Athens – Arachova – Osios Loukas – Livadia Piges Kryas – Nafplio – Kefalari – Agios Ephraim (Nea Makri) – Rafina – Sounio – Stavros Niarchos Foundation
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
1st day 27/10/2021: Heraklion Piraeus
Gathering in the port of Heraklion. Boarding the boat and settling in the cabins.
2nd day 28/10/2021: Piraeus – Arachova – Osios Loukas – Livadia Piges Kryas
Arrival at the port of Piraeus and board the bus to Arachova. A short stop for coffee and we continue to the cosmopolitan Arachova. Free time to tour Lakka square, the homonymous clock to drink our coffee and buy their local products. Departure for the Byzantine Monastery of Saint Luke. It is an architectural jewel of 11th century Byzantine art, which since 1990 is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The two large churches, the Panagia and the Katholikon, as well as all the buildings of the monastery complex, cause religious awe and
admiration for pilgrims, but are also objects of architectural study by experts. In every corner of the monastery unfold pieces of Greek history, from
Frankish rule until World War II. The wounds left by the conquerors were gradually repaired and completed in 1989. The Holy Relics
of Saint Luke, which had been transported by the Crusaders in the 13th c . at the Vatican, were finally found in Venice and on December 13, 1986 returned to the reliquary of the Catholicos. Board the bus and take the way back with a stop in Livadia. Running waters, age-old plane trees, stone bridges, watermills and small waterfalls compose the landscape in the beautiful area of Kryas in Livadia . THE Krya is really an oasis of green in its southern part of the capital of Boeotia and one of the favorite places not only of the inhabitants of the city but also of those excursionists who visit the sights and the nearby tourist attractions such as Arachova. Free time for food and walk. Departure for Athens. Arrival at our hotel and settling in the rooms. Leisure . Overnight.
3rd day 29/10/2021: Athens – Palamidi – Nafplio – Kefalari
After breakfast boarding the bus and departure for Nafplio with a short stop in between. Arrival in Palamidi to admire the cell of Kolokotronis and the unrestricted view of the city of Nafplio and the endless blue sea with Bourtzi. Boarding the bus and descending to the city of Nafplio, the first capital of Greece. We will stroll in the picturesque alleys of Psaromachalas, in Syntagma Square which seems untouched by the years and Akronafplia. We will admire the most beautiful buildings of the city such as the Armensberg Palace as well as the Archaeological Museum in Syntagma Square, optional entrance to the National Gallery. Free time for walking, coffee and shopping. Prefer to buy rosaries the souvenir jewelry of the Nafplio nobility. Then we depart for Kefalari. About 5 km southwest of Argos is the village, with just over 600 inhabitants. It is worth visiting, not only because it has retained its charming traditional Greek character, but also for the two unique attractions that are there. Panagias “Kefalariotissa” : This historic beautiful church is located on the east side of the village, at the foot of Mount Haon. It is built inside the cave and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was 16 meters long, 6 meters wide and 4 meters high. 9 of the 16 meters of its length were inside the cave. Even the most demanding visitor will surely be impressed by the approximately 50 meters of aisle of the temple that goes to the bottom of the cave and
reminiscent of a cathedral roof. A side pit of the rock from where cool water springs, has been formed into a chapel. In front of the mouth of the cave is built the newest temple of Zoodochos Pigi, a reverent pilgrimage for travelers. Free time for food.
Leaving Kefalari, after about 2 kilometers we will meet the pyramid of Elliniko. A dating study of the Academy of Athens states that the pyramid of Elliniko was built about 4,000 years ago. However, experts disagree on whether it served as a tomb or a military outpost (fryktoria). The secret for the purpose it served may never have been discovered and for this reason it is a unique phenomenon in Greece and an unsolved archaeological mystery.
We continue the way back with an intermediate stop for a few minutes. Return to the hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight.
4th day 30/10/2021: Nea Makri – Rafina – Sounio – Stavros Niarchos Foundation – Piraeus
Breakfast and luggage arrangement on the bus. Departure for Saint Ephraim in Nea Makri. The Monastery of Agios Ephraim in Nea Makri is one of the oldest monasteries. Many monks and priests stayed there and prayed to the Lord. Time for pilgrimage and coffee in Nea Makri. We leave for the beautiful Rafina. Free time for a walk and optional lunch. Boarding the bus and departure for the Stavros Niarchos Foundation via Sounio. A short stop for photos optionally in the temple of Poseidon and we continue for the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. A public space, with free access and sculptural participation of the public in a multitude of cultural, educational, sports, environmental and entertainment events and activities. It includes the facilities of the National Library of Greece and the National Opera, as well as the Stavros Niarchos Park, one of the largest green spots in Athens, covering an area of 210 acres. Departure for the port of Piraeus. Boarding the boat. Overnight at sea.
5th day 31/10/2021: Heraklion
Arrival at the port of Heraklion.
End of Excursion.
* A necessary condition for the realization of the organized excursion is the minimum participation of 35 people. ** Reservation of seats only with advance payment due to high demand in view of October 28th. *** Due to the health conditions, the program can be differentiated for the best possible execution and always in accordance with the health protocols. **** To travel it is mandatory to have with you a negative molecular test 72 hours before the trip or Rapid test 48 hours or Self test 24 hours before your departure or a vaccination certificate 14 days after the 2nd dose or a disease certificate.
**** The excursions will take place following the current developments and always with the suggestions of the experts, observing the prescribed regulations of the health protocols for the safety of all of us.
- Passengers are required to enter if they are fever-free and with their personal mask on.
- For the entry of visitors to Museums, Archaeological sites, taverns, restaurants, a vaccination certificate or RAPID TEST is required.
- Bus Completeness is 85%.
Prices / Packages
| Price in double / triple: 159 .00 € |
| Price in single: + 77.00 € |
| Price for a child up to 12 years with 2 adults: 129.00 € |
The excursion includes:
- Ferry tickets Heraklion – Piraeus – Heraklion in quadruple / triple cabins
- 02 nights with breakfast at a 4 **** hotel in Athens (500m from The Mall, the largest shopping center)
- Luxurious air-conditioned coach throughout the trip
- Office escort throughout the trip
- Excursions according to the program
The excursion does not include :
- Hotel accommodation taxes.
- Entrances to Museums, archeological sites. Free admission children up to 18 and students free, three children-many children-disabled- over 70% disability-holders of unemployment card-culture card-teacher card are free with the respective supporting documents in force
- That is mentioned in the program as optional
- Difference in a double cabin: + 24 € Heraklion-Piraeus-Heraklion
