Discover Gerald Durrell’s Corfu with his wife Lee
Exclusive for MoS readers: A unique tour of the island that inspired the legendary memoir and hit TV series
ONE of t he biggest stars of ITV’s charming Sunday night drama The Durrells is Corfu itself. With its sparkling cobalt-blue sea and beautiful mountainous interior, it is easy to see why the famous naturalist and author Gerald Durrell instantly fell in love with the sun-drenched Greek island when his family moved there in 1935.
Fans of the TV series will be delighted to know that Keeley Hawes and the rest of the cast will be back next year – ITV has just announced that a fourth series will soon begin filming.
And what better way to celebrate than by joining our exclusive Corfu trip with the naturalist, author and broadcaster Lee Durrell? During this magical holiday, you will visit memorable 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.
You can enjoy expertly guided excursions to some of the young Durrell’s haunts, including Mouse Island and the Lake of Lilies, and visit the charming home of his literary elder brother, Lawrence.
And you will take a boat trip to Corfu’s intriguing neighbour, Albania, and, back on Corfu, enjoy lunch at the renowned Taverna O Foros, which has been featured by TV chef Rick Stein.
Lee will share family stories as she introduces you to the Durrells’ favourite spots. She says: ‘ The magic of Gerald’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 l ate husband and their work together. As well as retracing the young Gerry’s footsteps, Lee will give t wo exclusive t alks reflecting on his lifelong love of Corfu and his legacy. You will also receive a complimentary copy of My Family And Other Animals, which Lee will be happy to sign.
See their 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 spent many happy hours on this tiny islet, which is a short scenic boat ride from Corfu Town. Another highlight will be a trip to Kalami Bay accompanied by Lee.
Poet and author Lawrence lived here with his wife Nancy in the White House, an elegant villa on a tranquil beach. You will also see the location of the original Strawberry-Pink Villa and the Durrells’ picnic spot, Lake Antiniotissa.
Your five-star hotel
You will stay at the luxurious Corfu Palace, a five-star hotel with superb sea views, pool, spa and beauty salon, and only a few steps from the historic centre of Corfu Town.
Your guided walking tour of the town’s cobbled streets will take in elegant Spianada Square and the 16th Century St Spyridon Church.
Another must is the Achilleion Palace and museum, a 100-year-old villa once owned by Empress Elisabeth of Austria and, later, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
A taste of Albania
Only a sliver of sea separates Corfu from the Albanian coast, where you will enjoy a private guided tour of Albania’s most i mpressive archaeological site, Butrint – the atmospheric ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman city.