Planning a trip to Greece in April 2010 (Easter weekend)

[padfoot]

My friends and I am planning a trip to Europe in April 2010 during the Easter long weekend. We're currently thinking about joining a packaged tour (such as Trafalgar/Transat/Nolitours) to Greece for about 8-10 days. Hope someone here can help me with the following:

1) First of all is it a good time to go to Greece during Easter? Would everything be closed during the holidays? If Greece is not a good choice, then what countries in Europe are great to visit during Easter?

2) I read about some good reviews about Nolitours in the forum but I could not find any tour info online - probably still too early at this time. When would the info/brochures be available?

3) When would be a good time to catch some European tour deals during Easter?

Thanks!

[asdfvcx]

First of all is it a good time to go to Greece during Easter?
The Easter weekend is normally the start of the Greek tourism season. Before that, a number of places won't be open, or will be operating at reduced hours.

The weather in early April will be comfortable, but not too hot. It you are planning to spend a lot of time on the beach it might be a bit early, although it won't stop some people. And you might get some rain, but probably not too much.

Would everything be closed during the holidays?
I know this is the start of their tourism season, but I'm not sure if there will some places closed for a day or two during the Easter weekend. If you are planning a package tour, the operator should know better and be able to give you a good schedule of what is planned for each day.

If Greece is not a good choice, then what countries in Europe are great to visit during Easter?
That depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for religious festivals, there will be quite a few in Spain, Portugal and Italy. And the weather in these places will be ok, although you're more likely to be seeing more rain than Greece.

[Maximaro]

My friends and I am planning a trip to Europe in April 2010 during the Easter long weekend. We're currently thinking about joining a packaged tour (such as Trafalgar/Transat/Nolitours) to Greece for about 8-10 days. Hope someone here can help me with the following:

1) First of all is it a good time to go to Greece during Easter? Would everything be closed during the holidays? If Greece is not a good choice, then what countries in Europe are great to visit during Easter?

2) I read about some good reviews about Nolitours in the forum but I could not find any tour info online - probably still too early at this time. When would the info/brochures be available?

3) When would be a good time to catch some European tour deals during Easter?

Thanks!

Wow! I just spent my last Easter vacation in Greece, so I can answer some questions for you.

Are you referring to our easter or their orthodox easter? It is much better when you go at Orthodox time because of the celebrations and teh fact that is when things tend to open (mid-late April).

Things were starting to open. Mind you, I spent most of my time on the islands, and there were still some people. Personally, I find it a good time to go - I'm not one for hanging out with tourists.

Santorini would be warm by then. Mykonos was still cold (~12˚C). Naxos was decent (15-20˚C) and Syros was about the same as Naxos.

Oh. if you stay in a hostel during these times, the families also tend to take you to their homes to celebrate easter with them.

I would not do a packaged tour...

[asdfvcx]

Are you referring to our easter or their orthodox easter? It is much better when you go at Orthodox time because of the celebrations and teh fact that is when things tend to open (mid-late April).
In 2010, Orthodox Easter and Western Easter (or whatever the proper name is for the non-Orthodox) will be on the same date, April 4.

It's not that common, but it does happen from time to time, and 2010 will be one of those years.

[Maximaro]

In 2010, Orthodox Easter and Western Easter (or whatever the proper name is for the non-Orthodox) will be on the same date, April 4.

It's not that common, but it does happen from time to time, and 2010 will be one of those years.

Woah. Did not know!

April 4 is very early to go then. Most things will not be open and they'll be under construction on some of the islands, such as Mykonos. But that said, there are some islands that are never that touristy so it's fine. The weather just isn't that warm though.