Welcome!
Ancient Sites & Museums ANCIENT SITES & MUSEUMS
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Ancient Sites & Museums
Welcome to Mount Athos Area, Halkidiki
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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION
A place with thousands of colours and variations! A place that eliminates the distance between the wonders of nature! Three hundred (300) whole kilometres of coastline (the largest in Chalkidiki), numerous beaches and coasts, bays, islands, crystal waters, golden plains, lush mountains, all sited wisely and in harmony! Explore this special corner of Halkidiki! Visit the Holy Mountain, enjoy a swim in its 100 sandy beaches, take a walk around the birthplace of the ancient philosopher Aristotle, where Alexander the Great was taught, tour the green or purple (depending on the season) Aristoteleian Mount and dare to explore the slopes of the magic Cholomontas. See everything! You will be amazed at how close to each other these diverse wonders are. Mount Athos Area has everything! History, culture, tradition, sports facilities, modern hotels. It offers all types of holiday and tourism: summer, winter, pilgrimage, special, conference, culture, gastronomy, Ĺ“nology, history, sports. It offers diverse entertainment and night-life. It offers an amazing culinary scene and of course the famous Greek hospitality. Choose to do what you like, or, even better, dare - we propose to combine them all! Happy holidays!
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Contents
Ancient Sites The Ancient town of Akanthos
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The ancient town of Stagira (the birthplace of Aristotles)
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The Sanctuary of Ancient Ouranoupoli
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The Monastery of Zygou
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(Mount Athos land border) The Neposi Castle
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The Ottoman Sidirokafsia
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The Ancient Akanthos cemetery
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Museums The Prosforiou Tower / Ouranoupoli
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The Ammouliani Museum of Folklore
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The Stratoni Museum of Folklore
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The Arnea Museum of Folklore and Arts
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The Arnea Waving Museum
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The Park of Aristoteles / Stagira
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The Ierissos Cultural Center
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The most famous proposal From Mount Athos to Aristoteles and to Alexander the Great
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Protected Areas Νatura European Network
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Ancient Sites It is really rare, so many ancient sites and monuments neighboring each other, existing in an area, where the historical data compose such a rare and of high importance route. Mount Athos Area presents nowadays its history through its ancient sites, the monuments and its museums:
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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION
• The Hellenistic city of Stageira • Zigou Monastery • Ancient Akanthos • The Sanctuary of Ancient Ouranoupoli • Sidirokafsia • Castle Neposi Visit them at every opportunity, following the existing archaeological routes, or even by creating your own!
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Ancient Akanthos Ancient Acanthus is located on the northeast side of the Coast, the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki, at today’s location of Ierissos. Thucydides refers to it as Acanthus, and Plutarch as a mixed colony of Andrians and Chalkideans, founded “on the coast of the Dragon”, on the location of a pre-existing culture. According to Eusebius and archaeological data, the possible date of its foundation is 655BC. Its financial resources were coming from the mineral and the forest wealth, but also from the agricultural and livestock, which were transported from its remarkable port. The early history is not known. Its development during the Archaic period is reflected from the wide circulation of its currency, starting around in 530 BC, having as an emblem a lion killing a bull. At least 92 types are known. The first historical evidence, from the late of 6th century, relates the city to the Persian wars. As a free city, Acanthus was originally member of the Athenian League and later of the Spartan. In the early of the 4th century BC, a period of great prosperity, the city resisted and never joined the Alliance of Halkidiki. In 348 BC was conquered by the Macedonians, without being destroyed. Later incorporated at the area of Ouranoupoli, a new city founded on the isthmus, between the Gulfs of Strymoniko and Siggitiko, by Alexarchos, brother of Cassander. According to Livius, around in 200 BC the city was besieged by the Romans, who used the natural sources of wealth and its port. The life of Acanthus continued throughout until the later Byzantine years. The ancient city extends on a picturesque hillside, 600 meters southeast of the village of Ierissos, where are kept remains of the walls, an impressive part of the citadel, scattered architectural and building remnants of the Hellenistic Period. In the same archaeological site are also preserved ruins of a Byzantine church and two post- Byzantine. It’s really worthy to spend an afternoon visiting it! The entrance is free and the surrounding is amazing. The view to the fishing port, the traditional shipyards and the gulf of Ierissos will offer you spectacular icons.
