Holiday Information
Holiday Information - ITALY

MINIMUM LETTING PERIOD

For Villas – One week – usually Saturday to Saturday. During peak season some properties have a minimum letting period of two weeks. Please check with our office. (Hotels, Relais, apartments and B&B – as specified.)

NUMBER OF PERSONS

Only those persons stipulated on the booking form are entitled to use the property. ANYONE, other than those persons, may be refused access to the accommodation by the owner or his representative. The number of persons MUST NEVER exceed the maximum number indicated for each property, for any number of days, irrespective of the possible number of beds available, without the prior agreement of the owner through our office. Such requests must be made in writing to Ilios Travel at least 14 days prior to commencement of the holiday for consideration. In the event of permission being given an additional charge will apply. Small children and babies count as people. If these conditions are not complied with, then the whole booking may be in jeopardy and could result in those persons of whom we have not been previously advised being asked to leave. Vehicles with sleeping accommodation or tents will not be admitted to any of the properties. Clients taking infants should be prepared to take their own travel cots and linen as these cannot, in all cases, be provided. During the course of a booking a changeover of guests will generally only be permitted provided this coincides with changeover days, normally Saturday, thus eliminating the need for a continual changeover of linen. A guest list and any alterations must be provided at least 14 days prior to the occupation of a property in order that the owners of the property and their staff may be fully informed.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES

Clients must arrive between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Outside of these times access to the property can sometimes be arranged, but this will depend on the individual housekeeper or owner. IF YOU ARE MAKING YOUR OWN TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO BEAR IN MIND THAT A LATE ARRIVAL MAY NECESSITATE AN OVERNIGHT STOP ELSEWHERE. Clients are requested to vacate the accommodation by 9.30 a.m. on the day of departure in order that sufficient time is allowed to prepare the house for the next occupants.

LATE ARRIVALS

Late arrivals are allowed only at the express discretion of the owner with prior notice and an out of hours charge may apply. It is the client’s responsibility to advise the local representative of any unforeseen delays. It should be noted that it is not always feasible or reasonable for us to make arrangements for late arrivals, especially on a Saturday evening and an overnight stay elsewhere may be necessary. The Company cannot accept responsibility for clients missing aircraft, ferries or trains for any reason.

CARE OF PROPERTY

The client will be responsible for ensuring that the accommodation, together with its contents, are left in the same state of cleanliness and repair as found at the commencement of the holiday. Failure to do so may incur additional cleaning charges.

LINEN AND TOWELS

As a rule, linen and towels will be changed weekly. Where possible, towels will be changed twice a week. Changes to linen will be done on changeover days and so if there is a change of guests at the villa on any other day during the rental, then the clients will be responsible for their own laundry. Clients are advised to check whether pool towels are included as these are not always provided.

UTILITIES

During the summer months occasional water shortages do occur resulting in the interruption to supply or a drop in pressure. Every effort will be made to reinstate these services as quickly as possible. We do ask that care is taken that taps are not left dripping and that water is used sparingly. The electrical supply in Italy is such that limits are imposed on national consumption. We therefore recommend care is taken when using more than one electrical appliance at a time. If reasonable care is not taken, overloading the system may in some instances cause the circuit to fuse. In the interests of conservation, please ensure that lights are not left burning unnecessarily. Some properties may well have installed electricity and gas meters and will charge accordingly.

SECURITY/TELEPHONE DEPOSIT

A telephone (where applicable) & security deposit will be payable on arrival and will vary according to the individual property. Please ensure this is left with the owner or caretaker. The cost of any damage or breakage occurring, or telephone calls made during your stay, will be deducted from this deposit and the remainder less any deductions will usually be returned to you on the morning of your departure.

TELEPHONES

Although some of the properties have telephones, we do recommend you take a GSM mobile phone with you as GSM tri-band mobile phones will work in most areas. A local sim card will cost you approx €5 and will save money on local and international calls.

GROCERIES

Many of our properties provide basic provisions, some even a welcome meal on your arrival. In other properties we are sometimes able to arrange for shopping and a meal to be prepared, both of which should be paid for locally. If this is a service you may require then please book to allow a minimum of 21 days notice prior to departure.

