Richmond Holidays Summer 2019 Brochure by Richmond Holidays

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Welcome “In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95 v 4-5 What a generous and loving Heavenly Father we have! New for 2019! We hope the stunning front cover caught your eye - the mountains hold such beauty! This summer in the Alps, we are launching our first French Culture Week; join us as we indulge in superb French cuisines and explore local traditions. Our bikes have been a huge hit in Samos so, in response to your requests, we are introducing Biking Weeks in both the French Alps and Samos! With plenty of opportunities to explore these stunning destinations both on tarmac and the more “rugged” routes, join us this summer and discover the path less trodden! Why Richmond? Fun, safe, relaxing and Christ centred! 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 would love to share it with you! Adam Playfair, Managing Director

Contents 02 What Your Holiday Includes 03 Our Ministry 04 Themed Weeks 05 Solo Travellers 06 Samos 12 French Alps 18 Ski Holidays 20 How To Book Your Holiday

What Your Holiday Includes Inspiring reflections, worship and teaching from your Richmond Ministry Leader Opportunities for prayer Caring and professional Richmond staff in the UK office and the resorts Delicious breakfasts and evening meals every day Free Wi-Fi access in all our resorts 100% financial protection through our membership of the Travel Trust Association Daytime activity and evening entertainment programmes Use of our activity equipment and facilities at no additional cost The option to meet our Rep at the airport and make use of our door-to-door exclusive transfer service “I can’t fault the holiday. The staff were amazing and so friendly, I have left the resort with the best memories and new friends and feel sad to have left. The food was amazing and the activities were so good. All the staff went out of their way to make sure you were well looked after.” Katie-May J, July 2018, French Alps

Our Ministry A holiday can be a precious time to get away from the pressures and stresses of everyday life. However, 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 filled with fun and relaxation is a perfect opportunity to deepen our faith in our awesome, loving God in a setting of His beautiful creation. Each week there is a Ministry Leader dedicated to Richmond guests. In each of our resorts, we hold optional worship, prayer, and Bible teaching times throughout the week. This includes morning prayer meetings, Bible studies before dinner and evening worship under the stars! The Ministry Leader will also be available during your holiday to chat and pray with you. “I had a wonderful holiday in Reberty. It was so nice to be with such lovely people for two weeks, and the team were totally devoted to giving us a really good holiday. The Ministry leading was great; food for the soul. It was so special to be in that beautiful and magnificent setting of the Alps, and conducive to experiencing the peace, awesomeness and beauty as in the Lord’s presence.” Sheena S, August 2018, French Alps.

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! Let our friendly and encouraging leaders coach and inspire you!

Walking Samos: 23 MAY, 26 SEP, French Alps: 13, 20 JUL

Children & Teen’s Clubs, Samos: 18 JUL - 29 AUG Teen’s Clubs, French Alps: 27 JUL - 31 AUG

Across the summer, in both Samos and the French Alps, 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.

During the main school holidays, we offer a Children’s Club (4-11 years) and a Teen’s Club (12-17 years). Our dedicated Richmond team run exciting activities where the children can have fun together in a safe environment. In the evenings, age-appropriate and engaging ministries will run alongside the main ministry.

Dancing

Biking Week

Samos: 06 JUN

ReCreate

The famous Tour De France race is scheduled to come right through Les Menuires in 2019! Cycle in the tracks of legends and challenge their ascent times, or, if you prefer to be off-road, you’ll love the 50 mountain bike routes around the valley. Alternatively, take advantage of our expanding fleet of bikes to access unseen parts of Samos Island!

Samos: 13 JUN

French Culture Week

Do you want to learn how to dance? Are you already a dancer? If you answered “yes”, then this is the week for you! Come along and be guided in Latin and ballroom dances throughout the week.

Unleash your creative side this summer! Improve and fine tune your painting, photography and creative writing skills during our ReCreate week in Samos.

ReFresh Samos: 11 JUL

This fortnight is great for anybody aged 18-25 years old, whether holidaying as friends, a couple, a solo traveller or with family. Come along and enjoy a complimentary RYA course on us!

Samos: 04 JUL, French Alps: 24 AUG

French Alps: 27 JUL

What was life like in the mountains 100 years ago? How is the local Tomme de Savoie cheese made? This week, we take you on a journey of discovery. Taste local Savoie wines, cheeses and more, discover the area’s rich history and learn about local traditions!