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The Hellenistic city of Stageira It is for sure the most beautiful place that you have ever seen! Built on the verdant peninsula “Liotopi”, 500meters southeast of Olympiada, it occupies the two hills of the small peninsula. The location of the city, which is the birth land of Aristoteles, the view is majestic: overlooks the endless, the pristine beaches of Olympiada, being one of the most historically important archaeological sites of Greece. The city was founded around 655 BC by Iones colonists of Andros island, and little later arrived also settlers from Halkida. After the Persian wars, Stagira was a member of the Athenian Alliance, contributing this way to the common fund. During the Peloponnesian War, and concreter in 424 BC, the city was deserted by the Athenians and allied with the Spartans. The event angered the Athenians who rushed to siege the city, but without managing. Later Stagira joined the Public of Halkida. In 349 BC the city was besieged and later yielded to Macedonia’s king Philip II, who devastated it, to found it again from the beginning some years later, in order to honor Aristotle. It seems though that this destruction marked the start of the city’s decline. For this reason geographer Stravon, who lived at the time of Jesus Christ, noted that Stageira was deserted. Visit Ancient Stageira! Dare to wander around the archaeological paths in the verdurous nature, seeing all the findings on both hills, and- if it is summer- finish the visit with a swim at the beaches around. Indeed it is about a unique experience!
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The Sanctuary of Ancient Ouranoupoli Between the port of Tripiti and the golden beaches of Develiki and Xeropotami are located the findings of the Temple of Ancient Ouranoupoli, which had life from the archaic to the Hellenistic era, a history associated with cities: • Sani, and • Ouranoupoli, which was founded in 315 BC from Alexarchos, brother of Cassandros, king of Macedonia • At the late of the 6th century, the residents of Sani built the sanctuary outside the city walls. But when Alexarchos founded Ouranoupoli, placed it inside. The excavations brought to light important findings: • a pile of stones, with traces of burning rituals • marble heads of the Sun • a marble head of a girl • a built desk along the Temple etc Your visit to the Sanctuary of Ancient Ouranoupoli is an archaeological walk in an area of natural beauty along the Gulf of Mount Athos and across the island of Ammouliani. Do not miss it, it will amaze you!
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Neposi Castle On the top of a fort hill, south of Paleohori, it is built a castle, the “Castelli”, the largest of Halkidiki. The only connection to the hill with the mountain is a narrow path. Circled by three sides of a pit, the main tributary of Havrias River, brings plangent sounds of the canyon, coming from a depth of 30-40 meters. Surrounded by a landscape of an outstanding natural beauty and lush vegetation, is “protected” by a wall of length from 800-1000 meters and height of 4 to 5 meters. The castle occupies an area of 15 acres. The wall seems to have 3 building phases, which are distinguished at its height, and show how many times it had been rebuilt after disasters. Built in the 5th AD century on a location that it was inhabited at least since 1500 BC. The castle was seriously damaged, probably during the 6th century, when it was finally abandoned. Dare an explorative tour at the Neposi Castle.
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Zigou Monastery It is about the excavation of the former Mount Athos, Zigou Monastery, located 40m away from the nowadays borderline of Mount Athos- known as the unique monastery which can be visited by women as well. The first mention of “Zigou” on the Athos peninsula comes from a document of 1942. In 958, St Athanasios, the later founder of Megistis Lavras Monastery, was initially invited to Zigou, where he started his ascetic life, under the loyalty and the obedience of his Elder. In 991 seems that Zigou Monastery had been already founded, whose first testimony comes only in 996. The monastery was dedicated to Prophet Elias. Although during 11th century the monastery was one of the most important Athos monasteries, in 1199 was already deserted and given as a metochi from Emperor Alexios III Aggelos, to the re-founded then Hilandariou Monastery. Around 1206, appears to settle in the castle a Frankish ruler with his soldiers, who dashed from there and looting Mount Athos. That was until 1211, when the intervention of Pope of Rome expelled him from the region. For this reason, the ruins of the monastery are also known as “Fragkokastro”. It is a unique example of big Athos monastery, whose structure can be studied without the barriers of later building phases and devotional use. It is noted that the walled area stretches to 5.5 acres and the walls are fortified with 11 towers. The castle consists of 5 at least building phases, all older to 1211. From the booklet of 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, this will be given to us during your visit to the Monastery. Visit Zigou Monastery! It abstains 1000m from Ouranoupoli and is the end of the mapped archaeological walk, starting from Prosforiou Tower, but the end of the mapped walk and cycling route. Women (who cannot visit Mount Athos monasteries) will understand the operation of a Holy Monastery and men will feel the need to carry out a pilgrimage visit to the unique monastic state of the world. A few meters away from the Monastery are the land borders of Mount Athos. The wall, the Arsanas of Chromitsa monastery, the lush vegetation along the calm waters of the Gulf, will convey you the devoutness of Mount Athos. Do miss this opportunity!
