Program

Day 1 Holy Tuesday 30/4: Larnaca – Athens – Isthmus of Corinth – Messolonghi – Amfilochia – Preveza
Meeting at Larnaca airport and departure for Athens. Arrival, boarding the bus and we start our journey along the Gulf of Corinth. Our first coffee stop on the Isthmus of Corinth. We continue for the connection of Rio Antirios - through the bridge - a unique construction achievement of the 21st century, which unites the Peloponnese with Central Greece. Arriving in Central Greece, we head to Messolongi, a sacred place that welcomes us to the beauty and richness of its lagoon, which together with the Delta of the Achelous and Evinos rivers constitutes one of the largest wetlands in the Mediterranean. We will see the green garden of heroes – the graves of the fighters of the 1821 Revolution and Lord Byron – created in 1830 by order of Governor Kapodistrias. We continue to the picturesque town of Amfilochia, amphitheatrically built at the beginning of the 19th century by Ali Pasha, which is the oldest region of Aitoloakarnania. We arrive at our hotel in Preveza and check into the rooms. Free time for a first acquaintance with the picturesque town with an island atmosphere. Facing the Amvrakiko gulf and the Ionian sea, with a wonderful waterfront, a marina full of sailboats, dozens of restaurants and taverns, pedestrian streets and sophisticated shops, it will charm you. Overnight.

Day 2 Holy Wednesday 1/5: Acheron Estuary – Parga – Preveza (city tour)
Breakfast and we head along the coastline of the Ionian Sea. Our first stop is the mouth of the river Acheron known from mythology. We board the boat for a beautiful boating, in a landscape of incomparable natural beauty, a special historical ride, a route described in Homer's texts as the river of the Underworld. We continue our route and reach the cosmopolitan town of Parga, the so-called "nymph of Epirus". It is built amphitheatrically on the eastern side of a small peninsula, in a central and two smaller bays, where the eye is satisfied with the blue of the Ionian and the green of the pines. Its layout, the colorful houses, the picturesque cobbled streets that climb to the top of the hill, the castle (originally built by the Normans and perfected as a fortress by the Venetians), the incredible view of the Ionian Sea and the green island of Panagia which reflected in the harbor waters, they enchant you. Return to the city of Preveza. We will see the castle of Pantokrator, with the chapel of the same name inside, built in 1807 by Ali Pasha, to control the entrance to the Amvrakikos gulf and the Venetian clock tower with the sundial, next to the Metropolitan Church of Agios Charalambos with the wood-carved iconostasis. Free time for rest. In the evening, an optional outing for food, drink or coffee in the alleys of Shaitan Pazar (the devil's bazaar in Greek) or on the city's pedestrianized waterfront. Overnight.

Day 3 Holy Thursday 2/5: Lefkada (island tour)
Breakfast and departure for an excursion to the beautiful island of Lefkada, to get to know its secrets through a panoramic tour. We will see beautiful and famous villages such as Nydri (from where we will gaze in front of the mythical Scorpio of Aristotle Onassis and Madouri, the island of our poet Alexandros Valaoritis), the most developed tourist resort of Lefkada, and Vasiliki in the southern part of the island . Our next stop is Karya, which is located at the foot of Mount Elati. Well-preserved stone houses with tiled roofs, wonderful cobblestones and the famous square with the centuries-old plane trees will charm you. Karya is famous for its traditional textiles and embroideries, which have been made for centuries using a special technique (Karsani stitch). Every summer, three-day "Country Wedding" reenactment events are organized. Next, passing through Agios Nikitas, we will visit the monastery of Faneromeni with its wonderful view built on a green hill. It was built in 1734 AD. and is the religious center of Lefkada as the oldest and largest monastery. We will end up in the town of Lefkada with its beautiful market and picturesque pedestrian street. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the historic center. Return to Preveza. Overnight.

Day 4 Holy Friday 3/5: Preveza – Igoumenitsa – Corfu – Epitaph Tour
Breakfast and we leave Preveza for Igoumenitsa. Arrival at the port and boarding the ship to Corfu. Arrival on the island of Phaeacians and transfer to the city of Corfu where its world-famous philharmonic and choirs give a special dimension to this day of mourning. We end up at the hotel, arrangement in the rooms and free time.
In the late afternoon we will be transferred to the city of Corfu to watch the procession of the imposing Epitaph of the Metropolis in SPIANADA and LISTON. Everywhere candles are placed attached to small stands and lit as it goes round, all a long straight line of light. He is accompanied by all the Priests, the Authorities of the city, the magnificent and numerous philharmonics and choirs. Return to the hotel. Dinner with fasting and non-fasting dishes. Overnight.