ReTreat Samos: 19 SEP

Sometimes you just need a holiday! Our ReTreat week places a special emphasis on restorative time with God through a focus on reflection, prayer and worship.

Solo Travellers The unique atmosphere of a Richmond holiday is one that welcomes and includes everybody in the Christian community. Come along and feel relaxed, happy and looked after while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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: 27 JUN

A week of activities tailored towards those in their 20s & 30s; enjoy sunrise paddleboarding, worshipping under the stars, frappĂŠs by the pool and bike rides to wonderful beaches.

ReLoad Samos: 29 AUG, 05 SEP These two weeks include a fantastic programme of activities designed for those in their 40s & 50s. Experience the charming open-air cinema, sail with one of our RYA instructors and have fun at our dance night!

Greek Culture Week Samos: 20 JUN, 12 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. Visit incredible historical sites around the island, have a go at Greek dancing and learn useful Greek phrases!

Samos The island of Samos is one of Greece’s best kept secrets! Located in the sparkling Aegean Sea, the natural beauty of this idyllic Greek island makes it a stunning holiday location. Our resort is situated along Mykali Bay: a picture-perfect beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters, ideal 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 activities and excursions 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.

“One of the many attractions for me of Richmond Holidays is that you feel you are part of a family. The Christian ethos creates a special atmosphere in which people look out for each other. For single travellers, as I am, this is important.” Janet D, July 2018, Samos

Zefiros Beach Hotel The Hotel The family-run Zefiros Beach Hotel is perfectly positioned just metres from the beach. The hotel’s large terrace boasts an amazing view across the hotel’s pool and on to beautiful Mykali Bay. Facilities at the hotel include a large swimming pool with sun loungers, a tennis court, a poolside taverna and a beachside snack bar.

The Rooms All the hotel’s 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 buffet breakfasts and dinners in the hotel dining area. Lunches are available to purchase at the hotel’s poolside bar or in the other nearby tavernas. The food is freshly prepared by local Greek chefs and includes various Greek dishes alongside other continental options.

Samos Activities RYA Watersports You can enjoy dinghy sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking at Richmond’s own RYA watersports centre, positioned just beside the hotel. Our helpful team are on hand to get the crafts rigged and ready for you in the water. Furthermore, our qualified RYA instructors offer sailing and windsurfing lessons for beginners and intermediates.

Hybrid and Mountain Biking At the hotel, we have a range of hybrid and mountain bikes available exclusively for Richmond guests. Why not join one of our staff-led 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 enjoy different activities available around the hotel such as our Richmond-led aquaaerobics class or a game of tennis at your own leisure on the hotel’s court.

Excursions A selection of day trips are on offer each week for those who would like to explore the fascinating island of Samos. A day out to the mountain village of Vourliotes includes a traditional Greek cooking demonstration, tour of the local farm and a delicious lunch of all the food you saw being prepared! The Captain’s BBQ trip is a firm favourite: the day is spent aboard Captain Andreas’ boat, stopping at various idyllic beaches before eating a fantastic BBQ lunch! Hire a car for the day and see how many of Samos’ seventy beaches you can visit or explore Pythagoras’ cave and stop by the artisan shops found in Manolates. If you fancy travelling further afield, 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. Each week, Richmond runs an evening excursion to one of the local harbourside villages; enjoy a gelato ice-cream or glass of local wine whilst watching the boats bobbing on the water and the reflections of the many twinkling lights dancing on the surface.

Travel The best way to get to the Greek island of Samos is to fly: The Richmond package prices below include ATOLprotection, return flights from London Gatwick and transfers to and from the Zefiros Beach Hotel. You are welcome to book alternative flights independently. Richmond can provide airport transfers to and from the Zefiros Beach Hotel at any time. More information, including flight times and transfer information, can be found on our website.

Guide Prices Thursday arrivals: 16 May - 03 October 2019 We love early bookers! Book your place now to secure the best price. Prices per person based on two adults sharing a two bed room, including flights and transfers: 7 Nights

14 Nights

Outside of School Holidays

£891 - £1133

£1291 - £1654

School Holidays (18 July - 29 August)

£1067 - £1318

£1613 - £1955

We’d love to give you a bespoke quote, so please call 020 3004 2661 We can reserve rooms for three days - no cost, no obligation! • Prices may change and are subject to availability. They will be confirmed upon enquiry. • Non-package holidays are available without flights and/or transfers. Please contact the office to find out more. • Discounts available for under 18s.