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Sidirokafsia At the north of Athos area, in the 9th AD century, was developed Sidirokafsia, which took its name by the mineral deposits existed at the area, and from the trading as well, which was intensified since the early years of the Ottoman Rule. Concreter, the fortress complex of “Sidirokafsia” was built at all heights of today’s settlement of Stageira, which includes parts of the fortification- mostly towers, ruins of houses and workshops, where the mine trading was taking place. The mines of Sidirokafsia were under the control of the Sultan and were (along with villages) the “League of Mademia”, controlled by the Assembly (Sabor). It is about the 20 famous Mademohoria, headed by the Madem-Aga, who collected annually the contribution of the Great Gate. Over the years the mines declined, until the revolution of 1821, when Mademohoria participated in the War of Indepedence, suffering though from heavy disasters from the Ottomans. Then the League of Mademia broke down. Nowadays you will see all these findings into the Park of Aristotle and the hill right across. The local history will pass in front of your eyes, when the proud Mademians were buying their freedom by paying it with the mineral wealth of their land! Ticket (Aristotle Park): 1€
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The Cemetery of Ancient Akanthos Protection and exhibition shell for a part of the ancient Akanthos cemetery in Chalkidiki The whole cemetery of ancient Akanthos, part of which has been unearthed and is open to the public, is buried under the settlement of Ierissos. The project “Protection and exhibition shell for a part of the ancient Akanthos cemetery in Chalkidiki� aimed to reveal and present to visitors even a small part of the cemetery of ancient Akanthos, which will remain as excavated in situ and shall be protected by a shell, which should function and discreetly mark its public cultural character, responding to the requirements of modern aesthetics. The ancient settlement occupies an area of 0.56 square kilometres, spread over three hills, to the SE of the current settlement of Ierissos. Its naturally protected harbour, its location opposite the Thracian coast, its fertile land, rich in minerals and forests, led to the development of the city in antiquity, promoting it as a commercial centre with a strong financial background. The extensive local production of amphorae for transporting its famous wines, the imported pottery and its monetary treasures, found in areas of the wider Mediterranean region, testify to its trade transactions. The cemetery, whose systematic excavation began in 1973 and continues to this day, occupies an area of over 0.06 square kilometres. More than 13,000 tombs have been studied.
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Museums In the Mount Athos Area museums you will see unusual findings and alternative types of development. The great area’s history leads back to this place, very near to the verdant sacred hill of Olympiada and the monastic state.
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The Prosforiou Tower / Ouranoupoli Since 1018 AD the tower was belonging to the metohi of Holy Monastery of Vatopedi, named Prosforio. On the east side and attached to the tower, is the barbakas, ie the fortress, belonging to the era of the early Ottoman Rule. At its northwest side is the arsanas (port warehouse) of the tower, built in 1865. At this point there was a dock, which was destroyed. At the semi-basement of arsanas was kept the boat of the metohi, and in the semi upper floor were the warehouses. The upper floor was resided. The tower existed since 1344, but it was probably an older one. It was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1585 and later repaired. Probably burned in 1821, after the suppression of Halkidiki’s revolution, but in 1858 it was again repaired with extensive repairs, which gave the tower its current form. Nowadays it has been fully restored from the 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities and operates as a museum. The wooden interior of the tower and its roof were built in the 19th century. There were other buildings –warehouses, barns, olive mills, wells- but now there is only the “halkadio” and the “kolligadiko”, located a little farther. In 1924, after the exchange of populations, the tower was settled by the refugees from Minor Asia, and founded Ouranoupoli. During the same period came the Loch couple- Joice and Sydney, of English and Australian origin, as members of humanitarian organisations, so as to provide assistance to the refugees of the First World War. Living in the tower, they offered a substantial assistance to the refugees from Minor Asia and later to the earthquakes victims of 1932. For more than 50 years (Sydney died in 1954 and Joice in 1982) offered great social contribution to the residents of Ouranoupoli. They wrote books and took care of the tower. Joice revived the premises of the Tower by teaching the weaving art to women, making handmade carpets, offering this way to the financial situation of the village. Nowadays at the tower’s floors are exhibited lots of artifacts coming from the antiquity of Athos area, Ierissos, Varvara, Megali Panagia, Paleochori, and Sidirokafsia. Exhibits of major importance aree the two bronze helmets, of Corinthian type (6th century), and lots of jewels found in ancient Acanthus, Paleokastro, and Megali Panagia. Therefore, visiting the magnificent Tower is essential. Its every window and every balcony give an exceptional view of the surroundings, where the blue of the sea and the mountainous green dominates all over. Open from 10:00am until 14:00 pm
