EASTER in...GREECE

APRIL 19 - APRIL 29, 2008 (10Nights) 2N ATHENS, 4N RHODES, 4N KOS

Read About Easter In Greece

Departs Saturdays, Tailor Made & Cruise

A SPRING VACATION during "PASCHA" GREEK EASTER... LAND PACKAGE RATES DOUBLE - $1,900 p/p

Daily Itinerary At-a-Glance for 10 Nights April 19, 2008 - April 29, 2008 **HOSTED BY ASIMINA GRESSIS**

April 18, Friday: USA-ATHENS

Depart from United States for our overnight flight to Athens. (International Air Purchased on your own)

April 19, Saturday: WELCOME TO ATHENS GREECE

After clearing customs transfer from the airport to our hotel located downtown Athens. Afternoon at leisure to explore the Plaka (old section of Athens), its restaurants, Monastiraki (flea market) area & Athens night life.

April 20, Sunday: ATHENS

Half day private group tour. (approx 8:45am - 12:30pm). Visit the Acropolis & its museum Includes an overview of the modern city & the remains of its glorious past. After driving through Omonia Square, Panepistimiou Avenue, Constitution square visit the Acropolis atop its rocky base including the awesome Parthenon & its museum. The afternoon is free for shopping and exploring the city.(B)

April 21, Monday - April 24, Thursday: RHODES

After breakfast we'll be transferred to the airport for our short flight to the island of Rhodes where we'll check-in to our 5*s hotel. We'll have 4 nights to our leisure where the group is independent to do anything they wish. The medieval city of Rhodes enclosed within its walls and the old town being declared as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage monument, rare exhibits, art galleries, churches, hamams, the Grand Master's Palace, the famous street of the Knights and historical buildings are just a few areas within the town to see. Lindos, another national landmark with its acropolis which can be reached by donkeys, the Valley of the Butterflies a unique habitat of the butterfly Panaxia Quadripunctaria, crystal clear seas, bright sun and the warm hospitality of the islanders are just there to be discovered!

April 25, Holy Friday: RHODES - KOS

After breakfast at our hotel we'll be transferred to the port. We'll take the hydrofoil from Rhodes to Kos. Upon arrival a private hired driver will take us from the port to the hotel located downtown Kos. In the afternoon we'll walk to the "platia" Kos town, where we'll attend the "Epitaphios". The lamentations are chanted in the evening, followed by the exodus of the Epitaph carried in procession through the streets of Kos town. This event is not to be missed! (B)

April 26, Holy Saturday: KOS - XRISTOS ANESTI

A visit to Asklepeion is not to be missed. In 460 BC Hippocrates was born in Kos. After his death the people of Kos built the famous Asklepeion in honor of the god Asclepios which was operated as a hospital applying the methods of therapy taught by Hippocrates. Also, a nice leisurely walk to Neratzia (The Castle of the Knights of St. John) is bound to draw your attention. This castle is connected to the mainland by a bridge that crosses the Palm Tree Avenue, the same one that connects the Castle to the Platanos tree - The tree under which Hippocrates, the father of Medicine used to teach. At night, around 11:00pm the traditional custom is to meet at the "Kos Platia" with the rest of the locals. Before midnight the lights of the church will be turned off. The holy light will be passed to each and every one of us. At 12:00 midnight the priest will sing Christ has Risen, which is the resurrection of Christ! Fireworks will begin, the bells of the church will keep ringing & everyone will be kissing each other will be cracking red eggs. Prior to our return back to the hotel we'll have traditional Magiritsa as part of the local Greek Custom! (B)

April 27, Sunday: KOS (PASCHA - EASTER)

A day of celebration and Greek Customs! A day in which we will all participate in cooking the lamb on the spit! There is a festive atmosphere everywhere and we will eat and dance until late into the night just like the rest of the locals! Nothing will be wasted from the Easter lamb to the "kokoretsi" - intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys which are made into a kabob! Easter Sunday is the most celebrated time of year in Greece. This day will be a day for you to remember! (Easter Day Food & Wine in Moderation Included)

April 28, Monday: KOS

After all the festivities the previous nights, Monday is a day at leisure. You'll have time to scroll through Kos town, or take a day boat trip to the nearby island of Kalimnos, famous for their sponges!

April 29, Tuesday: KOS-USA:

We will be transferred to KOS airport for our return flight back to the US. Amazing sights and distinctive culture remain as fond memories... (B)