Α truly unique ski touring experience exploring the remote, wild, isolated and sacred Mount Athos, enjoy the stunning scenery and discover the secrets of the Athonian state that is strongly reminiscent of the 1970s.
This complete ski touring tour is a definition of solitude and isolation with visits to the Skete of Agia Anna, Mikra Agia Anna, Katounakia, horrible Karoulia, the Holly Monasteries of Dionysiou and Pavlou, as well as the ascent to the highest mountain, Mount Athos (2033m) which overlooks the whole peninsula. According to Greek Mythology, Athos, son of Ouranos and Gaia, was one of the Giants, During the battle between Gods and Giants, Athos threw a huge rock against the Gods but it fell on the edge of Halkidiki and became the peninsula of the same name, the mountain of which took its name from.
DETAILED ITINERARY*
Day 1: Early morning embarkation (06:30) to the ferry to enter the restricted area of Agion Oros. The boat trip to Agia Anna will take approximately 3,5 hours. Upon arrival hike to the Skete (300m) and settle in. Day hiking tour towards the Athonian desert with visits to cells, huts in Mikra Agia Anna, Karoulia and Katounakia. Return to Agia Anna Skete and overnight. Optionally we follow the daily program of the monks. Upon arrival your guide will explain everything for you. Trekking hours: 3-4
Day 2: Early morning start. We hike steady uphill for 3-4 hours to the church of Panagia (1500m) below the summit of Mount Athos. We put our skis on and move to the top of Mount Athos (2033m) where the church of the Transfiguration of the Savior dominates. Ski around the remote landscape with views to the Aegean sea and the iconic scenery for the whole day and then descent to Agia Anna for our overnight stay. Trekking hours: 6 | Ascent 1700m
Day 3: After the morning mass and the communal breakfast we will hike to Dionysiou monastery visiting en route Pavlou monastery. In the afternoon we will embark to our ferry towards the exit of Agion Oros to Ouranoupoli. End of services. Trekking Hours: 3
Price: Please Enquire
Included: Guesthouse accommodation in Ouranoupoli the day before our entry. Entrance fees & procedures, guiding in the trails, all land and sea transfers (boat, minivan, bus), 2 times communal food in the monasteries (days of fasting one time), accommodation in the monasteries with shared facilities with hot water.
Not Included: Extra expenses due to adverse weather conditions**
Note*: The tours are for male persons only. Maximum number of persons is 7. And minimum 2.
Note**: Although Agion Oros is a peninsula is only accessed by sea. No land crossings of vehicles are permitted. Sometimes due to adverse weather conditions the port authorities issue a prohibitive departure of the maritime transport services