“Nothing Brian had said could prepare us for the sight that met us as we came over the brow of the hill – a carpet of scarlet tulips as far as the eye could see interspersed with several varieties of orchids –absolutely stunning!" (June Griffith)

“Our best holiday ever - spectacular scenery, amazing flowers and warmest of welcomes" (D & C Walker, Oxon)

“An unforgetable week- flowers absolutely overwhelming,accommodation, hospitality and frienship first rate" (M Fraser, Inverness)

“Wonderful place, so peaceful, hospitality outstanding and scenery and flowers magnificent" (R and C Foster, Berks)

“Excellent holiday- wonderful flowers and welcoming hosts" (P and M. Burrows, Bucks)

Brian Allan, well renowned amateur botanist and orchid expert will once again be leading excursions to beautiful areas of Western Crete this spring. You don’t need to be a botanist to enjoy this experience – Brian’s knowledge, enthusiasm, sense of fun and the Cretan scenery will do it!

Brian Allan is one of the authors of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh book Wild Orchids in Scotland. To observe orchids and other wild plants he has travelled extensively through Iceland, Central Europe, into most Mediterranean countries (particularly Greece and the Greek Islands), and in North America from the Canadian Rockies to Southern California. recent trips to Australia and South Africa have led to more orchids to add to the list. His favourite Greek island is Crete which he has visited more then 10 times. The habitat diversity and number of endemic species are the main reason he has returned to Crete again and again.

This year, running parallel with the first of our Wildflower Weeks, we will be offering a Wildflower Photography Week led by Sidney J Clarke FRPS. Sid is the former Principal Photographer at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh and now spends most of the spring and summer months photographing plants at home and abroad.

Those who plan to attend this week should bring a SLR camera, film or digital, and a tripod able to get the camera as close to the ground as possible.

Like the Wildflower weeks, there will be three full days and a couple of half days out in the field with Sid, and still leave time to relax or visit nearby Chania to see the well preserved Venetian harbour and the town market. The group will be small allowing plenty opportunity for one to one with Sid. Course notes will also be supplied so you will be able to refer to them once you return home.

* £395 per person, per week - based on 2 people sharing a 1 bedroomed apartment and there is a single person supplement of £100. Price includes accommodation, breakfast, shared transport, and Brian/Sid's expertise.

If you're interested in future flower holidays, please ask for details by contacting us at Akrotiri Villas