MAID SERVICE

The number of hours provided is specified in the accommodation panel of each property. The maids are essentially employed to take care of the house for the owners and ensure that it is kept clean and tidy. As a rule they will not make the beds, wash up or do clients’ laundry. Extra maid service where available may be prebooked and paid for locally. It may also be possible to arrange on arrival and be paid for locally. Where maid service is not included this is normally available at an extra cost.

COOKS

Where available they will usually shop, prepare and cook traditional local dishes. Food will either be prepared at the house or brought in and an hourly rate to include shopping and cooking will be payable locally. In some properties the maids will also do the cooking. The fare presented will be simple, uncomplicated and locally produced.

HEATING AND WINTER LETS

The majority of our houses have central heating and are available for winter lets. However, heating is not included in the rental price and should be paid for locally to the owner or caretaker before departure, as should any wood required and used for open fires. Please note that the cost for this can seem extremely high compared to UK prices.

AIR CONDITIONING

Where villa properties have air conditioning this will be charged according to consumption. For an approximate cost for use please ask the owner on arrival.

SWIMMING POOLS

Pools are usually open from end May to end September in Italy and beginning May to end September in Spain and Portugal. By arrangement they can be opened earlier and remain open later but a supplement will be charged. Where pool heating is in effect the cost for useage varies but if usually in the region of €100/wk providing the cover is used at night. Please note the majority of pools are not fenced and vary in depth, some having no shallow end. POOLS ARE USED AT CLIENTS’ OWN RISK. Children especially should never be left unsupervised. In the interests of safety we strongly recommend that children are discouraged from running around in the immediate vicinity of swimming pools. Pools are not normally heated. Where pools can be heated this is specified in the accommodation details and will be charged for locally. Please ensure before using the pool, that sun creams and oils have been showered off. Sun oils can alter the correct chemical balance of the pool and cause the water to lose its clarity. Please also observe any instructions relating to the use of the pool and ensure that children, in particular, refrain from using or playing with pool equipment as misuse may cause the pool to become inoperable during your stay. The Company cannot be held responsible for pools becoming unusable due to adverse weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

ACCOMMODATION

The properties featured in this brochure are all privately owned and therefore reflect the individual owners’ personal taste. Standards will vary but in our view all the properties are comfortable. Please bear in mind that the houses have not been converted or constructed specifically for holiday letting, a number have been converted from old farm buildings and retain many of the original features to be expected in properties of this age. We would like to point out that staircases in some of the properties are rustic, either wooden or stone and often open. As such they may be of concern to those with very young children or the elderly. Being older properties, door widths and heights may vary and there may occasionally be steps linking rooms. Most kitchens are well equipped but standards will vary, all will have fridges, hobs and usually (but not necessarily) ovens but may not contain kettles and toasters. Even in the most expensive properties it is quite common for beds to have metal frames and be somewhat utilitarian in appearance. Double beds may consist of two single mattresses within a double frame or may even be two singles pushed together.

If you are at all concerned about any of the descriptions or features of the houses or their locations, please do not hesitate to ask for our first hand knowledge. We will be pleased to guide you in your choice. After all it is not in either your or our own interests for you to select a property which is not ultimately suited to your particular requirements. Based on years of experience, we can offer an informed opinion on which properties are suitable for you but it is important that before making a booking you provide us with as much information as possible about your particular requirements. Always advise us if there are elderly/disabled persons or young children in your party and ensure that all your party members have been consulted and considered, before making your final choice. Access roads to our properties vary considerably, some houses are approached along gravel drives or tracks which can sometimes be rough, others are more easily accessed from metalled or level roads. Please ask our office for guidance. Heavy rains can affect tracks and gravel roads, efforts will be made to repair these, but we cannot be held responsible for damage to vehicles. Please note that tyres and exhausts are NOT covered at any level of insurance with any car hire company.

