Easter In Kefalonia Island 4-day tour
Easter in Kefalonia: Distinctive customs and devout religious events
On the famous Ionian island, Easter has a soul – it has fasting, prayer and mourning, it has feasting and singing, obelia, bright bread and red eggs…
On Easter day, Kefalonians roast lambs and eat red eggs. In the past, they would roast the meat, which they had placed on vine branches in a baking pan, in the home oven.
On the festive table, there is necessarily the lambrokouloura or lambropsomo (Traditional Easter Bread).
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Destinations: Athens, Kyllini, Kefalonia, Athens
Region: Peloponnese, Ionian Islands, Attica
Accommodation: Kefalonia
Tour Language: English
Age Range: 1- to 99-year-old
Available: Easter and All Year Round
Departures: Daily
Itinerary of the Easter In Kefalonia Island 4-day tour
- Athens, Kyllini Port, Kefalonia Island
- Experience the wonders of the Peloponnese Peninsula and Kefalonia Island on a four-day tour that includes customs of the Greek Easter.
- Explore Kefalonia Island, known for its stunning blue skies, beach tavernas, turquoise sea, and the refreshing scents of pine and herbs.
- Don’t miss the chance to experience the Greek Easter in Kefalonia and the renowned Melissani cave in Kefalonia.
- During the tour, you will also have the opportunity to visit Argostoli the capital of Kefalonia, Agios Spyridon church, Agios Gerasimos monastery.
- The private tour will conveniently pick you up from your hotel in Athens or cruise ship at the Port of Piraeus.
- An experienced English-speaking tour driver/guide with a great understanding of Greek history and culture!
Considered one of the primary feasts of Orthodoxy, Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus. Kefalonia is a magical place around this time for both the young and old. A peaceful place brings one closer to nature that time-worn but unharmed.
Here is a collection of some of the many traditions performed in the week before and the week after Easter. They are events for both the young and the old.
Saturday of Lazarus
The children make crosses out of the white cloth or ribbons, and then they put them high on the icon of the Resurrection of Lazarus in churches. They sing the carols of Lazarus the day before.
Holy Tuesday
On the evening of Holy Tuesday, the male choir of Argostoli recites the Troparion of Kassianis in one of the local churches. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful moments that you will enjoy if you opt for Kefalonia at Easter. This custom tells the world how Kassiani managed to live such an ascetic life. This is apart from the fact that male voices from Argostoli are joined by the amazing performances of other choirs from all over Kefalonia.
Good Friday, Epitaph Procession
All the young women and the old women in all churches in Kefalonia are busy decorating the epitaphs with various kinds of flowers. In Argostoli, Lixouri, and Sami, the churches do it impressively, but in the villages, the understanding of time about simple decorations with wild flowers is eternal. On Good Friday afternoon, you can visit anytime to any village in Kefalonia and attend the procession of the epitaph.
Holy Saturday
The very first resurrection takes place on that morning following the traditional practices: The breaking of the jar, in the church of Agios Spyridon at Argostoli. Of course, it symbolizes the commotion that should be imagined to be heard ‘releasing’ the evil of death.
Very shortly after this first resurrection, a huge mass congregation is moving on Kampana Square where the jar custom continues.
In the evening of the Holy Saturday comes resurrection. After reading the Gospel and hearing the phrase “Christ is Risen,” thousands of fireworks take over the sky. In all the towns of Kefalonia and villages, inhabitants celebrate the resurrection of Christ with hundreds of fireworks.
Easter Sunday: The custom of “Dancing Love”.
The custom of “Dancing Love” is performed once the Easter meal is concluded and after the Liturgy of Love has taken place. Any priest, cantor, resident or visitor may join. They dance around the church then pass through the doors and join hands together with their eyes turned towards the church. This is repeated three times. In this way, the Kefalonians celebrate the joy of the resurrection. This particular tradition occurs within the church of Agios Athanasios in the village of Agia Irini.
TIP: The typical food that Kefalonians used to eat on Easter Sunday is goat or lamb with sweet myzithropita with dill.
New Monday, the “Litany of Blessings”
The week following Easter is called Nea or Nia by the Kefalonians. Tradition states that the “Litany of Blessings” in Pessada was instituted in order to protect them from the disease which struck down the inhabitants of Dorizata. The symptoms were smallpox and Pessadites shunned contact with the contaminated by placing the icon of the Virgin Mary outside the village so that people in need could approach it. The “Litany of Blessings” thus became associated with the procession of the icon from Pessada to Dorizata.
Those who manage to make it to Kefalonia for Easter would not regret it. They will, instead, be awed by the beauty of nature and all the events happening at that time.
Kefalonia adventure begins
The Famous Greek Easter in Kefalonia
We will pick you up from your accommodation in Athens and departure in the morning for Kyllini port with intermediate stops.
Sailing to Kefalonia and arrival in Argostoli. Transfer and check-in at our hotel in the central square of Argostoli. Lunch at “Ambelaki”, which is located next to the statue of the poet and sailor Nikos Kavvadias. Departure for the hotel and rest.
At 19:00 we will meet at the church, which is located in the central square of Argostoli, where we will follow the procession of the epitaph.
Dinner will follow at a local traditional tavern with Lenten and savory dishes. Evening free. Overnight.
Unveiling the Mystical Beauty of Peloponnese: A Hidden Gem in Greece
The Famous Corinth Canal
Join us bright and early for the start of our adventure, whether you prefer to set off from Athens or the Port of Piraeus.
