April is there, the month when spring finally takes hold of our lives and we begin planning trips. The first opportunity to do so is in the very first week, when Easter falls this year. What better time to choose to visit places that offer both unique views and cultural and religious itineraries? We invite you to explore three European cities in particular: different in size, culture, and colors… united by the charm of being splendid spring destinations. So, pack your bags! Let’s go!
Lisbon: bridges, parks, and viewpoints
Lisbon welcomes you with its Mediterranean scents from the moment you land at the Lisbon International Airport (LIS), where you’ll find many transportation options, including our chauffeured vehicles dedicated to your every need.
A city with an ancient history, reborn several times after devastating earthquakes, Portugal’s colorful capital is famous for its bridges and numerous panoramic viewpoints, as well as for the parks that dot its map! Visiting gardens such as Parque das Nações, the Botanical Garden, Vasco da Gama Park, Jardim da Estrela, the Zoo… in spring and especially during Easter… is an experience not to be missed. If you want to enjoy a view of the city from above, choose one among these panoramic places: Miradouro da Graça, Jardim do Alto de Santa Catarina, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Jardim do Torel, or Panorâmico de Monsanto.
On Easter Sunday, in Lisbon, the churches take center stage, especially the splendid cathedral (the so-called “Sé”). The ceremonies are captivating, and the restaurants offer delicious lunches featuring the finest Portuguese recipes. If you attend the “Compasso” (the blessing of the houses after Easter Mass), you’ll also admire dozens of balconies and windows adorned with flowers of all kinds.
Do not forget to admire Lisbon’s bridges, especially the Vasco da Gama Bridge —a cutting-edge engineering feat that lights up at night with a myriad of colorful displays—and its castles (São Jorge Castle, Torre de Belem, Palace Fronteira), which, along with the historic Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, make the city center a tourist gem.
Matera: processions in the Sassi
If you choose Matera, in the south-italian region Basilicata, for your Easter trip (land at Bari Airport – BRI and be comfortably transported by a Transfeero vehicle), make sure you arrive in the city by Maundy Thursday. The days leading up to Easter Sunday are rich in traditions, processions, and evocative rituals, held in the heart of the historic area, the so-called “Sassi” quarter.
This neighbourhood carved into the tuff rock is the monument that makes Matera famous worldwide. Once considered a “national shame” the houses in the rock now welcome thrilled tourists who vie to visit them. The classic Sassi itinerary includes a visit to the Villa (the municipal park), the Monastery of St Augustin in Sasso Barisano, and the churches of St Peter and St Anthony near the Tower of Metellana. Walk along the Gravina (the rocky canyon below) and reach the church of St Peter Caveoso, before continuing on to the rock churches atop Monte Errone hill. Then descend to the Albanese district and continue discovering other rock churches (St Barbara, Old Capuchins, New Capuchins) until returning to the city center. Also worthy of your attention are the Cathedral, Palace of Sedile, Tramontano Castle and the nearby archaeological sites (Timmari, Trasano, and Jesce with their prehistoric finds).
If you want to stroll amidst nature, take some time along the trails of the Murgia Materana Park, the San Giuliano Reserve, or the urban park on Via Castello.
Edinburgh: Easter in Nature
You can experience Easter in a still-wintry climate by choosing Edinburgh, Scotland. The capital of this region of the United Kingdom is already a jewel of medieval beauty, but at Easter it ablazes with color and invites you to experience local traditions. And traditions, here, are always linked to nature.
Spend Easter day on the paths of the Royal Botanic Gardens, or attending an “egg hunt” in Traquair, or picnicking at Jupiter Artland. But you might also prefer to simply explore the historic monuments: the Presbyterian Cathedral, the Episcopal Cathedral, the magical ruins of Holyrood Abbey, the ancient St. Margaret’s Chapel (12th century). Or visit castles, such as Edinburgh Castle, Craigmillar Castle, and the Royal Palace of Holyrood. And what about shopping? Go enjoy the shops of Royal Mile Street or the multicultural stalls of the large market in Grassmarket Square.
To visit Edinburgh, simply land at the city’s airport, Edinburgh Airport (EDI), and from there with a convenient private transfer easily reach the city or its surroundings (Portobello Beach, Pentland Hills, Melrose Abbey, Loch Lomond and – a bit further – also the city of Glasgow).
