Easter, or Pascha in Greek, is the most important religious holiday of the Orthodox Church and holds a special place in the heart of Greeks. Most of the customs practiced in Greece at Easter originated in the very distant past and were later adapted as Christianity spread. Easter time in Greece is a truly immersive experience, where the visitor is no mere observer of the landscape or events, but an active participant in the land’s social and cultural life. The colors and sounds of spring make it an even more mesmerizing experience.
Combine journeys for a fully immersive experience of Greece.
Cruise dates: Special Greek Easter Week Cruise 2023
| April 15th & 22th |
Book before February 28th and avail a 30% discount. Offer is valid for a limited number of cabins.
Experiential:
The whole journey is an immersion into Greek Easter customs and traditions
Relaxing & Fun:
Swimming, snorkeling, water sports, cocktail lounging, leisurely discovery walks, board games
Active:
Hiking trails, scuba diving
Wellness & Fitness:
Yoga, pilates, meditation sessions, spa treatments, aquarobics, gym
Cultural:
Ancient ruins, churches and monasteries, excavation sites, museums, Cycladic architecture
Educational:
Photography walk, Greek cooking class at local home
Nature:
Pristine beaches, sea caves
*Scuba diving will be offered by our trusted providers in Naxos and Mykonos
Embarkation at Marina Lavrion between 14:00-15:00. Enjoy a warm welcome and smooth check-in on board the Elysium, while you savor our signature cocktail. We set sail for Tinos, the “handmade island” of Cyclades. Dinner alfresco on board. After dinner, lounge with music and drinks, while you feel the soothing salty breeze on your face. Overnight at sea.
Wake up at Tinos, one of the most enchanting Cycladic islands. Preserved almost intact, the authentic character of its 50 villages, its traditional windmills and its sandy beaches will captivate you. Visit the church “Panagia Evangelistria”, dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary and known for its many miracles. Thousands of pilgrims from Greece and overseas make their way to Tinos every year, especially during Easter Week, to pay their respects and pray for the Virgin Mary to intercede for them. Dinner on board. Discover the island’s vibrant nightlife. Overnight at Tinos.
Morning arrival at the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, where we drop anchor at one of its beautiful southern beaches. Lunch on board. In the evening, indulge in a sunset cocktail at Little Venice, photograph the iconic windmills or simply explore the swirling pathways of the white-washed Chora with its many elegant boutiques, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Optional excursions include visits to Paleokastro Monastery, the Maritime Museum or the Agricultural Museum. Overnight in Mykonos to enjoy its world-renowned nightlife.
Sail to Patmos, known as the island, where St. John the Baptist wrote the Apocalypse. Set out to explore on your own or go for the optional shore excursion, that will take you to the island’s main religious and spiritual landmarks. During the Orthodox Easter Holy Week, known as “Passion Week” on the island of Patmos, locals and visitors alike are immersed in a deeply mystical atmosphere leading up to Easter day. Dinner on board. After dinner, experience the unique reenactment of Christ’s Deposition from the Cross which takes place in the Monastery of St. John, a UNESCO world heritage site. The “Epitaphs” (Bier of Christ) of the island’s many churches fill the narrow, cobbled paths to finally meet at the central squares of Chora and Skala, Patmos’ port. Overnight at sea..
Early morning arrival at Naxos. Explore the town of Naxos or join one of the many optional shore excursions. In the afternoon we set sail to Paros, repeatedly named Europe’s best island by Travel & Leisure magazine. Discover its picturesque fishing ports, windmills and dazzling white houses. Dinner on board and preparation for the Holy Saturday. On Holy Saturday at the stroke of midnight, church bells sound all over the island and fireworks light up the sky. Return to the ship to celebrate Greek Holy Saturday with a late dinner of traditional Magiritsa soup and the customary “tsougrisma”, the cracking of red Easter eggs, which symbolizes the breaking open of the tomb and Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead: “Christ has risen!”
Sail to the island of Antiparos, a gem of an island chosen by many celebrities, like Tom Hanks, for their low-key vacation. Discover its stunning beaches, wonderful landscape, the whitewashed Chora, the Ancient Castle and its picturesque cobblestone alleys. As tradition dictates, we spend the morning slow roasting the Easter lamb on the spit and gathering around the table to feast and celebrate Easter Sunday. On this day Greeks greet each other saying “Christos Anesti” (Christ is risen) and answer “Alithos anesti” (indeed He is risen). In the evening take some more time to explore this magnificent island and enjoy its nightlife. Overnight at Antiparos
Morning arrival in the dreamy island of Sifnos, with its traditional, white-washed architecture, its famous hiking trails and its sizzling food scene. Hike one of the many “Sifnos trails” or choose an optional excursion to the medieval ancient castle and the most photographed spot of Sifnos, the church of Seven Martyrs. Explore Apollonia, the picturesque capital, named after the God of light Apollo. Opt for a special Greek cooking lesson experience with lunch at a local home or enjoy your lunch at one of the many local tavernas. Late night we set sail for our return. Dinner on board and overnight at sea.
Disembarkation at Marina Lavrion until 10:00, after breakfast.