Sacred religious experience in Greece – 10 days

Welcome to Athens! Our guide will be expecting you at the airport and will lead you to your stay. After a short break, you will be ready for your first experience at the Monastery of Daphni in Athens. Surrounded by a grove of trees, this monastery, dating back to the 11th century, represents The Dormition of Mother of God. With its beautiful mosaics and its octagon-shaped dome, it’s a beautiful example of the Byzantine Period. Next, you will be going back to the city’s center for lunch and dinner at one of the many local restaurants. You can also take some walks around Athens’s neighborhoods. Overnight in Athens.

Early in the morning, after a good breakfast, you will be departing to your next destination, in Peloponnese. You will visit the Monastery of Mega Spilaio, in the region of Kalavryta located on a steep cliff 120 meters above a canyon. The monastery played an important role during the war against the Ottomans in the 19th century. The building also houses a museum containing a variety of remarkable items dating back to the period of Greek War of Independence. After the tour, there will be plenty of time for lunch at local taverns around the region of Kalavryta where you can eat dishes made of lentils, chickpeas, cooked meat and the famous ‘feta’ cheese made in this area. Overnight in Kalavryta.

Good morning! Time for exploration of the Kalavryta region. You will have the chance to admire the natural landscape full of lakes with emerald waters, slopes full of trees and a breathtaking canyon! The guide will be by your side to ensure that you get the most out of these magnificent views. Continuing the day, you are free for lunch and dinner at the center of this town-village with its traditional restaurants and cafes. Overnight in Kalavryta.

Early in the morning, you will be heading to the port of Piraeus, and sail towards the island of Tinos, considered to be the capital of Religious Tourism in Greece. The Panagia of Tinos is a pilgrimage site that thousands of people from all over the world visit. Famous for the discovery of the Holy Icon, the carved marbles on the outside and the enormous chandeliers on the inside, this place creates the most sacred and spiritual atmosphere. After your guided tour, you can visit a café across the church for a traditional Greek coffee and some cookies. Next, is time for lunch at local taverns with meals made out of local products of Tinos. The night is yours to stroll around the narrow streets of the island. Overnight in Tinos.

Today is a day for relaxation. After your breakfast, you are free to walk around and explore more of Tinos. Walk through the narrow little streets, and dive into the blue waters with the beautiful sandy beaches, and relax under the Cycladic sun. You can also taste local specialties such as fresh fish, local cheese, cold cuts and wine. Overnight in Tinos.

Early in the morning, you continue your trip to Patmos island in the Dodecanese, or otherwise called the Island of the Apocalypse. This Holy Island is a station of the Christian Religion, as it is known as the place where John the Apostle got exiled and wrote the Apocalypse in a cave referring to the message of Revelation and dedication to God. You will visit the Monastery Agios Ioannis Theologos (Saint John The Theologian), in which leaves of parchments and other religious documents are kept. There is also a souvenir store nearby. You can treat yourself to lunch or dinner at a local restaurant after your visit, as well as go for an afternoon or evening stroll afterward. Overnight in Patmos.

The day is free for you to spend it as you wish. You can go sightseeing with our guide and learn everything you need to know. From the town of Patmos with its little houses to its unforgettable beaches, be a local for a day and explore the region. If you wish to go swimming you can be transported by minivan to one of the many pebbled or sandy beaches. Taste local dishes including cooked squid, meat, eggplants, zucchinis, and traditional sweets. The night is free for walks or attending some of the events that usually take place on the island. Overnight in Patmos.

Early in the morning after your breakfast, you are leaving for the next island of Dodecanese, Symi. You will visit the imposing Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis located next to a grove of olive trees, firs and cypresses, by the Gulf of Panormos. It is lavishly decorated with painted frescoes. Mounted on a wood-carved iconostasis, the wonder-working silver-plated icon of Archangel Michael is venerated by many pilgrims who visit the monastery. Later there will be time for lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Overnight in Symi.

You are free to explore the island of Symi. See the most idyllic pictures, the picturesque harbor and the traditional colorful houses. You can also tour around its beaches by boat. Dive into the deep blue waters mixed with the Mediterranean seawaters, as the island is located at southeastern of Greece. Taste fresh fish and especially the famous shrimps cooked in different ways, cooked meat, lentil-rice dishes, ‘dolmades’ and local sweets with honey. Overnight in Symi.

After having a good breakfast and arranging the local products you will be taking with you, our guide will escort you until your arrival at the airport of Athens to catch the flight for your way back home.

There is an option for those who wish to visit the Mount of Athos in Chalkidiki Peninsula, where the entrance is only allowed to men. Admire the imposing historic monasteries, the impressive cells built in caves, the fortresses, cupolas and campaniles that have been standing on the edge of the mountains for over a thousand years. After this experience, you can be accommodated in the Chalkidiki region. You will have all your meals and explore the place around you.