting and creative writing skills! Why Richmond? Fun, relaxing, safe and Christ-centred holidays! Come by yourself, with friends or as a family knowing that you have been prayed for before you arrive. Enjoy trying new activities or delight in existing passions with the help of our friendly staff – they love what they do and love to share it with you! We hope to see you this summer!
Contents 02 Your Richmond Holiday 03 Ministry 04 Themed Weeks 05 Solo Travellers 06 Samos, Greek Island 12 Reberty, French Alps 18 Ski Holidays 20 How To Book Your Holiday
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Your Holiday Includes: Inspiring reflections, worship and teaching from your Richmond Ministry Leader Caring and professional Richmond staff in the UK office and the resorts Delicious breakfasts and evening meals Free Wi-Fi access in all our resorts 100% financial protection through our membership of the Travel Trust Association Varied evening entertainment programme Themed weeks across the summer, which are included in the price of your holiday “The staff were absolutely AMAZING - the manager, Lynne, couldn’t have made us more welcome and the staff were so friendly, professional and couldn’t do enough for you. We loved trying out the water sports and I felt very cared for, as I’m less mobile than most. We just felt so looked after! Oh, and we loved the Captain’s BBQ, ceilidh and the water polo - it was all such fun and it didn’t matter how old you were!” Ruth M, July 2017, Samos
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Our Ministry A holiday is often a great time to get away from the pressures of everyday life, but we believe that one thing a holiday doesn’t have to be is a pause in our relationship with God. In fact, we believe that a time away of fun and relaxation is a perfect opportunity to grow deeper in faith with our awesome, loving God in the setting of His beautiful creation. Each week there is a dedicated Ministry Leader running the times of ministry. In each of our resorts, we hold optional times of prayer, praise and Bible-teaching. This can include a prayer meeting in the morning with a short devotional and then, later in the evening, an informal meeting before dinner. The Ministry Leader will also be available during your holiday to chat and pray with you. “Times of praise and worship. Times of prayer on the beach to the gentle lapping of the waves. Times to relax and recharge your batteries. Also, times to reflect and draw closer to our God and Saviour. As Ministry Leaders, we have repeatedly seen the value of these holidays in so many lives.” Alex & Trish Slater, Richmond Ministry Leaders
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Themed Weeks Take part in our programme of Themed Weeks across the summer: enjoy God’s creation, refresh or explore new skills and build friendships with others! Be coached and inspired by friendly leaders across the week and participate in as much or as little as you choose.
Walking
ReFresh
Samos: 31 MAY, 27 SEP Reberty: 07, 14 JUL
Samos: 05 – 19 JUL
Across the summer, in both Samos and Reberty, we will be running our popular walking weeks. Explore the local areas with our Richmond guide and enjoy the incredible views of either the Samos coastline or the French mountains. Walks vary in difficulty level, distance and incline.
Dancing Samos: 07 JUN
Do you want to learn how to dance? Are you already a dancer? If you answered yes, then this is just the week for you! Each night on the terrace, be guided in a new Latin or ballroom dance.
ReCreate Samos: 14 JUN
Unleash your creative side this summer! Improve and fine tune your painting, photography and creative writing skills during our ReCreate week in Samos.
ReTreat Samos: 20 SEP
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Sometimes you just need a holiday! Our ReTreat week places a special emphasis on restorative time with God. A week focused on reflection, meditation, prayer and worship.
Back by popular demand! In addition to all the fantastic activities on offer in the resort, we also run an extra activities programme for 18 – 25-year-olds. This fortnight is great for anybody in this age group, whether holidaying as friends, a couple, solo traveller or family.
Children & Teen’s Work Samos: 19 JUL - 30 AUG, Children & Teen’s Clubs Reberty: 28 JUL - 01 SEP, Teen’s Club
During the main school holidays, we offer a Children’s Club (4-11yrs) and a Teen’s Club (12-17yrs). Our dedicated Richmond team run exciting activities where the children can have fun together in a safe environment. In the evenings, ageappropriate and engaging times of ministry run alongside the main ministry.
