Pilgrimage in Greece

Pilgrimage in Greece – Mount Athos, Meteora and Thessaloniki Duration: 6 days / 5 nights Departure: Bucharest Group: 10 people Transport: minibus Price: 800 euros/person The tour combines a pilgrimage to Mount Athos, visits to the monasteries of Meteora, and the main Orthodox churches in Thessaloniki. Accommodation included Ouranoupoli – 1 night Makedonia Hotel The accommodation is located in the center of Ouranoupoli, close to the port, the Tower of Ouranoupoli, and the pilgrims' office. The hotel is about 150 meters from the pilgrimage office and about 60 meters from the beach. The group will be provided with 5 double or twin rooms, according to the options selected in the reservation. Meteora area – 2 nights Villa Alexandra – Ziakas, Grevena The property offers rooms with private bathroom, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and mountain or garden views. It is located in the village of Ziakas, in the Grevena region, about 47 km from Kalambaka. Therefore, the accommodation is not directly in Meteora but can be used as a starting point for visiting the monastic complex. The group will be provided with 5 rooms for 10 people. Thessaloniki – 2 nights Thessaloniki Downtown Deluxe Apartment The entire group will be accommodated in an apartment located in the center of Thessaloniki, near Aristotelous Square, the White Tower, and the main historical landmarks. The apartment has capacity for 10 people and features: 4 bedrooms; living room; equipped kitchen; 2 bathrooms; terrace; Wi-Fi; air conditioning. This is a single apartment for the entire group, not 5 separate double rooms. Pilgrimage itinerary Day 1 – Bucharest – Ouranoupoli Early morning departure from Bucharest, on the route Giurgiu – Ruse – Sofia – Kulata – Thessaloniki – Ouranoupoli. Regular stops will be made along the way for rest and meals. Arrival in Ouranoupoli, room allocation, and accommodation at Makedonia Hotel. Depending on the arrival time, free time for: a walk in the port area; visiting the Tower of Ouranoupoli; attending a service at one of the local churches; preparing for the next day's cruise. Accommodation in Ouranoupoli. Day 2 – Cruise to Mount Athos – Grevena In the morning, boarding for the cruise along the coast of Mount Athos. From the boat, several Athonite monasteries can be admired, including: Dochiariou Monastery; Xenophontos Monastery; Saint Panteleimon Monastery; Xiropotamou Monastery; Simonopetra Monastery; Grigoriou Monastery; Dionysiou Monastery. The cruise allows viewing the monasteries from the sea, without disembarking on the monastic territory, and is accessible to the entire group. After the cruise ends, departure for the Grevena region. Arrival in Ziakas, room allocation, and accommodation at Villa Alexandra. Accommodation in the Grevena area. Day 3 – Pilgrimage to the Meteora monasteries Departure for Kalambaka and the Meteora monastic complex. Depending on the monasteries' schedule, two or three of the following will be visited: Great Meteoron Monastery; Varlaam Monastery; Rousanou Monastery; Holy Trinity Monastery; Saint Stephen's Monastery; Saint Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery. The program includes stops at panoramic viewpoints between the monasteries and free time in Kalambaka or Kastraki. Visiting hours and days vary from one monastery to another, so the order will be determined according to the schedule valid on the day of the excursion. Return to Villa Alexandra. Accommodation in the Grevena area. Day 4 – Grevena – Souroti – Thessaloniki Departure towards Thessaloniki. En route, a stop will be made at the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian in Souroti, where the tomb of Saint Paisios the Athonite is located. The monastery is situated near Thessaloniki and is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in northern Greece. After the visit, continue the journey towards Thessaloniki. Arrival and check-in at Thessaloniki Downtown Deluxe Apartment. In the evening, a walk in the city center, in the area of: Aristotelous Square; the waterfront; the White Tower; the statue of Alexander the Great. Accommodation in Thessaloniki. Day 5 – Pilgrimage in Thessaloniki A day dedicated to the main churches and Christian monuments of Thessaloniki. The program includes: The Church of Saint Demetrius, the city's patron saint; the crypt of Saint Demetrius; the Church of Hagia Sophia; the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Gregory Palamas; the Church of Panagia Acheiropoietos; the Rotunda of Saint George; the Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos; the Church of the Holy Apostles. Free time in the city center for lunch, shopping, or a walk along the waterfront. Return to the apartment. Accommodation in Thessaloniki. Day 6 – Thessaloniki – Bucharest Check-out and departure towards Romania. The return route will be Thessaloniki – Kulata – Sofia – Ruse – Giurgiu – Bucharest, with regular stops for rest and meals. Arrival in Bucharest and end of the pilgrimage. Accommodation distribution 1 night at Makedonia Hotel, Ouranoupoli; 2 nights at Villa Alexandra, Ziakas – Grevena; 2 nights at Thessaloniki Downtown Deluxe Apartment, Thessaloniki. Total: 5 nights of accommodation. Included services transport by minibus from Bucharest; necessary fuel for the entire circuit; road and highway tolls; necessary parking along the route; 5 nights of accommodation; 5 rooms in Ouranoupoli; 5 rooms at Villa Alexandra; entire apartment for 10 people in Thessaloniki; cruise along Mount Athos; visit to the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian in Souroti; pilgrimage program at Meteora; visiting program for the churches in Thessaloniki; group escort; organization and coordination of the circuit. Excluded services meals; drinks; entrance fees or contributions to the Meteora monasteries; any local accommodation taxes; authorized local guide, if requested separately; medical insurance; cancellation insurance; public transport used during free time; personal expenses; other activities not mentioned in the program.