Explore the historic shores of Greece’s Athos Peninsula during this 12-hour cruise-based excursion from Thessaloniki. Learn about the origins of Eastern Orthodox beliefs at the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Mount Athos, and then discover the charming village of Ouranoupoli. You’ll also enjoy traditional Greek dances and music on the return trip to port.
Centrally located Thessaloniki hotels (Google Map)
At checkout we’ll ask you to select a hotel from the list below. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send you a confirmation voucher with full contact information (phone number, email address, etc.) for our local operator in case you need to update or change your hotel pick-up details.
Commonly Asked Questions
What if my hotel is not listed?
That’s OK! At checkout you can select an alternative hotel and make your way there on the day of departure; or you can contact our local operator directly to make alternate pick-up arrangements.
What if I have not yet booked a hotel?
Once your hotel arrangements are finalized, you can contact our local operator directly with your hotel details.
What if I live locally, am staying with friends or relatives, and/or don’t require pick-up?
Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send you complete details and directions to the tour/activity departure point.
7am
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 – 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Start with pickup from your centrally located hotel in Thessaloniki before 7am. From there, you’ll head by bus to the port of Ormos Panagias. Arrive in Ormos Panagias around 9am where you will board your cruise ship. Once aboard, you’ll cruise towards the southern most point of Athos Peninsula before sailing north along the western coast. Admire the mysterious Mount Athos as you hear stories about the locus of Greek Orthodoxy and the history of the eight monasteries located there. This “Holy Mountain,” traditionally off-limits to women and children, is also a recognized artistic site. The layout of the monasteries had an influence as far as Russia, and its school of painting influenced the history of Orthodox art. Mount Athos is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. After 4-hours spent cruising, you will stop in the village of Ouranoupoli around 2pm. Enjoy 90-minutes of free time as you discover this beautiful village, take a walk, shop or have a delicious traditional meal (not included) at one of the local taverns. Around 3:30pm, you will board the cruise ship and head back to Ormos Panagias. On the return trip, you will be entertained with traditional dances and Greek music. The cruise will finish in Ormos Panagias at approximately 5pm, where the bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Thessaloniki, arriving around 7pm.
