Thessaloniki offers a unique day trip to Ouranoupoli and the monasteries of Mount Athos. This scenic cruise provides a chance to witness the striking architecture and serene ambiance of the Docheiariou and Simonos Petras monasteries. The family-friendly excursion includes basic travel insurance and an English-speaking attendant, making it an accessible option for travelers. With a maximum capacity of 50 passengers, the intimate experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the spiritual and cultural significance of this remarkable destination.
Key Points
- This day trip offers a scenic cruise around Ouranoupoli and the monasteries of Mount Athos, providing an opportunity to see Docheiariou and Simonos Petras monasteries.
- The cruise is family-friendly, with discounted tickets for children under 12, and includes transport, an English-speaking trip attendant, and basic travel insurance.
- The meeting point is the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos in Thessaloniki, with a departure time of 8:00 AM, and a maximum capacity of 50 people for an intimate experience.
- The cruise ticket costs 25 euros, with onboard coffee, sandwiches, beer, and refreshments available for purchase.
- The cruise experience allows for exploring the captivating region surrounding Mount Athos, with glimpses of iconic monasteries and valuable insights from the English-speaking attendant.
Overview and Details
This day trip from Thessaloniki, Greece offers a cruise around Ouranoupoli and the monasteries of Mount Athos, providing visitors the opportunity to see sights such as Docheiariou and Simonos Petras monasteries.
The trip is family-friendly, with discounted tickets for children under 12. In total, there are 26 reviews for this excursion.
The cruise ticket costs 25 euros and is payable at boarding. The meeting point is the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos in Thessaloniki, and the trip starts at 8:00 AM.
The cruise includes coffee, sandwiches, beer, and refreshments, though these aren’t included in the ticket price. Travelers should come prepared with swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Inclusions
The trip includes transport to and from the Halkidiki – Mount Athos area, as well as an English-speaking trip attendant and basic travel insurance during the transport.
Travelers will also receive a cruise ticket, which costs 25 euros and is payable at the boarding. The cruise ticket provides access to the scenic cruise around Ouranoupoli and Mount Athos, where you’ll see monasteries like Docheiariou and Simonos Petras.
The cruise offers coffee, sandwiches, beer, and refreshments, though these aren’t included in the ticket price. Passengers are advised to bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water.
Meeting Point and Times
Stationed at the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos on Egnatia 78 in Thessaloniki, the meeting point welcomes travelers at 8:00 AM for the day trip to Ouranoupoli and Mount Athos.
Participants should arrive 10 minutes early, as the bus won’t wait for latecomers. The trip concludes at the same meeting point in Thessaloniki.
The excursion is accompanied by an English-speaking attendant from Ammon Express, who’ll be wearing the company’s uniform.
Travelers are advised to arrive punctually, as the schedule must be adhered to.
With a maximum capacity of 50 people, the expedition promises an intimate and personalized experience amidst the stunning landscapes of northern Greece.
Additional Information
Can’t be wheelchair accessible, with infants needing to sit on laps. Most travelers, however, can participate in this day trip.
The trip attendant, wearing Ammon Express clothing, advises arriving 10 minutes early, as the bus won’t wait for late arrivals.
Cruise offers coffee, sandwiches, beer, and refreshments, though not included in the ticket price. Bringing swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat is recommended.
On Saturdays, the cruise is around the western region of Mount Athos, while on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, it visits the island of Ammouliani.
The cruise ticket costs 15 euros for ages 6-17, and is free for children under 5, with a maximum of 50 travelers.
Cruise Information
On Saturdays, the cruise takes travelers around the western region of Mount Athos, while on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, it visits the island of Ammouliani. The cruise ticket fee is 15 euros for ages 6-17, and it’s free for children 0-5 years old. The cruise has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience.
| Day | Destination | Ticket Price (6-17 years) | Ticket Price (0-5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Western Mount Athos | 15 euros | Free |
| Tuesday | Ammouliani Island | 15 euros | Free |
| Thursday | Ammouliani Island | 15 euros | Free |
| Sunday | Ammouliani Island | 15 euros | Free |
Exploring Ouranoupoli and Mount Athos
The day trip from Thessaloniki to Ouranoupoli provides travelers with the opportunity to explore the captivating region surrounding Mount Athos, a spiritual haven known for its picturesque monasteries.
On the cruise, visitors can admire the stunning landscapes and catch glimpses of the iconic monasteries, such as Docheiariou and Simonos Petras, nestled along the coastline.
The family-friendly tour offers discounted tickets for children under 12, making it an accessible experience for all.
Throughout the journey, an English-speaking trip attendant is on hand to provide valuable insights and ensure a seamless experience.
Whether you’re interested in the region’s rich history or simply seeking a breathtaking scenic cruise, this day trip promises to be a memorable adventure.
Visiting Monasteries
One can catch glimpses of the iconic monasteries, such as Docheiariou and Simonos Petras, nestled along the coastline during the cruise around Ouranoupoli and Mount Athos. These centuries-old monasteries offer a unique glimpse into the region’s rich Orthodox Christian heritage.
The cruise provides an opportunity to see:
- Docheiariou Monastery, known for its impressive architecture and stunning views
- Simonos Petras Monastery, perched dramatically on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea
- Other monasteries that dot the coastline, each with their own fascinating history and cultural significance
The cruise is a family-friendly activity, with discounted tickets for children under 12, allowing visitors of all ages to explore the spiritual wonders of Mount Athos.
Family-friendly Excursion
This day trip from Thessaloniki caters to families, offering discounted tickets for children under 12 to explore the captivating monasteries and coastline of Ouranoupoli and Mount Athos. The cruise is family-friendly, with onboard refreshments available for purchase. Infants can sit on laps, and most travelers can participate, making it an accessible excursion. The trip includes transportation to and from the destination, as well as an English-speaking attendant to guide the group. With the option to visit Ammouliani island or cruise around the western region of Mount Athos, families can tailor the experience to suit their interests.
| Inclusions | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transport to/from Halkidiki – Mount Athos | – |
| English-speaking trip attendant | – |
| Basic travel insurance during transport | – |
| Cruise ticket (ages 6-17) | 15 euros |
| Cruise ticket (0-5 years old) | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the Monasteries?
Photography is generally not permitted inside the monasteries of Mount Athos. Visitors should respect the spiritual nature of these sites and follow the instructions of the monks. Checking with tour guides for any exceptions is advisable.
Is It Possible to Attend a Service at the Monasteries?
Visitors can attend services at the Mount Athos monasteries, but entry is restricted to Orthodox Christian men only. Women are not permitted to enter the monasteries or the Athos peninsula. Advance permission is required to attend services.
What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Monasteries?
The dress code for visiting the monasteries is conservative. Men must wear long trousers and collared shirts, while women must cover their shoulders, arms, and legs. Visitors should avoid wearing revealing or casual clothing out of respect for the monastic traditions.
Can I Buy Souvenirs or Religious Items on the Cruise?
Passengers can purchase souvenirs and religious items on the cruise. The cruise offers a variety of local products and religious memorabilia for visitors to browse and purchase during the trip.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cruise?
The cruise has age-based pricing – children 6-17 pay 15 euros, while those under 5 can ride for free. There are no other age restrictions, and infants must be held on laps during the cruise.
Recap
The Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Ouranoupoli With Mt. Athos Cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic monasteries of Mount Athos.
Travelers will enjoy a relaxing cruise, see the Docheiariou and Simonos Petras monasteries, and benefit from an intimate experience with a maximum capacity of 50 people.
The tour is family-friendly, with discounted tickets for children under 12, making it an ideal choice for a day trip from Thessaloniki.