It must be remembered that most of our houses are in rural areas, farmers plough fields and harvest grapes, often starting early in the mornings. Tractors, farm machinery, the sound of dogs barking and even distant traffic noise are all part of the way of life in the countryside. There may occasionally be disturbances from road works or even building on another property nearby, these instances, though rare, may happen without prior warning and are entirely beyond our control. We cannot accept responsibility for such disturbances, but we will do our best to minimise any inconvenience.

Please note that in general, standards of safety, fire and electrical supplies may not match those in the U.K. The authorities or suppliers of those countries concerned are responsible for ensuring that their regulations are complied with. Insurance requirements vary from country to country as do responsibilities imposed on an organisation by local law. We therefore recommend that every precaution be taken, particularly when there are children travelling in the party. Every effort is made to maintain the properties in good order, however, it must be noted that some wear and tear during the course of the season is inevitable. We do ask that any damage caused during the course of your occupancy be brought to either the attention of the owner or caretaker as this does help them rectify or replace items prior to the next occupancy. Descriptions of properties were accurate at the time of inspection but do not take into consideration any alterations or modifications made by the owners since this time.

ANIMALS & WILDLIFE

As the majority of our properties are in rural areas, there will be the inevitable presence from time to time of wild animals and insects which neither we nor the owners are able to do anything about. Should these become a severe nuisance, we will endeavour to take any appropriate action deemed necessary. Some of our houses have dogs, and occasionally cats residing on the property. These are essentially for security (in the case of cats, to contain the wildlife) and will be taken care of by the caretakers. If you have an aversion to animals in the garden please check with our office prior to booking the holiday.  Although houses are cleaned for each arrival it is often the case that spiders and other insects, dust and cobwebs appear almost as soon as they have been removed. A friendly word to the housekeeper or maid is all that is usually needed.

RUBBISH DISPOSAL (ITALY)

There are no rubbish collections from individual properties in Italy. Clients should dispose of their own rubbish in the large bins strategically placed on roadsides. Quick removal of household refuse is essential to keep down pests such as ants and flies. Recycling is common and often far more obvious than in the UK.

SATELLITE TELEVISIONS

Satellite television will vary from one house to the next, and therefore may not necessarily include many English language channels.

CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are commonly accepted throughout Europe. However while most shops and restaurants in larger cities accept all major Credit Cards, it can be hard to find places (including petrol stations) that take them in smaller towns and villages. There is usually a cash point to be found outside the bank even in smaller towns.

MAPS

We recommend that you buy a detailed map of the region you are travelling to. For Italy we recommend the Atlante Stradale D’Italia (Central) 1:200 map book for approx €18.

SPECIAL REQUESTS

If you, or any member of the party, have a special request, such as allergies, difficulties with stairs, use of wheelchairs etc, we will always try to accommodate this, but cannot guarantee to do so. If the special request is a requirement of confirming your holiday, it should be made to us in writing prior to booking. We will try to fulfil all such requirements, but only when this has been confirmed to you in writing by us will it be guaranteed. Any such requests do not make up part of your holiday contract.

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM

Any problems during your stay which cannot be resolved by dealing directly with the owner, owner’s representative or suppliers (eg: car hire company) it must be reported immediately by the lead member of your party to our Bolney office, and we will do our best to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Failure to do this not only spoils your holiday but gives neither the owners, suppliers or ourselves the opportunity to rectify the problem. We will not consider any complaints after the completion of your holiday if you fail to report the problem to the relevant person on site. PLEASE REMEMBER THERE IS LITTLE THAT CAN BE DONE ON YOUR BEHALF ONCE YOU HAVE RETURNED FROM YOUR HOLIDAY.

TWO CENTRE HOLIDAYS

A number of possibilities are available to combine a holiday to include a stay in two different regions and durations involving a hotel stay at either end of your stay can maximise your enjoyment of a country.

Holiday Information - TURKEY

MINIMUM LETTING PERIOD

For Villas – One week – usually Monday to Monday. Certain properties have a Saturday changeover day.  Hotels can generally be more flexible on arrival days and durations.

OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION

You will be met by a company representative, or agent, on your arrival and transferred to your accommodation or resort. For those people collecting a car at the airport, full details of how to reach the accommodation will be provided.  If you have made your own travel arrangements and require driving directions please contact us prior to your departure.  Please bear in mind that there is no form of public bus service from either Bodrum or Dalaman airport and whilst airport taxi transfers may know the destination area they will not know our properties by name.

