DISCOVER THE REAL LESVOS
 AT EASTER

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This is not just another holiday. It is an experience suitable only for people who have at least a small interest in the history, culture, traditions and nature of the island of Lesvos, and want to have a good time. For some years now at Easter, in Vatera, we had the pleasure of the company of a number of friends (made during their previous, usually summer holidays) here.

So for Easter 2005, there will be a specially organised programme for those that wish to join us in the Easter Celebrations. Spending Easter with us is a natural way of really bringing people together and making lifelong friends.

At HIBISCUS TRAVEL we are committed to providing exactly what the customer wants at an affordable price, therefore in 2005 recognising that the needs of couples and singles are different we will be running parallel organised programmes for:

·         Singles groups &

·         Mixed groups

You will be able to discover the real Lesvos that the tourists never see surrounded by the warmth and hospitality of Vaios and Dimitra, the Balkizas dynamic duo (Owners of Hibiscus Travel) and their hand picked associates. It is anticipated that places will be snapped up quickly so we advice that you book early to avoid disappointment. Also flights for Easter usually sell quickly, so early planning is recommended. If you really want to make a difference to your budget book your flights as early as possible (3-4 months ahead) with www.easyjet.com

What makes this type of holiday experience different is it’s authenticity . Our trips are not tourist consumer products ready for ‘mass consumption’. They are not the usual outings for large groups of tourists but first or repeat time experiences for select groups of six to eight persons. We are ready to share the real Lesvos ( Mytilini ) with you and to help you understand why the Lesvians ( never Lesbians but more commonly Mytilinians ) are so passionate about their island and it’s traditions. No two days will be the same, since they will include a variety of activities and experiences.

ACCOMODATION - MEALS

So for these two very special weeks you will be based at Vatera, at very comfortable studios & apartments where breakfast will also be served. Lunches, depending on the programme of the day will be either picnics or meze lunches at select tavernas. The evening meals will be seved at traditional tavernas.

If you wish you can follow the Greek tradition of Lent ( exclude meat from your meals in the week up to Easter) but it is entirely up to you. The meals will include vegetables, legumes, shellfish, milk and cheese, so they are flavoursome and very enjoyable. Strict religious observance demands that no milk, cheese, eggs or even oil is eaten during Easter week, but unless otherwise requested we will adopt a more liberal version of fasting.

PROGRAMME HIGLIGHTS

Easter is the most important event of the Greek Orthodox calendar. It is celebrated at a time of the year when nature is emerging in a riot of colourful fragrant flowers, budding trees and spreading vegetation from its bleak winter lethargy – the ideal setting for a religious festival which celebrates Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Coincidentally the lilac bush (or Pascalia ), which in Greece it grows to the size of a tree comes into bloom at Easter (Pasca for the Greeks).

Discovering the Island

We will explore the countryside of South Lesvos in the spring with the magnificent colours of the flowers and butterflies. We will visit Almyropotamos to feed the terrapins and take a walk or drive to the picturesque harbour of St.Focas with the homonymous chapel high above on the rocks and the Temple of Dionysus, the god of wine & merriment. You might even be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the dancing dolphins in the blue waters of the Aegean.  We will take time for lunch and on the way back if you feel energetic walk up to Paliopyrgos, in parallel to the meandering river. 

Bird , Wild flower & Orchids spotting

In the hills around Vatera at secret olive grove terraces you will be able to search for orchids and wild flowers. We will guide you to various locations in the area and especially the Salt Pans of Polihnitos and Alykoudi Pool so even if you are not a 'twitcher' you can enjoy the wonderful scenery, the flamingos and other birds and the profound peace of the place.

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