Solo Travellers The unique atmosphere of a Richmond holiday is one that welcomes and includes everybody into the Christian community. Come along and feel relaxed, happy and looked after while you’re abroad. Each week welcomes a mix of guests - from families and couples, to solo travellers and friends. However, some of our weeks are designed particularly for those who are travelling by themselves:
ReIgnite Samos: 28 JUN
A week of vibrant and fun activities tailored towards those in their 20s & 30s. Join the action on the water with races, games and time to learn or perfect sailing and windsurfing skills. In the evenings, compete to become Richmond’s go-karting champion, or enjoy ‘Samos Mojitos’ in the local bars.
ReLoad Samos: 30 AUG, 6 SEPT
These two weeks include a wonderful programme of activities designed to refresh and energise those in their 40s & 50s. Experience the charming openair cinema, sail with one of our RYA instructors and have fun at our dance night!
Greek Culture Week Samos: 21 JUN, 13 SEP
With over 3,000 years of history and culture, Samos Island is a fascinating place to explore during one of our Greek Culture weeks. Great for those travelling alone, visit where the famous Samos wine is made, learn some Greek dancing and visit some incredible historical sites around the island.
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Samos Samos Island, one of the most idylic Greek islands found in the Aegean Sea, is a hidden treasure; its picture-perfect views and natural beauty makes it a stunning holiday location. In Samos, there are so many fascinating places you can visit across the island. It is one of Greece’s best kept secrets and has yet to be discovered by many tourists! Mykali bay is a stunning, unspoilt beach with crystal clear turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The prevailing offshore breeze means calm seas - ideal for practising windsurfing and sailing! Throughout your stay, there are inspiring times of Bible-led ministry and a variety of excursions and activities led by the Richmond team. With something to suit all age groups, the holiday allows you to do as much or as little as you like.
“I particularly enjoyed making new friends, learning to sail and being surrounded by such caring and helpful staff. I also enjoyed worship times and felt loved and blessed throughout my entire holiday.” Jen, Sept 2017, Samos
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Zefiros Beach Hotel The Hotel The typically Greek and family-run Zefiros Beach Hotel is perfectly positioned just metres from the sparkling Aegean Sea. Facilities of the hotel include a large swimming pool with sun loungers, a tennis court, a poolside taverna and a beachside snack bar. There is also a large terrace with an amazing view that looks out across the hotel’s swimming pool and Mykali Bay.
The Rooms All the spacious, bright and airy bedrooms are ensuite, air conditioned, and have their own private balcony, mini fridge and hairdryer. Choose from Classic or Lower Level rooms, or book the Corner Suite or Penthouse for an extra special view of the sea!
The Food Our holidays are half-board, meaning that you can enjoy breakfast and dinner in the hotel dining area. The food is freshly prepared by local Greek chefs and includes various Greek dishes amongst other continental options.
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Samos Activities RYA Watersports Richmond operates its own RYA watersports centre on the beach, just beside the hotel. With the helpful staff team on hand to get the crafts rigged and ready for you in the water, you can enjoy dinghy sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking. Also, our qualified RYA instructors offer sailing and windsuring lessons for all levels throughout each week.
Hybrid and Mountain Biking At the hotel, we have a range of hybrid and mountain bikes that are available for use. Why not join one of our guided tours along the scenic roads to one of Samos’ little white chapels? Or explore at your own pace and spend the day cycling around the picturesque island.
Tennis, Aqua-Aerobics and more Throughout your holiday, you can join in with different activities available around the hotel, including having a game of tennis on the hotel’s court, joining our early morning stretching class on the terrace or having a laugh splashing about at our water aerobics class.
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Excursions A selection of day trips are on offer each week for those who would like to explore the fascinating island of Samos. The Captain’s BBQ trip is a firm favourite: the day is spent aboard Captain Andreas’ boat, stopping off at various idyllic beaches, before eating a fantastic BBQ lunch prepared by the captain himself! We recently introduced a day trip to the mountain village of Vourilates. This includes a traditional Greek cooking demonstration, tour of the local farm and village and a delicious lunch of all the food you saw being prepared! Hire a car for a day and visit Eupalinus’ tunnel, the artisan shops found at Manalates or see how many of Samos’ seventy beaches you can get round. If you fancy travelling further afield, then we also offer day trips to Ephesus and Patmos. Shorter day trips are also available, thanks to the daily shuttle bus that runs between the hotel and Pythagoria or Samos Town. In either town, enjoy shopping, walking along the promenade and refreshments at one of the many tavernas.
