We’re excited to share some updates to our 2026 Samos holiday programme, thanks to new direct flight routes from the UK! These changes open up more travel options while keeping the heart of Richmond holidays — community, ministry, and meaningful rest — right at the centre of your experience.
For many years, we’ve planned our holidays around Thursday flights from London Gatwick — the only direct route to Samos. In 2026, that’s changing for the better! We’re particularly excited about the return of the Manchester flight, making travel to Samos so much easier for our guests living in the North.
While there are now flights to Samos on most days of the week, we’ve chosen to limit changeover days to just Thursday and Friday. This helps us keep the strong sense of community that defines our holidays, but embraces the new flight routes, meaning we can share our holidays with even more guests!
Whether you arrive on Thursday or Friday, your holiday will be full of the same great experiences, with community, ministry, and fun throughout the week.
Travel Options
We can book full flight packages for the following routes (including ATOL protection and airport transfers):
Thursdays
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- London Gatwick: 07:25 > 13:20 (Outbound) / 14:20 > 16:25 (Return) – TUI
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- London Stansted: 07:00 > 12:55 (Outbound) / 13:45 > 15:50 (Return) – Jet2
Fridays
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- Manchester: 06:30 > 12:30 (Outbound) / 13:20 > 15:35 (Return) – Jet2
Ministry
Our dedicated ministry leaders will be on hand to offer prayer support and fellowship throughout the week, except Tuesdays when they’ll be on a day off. Feel free to chat with them or book a one-on-one prayer slot in addition to the scheduled meeting times below:
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- Morning Prayers: 08:00–08:15 every day (except Tuesday)
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- Evening Meetings: Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays at 18:30–19:15
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- Sunday Communion: 10:00–11:00; Beach Worship: 21:00
Watersports
Our watersports centre will now be open daily, including Thursdays! Brilliant for Friday to Friday holidays, and for those staying for 14 nights!
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- Open daily: 09:30–12:30 and 13:30–17:30
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- RYA Courses: Saturdays to Wednesdays (excluding Sunday)
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- Thursdays & Fridays: Tasters, refreshers, and joyrides, watersports safety briefing
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- Regatta: Sunday morning, after the communion service
Bike Centre
Our bike centre will remain open every day, and with our fleet continuing to improve and expand, this is a great way to spend the day!
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- Open daily: approx. 06:00–19:00 (daylight hours)
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- Led Rides: Five days a week (no led rides on Thursdays or Sundays)
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- Briefing: The bike centre briefing will be held on Thursday and Friday afternoons, so you can stuck in right away
Activities
Our activity programme will include Thursdays and Fridays, meaning there is plenty to join in with, whatever your travel plans!
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- Daily activities at approx. 07:00, 10:00, and 15:00
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- Sunday mornings feature our Communion service and Richmond Regatta
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- Evening entertainments every evening at approx. 21:00
Kids & Youth (High Season: 09 July – 27 August)
Our Kids and Youth programmes run every day except Sundays, when everyone is invited to join the family Communion service and Richmond Regatta in the morning.
RYA Courses for 8 – 16 year olds will run in the afternoons, in line with the above watersports programme, or join in with the family-friendly activities!
Kids (Ages 4–11)
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- Morning Activity Club: 09:30 – 12:30 (Mon–Sat)
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- Evening Programme: 17:30 – 21:00
Includes kids’ tea, ministry and a supervised film
- Evening Programme: 17:30 – 21:00
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- Sunday: No morning club, but kids’ tea is still available
Youth (Ages 12–17)
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- Morning Activity Club: 10:00 – 13:00 (Mon–Wed, Fri–Sat)
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- Evening Entertainment: 21:00 each evening
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- Sunday: Join in worship on the beach at 21:00
FAQs
Will arriving on Friday mean I miss out on anything?
No – your holiday is just as full and enriching whether you arrive Thursday or Friday. Ministry, activities, and watersports begin as soon as you arrive, and welcome briefings take place on both days.
Is the community feel still there with two changeover days?
Absolutely. We’ve carefully chosen just two changeover days to preserve the strong sense of community our holidays are known for. You’ll quickly find your rhythm and be part of the wider holiday family.
What if I’m staying for 14 nights — how will this affect my holiday?
Great news — with our updated schedule, staying for 14 nights is now even better! Previously, changeover days meant a pause in watersports and a quieter programme of activities. But now, with activities, watersports tasters, and times of ministry, you can enjoy a full holiday rhythm across both weeks.
Can I book a 10-night stay or arrive on a different day?
We’re keeping arrivals limited to Thursdays and Fridays only in order to protect the strong sense of community that makes a Richmond holiday so special. Having everyone arrive and leave on just two days helps guests settle in together, form friendships quickly, and experience the week as a shared journey.
While flights are now available on other days, we’ve chosen not to offer stays of different lengths (like 10 nights) so that the rhythm of the week remains consistent for everyone. This helps us plan ministry, meals, and activities in a way that truly supports rest, connection, and spiritual encouragement.
We believe this approach provides the best holiday experience for all — and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Book Your 2026 Samos Holiday
These changes offer more flexibility for travel while keeping all the heart and togetherness of a Richmond holiday. Whether you fly from London or Manchester, Thursday or Friday, we’re here to make your time in Samos truly special.
Bookings are now open so contact us today for your quote.
We look forward to welcoming you in 2026!
