On the Hunt for a Cracking Easter Holiday

    LONDON, ENGLAND, April 07, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Easter is one of the most popular times for Brits travelling abroad, as they take advantage of the long weekend. The most popular destinations this year are New York followed by London and Paris - all of which have retained their positions as the top three destinations for two years running.

Top 10 most popular Easter destinations, according to Expedia.co.uk

Top 20 Easter Destinations 2011
1 New York
2 London
3 Paris
4 Rome
5 Barcelona
6 Berlin
7 Las Vegas
8 Amsterdam
9 Madrid
10 Prague

Top 20 Easter Destinations 2012
1 New York
2 London
3 Paris
4 Berlin
5 Rome
6 Barcelona
7 Las Vegas
8 Amsterdam
9 Prague
10 Madrid

There are a huge range of spectacular celebrations, carnivals and fetes taking place within these cities and across the globe, and here, the destination experts from Expedia offer their insider tips on the must-see global Easter celebrations, and some of the packages on offer in Expedia.co.uk's spring sale.

Ten ways to celebrate Easter around the world:

1. New York

The big apple has plenty to offer over the Easter break, which may be why the city is the most booked destination for Easter 2012 according to Expedia.co.uk. Easter parades are traditional in many U.S. cities but the best known is the huge annual parade on New York's Fifth Avenue, which takes place from 47th to 59th Streets on Easter Sunday between 10am and 4pm. Visitors can wander the streets to see the incredible display of costumes and Easter Bonnets - some outfits are even decorated with live animals!

New York for GBP1,393 per person -Save 30% and collect double nectar points
Seven nights room only at the Park Central New York Hotel is just GBP1,393 per person, based on two adults sharing a superior king room. This includes return flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Newark airport on 2nd April. This Midtown New York hotel offers a desirable location close to Broadway, Fifth Avenue shopping, and Central Park. While in New York, treat yourself to a 20 minute Panoramic Helicopter Tour of the city and receive a complimentary photograph. Alternatively, shop in style and enjoy VIP treatment plus 10% off from one of the largest department stores in the world with Macy's Star Shopper package. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

2. London

For those wanting to stay closer to home this Easter bank holiday, London is the perfect place to visit- coming in at number two of the most booked destinations on Expedia.co.uk. Take advantage of Expedia's London promotion and visit a West End show or take a tour of Hampton Court Palace. And you don't have to go anywhere to enjoy some Easter fun: Expedia.co.uk is bringing the classic English 'Easter Egg Hunt' to Facebook by offering the chance to win GBP50 by finding a hidden egg online. The page allows fans to 'check in' to cities around the world (without even visiting them) to try and find eggs in return for prizes. Simply visit www.facebook.co.uk/expediaUK from 4th April to start your hunt!

London for GBP1,337 per person - collect double nectar points
Seven nights room only at the Sanderson, A Morgans Hotelis just GBP1,337 per person, based on two sharing a standard room. Two hotel superstars teamed up to create this ultra-stylish hotel on chic Berners Street in Soho, with the shops of London's Oxford Street are two blocks away. While you're in London, see all the sights on the Total London Experience. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

3. Cancun

In Mexico, Easter holidays are full of lively festivities. In the week leading up to Lent, children actually smash eggs over each other's heads - fortunately these eggs are filled with small pieces of paper rather than raw egg!

Cancun for GBP1,496 per person - Collect double nectar points
Seven nights all inclusive at the Royal Solaris Cancun Resort, Marina & Spa -All Inclusivefor just GBP1,496, based on two sharing a deluxe room. This includes return flights with American Airlines departing from London Heathrow to Cancun on 2nd April. Beautifully nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon, Royal Solaris Cancun is within 2 km (1.25 mi) of the El Rey Mayan ruins and Wet n' Wild water parks. You can also experience the warmth and charm of Mexico's Mayan community on theCoba Mayan Encounter. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

4. Seville
The processions of Semana Santa (Spanish Holy Week) in Seville are amongst the most famous celebrations in the world. Several of the processions have over 115 different floats and marching bands. As well as the street procession, there is a week-long Easter celebration throughout the city so it really is one of the most spectacular times of the year to visit.

Seville from just GBP858 per person - Save 10% on your stay and collect double nectar points
Seven nights room only at Las Casas de la Juderiaisfrom GBP858 per person, based on two sharing a double room. This includes return flights with British Airways departing from London Heathrow to Seville on 2nd April. This former duke's residence consists of a labyrinth of Moorish-style houses and typical Spanish courtyards, interconnected by a grotto-style passage and set in central Seville's Santa Cruz district. Take a tour of Seville's monumentsand unravel the rich tapestry of Seville's history with an experience that explores its most significant monuments and buildings. For reservations or to book, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

5. Hallaton

In Hallaton (in Leicestershire), every Easter Monday, there is the 'Hare Pie Scramble and Bottle Kicking'. Folktales have it that a woman was saved from the charge of a bull by a hare running across its path. As a token of her appreciation, she gave a piece of land to the rector with the sole condition that a hare pie and plenty of ale be given to the villagers on that day every year after.

