Athos is a remarkable spot, the holy mountain transcending the realms of heaven and earth. For more than five centuries, this area has been a significant point in the eastern orthodox religious tradition: its inhabitants are not governed by worldly decrees. It is an autonomous monastic state managed by the patriarch of constantinople; it is also a self-governing part of the country of Greece, with greek being the official language.
Mount Athos currently is home to 20 operational monasteries — 17 Greek and three Slavonic (one Russian, one Bulgarian, and one Serbian) — all of which are under the direct jurisdiction of the patriarch. Additionally, there are 12 sketae and more than 500 kellia and desert settlements, bringing the total number of monks living on the holy mountain to around 2000.
So, how can one visit the mount athos?
Our journey starts in Ouranoupoli, where we board a boat to the Athonite state. Our destination is the Russian st. Panteleimon monastery in Athos, a holy place of worship and veneration, where the revered relics of the great martyr and healer panteleimon, and the miraculous icon, are housed. Come and join us for an unforgettable experience!
We embarked on our next journey by car. Our destination was the Holy and great monastery of vatopedi (972), the keeper of seven miraculous icons, one of them being the pantanassa («queen of all») renowned for its cancer-healing capabilities. There is also the «paramythia,» otherwise known as «comfort» or «consolation,» a favorite icon of st. Dimitry of Rostov. The main relics of the monastery are the belt of the most holy theotokos and the honorable head of st. John chrysostom.
The capital of Athos, Karyes, is our next destination. It is the home of the Parliament and 20 monasteries` offices. The major temple here is the Protaton which is the church of protos, the leader of the monastic society.
Moreover, this place houses the main shrine of Athos: the Icon of axion estin which was created in 962 and portrays the theotokos (mother of god) who is the patron of the entire region of Athos.
We will explore the Skete of the apostle Andrew the first-called, constructed by Russian monks and supporters. Here lies the honorable head of the great saint, one of the disciples of the lord Jesus Christ.
The next stop on our journey is the monastic cell of the hilandar monastery. Here we will visit the miraculous icon of the «milk-giver» and the cave where Saint Sava of Serbia strived.
Our spiritual voyage continues with a visit to the Philotheou monastery (987), home of the icon of the blessed virgin Mary — the panagia glykophilousa, or the «sweet-kissing» icon. This icon is remarkable in its design and is double-sided. On one side we can see the most holy theotokos with the god-child, while on the reverse side is depicted our lord jesus christ`s crucifixion. People flock to this icon to pray for health, wisdom, and healing of both adults and children from sickness.
Our journey continues to the iviron monastery, home to the miraculous icon of the iviron theotokos, and more relics of canonized saints of god than any other monastery on athos.
We conclude our pilgrimage by taking a boat at the pier of the st. Panteleimon monastery to Ouranupoli.
Only men can visit Athos, irrespective of religion (apologies, ladies, women are not allowed in).
Pilgrims are accompanied by a Christian Orthodox guide and travel about Athos in an SUV or minibus.
8:30 - meeting point with the guide in Ouranoupoli
19:00 - approximate time of the trip wrap-up in Ouranoupoli
- The maximum amount of people in a group is 7
- Normally, visa processing takes up to two days (if they are not preceded by weekend and holidays)
- Visa can be denied without explanation
- Passport is required for obtaining Diamonitirion/visa
- When in Athos, please, be respectful of the rules of the monastic state (the guide will walk you through them)
- During the pilgrimage, a lunch is not included
- Photo and video shooting are permitted on all the territory of Athos except for temples and, in some cases, monasteries
- Reservation of Diamonitirion/visa
- Guide services, transport on Mount Athos
- Speedboat/ferry: Ouranoupoli - Athos
- Boat: Athos - Ouranoupoli
- Group transfer: hotel - Ouranoupoli - hotel
- Stamp duty/Athos tax: 25 euros per person for the laity, 10 euros per person for clergymen, monks and children under 16
NOTE: the organisers reserve the right to change the list of monasteries due to certain reasons, i.e. transport, weather, etc.
Transfer to the city of Ouranoupolis
Meeting with the guide, getting Diamonitirion (Athos visa) and preparing for the pilgrimage
Passage by sea on a speedboat to the port of st. Panteleimon Monastery
Visiting the monastery of St. Panteleimon, acquaintance with the history, modernity and reliques of the monastery
Transfer to the monastery of Vatoped
Visiting the monastery of Vatoped, where are stored 7 wonderworking icons, the belt of the Most Holy Theotokos and the head of St. John Chrysostom
Moving to Karyes - the capital of Athos monastic state by the only official road on Mount Athos
Pilgrimage to the main shrine of Athos - the miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Axion Estin" and to the skete of st. Andrew
Moving to Iviron Monastery
Visiting the monastery of Iviron, where the miraculous icon of the Virgin called "Portaitissa" - "The Gatekeeper" is staying more than thousand years
Moving to the Russian Holy Panteleimon monastery, where the head of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon is stored
after the pilgrimage on a taxi-boat from the pier of St. Panteleimon Monastery
Return to Chalkidiki
We will help you with the choice of yacht or route and verify the availability for the selected date. Fill out the form or call/text us
What to take- Passport for obtaining Diamonitirion/visa - Photo camera, phone with plenty of space for documenting your spiritual journey - Bottled water - Your explorer’s spirit
What to wear- To visit the holy places wear neutral clothes covering the knees, shoulders, arms - Headcover, if suited for the weather
