Trekking the Athonian Desert

A unique experience in the most remote and isolated part of Agion Oros, the Athonian Desert, that is strongly reminiscent of the 1970s. This trekking tour is a definition of solitude and isolation with visits to the Skete of Agia Anna, Mikra Agia Anna, Katounakia, horrible Karoulia, four holly Monasteries including the Megisitis Lavras Monastery, the first monastery that was founded in the Athonian state at 963 AD.

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 | Ascent: 500m

Day 2: From the Skete of Agia Anna to the Kafsokalyvia settlement. Climbing Mount Karmelion. Overnight in Kausokalyvia. Trekking Hours 5-6 | Ascent: 500m. | Descent: 900m

Day 3: After the morning mass and the communal breakfast we will hike from Kausokalyvia route to Agios Nilos – Vigla and then to the  of Timios Prodromos, known as the Romanian Skete. From there we follow a dirt road to Megisitis Lavras Monastery, the first monastery that was founded in the Athonian state at 963 AD. Overnight in Megisitis Lavras Monastery. Trekking Hours: 6 hours | Ascent: 600m

Day 4: Transfer by minibus to Karakalou monastery. Visit the monastery and hike to Karyes, the administrative center of Agion Oros, passing en route from Filotheou monastery. In Karyes we will visit Koutloumousiou monastery and the Protato, where the icon of Axion Esti is kept. Overnight in the Skete of Agios Andreas. Trekking Hours: 5 hours | Ascent: 500m

Day 5: Transfer by bus to Dafni port. Exit the Athonian state by ferry. Arrival time in Ouranoupoli at 15:00 approximately. End of services.

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 7-8. And minimum 2. This trekking tour involves involves moderate hiking in between the monasteries.

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.)