Hallaton for just GBP503 per person - Collect double nectar points
Seven nights room only at the Mercure Leicester City Hotelfrom just GBP503 per person, based on two sharing a standard room. Situated in Leicester, this sustainable hotel is close to Leicester Town Hall, New Walk Museum, and Leicester Cathedral. Also nearby are Highcross Shopping Centre and Jewry Wall. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

6. Rome

There are many interesting Easter rituals and traditions throughout Italy. However, the largest, grandest and most popular of all the events are the Holy Week activities in Rome, with the city being the fifth most booked destination for Easter this year. The Pope himself leads several masses at St. Peter's Basilica over the Easter weekend and tens of thousands of visitors head to the city to witness his address.

Rome for just GBP968 per person - Stay 3 nights and receive 25% on your stay, and collect double nectar points
Seven nights room only at theExedra, A Boscolo Luxury Hotelfor just GBP968 per person, based on two sharing a superior room. Includes return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow to Rome on 2nd April. A regal showcase of Neo Classical architecture, this Rome hotel is located directly on the Piazza della Repubblica across from the Repubblica Metro station. While in Rome, be part of a Papal Audiencewith Pope Benedict XVI. Listen to His Holiness welcome pilgrims, impart his blessings, and lead the prayers. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

7. Amsterdam

Each year, Amsterdam hosts several egg hunts - the most renowned being the Egg Hunt at Het Groot Melkhuis in Vondelpark, the city's largest park. Parents can relax in the cafe, which resembles a traditional gingerbread house, while their children hunt through the park's adventure playground to discover the hidden eggs. Thanks to its range of attractions, convenient travel links and one hour flight, the city is the eighth most booked destination for Easter on expedia.co.uk.

Amsterdam for just GBP514 per person - Take advantage of the hotel promotion and collect double nectar points
Seven nights room only at the Dorint Hotel Amsterdam Airportfor just GBP514 per person, based on two sharing an executive room. Includes return flights with easyJet departing from London Southend to Amsterdam on 2nd April. The hotel is 7 km from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and central attractions such as the Rijksmuseum and Dam Square are about 8 km away- all easily accessed via bus or train. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

8. Prague

The daily Prague Easter market at the Old Town Squareand Wenceslas Square has over 100 market stalls full of toys, handicrafts and hand-painted Easter eggs as well as delicious treats, such as 'Trdelnik' (a traditional sweet pastry)- which may be why it features in the top ten most booked destinations for Easter. The Square also stages performances of traditional Czech folk dances.

Prague from just GBP653 per person - Save 28% on your hotel stay and collect double nectar points
Seven nights bed and breakfast at the K&K Hotel Fenixis from GBP653 per person, based on two sharing a classic room. Includes return flights with easyJet from London Gatwick to Prague on 2nd April. Just off Wenceslas Square in central Prague, the hotel is a block from the National Museum and less than 2 kilometres from the Municipal House and the city's birthplace. Take the Golden City Tour of Pragueand see the city's most prominent monuments with a professional tour guide. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

9. Sofia

In Bulgaria, people don't hide their eggs, they have egg fights! Whoever comes out of the game with an unbroken egg is the winner, so why not visit Sofia for a spot of Egg-smashing action this year?

Sofia from just GBP361 per person - Stay 7 nights and save 20% on your stay plus and collect nectar points
Seven nights bed and breakfast at the Sofia Plaza for just GBP361 per person, based on two sharing a standard room. Includes return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow to Sofia on 2nd April. Located only 200 metres from the Central Train and Bus-Stations in Sofia on one of the biggest boulevards in Sofia, the Hotel Sofia Plaza offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi internet access. For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

10. Paris
The third most popular destination for Easter 2012 with Expedia.co.uk is ever-popular Paris. Aside from the farmers markets, amazing restaurant and shopping options, the stunning Notre Dame de Paris hosts Catholic services throughout Easter if you fancy something more traditional. The most popular services are the Easter Sunday Mass and Vendredi Saint (Good Friday).

Paris from just GBP565 per person - Stay 1 night and receive 15% off your stay and collect double nectar points
Seven nights room only at the Art Hotel Congres from just GBP565 per person based on two sharing a standard double or twin rooms, including flights with easyJet from London Luton to Paris on 2nd April. Situated in Paris's Arc de Triomphe - Palais des Congres neighbourhood, this hotel is close to the Moulin Rouge, Sacred Heart Basilica and the Galeries Lafayette. If you're looking for a different way to experience the city, zip around Paris in true French style and discover the city's famous landmarks in a chauffeur-driven Citroen 2CVcar. Check out this videoby Expedia which gives you a tasteof the thrilling tour! For reservations, visit www.expedia.co.uk or call 0330 123 1235.

For more ideas or to book your hotel, simply visit http://www.expedia.co.uk.

About Expedia

With access to 145,000 hotels around the world (including boutique hotels as well as major hotel brand names),over 300 airlines along with specialist tools to help refine these choices, Expedia.co.uk helps travellers to find and create the trip that best matches their individual requirements. Expedia.co.uk partners with loyalty programme Nectar in the UK enabling its customers to collect 200 Nectar points on flight only, hotel or car hire bookings and 1000 points on package purchases through www.expedia.co.uk.

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