Exclusive for MoS readers: Discover Corfu with Lee Durrell

Posted on : 07/19/2021
Exclusive for MoS readers: Discover Corfu with Lee Durrell
Travel 

Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Discover Corfu – the real star of TV’s The Durrells

With series two of The Durrells now available on Netflix, you can revisit the charming story of Gerald Durrell’s family and their four years in Corfu. 

And one of the biggest stars of the show is the sun-drenched Greek island itself – with its sparkling cobalt-blue sea and beautiful mountainous interior, it is easy to see why the famous naturalist and author instantly fell in love with it when his family moved there in 1935.

Now you can put yourself in the family’s shoes on our exclusive Corfu trip with the naturalist, author and broadcaster Lee Durrell. 

Idyllic: Vlacherna monastery, with Mouse Island in the distance

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

You will be joined by Lee Durrell 

Naturalist, writer and broadcaster Lee Durrell is the honorary director of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which aims to save endangered species from extinction. She is the author of several books, including The Amateur Naturalist: A Practical Guide To The Natural World, and co-presented several TV series with Gerald. She also advised production on the ITV comedy-drama The Durrells – an adaptation of her late husband’s books about his childhood years in Corfu.

During this magical holiday, you will visit filming locations from the TV series and many of the places that Lee’s late husband Gerald immortalised in his wonderful childhood memoir My Family And Other Animals.

Enjoy expertly guided excursions to some of the young Gerald’s haunts – including Mouse Island and the Lake of Lilies – and visit the charming home of his literary elder brother, Lawrence.

Plus you will take a boat trip to Corfu’s intriguing neighbour, Albania, and enjoy a lunch at the renowned Taverna Foros, which has been featured by TV chef Rick Stein.

Your special guest will be Lee Durrell, who will share family stories as she introduces you to their favourite spots.

Lee says: ‘The magic of Gerald Durrell’s childhood can still be experienced, and it will be a privilege for me to watch as the sun, sea and flower-filled olive groves that so beguiled the young Gerry once again weave their spell.’

REASONS TO BOOK

Meet Lee Durrell: Naturalist Lee Durrell will give her personal insights into the life of her late husband and their work together. As well as retracing Gerald’s footsteps, Lee will give two exclusive talks reflecting on his legacy and his lifelong love of Corfu.

Visit the Durrells’ favourite places: Anyone who enjoyed reading My Family And Other Animals as a child will have dreamt of spending an afternoon on Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island. Gerald and his sister Margo – played by Milo Parker and Daisy Waterstone in the ITV drama – spent many happy hours on this tiny islet, just a short scenic boat ride from Corfu Town.

Another highlight will be a trip to Kalami Bay accompanied by Lee. Poet and author Lawrence Durrell lived here with his wife Nancy in the White House, an elegant villa on a tranquil beach where the couple loved to swim.

You will also see the location of the original Strawberry-Pink Villa and the Durrells’ picnicking spot, Lake Antiniotissa. Gerald christened it Lake of Lilies after the dainty sand lilies that flower there every spring.

Your four-star hotel: You will be staying at the stylish Divani Corfu Palace, a four-star hotel with superb sea views, situated on a peninsula overlooking the lagoon.

Your guided tour of Corfu Town’s cobbled streets will take in elegant Spianada Square and the 16th Century St Spyridon Church. Another must-see is the Achilleion Palace and museum, a 100-year-old villa filled with statues and other mementoes from its history of former royal owners.

A taste of Albania: Only a sliver of sea separates Corfu from Albania, where you will enjoy a private guided tour of its most impressive archaeological site, Butrint – the atmospheric ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman city.

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

  • Return flights from London to Corfu.
  • Five nights’ accommodation at the four-star Divani Corfu Palace.
  • Free copy of My Family And Other Animals, which Lee will sign.
  • All excursions and entrance fees.
  • All overseas transport with English-speaking guides.
  • The services of a tour manager throughout.

HOW TO BOOK

The dates: May 8 to 13, 2022. The price: From £1,499pp*. Call 01425 383 487 quoting ref MOS DURRELLS. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/durrellscorfu.

Terms and conditions: *Price based on two sharing. Single supplement: £175. Itinerary subject to change. Extra nights on request. Our travel partner, Prestige, is ABTA-bonded and this trip is ATOL-protected. For full terms and conditions, go to mailtravel.co.uk/durrellscorfu.

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