Day 5 Holy Saturday 4/5: Corfu (First and Great Resurrection) – Kanoni – Achilleion
Breakfast and we depart for the city of Corfu to watch the Litany of Saint Spyridon and the Epitaph with the accompaniment of the Philharmonic. The first Resurrection follows at 11.00 with the traditional breaking of the jugs, the "boots". Then we head towards Garitsa and after a short and picturesque route we reach Kanoni. From there we will see Pontikonissi (optional transition), the green islet located in front of the Corfu airport in the Gulf of Halikiopoulos. A few meters further we find the Virgin of Vlacherna, one of the best-known spots of the city, located on the islet of Vlacherna and connected to the mainland by a small footbridge. We continue our route to admire the Achilleion Palace which was built from 1888 to 1891 on behalf of the Empress of Austria, Elisabeth. Inside, we can admire paintings by Italian and Austrian painters and in the rooms the personal belongings of Elizabeth and William, furniture, jewelry, etc., statues as well as portraits and ceramics. Return to the hotel.
In the evening we will have a transfer to the central Spianada square to watch the famous Corfu Resurrection. A fantastic and unique sight, all the windows and balconies of the surrounding houses open with lit candles, while the composition of a majestic image is the square illuminated by the thousands of candles of the faithful, who watch the Resurrection ceremony in the largest square in Greece. Return to the hotel, where traditional cooking and other dishes will be served. Overnight.

Day 6 Easter Sunday 5/5: Festive feast – Paleokastritsa
CHRIST IS RISEN!!!
After breakfast free time. Afterwards, our hotel will offer pre-noon mezes with ouzo and then the Easter festive feast and entertainment with live music and a folk band will follow.
In the afternoon departure for the famous Paleokastritsa, an area of incomparable beauty with 6 dreamy picturesque coves. It took its name from the neighboring Angelokastro, the oldest castle on the island. Nature painted an enchanting landscape with centuries-old olive groves, pines and cypresses. First we visit a kumquat processing and bottling factory for liqueurs and sweets respectively. Next, we will visit the male monastery of Panagia Paleokastritsa, which is built on top of a green hill and has an amazing view. The monastery dates back to 1228 and is built on a steep rock at the highest point of the village. The museum of the monastery has Byzantine icons, holy books, vestments and ecclesiastical relics of unique value. The view of the Ionian Sea from the monastery is breathtaking and many go to enjoy the sunset. Visitors can also take a close look at the traditional olive press of the monastery, stroll through the beautiful courtyard, and throw coins into the well of the monastery to make their wishes come true. Return to the hotel and free time to enjoy it as you wish. Overnight.

Day 7 Easter Monday 6/5: Corfu – Igoumenitsa – Arta – Aegio – Loutraki – I.M. Osiou Patapiou - Athens - Larnaca
Breakfast at the hotel and we head to the port of Corfu with destination Igoumenitsa. Arrival and departure for Arta, known for its bridge which crosses the Arachthos river. At first glance, we will distinguish its craftsmanship, tradition and unique architecture. We will see on its left bank the historic sycamore of the bridge from whose branches Ali Pasha hanged the Christians and which has been declared a protected monument of nature since 1976. Continuing our route along the Corinthian gulf we reach the city of Aegius. We will see the church of Panagia "Trypitis", which celebrates the Life-giving Spring, which is built on a steep rock inside a cave-hole, from where it got its name. According to tradition, in the 10th century, one night a ship was wrecked in the Corinthian Gulf. The captain of the boat, swimming with the help of a board, managed to reach the shore, thanked God for his salvation and then, in the dark, he saw a strange light on a high and steep rock. Guided by this mysterious light, he climbed the rock to find himself in front of an otherworldly sight. Inside a kind of natural hiding place, the icon of the Virgin shone like a golden star. The sailor worshiped the Holy icon and ran to the city to report the miracle. The whole world came to see and worship. We will worship the Miraculous Icon. Our next stop is Loutraki in the prefecture of Corinthia, famous for its natural mineral and thermal water springs. In the center of the city, the church of Panagia tis Yatrissa, Megalochari, stands out imposingly, as an unshakable pillar of the residents' faith. Inside it is kept the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Not far from Loutraki we will meet the women's I.M. of Saint Patapios, which carries out great charitable and social work. In the cave of Agios Patapios, His Holy Relic is kept in a larnaca, as well as the Ark of Holy Patience. Also in the cave are Byzantine hagiographies by unknown hagiographers, probably made in the 15th century AD. and a holy spring, adjacent to the cave of the Saint. In the evening we end up at the "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport in Athens and the return trip to Athens with our suitcases full of beautiful memories from our stay in Greece.
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