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Each week, Richmond runs an evening excursion to one of the local harbourside villages; enjoy a gelato ice-cream or cocktail whilst watching the boats bobbing on the water and the reflections of the many twinkling lights dancing on the surface.
Dates, Prices & Travel Thursday Arrivals: 17 May to 04 October 2018 Prices From: Low
7 Nights
14 Nights
£953
£1401
Mid
£960
£1419
High
£1081
£1624
Low season, from 17 MAY to 24 MAY / from 27 SEP to 11 OCT Mid season, from 31 MAY to 28 JUN / from 30 AUG to 20 SEP High season, from 5 JUL to 23 AUG
ATOL-protected return flights from London Gatwick and Samos airport transfers are included. Infants (under 2): accommodation £50 per week Children (under 12) using 3rd or 4th bed: half-price accommodation Teens (under 18) using 3rd or 4th bed: £70 discount per week For solo travellers, we offer the option of requesting to share a room at no additional charge, or a supplement for exclusive use of the room. • Prices shown are a guide and are based on a minimum of two adults sharing a classic twin room. • Prices are subject to availability and will be confirmed upon enquiry. Please check on our website or contact the office for further information. • Non-package holidays are available without the flight and/or transfers. Please contact the office to find out more.
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Reberty The charming French village of Reberty is ideally positioned, looking out onto the spectacular mountain range of the Alps. At 2,000m high, the air is clear and there is little noise or light pollution; at night you can see the Milky Way and spot shooting stars from the chalet. Our exclusive Richmond chalet is set in the front row of Reberty Village, ensuring uninterrupted views out from the chalet onto the mountain vista. There is easy access from the chalet to gorgeous walks, as well as many other alpine activities. With inspiring times of ministry and exciting activities, the holiday naturally encourages friendships, as you enjoy spending time with others and take time out from your normal routine to relax. If you enjoy the majesty and tranquillity of being in the mountains, then a holiday with us in Reberty is a great choice! “The scenery was magnificent and this, coupled with the ministry sessions, made this a refreshing and renewing experience. The Richmond team were amazing, ensuring that I had a wonderful holiday.� Graham A, July 2017
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Reberty Chalet The chalet’s lounge and dining room both look out onto the mountains; take in the amazing views whilst enjoying a croissant at the breakfast table, or a cup of tea on one of the comfy sofas in the lounge. Help yourself to coffee and a selection of teas throughout the day, and make the most of the chalet’s own fantastic spa area with saunas and hot tubs. Both the hot tubs are outside on the chalet’s decking and look out onto the alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks.
The Rooms The chalet’s fourteen bedrooms are traditionally decorated, all with comfortable beds and stylish ensuites. There are plenty of room options, whether you are travelling on your own, with your family, in a group, or as a couple.
The Food Our holidays include half-board accommodation, with breakfast, afternoon tea and a three-course evening meal with complimentary red and white wine or juice. Our very own Richmond chef provides a delicious menu throughout the week, including some local dishes such as Tartiflette!
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Reberty Activities In The Local Area The chalet is surrounded by many beautiful walks up to viewpoints and meltwater lakes, where the brave can go paddling – or even swimming! Chairlifts and gondolas can be used to quickly reach the mountain tops, where you can bike or walk along the ridges. One particular walk we enjoy is to Chez Pépé Nicolas, a restaurant that not only serves great food but is also a farm. You can pet the animals, watch the cows and goats being milked and see a cheese making demonstration! Each week we visit the sun-trap Plan de l’Eau for a tasty lunch time BBQ, prepared by the Richmond team. With the sunshine and blue skies, blankets laid out on the grass, a kid’s high ropes course and a glacial river to dip your toes into, it’s a fun and relaxing afternoon for all.
In The Evening Chalet life is great fun and following dinner each evening there is a different activity to enjoy, from games of Scattergories and Empires, to visiting Chez Pépé to watch the fireworks whilst sipping hot chocolate. We end the week with a bonfire just outside the chalet where you can expect star-gazing, toasted marshmallows and some rousing campfire choruses!