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The museum of Folklore / Ammouliani The touching, bitter story of exile and uprooting, told its full moving sorrow through an exhibition of personal belongings, unfolds before the visitors to the stone building of the Ammouliani Museum of Folklore, in the centre of the village, next to Agios Nikolaos Church. There you will see the whole household of Asia Minor homes, dowries, embroidery, costumes, household items, photographs, all brought back, then, in 1922, from Gamili and Proikonnisos of Asia Minor, along with the unbearable pain of extermination and calamity. You will also see religious relics with a unique historical value, such as the Epitaph and the baptismal font, taken from the church of their village and carried on the shoulders of men, to honour and commemorate their historical continuity in the new homeland. It is really awe-inspiring to think that these people, in their pain and misfortune, chose to take with them testimonies to their religion and tradition rather than their personal fortunes, to store in these their memories of a wonderful life that ended without reason. The story you will see in the Ammouliani Museum of Folklore will move you beyond the limits of emotion... Don’t miss it. Admission: 2₏
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The museum of Folklore / Stratoni The full extent of the history of Stratoni, reveals the multidimensional culture at the village’s Folklore Museum, located on its central square (Heroes’ Memorial), right on the spot where the first local community was established. It is a fact that since the beginning of the previous century up to the present, Stratoni plays a leading role to what is called cultural activity, as it created and kept alive theatrical groups ever since the early years of its formation, marching and stage bands and choirs, while it also formed and maintained celebrated cultural, religious, carnivalesque events and well-known balls in the spirit of the time. Photo collections bringing forth this extraordinary activity and rare material of yesteryear (such as the first local electric oven), are exposed in its premises, bringing in mind the noteworthy historical entities of a magical place which completes the colorful puzzle of the local destinations.
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The folklore museum of Arnea A world coming out from a different era, where everything was so simplesimple but so beautiful. People’s tools, for the mountain and the plains, all the fortune and the efforts of a lifetime, “trapped” with their moments in the renovated stone-built “Archontiko Giatrou”, the famous “Giatradiko”. Somewhere there is set up and the famous loom of Arnea, the one that created the famous carpets- unique samples of folklore artand the weavers as well, women born to be real laborers and creators. Open from 10:00 until 18:00 Ticket : 2€
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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION
The weaving Museum of Arnea The entire weaving history, the art and the tradition of Arnea will “parade” in front of you as you visit the Museum of Weaving, in the traditional building, recently restored so as to accommodate the lifestyle of former generations. Indeed, the history of handmade carpets in Arnea is lost over the time: patterns classic geometrical, such as the “krikela”, the “Scissor Sun”, and other techniques, which are recorded at the rest of Macedonia and Thrace, such as also “thilota” and the “nail”, where all dominate in the colourful exhibition rooms. Thus, what dominate are the calligraphic carpets of Arnea, which were and still are used to decorate the walls. In most of them you will see the date that they were made and the name of the weaver who created the carpet. The subjects come from patterns used embroidery, and are influenced by the neoclassicism, depicting “The Chariot of Eos”, “The dance of the muses” but also: historical subjects from modern Greece as the “Dance of Zaloggos” and the daily life as “the shepherd”. The exhibition is being developed in two levels: 1. On the ground floor where you see the process of raw materials, such as the wool which becomes yarn. Also tools related to the process preparing the yarn and carpets of bigger size. 2. On the first floor are presented the calligraphic carpets and other textiles 3. Finally, the visitor has the opportunity to see a room “dressed” with the traditional way of Arnea. The exhibition also has audio-visual material! We do suggest you to visit this exhibition. Call +30 2372050121 or +30 2372050130 and arrange an appointment. Entrance is only 2€ per person and the experience you collect is simply amazing!
