Easter in Corfu!

Easter in Corfu!

Bus trip 4 and 5 Days in Corfu, from 229 €/person.

Corfu Easter is something that one must experience at least once in their life, when spring embraces the most magical period of the island. Easter in Corfu is a complex mixture of Venetian and Orthodox religious traditions with influences from Venetian standards and local cultural characteristics, it is a true mystagogy that, combined with the Philharmonic Orchestra and the well-known ritual with the jugs, becomes a unique travel experience. In fact, since 2019, the Philharmonic of Corfu has been included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. You will be thrilled and transported to another era by the religious character of the island, bringing back old customs and traditions that are still practiced. All this is the greatest excuse for an Easter getaway to the Emerald Isle, making an unforgettable experience.

Programme:

Day 1: Departure – Igoumenitsa – Corfu.
We depart from Kavala and Thessaloniki early in the morning for the port of Igoumenitsa with intermediate stops. Arriving in Corfu you understand that an Easter different from the rest is waiting for you. Customs and traditions that will captivate you. The first acquaintance with the city follows. Later arrival and check-in at our hotel.

Day 2: Corfu – Epitaph Attendance.
Breakfast in a rich buffet and we start our tour of Liston, the most central pedestrian street of Corfu, which was built during the French occupation of the island and imitates the rue de Rivoli of Paris. We end up in one of the largest squares in the Balkans, Spianada Square. We immediately enter the festive atmosphere that exists on the island. Return to the hotel, where a fasting dinner follows. In the afternoon we will go to the central square of Corfu, the famous “Spianada”. It is the time of the Epitaph procession where the presence of the Philharmonic Orchestras and Choirs gives another dimension to the mournful day. Until 9 in the evening, each church carries its own Epitaph accompanied by a band and choir. At 9 in the evening the procession of the grand epitaph of the Metropolis takes place with all the philharmonic bands and choirs of the city ending up in the central square. We will have time for a nice walk through the picturesque streets of the city and return to the hotel.

Day 3: First Resurrection – Tour of the City – Achilleion Palace – Pontikonhsi Island.
We will have a good breakfast at the hotel and start our day with another visit to Spianada square, this time to see one of the most famous customs of the island at 11am the “first Resurrection”, centred on the famous “Liston” in the old town, where “botides”, pitchers filled with water, fall from the balconies. The atmosphere is further charged by the philharmonic bands that give a unique style to the city.Then we will take a tour where we will see the old and the new Fortress, the Town Hall, the Monument of Armoustis Douglas, the Mon Repo, the building of the Ionian Academy etc. This is followed by a visit to the Florentine Achilleion, built by the Empress of Austria Elizabeth, one of the most famous royal mansions in Europe and perhaps the most important architectural monument of the island. We end today’s day with the enchanting Kanoni, from where visitors can enjoy the magnificent view or visit the unique Mouse Island with the Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna. Time for rest because in the evening we will watch the Resurrection in the central square, with fireworks that make up a spectacular spectacle.

Day 4: Paleokastritsa – Agios Spyridon.
Breakfast and departure for the enchanting Paleokastritsa, the most famous beach of Corfu, since the time of the English protection, with a combination of steep cliffs, picturesque bays, caves and olive groves. We will visit the monastery of Panagia, built in the 13th century and the top of the hill, from where we will admire the islands of Skeloudi and Kolyvri. The hagiographies, the exhibition of Byzantine icons and the bones of a giant whale make a great impression. Return to the hotel. The afternoon will find us again in the central square, this time without events and crowds of people to enjoy our walk more comfortably. Those who wish can visit the church of St. Spyridon, the patron saint of the island. Corfu town has several cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs and this is a very good time to get to know them. Our escort is with you to guide you and make the most of your time the way you want. Walk through the picturesque alleys of the old town, taste local traditional dishes and enjoy the wonderful view of the sea and the old fortress.

Day 5: Corfu – Ioannina – Thessaloniki – Kavala.
Our last but equally beautiful day arrived. We will have a good breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Spianada Square where we will have time for our last shopping. Board the ferry from the main port of Corfu. Arrival in Igoumenitsa and transfer to Ioannina. After a short tour of the old town, free time will follow in the lovely lake front area to enjoy the wonderful scenery. Return to our city in the late afternoon with the best impressions. The 4-day program is a condensation of the first two days, without skipping any of the above mentioned tours-services of our program.

What is included:

  • Accommodation in a hotel of your choice,
  • Food according to the price list,
  • Tours according to the programme,
  • Insurance.

Not included:

  • Entrance fees to museums & theatres and anything optional or suggested,
  • The municipal residence taxes.

Notes:

  • Transfer from Kavala with +10€ per person per way,
  • In the 4-day programme, the first two days are condensed, without omitting any of the above
    tours-amenities.

HOTELS

Departure 03 & 04/05, 4 Days – 3 Nights:

  • Bella Vista 3* Benitses – Breakfast – Double (229€) – Triple (199€) – Price for child up to 12 years old (155€) – Price for 2nd child up to 12 years old (155€) – Single (299€)
  • Batelo Boutique Hotel Adults Only Sea View Deluxe Studios Benitses – Breakfast – Double (295€) – Triple (199€) – Single (445€)
  • Ipsos Di Mare 3* Ipsos Beach – Half board with Resurrection Dinner & Easter Lunch – Double (299€) – Triple (289€) – Child up to 12 years old (275€) – Single (399€)
  • Amalia 3* Dassia – Half board with Resurrection Dinner & Easter Lunch – Double (299€) – Triple (289€) – Single (399€)
  • Iolida Corfu 4* Forest Fully renovated in 2024 – Breakfast – Double (349€) – Triple (325€) – Single (499€)
  • Cook’s Club Corfu 5* Gouvia – All Inclusive – Double (429€) – Triple (399€) – Single (699€)

Departure 02 & 03/05, 5 Days – 4 Nights:

  • Bella Vista 3* Benitses – Breakfast – Double room (269€) – Triple room (259€) – Price for a child up to 12 years old (195€) – Price for a second child up to 12 y.o. (195€) – Single (359€)
  • Batelo Boutique Hotel Adults Only Sea View Deluxe Studios Benitses – Breakfast – Double (365€) – Triple (355€) – Single (599€)
  • Ipsos Di Mare 3* Ipsos Beach – Half board with Resurrection Dinner & Easter Lunch – Double (375€) – Triple (355€) – Child up to 12 years old (345€) – Single (625€)
  • Amalia 3* Dassia – Half board with Resurrection Dinner & Easter Lunch – Double (385€) – Triple (369€) – Single (625€)
  • Iolida Corfu 4* Forest Fully renovated in 2024 – Breakfast – Double (435€) – Triple (410€) – Single (660€)
  • Cook’s Club Corfu 5* Gouvia – All Inclusive – Double (525€) – Triple (499€) – Single (889€)