Pilgrimage to Mount Athos – 7 days / 6 nights

Day 1: Departure from Bucharest at 06:30 from Piața Constituției parking lot. Route: Giurgiu – Pleven – Sofia – Kulata – Thessaloniki – Ouranopolis. Accommodation in Ouranopolis.

Day 2: Early departure at 06:30 to the border office to collect the Diamonitirion (entry visa for Mount Athos). Ferry transfer to Dochiariou Monastery, then by minibus to Xenophontos Monastery – St. Panteleimon (Russikon) Monastery – St. Andrew’s Skete – Pilgrims’ House of St. John the Russian. Overnight stay.

Day 3: Travel by car to Hilandar Monastery – Zografou Monastery – Vatopedi Monastery. Return and overnight at Pilgrims’ House of St. John the Russian.

Day 4: Travel to St. Elias Skete – Pantokrator Monastery – Stavronikita Monastery – Iviron Monastery – Koutloumousiou Monastery. Overnight at Pilgrims’ House of St. John the Russian.

Day 5: Travel to Karakalou Monastery – Lacu Skete – Great Lavra Monastery – St. Athanasius’ Spring – Prodromou Skete. Continue to Karyes. Overnight at Pilgrims’ House of St. John the Russian.

Day 6: Transfer to Dafni Port. Ferry to Ouranopolis. Departure for Thessaloniki. Pilgrimage to the relics of St. Demetrius the Myrrh-Streamer, Panagia Dexia Church, Rotunda, Arch of Galerius, Metropolitan Cathedral with the relics of St. Gregory Palamas, and the White Tower. Accommodation in Thessaloniki, 3★ hotel.

Day 7: Breakfast. Departure for Bucharest. Arrival at Patriarchate Hill, depending on traffic.

Price

• €325 / person – for groups of minimum 10 men (March–June, September–November)
• €340 / person – for groups of minimum 10 men (July–August)
• Single supplement (Thessaloniki): €70

Deposit:

• €200 / person within 3 days of booking (balance due 30 days before departure).
• Full payment for bookings made less than 30 days before departure.

Included Services

• Transport by minibus
• 1 night accommodation in Ouranopolis
• 4 nights accommodation in Mount Athos (Karyes) in double/triple rooms (subject to availability)
• 1 night in Thessaloniki (3★ hotel, double rooms)
• 1 breakfast in Thessaloniki
• Licensed group leader – theologian & certified guide

Not Included

• Internal transport in Mount Athos, ferry tickets, entrance fee (~€525 / person; subject to local authority pricing and group size)
• Meals in Ouranopolis and Mount Athos (approx. €20 for breakfast + dinner, or meals available in Karyes at local restaurants)
• Travel medical insurance (optional)
• Trip cancellation insurance (storno) (optional)

Travel Documents

• Valid ID card or passport (valid for at least 6 months after return).

Important Notes

• Entry into Greece or Mount Athos can be refused by local authorities; the agency is not liable in such cases.
• Minors must travel with an adult and notarized parental consent.
• Local COVID-19 / health requirements (tests or vaccination proof) must be observed at the traveler’s own cost.
• The itinerary/order of visits may be adjusted by the group leader.
• Ferry schedules and accommodation within Mount Athos are subject to change due to monastery confirmations and weather conditions.
• Pro Travel will handle permit requests (Diamonitirion), but the documents are collected personally upon arrival in Ouranopolis.

What to Bring

• Passport/ID, backpack (trolleys not allowed)
• Prayer book, candles, commemoration slips (pomelnice)
• Modest clothing (dark trousers, long-sleeved shirt, sweater for services)
• Comfortable mountain footwear
• Raincoat, flashlight
• Simple food supplies (biscuits, energy bars, water)

Monastic Etiquette

• Address monks as “Father” and speak politely in plural; abbots are addressed as “Geronda”.
• Greeting: “Bless, Father!” – response: “God help you!”
• Knock before entering rooms; say the prayer: “Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.”
• Observe silence, modest behavior, and respect during services.