French Alps Our exclusive Richmond chalet is ideally positioned in the charming French village of Reberty. At 2,000m above sea level, it looks out onto the spectacular mountain range of the Alps and is fully staffed by our caring and professional Richmond team. There is easy access from the chalet to numerous picturesque walks, as well as many other alpine activities. With inspiring times of ministry and exciting activities, the holiday naturally encourages friendships, as you take time out from your normal routine to relax and enjoy spending time with others. If you enjoy the majesty and tranquillity of being in the mountains, then a holiday with us in the French Alps is a fantastic choice!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The scenery was stunning, the fellowship was wonderful and it all felt very homely. The food was great and plentiful. We had a wonderful time helped by a very dedicated and delightful Richmond team.â&#x20AC;? Robert A, August 2018, French Alps

The Chalet Our chalet in the French Alps is the perfect setting for an amazing alpine holiday! Take in the magnificent views of alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks whilst enjoying a croissant at the breakfast table, or a cup of tea on one of the many comfy sofas in the lounge. Enjoy relaxing in the chaletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fantastic spa area with its own saunas and hot tubs. Both the hot tubs are outside on the decking and look out onto the mountain vista. There is easy access from the chalet to numerous picturesque walks and alpine activities see Excursions on page 16 to learn more.

The Rooms The chaletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 fruit juice. Our own Richmond chef provides a delicious menu that includes local dishes such as Tartiflette paired with French wines.

Activities In The Day The chalet is a starting point for many beautiful walks to spectacular viewpoints and meltwater lakes. 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 across the valley to Chez Pépé Nicolas, a traditional local restaurant that not only serves delicious French food, but is also a farm! 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 the competitive Richmond quiz to watching the weekly local firework show 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!

Excursions The Richmond team are able to organise a wide range of excursions so that you can make the most of the fantastic local area and further afield. Some of the most popular summer excursions include: High ropes (Via Ferrata) – have a go scaling the mountainside and shooting down zip lines White-water rafting or Hydro-speeding - an invigorating and fast-paced trip down the Isère river Mountain Biking – The Three Valleys is one of the best locations for downhill biking in Europe Paragliding – cruise in the thermal winds and enjoy glorious 360° views over the local area Horse Riding – suitable for all abilities, trek around the valley with a local guide “Staff were very friendly, helpful and service-minded. The chalet is an excellent place to relax - clean and comfortable; fantastic view from the lounge, balcony and ‘garden’. But also in an excellent location to access various activities.” Stephen H, August 2018, French Alps

Travel The two best ways to travel to our chalet in the French Alps: Fly – into Geneva airport and then pick up the Richmond transfer, £69 return. Self-drive – from Calais to Reberty Village. This is around 600 miles, 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.

Guide Prices Saturday arrivals: 06 July - 24 August 2019 We love early bookers! Book your place now to secure the best price. Prices per person based on two adults sharing a two bed room:

Adult

7 Nights

14 Nights

£399 - £479

£675 - £799

Skiing Holidays Join us between December and April for a fantastic holiday at one of our alpine chalets, situated in the famous Three Valleys ski resort. With over 600km of pistes, it is the world’s largest linked ski area with slopes to suit every ability! Our chalets offer spectacular views that can be enjoyed from the cosy lounges with their roaring fires, as well as 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 inspiring times of worship and teaching. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or in a group, you will feel included and encouraged throughout your holiday. “Wonderful location and staff who really did everything they could to make the holiday special. The thing that really makes Richmond different to any other ski holiday is the calibre of the staff and also the other guests who are always like a family rather than a group of other holiday makers.” Andrew B, February 2018, French Alps

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, advice or would like a bespoke quote.

2 Travel Arrangements

Check out our website for guidance on travel arrangements, transfers or driving directions.

3 Confirm Your Holiday

Call or email our Holiday Consultants who can answer any questions and help you book your holiday.

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 personal information, and pay the balance online or over the phone.

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Jill S

Samos, July 2018 “The holiday was enjoyable in every aspect. I’ve come home feeling more completely refreshed by a holiday than I have in a long time! Above all, the Christian environment together with a stunning location makes a perfect combination. As a single person, travelling on my own, it was so easy to fit in with such a friendly group and at no time did I feel lonely. The commitment, availability and friendliness of the Richmond team is outstanding. Thank you SO much.”

020 3004 2661 info@richmond-holidays.com www.richmond-holidays.com