Spiritual Orthodox Easter in Crete

   Experience with us the JOY and 

           SACRED OF THESE DAYS…

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

Based on 2 persons + more

Sharing double room

€1.065  

Single occupancy + 25%

€1330  

 

Price includes:

7 nights hotel accommodation at fine 3*** hotel on bed + breakfast basis

All transportation, (airport-hotel-airport),

7 days tours on private vehicle with English speaking driver cultural explorations all over Crete, including meals -lunch- as schedule.Tour includes entrance fees and professional guide at the archaeological site of Knossos

All meals: Breakfasts / Lunches / Dinners as per schedule

Gala traditional dinner  Holly Saturday night (after the ceremony midnight)

Fuel

Info, maps, brochures

Office service: Daily 08.00h – 21.00h, Saturdays/Sundays included.

Not included:

 

A JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME…

 

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday of Holy week- Crete - Heraklion

Flight to Crete. Arrival at Iraklion airport. Reception at the airport. Transportation to the hotel. Afternoon presentation of the program.Overnight stay in Iraklion. (Dinner)

Day 2: Wednesday of the Holy week:

Departure in the morning to a small village. We will watch and join the making of Kalitsounia and Tsourekia, the traditional Easter goodies of the region. Midday meal in the village. After lunch, a visit to the women convent of Paliani and later in the afternoon back to the hotel. Evening dinner at local reatsurant with special Ester specialties. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)

Day 3: Maundy Thursday: Visit to the Archaeological museum and the palace of Knossos. Lunch at a traditional restaurant in the harbour of Iraklion. Afternoon free for a visit around the city. In the evening we will attend the Maundy Thursday service with the act of the crucifix at the Cathedral of Iraklion Saint Minas church. Evening meal at a local RAKAKADIKO with special Cretan traditional Easter specialties.(Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)

Day 4. Good Friday: Visit to the historical Museum of Iraklion. It gives a complete picture of the culture and history of Crete. At noon we will take a walk around the various churches of Iraklion to see the Epitaphios (flower decorated symbolic biers containing the icon of the dead Jesus), in Iraklion churches. In the evening, Good Friday evening service and candlelight procession around the church in the neighbourhood with the Epitaphios (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)

Day 5: Holy Saturday:

This day will be a combination of Tourism and Religion. A visit to the country side. We will enjoy the preparations of the Holly Saturday in the small villages, at the monasteries, at the churches, at the houses. It is a family celebration, all the members of the family are coming together to celebrate the Easter. There is a sacred feeling around. Lunch at a local tavern with traditional dishes of the day. Free the rest of the day in order to rest for the midnight Resurrection Service at the church with candles and the noisy celebration. Traditional meal of Mayeritsa (the special Easter soup) after the service (after midnight). (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)

Day 6: Easter Sunday: Special day, special program. Easter feast will be celebrated with all the Pascal traditions and delicacies. Different roasts prepared in a villagers oven (wood) , lamb roasted on the spit, will be consumed amongst the orange, lemon and olive groves in company of locals and the music by the traditional instrument Lyra, and songs by local artists as well. After the fiesta we can enjoy the nature, the country side walking through the fields and farm houses. Late in the afternoon back to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)

Day 7: Easter Monday: A full day tour west Crete Lunch at the nearby picturesque village ofArgiroupolis. On the way back to the hotel we’ll visit the legendary monastery of Arkadi. Dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)

Day 8: Easter Tuesday: Last day in Crete. Morning free for walk and shopping or for a rest. Transportation to the airport. A small souvenir, offer of the organizer and his local representative will complete your tour. KALO  TAXIDI. (Breakfast )