Discover Cretan Easter

Simpson Special Interest Holiday
30 April to 07 May 2024


THE WEEK IN BRIEF

• Flights and car hire 
• Accommodation and daily breakfast at Arosmari Village Hotel
• Welcome drinks 

• Programme of escorted Easter activities and celebration Easter Lunch at Arosmari
• All taxes and entrance fees
• £908 per person based on 2 sharing

In the Greek calendar, Easter is the most important of the religious festivals and is celebrated over several days with ceremonies, processions and of course, much feasting and merriment. This is a colourful and joyful time to visit Crete; with spring in full bloom and summer on its way, the local people observe many informal local traditions, culminating in the break of their annual fast on Good Friday. The island is also at its most lovely at this time of year thanks to the vast array of wild flowers and the wonderful sense of anticipation that pervades in the local communities. Traditionally, Cretans spend the whole month of April preparing for Easter (mentally, physically and spiritually) in the build up to Christos Anestis at midnight between Easter's eve and Easter day. Our programme of optional guided activities affords guests a chance to experience Crete’s proud tradition of philoxenia (the warm welcome of strangers) and feel part of the Easter celebrations. 

 

THE EXPERIENCE

 

30 April Arrival day Welcome drinks and dinner
01 May Holy Wednesday A perfect day to start your holiday in Vamos with some well-earned rest, in preparation for the celebrations to come.
02 May Holy Thursday A chance to learn the secrets of preparing some of Crete's most popular dishes, including Cretan cheese pies, traditional dyed eggs and other Easter treats.
03 May Good Friday Observe the evening procession of the epitaphs led by the local priest in Vamos.
04 May Easter Saturday A varied day including a delightful walk with expert guide Jonathan Peat, picnic lunch and traditional evening church service in Vamos.
05 May Easter Sunday Enjoy a traditional Cretan Easter lunch at Arosmari.
06 May Day at leisure With the celebrations over, this is the day to explore the local area, head to the beach or discover some of the local archaeological attractions.
07 May

Departure day

 

  

 

Prices are based on two sharing and include 7 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast, flights, car hire and all itinerary events. To register your interest for 2024, please call one of our Destination Specialists on 020 8392 5858.