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The Park of Aristotle The unique themed organized park in Halkidiki! It is located on the hills of Stageira, next to the ruins of Machala, the capital of Mademochoria, and surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape. It has a spectacular panoramic view to the Gulfs of Ierissos and Mount Athos, and as background Athos Mt, who emerges from the Aegean Sea like a proud giant. Here you will see the statue of the greatest philosopher of history, of Aristotle, the man who gave birth to Greek philosophy and science in the world! The physics instruments in the park show that Aristotle contributed to the discovery of great achievements, with a decisive way. Visit the Park with your children. They will see, learn, will be happy. The park is a wonderful outdoor museum, which offers knowledge, fun and entertainm ent! Open all day Ticket: 1â‚Ź
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The cultural center of Ierissos It is the unique center in North Greece that projects 3d movies. Of special interest is the movie that shown and presents scenes from the monks’ life in Mount Athos, making the visitors (specially women that are not allowed to entry the monastic state) to feel that walk on the cobble-stoned yards, to be guided in the libraries, admiring the treasures, watching the Divine Liturgy. Do not miss to visit and watch this movie: it is a unique one! Open all day Ticket: 6€ for adults, 5€ for children, 4€ for groups participants
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The most famous proposal: From Mount Athos to Aristoteles and to Alexander the Great The most famous proposal 1st day Immediately after arrival at Thessaloniki’s MACEDONIA Airport, we will depart for the region of Mount Athos. We will be there in about 1 1/2h and after checking in we can relax and dine.
2nd day | The Mount Athos Legend After breakfast, we will embark one of the Athos Sea Cruises vessels and sail along the coast of Mount Athos. We will see all the monasteries of the West bank, visit their relics and admire monastic architecture. At noon, we will lunch at the “Kritikos Gallery & Restaurants”, one of the most renowned and award-winning restaurants in Greece, where we will enjoy an authentic monastic menu and then visit the Zigou Monastery and the land borders of Mount Athos. The currently excavated Zigou monastery is the only Athonite monastery that can be visited by women, as it is situated just a few metres from the border of the monastic state! Afterwards, we will visit the area of Ouranoupoli. We will walk around the Prosforiou Tower, visit the shops in the village where you can buy authentic products of Athos,
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taste Athonite wines and olive oil, and will then see how the monks of Mount Athos create Byzantine icons. Late in the afternoon, we will return to the hotel.
3rd day | In the footsteps of Aristotle After breakfast and check out, we will go to the area of Olympiada (40’). After the check in we will visit the ancient town of Stagira, the birthplace of the philosopher Aristotle - teacher of Alexander the Great. We will walk around the archaeological findings and the Aristotelian Mountain (protected by the European Convention Natura 2000); we will see / collect the same plants and herbs that helped Alexander the Great to describe to Asiatic plants! At noon we will lunch at the famous “fish restaurant Captain Manolis” Late in the afternoon we will visit the famous Olympiada mussels’ farms and we collect the “Olympiada mussels” – the most delicious ones that you have ever tasted. Later on Mrs. Louloudia Alexiadou will offer us recipes with mussles at “restaurant Akroyiali”.
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The most famous proposal: From Mount Athos to Aristoteles and to Alexander the Great 4th day | Following the Aristoteles steps After breakfast we will visit the waterfalls of Varvara and walk (3 km) along the most «famous» walking route of the Aristotelian mountain. Then we will go to the mountainous area of Varvara to join the local housewives, who will teach us to make “trahaxa” – a kind of wheat Greek pasta. After that, we will visit the mountainous area of Arnea, which is the most traditional town of Halkidiki. Arnea is famous for its Macedonian architecture, so we will begin our tour with a walk through the traditional city quarters and then visit the Metropolitan Church of St. Stephen, which is the only religious monument in Greece where the faithful can attend services while admiring the archaeological remains just below their feet, as a glass floor separates the church from the archaeological site. We will then visit the folklore museum and the weaving museum and savour rare varieties of organic honey. In the afternoon, we will lunch at the “traditional restaurant Bakatsianos” in the Grove of Agia Paraskevi and we will then try organic wines at Domaine Claudia Papayianni.
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Later on we will visit the Aristoteles Park, the only theme park in Halkidiki, when we will “study” around the ancient devices, which were referring to the Aristoteles ancient documents titled “Physics”. We will return to the hotel to dine and to relax.
5th day | In the footsteps of Alexander the Great After breakfast and check out we will go to Amfipolis in order to visit the biggest Macedonian tomb that the Greek archeologists found a month ago (1h). It’s a daily excursion that will fill us with au. Late in afternoon we will go to Thessaloniki (2h) and after our check in we will have free time for walks or relax.
6th day | Departure Depart for Makedonia airport in Thessaloniki
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63075 OURANOUPOLI HALKIDIKI email: info@mountathosarea.org www.mountathosarea.org Texts - Editing: Maria Pappa Design: Cat Adverising
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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 63075 Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki e-mail: info@mountathosarea.org www.mountathosarea.org
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