Having experienced Pesach programs in the United States, I was keen on trying something new, something different, something exotic. So, last year I chose Greece and as soon as we arrived, it was clear we weren’t in Kansas anymore. Greece was so different and so exotic it seemed like another world. And in terms of the vibe of the program, it felt totally new. The air, sea, and vistas were gorgeous and completely different from anything I had ever experienced.
From the minute the van pulled up, it was like being in an oasis. We had been driving for an hour after two long flights, and were practically zombies. The kids were out like a light and snoring, while I managed to keep my eyelids open so I could take in the majestic Greek scenery as it unfolded all around me. The kids were not used to such a long itinerary, but when we finally reached our hotel, it was like a magical scene.
The building itself was a beautiful cream color adorned with palm trees, and we were met with a flurry of smiling, uniformed valets who greeted us, opened up the back door, and placed our luggage on the carts. We quickly checked in and were greeted with the glorious scent of freshly-ground espresso brewing and a beautifully decorated table of fresh petit fours and fruit. Children played in the sun-filled lobby as their parents sipped lattes. Some guests were making their way downstairs for lunch and some were heading out to the pool for a dip before the start of the chag. Somewhere in the distance I heard a bouzouki playing. Yes, we were in Greece. We had finally made it.
We heard a cacophony of languages in the hallways. Mothers were speaking to their children in Hebrew, letting them know that after lunch they were going to the beach and then straight to the bath before yom tov. Two other girls, possibly sisters, shared a few comments in French.
One of the things you encounter while at a European Pesach program is Jews from Europe and all over. Over the course of the program, I learned via the style of dress, the languages, and the abundance of lamb, that the guests had arrived from Los Angeles, Lakewood, New York City, Miami, Mexico, France, England, Italy, Israel, and Australia. Different Passover programs attract different attendees.
Something I learned from Passover programs is that when choosing a Passover destination, people have preferences regarding a number of options, from type or mix of religious crowd, to types of food, activities, climate, hotel tier, and so forth. On Passover Listings, you can select from a number of search filter preferences to focus your search such as 5-star properties, beach front, mixed crowd, ultra-frum crowd, separate swimming, gebrukts, non-gebrukts, takes over entire hotel, and more. The more details that prospective guests have, the more informed their program choices can be, ultimately and hopefully leading them to the best Pesach experience possible.
At my European Passover program, while there wasn’t separate swimming at the main pools, the program organizers ensured that there were separate times for men and women to enjoy the normally-mixed spa pools. On Shabbos or yom tov, it was totally normal to spot some guests in shorts and tank tops grabbing a coffee while on their way to the spa or pool, and equally typical to observe guests meticulously learning with a sefer or with a chavrusa in the lobby or on the ocean-front terrace. Some attendees preferred a specific crowd while others enjoyed seeing a mix of Jews. Personally, I thought it was beautiful to see a mixture of Jews enjoying yom tov together, especially during an impromptu late-night kumzits, or when we collectively davened for the hostages to be returned.
The food was also different, offering more exotic flavors and tastes. There was always a smorgasbord of fruit and pastries available. The program had a true mix of Ashkenazi and Sephardic guests, and as such, offered a mix of Mizrachi, Mediterranean, and American gourmet food. Kiddushes were flowing with herring, ceviche, and gribenes. Highly desired items were always available, such as steak and lamb, and a wine station with a wine steward available to help you choose a wine.
American programs tend to present things in a grand American style: Passover programs like Kosherica pull out all the stops when it comes to entertainment. Their lineup includes performers such as comedian Yohay Sponder and singers like Gad Elbaz. Insane. California’s Upscale Legacy will be hosting the Moshav Band, cigar and chocolate nights, Chopped competitions, mechanical bull riding…the list goes on and on. American programs keep you swimming in entertainment, perusing lavish tea rooms, and being wowed by the variety, novelty, and excitement they curate.
On the other hand, European programs, while showcasing themed nights, casino nights, magicians, and many other types of entertainment, know that you are there to explore, see, hear, touch, and taste a whole new experience. Leisure Time Tours in Santa Margherita, Portofino, Italy offers excursions like touring Florence’s famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, holding up the leaning tower of Pisa for a photo, or taking in the sites of Portofino and the Italian Riviera from your own private yacht. In Greece, you can tour ancient ruins and jet ski on the Aegean Sea. In Spain, you can tour through warm and inviting Barcelona, with its famous PortAventura Park and the Museu Picasso, which houses an extensive collection of artworks by the famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. In Portugal, you can enjoy Serra do Buçaco and Buçaco National Forest, with its lush forests, tranquil walking trails, and breathtaking views of Albufeira da Barragem, a reservoir surrounded by hills, perfect for water adventures. In this kind of environment, you can explore and hike, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Either way, you can enjoy your Pesach like never before.
One aspect to take note of is the fact that the hotel staff might not speak good English and the electrical sockets are round. There is also the issue of bentchers, Haggadahs, and siddurim without any English in them. Another major difference is the price point. For whatever reason, the European programs generally cost less per room than their American counterparts, and sometimes it can be challenging to acquire pricing specifics. Passover Listings has developed a mechanism to help smooth out this process. The site’s pricing tool allows users to plug in the number of guests per room and find a range of Passover programs and prices that meet their needs. Prospective guests should keep in mind that while the lower ticket price of European programs may be appealing, they should also factor in flight costs to get their best chance at comparing apples to apples.
Speaking of flights, for Americans flying to Europe, it is important to calculate door-to-door time in order to make sure you arrive before the start of the chag. When we arrived in Europe, it took my young children a few days to acclimate to the time change. It all worked out in the end, but it did cut into our chol hamoed activity time, as well as throwing off sleep schedules, which can be tricky for adults and children alike.
In the United States and Europe, Passover programs have one goal: to give you and your family an amazing experience, to enjoy the holiday, try new and exciting foods, and to go on a grand adventure. Some guests are eager to go out exploring while others are content to sit by the pool. Some are bringing newborns while others are tending to elderly family members. What’s great about the spectrum of options is that whether you are staying put to enjoy the vast array of hotel entertainment and activities, or touring and exploring uncharted adventures, there is something for everyone.
