Unique Routes in Nature / Detailed Itinerary
Thematic Hike: The Mountain of Worship
Day 1: Welcome
- Arrival at Thessaloniki airport / Departure for Paralia Folias with a mini bus that will take us wherever needed throughout the trip.
- Acquaintance – Program Announcement.
- Short visit-tour to the Tower of Apollonia [It dates back to the late Byzantine period (14th century) and is considered a military project for the purpose of controlling the movements in the entire maritime area between Mount Athos and Chrisoupolis (Kavala)].
- Dinner with fish and seafood at Michalis Tavern overnight at the “Sun Thalassa” rental apartments.
Day 2: The hidden beauties of Pangeo
- Breakfast with traditional, local products.
- Transfer to Mesoropi and hike to the cave of Voskovrysi (352m – 1213m) accompanied by a mountain guide. At an altitude of 650 meters, we come across a beautiful waterfall that is worth stopping and enjoying. Total: 5.5 km, 3h, 955m 97m.
- Light lunch with local flavors and rest in the cave. Introduction to the history of Pangeo.
- Return to Mesoropi and rest in a traditional village cafe or alternatively tour the settlement with its beautiful traditional houses. Traditional Greek coffee with Turkish delight with the preparation of the coffee in the presence of the guests.
- Transfer to neighboring Moustheni and visit the traditional settlement, visit the Church and the bridges of the village.
- Dinner at restaurant “Kastanies”.
- Return overnight at “Sun Thalassa” rental apartments.
Day 3: Legends, herbs and aromas
- Breakfast in the room with traditional, local products.
- Departure for the Aggitis River Gorge. Tour on bus, on the route passing by Apollonia Tower, Lion of Amphipolis, Amphipolis, Proti, Rodolivos.
- Hiking on the routes offered around the Aggitis Gorge between Mount Pangeo and Menoikio and visiting the prehistoric rock paintings of Aggitis. We admire the prehistoric artists and learn the history of the area. 8.11 km, 5h, 498-786m.
- Visit to the cave of Alistrati with a guided tour. One of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. The surface of the cave is 25,000 square meters and its length is 3 km. It has a wonderful decoration, both of stalactites and stalagmites, and of helictites – formations that defy gravity and literally float. Guided tour to the rock paintings of the 5th – 6th BC century depicting animals, as well as scenes of daily life and the flora of the region. Connecting plants and herbs with ancient myths and stories.
- Light lunch with local flavors.
- Transfer to the “Tea House” for an herbal tour and herbal tasting. In a beautiful estate full of aromas and colors, near the village of Krinida Serron, there is the unique “House of Tea” in Greece. Here the owner and good friend, botanist Zalidas Ioannis will give us useful information about various herbs and their beneficial properties, while we will have the opportunity to taste them and learn the right way to serve them.
- Dinner at Symboli in Krinida Serron or Proti Serron at the tavern “Idones”.
- Return overnight at “Sun Thalassa” rental apartments.
Day 4: Myths and gastronomy
- Breakfast in the room with traditional, local products.
- The day begins with a visit to the “Natural Outliers” farm and olive grove for a rich breakfast with local products (honey, tahini, pies, fruits, spoon sweets, traditional bread) and an introduction to the production of organic olive oil.
- Visit to the famous winery “Vivlia Chora”, guided tour and wine tasting. After enjoying the wonderful view we will be guided around all the premises, hear the story of its creation, follow the production cycle from picking to bottling and we will taste the wonderful wine by carrying out the planned tasting for us.
- Transfer to the eco-lodge “Pangeo Forest Village”, for a walk on the short path that leads to the cave, relaxation and dinner with cooked traditional food.
- Overnight stay at the ecological accommodation “Pangeo Forest Village”.
Day 5: In the mythical Valley of Orpheus
- Breakfast with traditional, local products.
- Arrival at the forest service houses and a short walk to a special natural spot with a panoramic view, where we can see from a distance the places we will visit and hike during the two days.
