Hike to Mount Athos
Microbus
Tour details
Discover Mount Athos: Adventure and Spirituality in the Heart of Orthodoxy!
Embark on a unique journey to Mount Athos, a sacred and mysterious place where only men are permitted. This hike will take you in the footsteps of Orthodox monks, offering a profound opportunity to connect with both nature and spirituality in an authentic way.
Known as the “Garden of the Mother of God,” Mount Athos is a sanctuary of peace and prayer, where centuries-old monasteries blend harmoniously with breathtaking landscapes. Our spiritual journey begins in Chișinău, passing through picturesque scenery and historic towns, before reaching Ouranopolis, the gateway to the Holy Mountain.
From here, we board the ferry across the Aegean Sea, witnessing its beauty on our way to our first Athos destination. Ancient paths will guide our hikes through dense forests and rocky ridges, leading us to world-famous monasteries such as Xenofontos, St. Panteleimon (Rusicon), and Gregoriou.
The highlight of our adventure will be the ascent to Mount Athon’s peak (2,033 m). The effort will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas and a deep sense of spiritual accomplishment. Along the way, we will also visit remote hermitages and historic chapels, including Prodromou Skete and St. Anne’s Skete, each with its own unique story and traditions.
Accommodation and meals will be provided within monasteries and sketes, offering participants the chance to experience authentic monastic life. Those wishing to take part in daily services and liturgies are welcome to do so, though participation is optional. The main focus of this journey is hiking and exploring the natural beauty of Mount Athos, while allowing each traveler to choose their level of spiritual involvement.
This adventure is more than just a hike – it is a transformational experience. Every step on the trails of Mount Athos brings you closer to the essence of faith and inner peace. Prepare for an unforgettable journey where nature, culture, and spirituality intertwine in a truly unique and inspiring way.
►The trek includes visits to several monasteries within the Holy Mountain.
►Minor changes to the route may occur due to weather conditions or the large number of pilgrims.
►The program may be adjusted depending on monastery accommodation confirmations (alternative monasteries may be visited instead).
►In case of storms at sea, the Athos program will be adapted accordingly; the agency is not responsible for deviations from the published itinerary.
- 2:00 PM, in front of the Railway Station
- In the morning, we arrive in the town of Uranopoli
- After the journey from Chișinău to Greece, we stay one night in a 3-star hotel
- Obtaining the Diamonitirion (visa)
- Departure to Mount Athos by boat
- Visit to Xenophontos Monastery
- Short hike to Rusikon Monastery
- We take the boat to Dafni – the gateway to Mount Athos
- Transfer by minibus to Karyes (the capital of Mount Athos)
- Visit Protaton Church – the oldest sanctuary on Mount Athos
- Visit the „Saint Andrew” Skete
- Accommodation at the „Saint Nicholas” Cell in Kapsala (4 people per room)
- Transfer by minibus to the Prodromou Skete
- We begin the mountain hike towards Panaghia Cell (1500 m)
- Mount Athos Peak (2033 m)
- Descent to St. Anne’s Skete (accommodation)
- Hike to Nea Skiti (New Skete)
- Hike to Saint Paul’s Monastery
- Boat to Grigoriu Monastery (accommodation)
- Hike to Simonos Petras Monastery
- Descent to the Simonos Petras Monastery harbor
- Boat to Ouranoupolis
- In the evening, around 7:00 PM, departure for Chișinău
- In the afternoon, in front of the Railway Station
THE PROGRAM AND ORDER OF TOURIST OBJECTIVES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE, DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, TRAFFIC OR OTHER UNFORGETTABLE SITUATIONS.
What is included
Authorized mountain guide
An authorized mountain guide is essential on a hike, ensuring safety, orientation, a deep understanding of the surrounding environment, and reducing risk factors such as getting lost on the trail, encounters with wild animals, or unexpected weather conditions.
Round-trip Transport
For mountain hikes, we never use large coaches – in the mountains we prefer small groups of up to 19 travelers, traveling exclusively by modern minibuses equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.
Additional charges
Mountain equipment
🎒 Required Hiking Equipment
The basic list is indicative and may vary depending on the trail and weather conditions. For personalized recommendations, please contact our agency at +373 60 61 41 41.
General list:
- mountain boots (mandatory)
- backpack (mandatory)
- long hiking pants
- technical (synthetic) t-shirts
- fleece jacket or softshell/windstopper
- rain jacket or hardshell poncho
- thin gloves, hat/cap/bandana
- gaiters
- trekking poles (available for rent – 100 MDL / hike)
- sunglasses and sunscreen
- minimal personal first aid kit
- water container
- spare socks (at least 2 pairs)
- cash (RON) for meals at restaurants
- toilet paper
- Personal first aid kit should include: bandage, alcohol, activated charcoal, paracetamol, citramon, ibuprofen, dexamethasone, iodine, plasters.
ℹ️ One week before the hike, a common group (Viber or WhatsApp) will be created, where the guide will share updates regarding the equipment depending on weather conditions and season.
Period
Video
Documents
650 € 899 €
