Climbing Mount Athos – Athonian Dessert

A unique experience in the most remote and isolated part of Agion Oros that is strongly reminiscent of the 1970s. This climbing 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) for a visit and short rest. We continue steady uphill for 5 hours to the church of Panagia (1500m) at the foothills of Mount Athos. After a short rest we continue to the top of Mount Athos (2033m) where the church of the Transfiguration of the Savior dominates. Overnight in the churchyard with sleeping bags. Trekking hours: 7-8 | Ascent 2000m

Day 2: After the sunrise and as we see the shadow of the pyramid of Mount Athos to be reflected in the Aegean Sea we descent to the Skete of Agia Anna from a different route passing through the Athonite desert and the cells in the katounia, the horrible Karoulia and Mikri Agia Anna. Overnight in the Skete of Agia Anna. Trekking Hours 6-7 – Ascent | 500m.

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: Dinner on Day1, Breakfast on Day2. Extra expenses due to adverse weather conditions**

Note*: The tours are for male persons only. Maximum number of persons is 7-8. And minimum 2. The climbing tour involves a hard ascent to the top of the mountain.

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