As we journey along the coast, brace yourself for the stunning vistas where the Aegean and Ionian Seas unite. The merging of these two bodies of water offers a mesmerizing spectacle that will truly take your breath away. Immerse yourself in historical insights as our expert driver shares fascinating facts about Corinth Canal. This knowledge will deepen your appreciation for the historical importance of this famous waterway.
Completed in 1893, the Corinth Canal is a 6.4-kilometer-long and 21.4-meter-wide passage that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf.
Kyllini Port
Kyllini Port is the Ionian Sea’s largest harbor!
The Killini port is the third biggest port in Greece and connects the mainland and Zakynthos and Kefalonia.
Kyllini is the principal entrance to the Ionian Sea from the Peloponnese and western Greece. Every day, thousands of people travel from Killini port.
The port is equipped with only one pier from which passenger ferries travel to the Ionian Islands. It is conveniently located almost at the city center, easily accessible on foot.
Kyllini is among a select number of eastern Mediterranean “green” ports! Kyllini is included in a European program to maintain the port’s environmental footprint, pollution, and noise at a low level.
Kefalonia!
Unveiling the Beauty of Kefalonia
Breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters in varied greenish-blue hues would knock your socks off!
Kefalonia is certainly one jewel in the Ionian Sea. It carries an abundant past in cultural tradition. Being the largest among the Ionian Islands makes it unique and endearing, for the green of its mountains mingles with the blue of its waters. The top of Mt. Ainos is covered with pine, cypress, and olive trees, while at its base, vineyards can be found producing the famous variety of Kefalonian Robola wine.
If you’re into snorkeling or diving, then the underwater attractions surrounding the island will satisfy you completely. You might see rare loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) that nest here, and, perhaps, some of the world’s rarest monk seals (Monachus monachus). Kefalonia’s culinary tradition is so rich; Villages with their past history sit in the very hearts of Kefalonia; the upbeat nightlife; And then there are the lovely beaches that will have you falling in love with this island.
Argostoli: Discovering the capital of Kefalonia island
Argostoli is a bustling, progressive little town in Kafalonia!
With the main hub of activities just inland, centered around Plateia Valianou, which has been charmingly newly pedestrianized.
To fully experience what the island of Kefalonia has to offer, one must visit its capital since 1757-the town of Argostoli. The scenery is beautiful and dense with histrionic developments.
Since 1757, it has been the capital of the island.
A seaside city on the west side of Kefalonia, with almost 10,000 residents, it is enveloped in small lush hills and is blessed by the seas. It serves as Kefalonia’s largest commercial and administrative center as well as its biggest shipping port.
Some of the more prominent villages include Razata, Farsa, Prokopata, Kompothekrata and of course, the well-known Lassi Resort.
At the edge of the bay is the Koutavos Lagoon, which lies amidst deep-green vegetation with extremely tall eucalyptus trees.
Easter in Kefalonia: A magical destination for young and old
2nd DAY: M.SATURDAY
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Agios Spyridon, where we will watch the breaking of the boots. A historically important location since in Agios Spyridon it is where the first pitchers were broken. Accompanied by the Philharmonic, the custom will be completed and we will depart for Omala.
First stop, in the Omala area, is the monastery of Agios Gerasimos, who is the patron saint of the island.
Second stop is the “OREALIOS GI” Winery. A guided tour and wine tasting will follow.
Lunch will follow at a nearby tavern (on your own cost). We depart for Argostoli and return to the hotel early in the afternoon. Free time until 23:00 where we will depart for the Resurrection in Argostoli Square. Immediately afterwards, the Easter dinner with magiritsa will follow, which we will enjoy at a local tavern in the central square of Argostoli. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
Happy Easter Day
DAY 3: HAPPY EASTER
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the unique natural beauty of Melissani lake cave. According to legend, the nymph Melissanthi drowned in the lake because her love for the god Pan was not reciprocated. Our tour will take place by following an underground boat route inside the cave.
Then we will depart for the nearby seaside village of Kravomylos, where we will have lunch at a traditional tavern (Own cost). Our meal will include skewers and grilled meats, as the day requires.
Then, having gathered our strength, we will visit the Lighthouse of Saint Theodore, a trademark of the island.
Return to the hotel. In the afternoon we will take our walk and cross the De Bosset Bridge, the largest stone bridge over the sea in the world. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
Greek Travels – Back To Athens
Discover the Charm of Picturesque Greece
Breakfast and departure from the hotel. We will pass through the village of Lakirtha to see the “Byron’s Rock”, referring to Lord Byron, the village of Kourkoumelata which is characterized by its gardens and neoclassical buildings.
Finally, we will find ourselves at the Fortress of Saint George or Kastro. We will enjoy the view, capable of taking your breath away and continue to Skala where we will visit the Roman Villa with its characteristic mosaics.
We say goodbye to beautiful Kefalonia, the lady of June, boarding the ship and departure for Kyllini.
Arrival in Athens. End of the excursion.
Specially for this tour
Included
Transportation by modern air-conditioned coach
Three nights at the IONIAN PLAZA or similar hotel
Half board (3 buffet breakfasts and 3 dinners)
Private car and driver/guide
VAT Civil
Liability insurance
Excluded
Entrances to museums, archaeological sites, nightclubs, shows
Drinks, tips, porters, etc.
Anything not explicitly stated in “Includes”Optional
Insurance covering medical care, hospitalization and covid-19
General Information
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion – Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
- If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
- When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
- Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
- Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Road tolls and all local taxes
Excluded from the tour
- Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
- Optional Gratuities
- Food and beverage
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver
Cancellation Policy
Additional info
- Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
- Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
- Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
- City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
- Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
- Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.
Persons with Disabilities
- Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
- In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