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Excursions The Richmond team are able to organise a whole range of excursions so that you can make the most of the fantastic local area around Reberty and further afield. Some of the firm favourite excursions available over the summer include: Mountain Biking – The Three Valleys is one of the best locations in Europe for downhill biking White-water rafting or Hydro-speeding - an invigorating and fast paced trip down the Isère river High ropes or via ferrate – have a go scaling the mountain side and shooting down zip lines Paragliding – enjoy glorious 360° views over the local area as you cruise in the thermals
“It was lovely being with other Christians. The staff at Reberty were fantastic and we had wonderful ministry from Andy. Nothing was too much trouble. The chalet was in a beautiful spot and we thoroughly enjoyed the walks. The food was delicious and we felt really spoilt and looked after.” Wendy & Tony, July 2017, Reberty
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Travel The two best ways to travel to our chalet in Reberty Village: Fly – into Geneva airport and then pick up the Richmond transfer, £59 return. Self-drive – from Calais to Reberty Village. This is around 600miles, which is approximately 9-10 hours of driving. There is plenty of free parking around the village. More information, including transfer timings and driving instructions, can be found on our website.
Dates & Prices Saturday arrivals: 07 July - 25 August 2018 Prices From: 7 Nights
14 Nights
Adult
£420
£699
Teen (Under 18)
£315
£524
Child (Under 12)
£210
£350
Infants (under 2): accommodation £50 per week. For solo travellers, we offer the option of requesting to share a room at no additional charge, or a supplement for exclusive use of the room. • Prices shown are a guide and are based on a minimum of two adults sharing a classic twin room. • Prices are subject to availability and will be confirmed upon enquiry. Please check on our webiste or call the office for further information.
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Skiing From December to April, stay with us in Reberty Village or Le Bettaix, both nestled right in the heart of the famous Three Valleys resort. With over 600km of piste, it is the largest linked ski area in the world, with slopes to suit every ability! Our chalets offer spectacular views that can be enjoyed from the cosy lounges with their roaring fires, or the bubbling hot tubs perfectly placed on the terraces. Excellent food is a vital part of any alpine holiday! With Richmond, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, delightful afternoon tea and superb three-course evening meal with complimentary wine. Throughout the week there are opportunities to pause and meet together, with wonderful times of worship and Bible-led teaching. Also, avoid queues in resort and pre-book any ski-hire, lift passes and lessons in advance with the friendly Richmond office team. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or in a group, you will feel included and encouraged throughout your holiday. “It was brilliant. I have already booked for next Easter. The best way to sum up the holiday is a comment my son, Alfie, made to his Nan before the holiday. Nan asked, “Are you going skiing with friends?”; Alfie’s answer: “Yes, but we haven’t met them yet.” That describes perfectly our experience with Richmond.” Warren B, Reberty, April 2017
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How To Book Your Holiday? Speak to a friendly Holiday Consultant: 020 3004 2661 Email: info@richmond-holidays.com Office hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:30 & Sat 09:30-12:30
1 Choose Your Destination
Browse the brochure or go to our website for more information and photos of our resorts. Our friendly and knowledgeable Holiday Consultants are just a phone call away if you need any help or advice.
2 Travel Arrangements
We can book your flights to Samos as part of the ATOL-bonded packages we offer. Alternatively, speak to us for advice on travel arrangements, transfers or driving directions.
3 Confirm Your Holiday
Call or email our Holiday Consultants who can answer any questions and book your holiday with you.
4 Financial Protection
All Richmond holidays are 100% financially protected through our membership of the Travel Trust Association (U790X). A deposit is required to secure your booking and the balance is due 10 weeks before departure. All Richmond flight packages are ATOL-protected (T7533).
5 Complete Your Booking
Review your booking, check or add your party’s personal information, and pay the balance online or over the phone.
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Full Booking Terms & Conditions are available online at www.richmond-holidays.com
Anna W July 2017, Samos “This has been one of the best holidays we have had. As a family, we haven’t felt this relaxed in years. Lynne Martin is such a wonderful manager and I’m sure this rubs off on the whole Richmond team. She welcomes you like you are family and she does this with every single person. Having her there and also Trevor running the ministry time was such a blessing. They made it fun and relaxed but also you felt God’s presence strongly in the place. The young team running all the activities also made the holiday. Ben leading the cycling, Tom running the triathlon and the dancing... The waterfront team were all fabulous and there was no hint that they have been doing this week in, week out. They were all so personable and caring. It’s the first time we have ever done a two-week holiday and we were worried it may be too long - but we didn’t want to leave!!”
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020 3004 2661 info@richmond-holidays.com www.richmond-holidays.com
With Images by Rich Tarr