In some resorts we do not have visiting representatives and we work through local agencies, who act as your point of contact in case of an emergency.  They may be contacted by telephone and your documents will have all of the relevant contact information should you require it.  Transfer times should be confirmed through their office 24 hours prior to departure.

TWO CENTRE HOLIDAYS

In Turkey a 2 or 3 week holiday can be arranged by combining any of our properties and resorts.

FLIGHT AND TRANSFER DETAILS

Our website prices are for accommodation only.  We are happy to book your flights from the UK for you and there is a wide range of options available for flying to both Bodrum and Dalaman airports.

Flying time is approximately 4 hrs from the UK.  Baggage allowance will vary from airline to airline – please be aware that some airlines charge extra for luggage purchase. Not all flights are catered – this service can be pre-booked on certain airlines.

We do not operate shared transfers. All transfers are private for your family group and are by chauffeured car or minibus. Transfer time from Dalaman Airport: Gökova /Akyaka 50 minutes, Datça 2 ½ hours, Kalkan 1 ½ hours, Kas 2 hours, Selimiye 2 ¾ hours, Kumlubϋk 2 ½ hours. From Bodrum Airport: Tuzla 15 minutes, Bitez, Yalikavak, Gökçebel and Göltürkbükü 45 minutes, Turgutreis 1 hour.

INFANTS

Infants under the age of two years on the date of your return and not occupying an aircraft seat pay only a travel supplement of £50.00 (equivalent to about $80). They must, however, be listed on the booking form as they will be issued with an air ticket. Infants do not qualify for a baggage allowance. Cots and baby chairs can be provided at no extra charge and should be reserved at the time of booking. Disposable nappies and baby food are generally available from local shops. Please bring your own cot linen.

CHILD DISCOUNTS

Children aged 2 to under 12 years, on the date of departure, qualify for discounts at certain properties.  Please check our website for details.

LOCAL FACILITIES AND RESTAURANTS

Please note that from time to time and particularly at the beginning and end of season some restaurants and other facilities described in the brochure may not be open or available, due either to reduced demand or other circumstances beyond our control.

RESORT INFORMATION

In most of our villas and hotel rooms you will find a comprehensive Ilios Travel Information Book with details of where to find doctors, banks, shops and any facilities which are available at your resort. These books are occasionally removed by clients and if yours appears to be missing, please contact our representative for a replacement.

ACCOMMODATION

Our villas are prepared and cleaned for each new arrival, however, when an outgoing client has delayed vacating the accommodation this puts pressure on the maid and cleaning can be rushed. If, on arrival, you are not satisfied with the standard of cleaning we do ask you to bring this immediately to the attention of our representative or agent so the matter may be dealt with quickly. All our villas and apartments will be cleaned at least once more each week and often more frequently.

We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible in the descriptions of the accommodation, facilities and areas that we offer – please do remember that not all the accommodation will have the same high standards, luxuries or degree of comfort enjoyed in your own home. All of the villas featured in our brochure have been built, furnished and equipped for use by the owners and not simply as holiday homes. Therefore you will find that they are generally well equipped. Solar heating is now one of the most common methods for supplying hot water although this is usually (but not always) supplemented by an electrical system. For those properties with a telephone please request the phone number before your departure. GSM mobile telephones will work in most areas.

A number of our properties are located in quiet rural surroundings, others are in village locations: we cannot accept responsibility for disturbances such as building works, farmyard noises, barking dogs, cars, scooters or motorbikes nor are we able to control noise made by holiday revellers, bars, restaurants, discos or the locals whose timetable may be quite different from your own. When planning your holiday we recommend that you remember the Mediterranean as a whole is on holiday during July and August, even the smallest resort may be somewhat noisier than at other times of the year.

Please remember when considering a holiday in the Mediterranean that the way of life differs from our own and as such you must be prepared to accept these differences. If you are at all concerned about any of our descriptions regarding resorts or accommodation please do ask for our first hand knowledge. After all it is not in your (or our) interest for you to select a holiday which is not ultimately suited to your requirements. The descriptions in our brochure and on our website are based on our experiences and those of our clients who holiday with us on a regular basis.

