The Salonica View team is organizing a one-day hiking excursion on the Byzantine path of the Eikosifonissa Monastery, followed by a guided tour and tea (infusion) visit to the beautiful wooden "Tea House".
A few words about our excursion:
About two hours from Thessaloniki is the village of Kormista in the prefecture of Serres, at an altitude of 300m. on the northwestern slopes of Mount Pangaio. Just outside the village, our hike will begin where we will follow the old stone Byzantine path that pilgrims used to use to reach the historic women's monastery of Eikosifonissa. The route is easy to moderate on a cobblestone path, approximately 4km long, with an elevation difference of 350m. After arriving at the monastery, there will be time to visit and make a pilgrimage to the monastery. Then we will board the bus and head to the "Tea House" in Krinida, Serres. There, we will first have a guided tour and a short botany lesson, where we will then have the opportunity to taste organic tea and learn the correct way to prepare it (additional participation cost 5 euros/person). You can bring snacks and food with you so that we can have a picnic on site. After a day full of wonderful memories with hiking, pilgrimage, and herbal therapy, we will take the road back to our beautiful Thessaloniki!
Points of interest:
Byzantine path of the Holy Monastery of Eikosifoinissa:
it is a sacred path par excellence, as it was built by Saint Germanos, founder of the Holy Monastery of Eikosifoinissa. Eikosifonissa and therefore its signage also contains some inspiring passages from the Holy Bible. An exceptionally well-crafted Byzantine cobblestone path that was used by monks and later nuns as access to the monastery before the asphalt road leading to the Monastery was built.
Holy Monastery of Eikosifonissa:
is a historical monastery of great importance, as it is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in Macedonia and the oldest active monastery in Greece and Europe. It is located at an altitude of 750m. in a tree-covered area on Mount Pangaion. It was founded by Saint Germanos after his return from Palestine, in 518 AD. The miraculous icon of Holy Mary Eikosifonissa, which is located inside the monastery, is available for pilgrimage to visitors. Another feature of the monastery is the two cypress trees that have miraculously been growing for many years on the roof of the temple.
"Tea House":
The Tea House was founded in 2015 by botanist Yannis Zalidas, where he cultivates over 100 different types of herbs, from which he produces tea, herbs for therapeutic purposes, and aromatic products. The visit to the Tea House begins with a guided tour of the botanical garden. There we will have the opportunity to get to know the different types of herbs that are cultivated and learn about their beneficial properties. Then, in the wooden house, we will learn about the history and art of tea, we will try one of the different varieties of tea, and we will enjoy the beauty of nature.
Participation cost:
25 euros/ person by bus
The price includes:
- Escort and organization
- Experienced mountain guides
- Transportation by bus
- First aid kit
- Wireless VHF
The price does not include:
Tour and tea at the Tea House, additional cost for there 5 euros/person
ATTENTION!!! The full amount must be paid to the bank accounts below within 4 days after your reservation. Otherwise, the reservation will be canceled.
Piraeus Bank IBAN GR41 0172 2220 0052 2209 3179 693 (BENEFICIARY: TSANGARIS ANDREAS)
National Bank of Greece IBAN GR2701102230000022300527524 (BENEFICIARY: TSANGARIS ANDREAS)
You must have with you:
- Mountaineering boots or trail running shoes (required)
- Mountaineering pants or leggings
- Second shirt, socks, and shoes (required)
- Sufficient snacks such as sandwiches, cereal bars, nuts, fruits, etc. (there will be no food stops)
- Water at least 1 or 1.5 liters
- Backpack
- Waterproof jacket (required)
- Tissues, wet wipes
- Baton (optional)
- Camera (optional)
Note 1. When you click to make a reservation, state in the message where you will take the bus from. The options are Voulgari (Everest), Aristotelous (Venizelos Statue). E.g. Venizelos Statue
Note 2. In case of cancellation of the event due to bad weather conditions, the excursion will be transferred to another date. Participants who cannot participate on the specific date will be refunded. However, if the weather conditions still do not allow the event to take place, the event will be permanently canceled and everyone will be refunded. In case of cancellation by the participants, 7 days or less before the event date, the money will not be refunded.
Note 3. Photographic material is shared on our website and social media after each event. By participating in a Salonica View event, you agree to the sharing of photos. If not, please let us know.
Note 4. For the best operation of the event and for safety reasons, participants must comply with the instructions of the attendants.
