Ouranoupoli – Agion Oros

Μorning embarkation (08:00) to the speedboat to enter the restricted area of Agion Oros from Ouranoupoli port. The boat will take us to Grigoriou Monastery. We visit of the monastery and then we hike for 1,5 hour (300m ascent) to Simononopetra Monastery the most impressive monastery of the Athonian State, built on a sheer granite rock. We visit the monastery and then we are transferred by minivan to the administrative center of Agion Oros, Karies. Overnight in Agios Andreas Skete (known as Sarai). Optionally we follow the daily program of the monks. Upon arrival your guide will explain everything to you.

Karies and other Monasteries

Early start to see the morning mass to the Protato church (The first church built in the Athonian State ay 960AD where the most important icon of Greek Orthodox religion is located named Axion Esti). After the mass we will start our hiking visiting en route the Koutloumousiou monastery and St Paisios cell in panagouda region. We continue our hike about 2 hours downhill to the impressive Monastery of Iviron. We visit of the monastery and the we follow an easy coastal path along the north side of Agion Oros for 1,5 hour to Stavronikita Monastery built literally on top of the sea. Visit of the monastery with the impressive murals and we will continue for another 1 hour to our final destination where we will spend the night Pantokratoros Monastery. Overnight in Pantokratoros monastery. Optionally we follow the daily program of the monks.

Panteleimonos and Xenofontos Monasteries

After the morning mass transfer by minivan to Xiropotamou Monastery located in the south side of the peninsula. We visit the monastery and then in one hour with very easy pace mostly downhill we will arrive to Panteleimonos Monastery, known as the Russian Monastery. Visit of the monastery and then we follow a dirt road for another 1,5 hour to our final destination the Xenofontos Monastery. Overnight in Xenofontos Monastery for the marvelous and humble celebrations of the removal of the Holy Relics of St George.

Saint George, known as the “Great Martyr” in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, is a revered figure for his unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution. His relics, preserved in a precious reliquary, are a testament to his martyrdom. Each year on this special occasion, the faithful gather to venerate the relics of Saint George, seeking his intercession and blessings.

The celebrations are a remarkable display of religious devotion, with monks, pilgrims, and visitors joining together in prayer, hymns, and liturgical services. The relics are paraded in solemn processions, and the faithful have the opportunity to venerate them, believing in the healing and spiritual grace they carry.

Dochiariou Monastery

After the morning mass we will visit the Dochiariou Monastery which involves only half an hour walking. In the afternoon we will embark to our ferry towards the exit of Agion Oros to Ouranoupoli. Expected arrival time in Ouranoupoli at 14:30. End of services.