- Start hiking from the forest service houses to Hatzigeorgiou refuge. A route of 1 hour and 30 minutes through a green forest with beech trees. Moderate to low risk. Gentle slope, distance 2 km. 8.11 km, 5h,498-786m.
- Arrival at Hatzigeorgiou refuge (1,750 m.), arrangement and rest, light lunch accompanied by drinks.
- Go to the “Trikorfo” peak. Height 1942 m. it is the second highest peak of Pangeo. From the shelter the hike will take a total of 3 hours and we will enjoy all the view and the colors of the sun as it sets.
- Return to the lodge for an evening dinner with Orpheus hymns, music, songs, delightful cuisine, and the company of esteemed individuals.
- Overnight at Hatzigeorgiou shelter in shared dormitories, separated for women and men.
Day 6: From Orphism to Christianity.
- Ascent to the top of Avgo (pilaf tepe). Sunrise from the valley and return to the lodge (2 hours) 8.11 km, 5h,498-786m.
- Mountaineering breakfast with coffee/tea.
- Transfer by Mini bus to the settlement of Nikisiani and the Holy Monastery of Panagia Eikosifonissa.
- Rest, light lunch and guided tour of the historic Monastery.
- Return to the settlement of Nikisiani and visit the cultural club to experience the unique experience of Arapi.
- Return to the accommodation and dinner with traditional cooked food of the region.
- Overnight at the eco-lodge “Pangeo Forest Village”.
Day 7: Paleochori
- Breakfast with traditional, local products.
- Visit to the Holy Church of St. Georgiou in Paleochori.
- Crossing the path that starts from Paleochori and leads to Vranokastro. Rest, historical facts about the castle and commemorative photos against the background of the efforts of the historical Philippi. 8.11 km, 5h,498-786m.
- Return to Paleochori and have dinner in one of the famous traditional taverns of the village, such as “To kotouki tis pareas”.
- Rest of day: Free.
- Overnight ecological accommodation “Pangeo Forest Village”
*** Alternatively: Philippi – Krinides
- Breakfast with traditional, local products.
- Hike to the Acropolis of Krinides from where we see the area of the battle of Philippi 42 BC a famous battle between the Romans and return.
- Tour of the archaeological site, the museum, and the ancient theater of Philippi and the Krinides.
- Guided tour of Lydia where the first Christian woman was baptized.
- Thermal clay therapy or hydrotherapy at the Krinides “Clay Spa” or Hike to the Acropolis of Krinides, depending on the season.
- Light lunch at the area of the “Clay Spa” or at the forecourt of the ancient Theater.
- Return to “Pangeo Forest Village” with dinner and stay overnight.
Day 8: Departure
- Breakfast with traditional, local products.
- Departure, if from Kavala, visit Kavala, Agios Silas, Agios Panteleimon, Old Town, Castle of Kavala, Sanctuary of the Virgin. If from Thessaloniki, visit Amphipolis, Lion of Amphipolis, Rodolivos, Proti.
Highlights
- 8 days (6 full days without counting arrival and departure).
- 7 nights (2 Land of Orpheus – 2 Sun Thalassa – 3 Pangeo Forest Village).
- 5 hiking routes (3 demanding – 1 easy – 1 very easy).
- Strong culinary element, authenticity, and contact with the mountain and its energy.
Included
- All overnight stays in traditional guesthouses with rich breakfast.
- All transfers and those to and from the airport by mini bus 4 light meals, 7 dinners.
- 8 days with a tour guide for all activities.
- 3 guided tours with a certified guide.
- 5 hikes with a certified Mountain Guide Welcome treat.
- Map of the area.
Excursion equipment
- A good pair of walking shoes (Hiking boots and high-quality mountain trail sports shoes).
- A small backpack with personal items for the hikes.
- Hat and sunscreen.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Camera, appetite for walking and good mood.
*Program may be subject to change