Please note that in general, standards of safety, fire, electrical supplies and hygiene may not match those we enjoy in the UK. The authorities or suppliers of those countries concerned are responsible for ensuring that their own regulations are complied with. Insurance requirements vary from country to country as do responsibilities imposed on an organisation by local law. We therefore recommend that every precaution be taken, particularly when there are children travelling in the party, with hotel lifts, balconies, marble floors, roof terraces and swimming pools.

ANIMALS & WILDLIFE

As the majority of our properties are in rural areas, there will be the inevitable presence of animals and insects which neither we nor the owners are able to do anything about. Should these become a severe nuisance, we will endeavour to take any action deemed necessary. Some of our houses have dogs residing on the property. These are essential for security and will be taken care of by the housekeeping staff. If you have an aversion to animals please check with our office prior to booking the holiday.

COOKING AND GROCERIES

Some of our properties have resident housekeeping staff and cooking services may be arranged and paid for locally. If you require shopping or a meal to be prepared for the first evening we should be advised no later than 14 days before the commencement of your holiday.

SWIMMING POOLS

Please note the majority of pools are not fenced and vary in depth, some having no shallow end. POOLS ARE USED AT CLIENTS OWN RISK. CHILDREN ESPECIALLY SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNSUPERVISED. In the interests of safety we strongly recommend that children are discouraged from running around in the immediate vicinity of swimming pools. Pools are not heated. Please ensure before using the pool, that sun creams and oils have been showered off. Sun oils can alter the correct chemical balance of the pool and cause the water to lose its clarity. Please also observe any instructions relating to the use of the pool, ensure that children in particular, refrain from using or playing with pool equipment as misuse may cause the pool to become inoperable during your stay. The company cannot be held responsible for pools becoming unusable due to adverse weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

VACATING VILLAS

Clients are requested to vacate their accommodation by 9.30 a.m. on the morning of departure, allowing sufficient time for both transfers to airports and for the accommodation to be prepared for incoming clients – your co-operation will be appreciated.

SECURITY DEPOSIT

A security deposit of £250/$395, payable locally in sterling cash or travellers cheques, is required for all properties. In some cases we are unable to visit the property before departure and therefore we take it on trust that clients will report to the property caretaker and/or our representative any broken or damaged items; our representative will determine a replacement/repair cost and you will be asked to meet those costs. It is the clients’ responsibility to put right or pay for any damage prior to departure from the resort. Please ensure that you advise our representative of any damage or breakages immediately.  If on departure the housekeeping staff inform us of any breakages/damage, we retain the right to contact you upon your return to the UK for reimbursement. In the case of properties with a telephone we ask that you keep an honesty list of calls, which should be settled at the end of your holiday.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES

240 volts AC = 50 cycles for Turkey (subject to local fluctuations and continuity of supply). We recommend that you take Continental Adaptors with you. In the interests of environmental conservation please avoid leaving lights and air conditioning on unnecessarily.

USEFUL THINGS TO TAKE WITH YOU

Torch – travel adaptor – small screwdriver – mobile phone chargers – first aid kit – matches – tea and coffee – insect repellent.

CLOTHING

Tends to be informal. A pair of flat sandals or beach shoes are to be recommended. Pack a cardigan or jacket for the evenings which can seem cool after a hot day. Early or late in the season something shower-proof might prove useful.

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM

We do ask that should any problems arise during the course of your holiday that these are brought to the immediate attention of our local representative, Agent, owner or caretaker of the accommodation who will ensure that they are dealt with as speedily as possible. Failure to do this not only spoils your holiday but gives us little opportunity to rectify the problems. We will not consider any complaint brought to our attention after the completion of your holiday if it hasn’t been brought to the attention of our local representative on site.

PLEASE REMEMBER THERE IS LITTLE THAT CAN BE DONE ON YOUR BEHALF ONCE YOU HAVE RETURNED FROM YOUR HOLIDAY.