Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Ouranoupoli With Mt. Athos Cruise

Thessaloniki’s proximity to the stunning Mount Athos peninsula makes it an ideal launching point for a captivating day trip. Travelers can embark on a scenic bus ride to the charming town of Ouranoupoli, where they’ll have the opportunity to explore the enchanting Ammouliani Island and savor the local cuisine. But the true highlight of this excursion is the 3-hour cruise around the awe-inspiring monasteries of Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With flexible booking options and a hassle-free experience, this day trip promises to immerse visitors in the rich history and natural beauty of the region. What secrets might these ancient monasteries hold?

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour bus journey from Thessaloniki to Ouranoupoli, where a 3-hour sightseeing cruise around Mount Athos is offered.
• Opportunity to visit Ammouliani Island for swimming and local cuisine, with 1.5 hours of free time.
• Stunning views of 20 monasteries on the Mount Athos peninsula during the cruise.
• Flexible scheduling, with options to visit the western part of Mount Athos on Saturdays.
• Convenient reserve now and pay later booking, with full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview and Details

This day trip from Thessaloniki to Ouranoupoli offers a chance to cruise past the monasteries of Mount Athos and explore the island of Ammouliani, all while saving up to 10% on the cost.

The 11-hour excursion starts in Thessaloniki, with a 2.5-hour bus journey to Ouranoupoli. There, travelers will embark on a 3-hour sightseeing cruise around Mount Athos, an independent monastic state with over 1,100 years of history.

Afterward, they’ll visit Ammouliani Island for free time to swim and have lunch. The trip includes round-trip transportation and an English-speaking guide, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Guests can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary

The day trip begins with a bus journey from Thessaloniki to Ouranoupoli, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Travelers will arrive in Ouranoupoli around 10:30 AM, ready to embark on the sightseeing cruise around Mount Athos.

This 3-hour cruise allows visitors to see the 20 monasteries that make up the independent monastic state, which has over 1,100 years of history. After the cruise, the group will visit Ammouliani Island, where they’ll have 1.5 hours of free time to swim, explore the beaches and traditional architecture, and enjoy a local Greek lunch.

Highlights and Experiences

On the day trip to Ouranoupoli, travelers can expect to be awestruck by the sight of the 20 monasteries that dot the Mount Athos peninsula, an independent monastic state with over 1,100 years of history. The cruise offers a unique opportunity to view these magnificent structures from the sea.

After the Mount Athos cruise, visitors can explore the picturesque island of Ammouliani, known for its blue waters, sandy beaches, and traditional architecture. In the town of Ouranoupoli, travelers can stroll through the charming streets and savor local Greek cuisine at the town’s inviting tavernas.

The scenic views of the Chalkidiki peninsula and its monasteries make this day trip a truly memorable experience.

Inclusions and Costs

The day trip to Ouranoupoli includes round-trip transportation and an English-speaking trip attendant to guide travelers throughout the journey.

The cruise ticket costs €25 per adult, €15 for ages 6-17, and is free for children 0-5. Travelers can also opt for an optional lunch during the tour, and refreshments are available for purchase during the cruise.

The tour offers the following inclusions:

1. Round-trip transportation from Thessaloniki.

2. Guided cruise around Mount Athos and Ammouliani Island.

3. Flexible payment options, including reserve now and pay later.

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can fully enjoy the beauty of the Chalkidiki peninsula and the monastic history of Mount Athos.

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Important Information

Audio guides are available in various languages for travelers on the day trip to Ouranoupoli, allowing them to better understand the historical significance of the sites visited.

Boats can’t moor directly on the Athos peninsula, but visitors can view the 20 monasteries from the cruise ship.

The itinerary for the tour varies slightly, as Ammouliani Island is visited on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, while a cruise around the western part of Mount Athos is offered on Saturdays.

This flexibility allows guests to choose the option that best fits their schedule and interests.

Customer Reviews

Travelers consistently praise the quality of the tour guides, the comfort of the transportation, and the overall organization of the day trip to Ouranoupoli. According to reviews, the knowledgeable and friendly guides provide valuable insights into the history and significance of Mount Athos and the surrounding region.

Customers also commend the smooth bus journeys and well-timed schedule, allowing them to maximize their sightseeing experiences.

The trip’s highlights include:

1. Cruising past the 20 monasteries of Mount Athos, an autonomous monastic state with over 1,100 years of history.

2. Exploring the picturesque Ammouliani Island, with its blue waters, sandy beaches, and traditional architecture.

3. Strolling through the charming town of Ouranoupoli and enjoying the local Greek cuisine.

Transportation and Logistics

For the day trip to Ouranoupoli, travelers can comfortably make their way from Thessaloniki to the starting point at Aristotelous Square or Egnatia Street.

The bus journey of approximately 2.5 hours takes them directly to the charming town of Ouranoupoli. Upon arrival around 10:30 AM, the group will embark on the highlight of the trip – a 3-hour sightseeing cruise around the monasteries of Mount Athos.

After the cruise, they’ll have 1.5 hours to explore the nearby Ammouliani Island before heading back to Ouranoupoli for the return bus journey to Thessaloniki, which also takes 2.5 hours.

Throughout the trip, an English-speaking guide accompanies the group, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.

Booking and Reservation

Customers can easily book and reserve their day trip to Ouranoupoli, taking advantage of a convenient reserve now & pay later option.

The tour can be purchased directly through the provider’s website, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Pricing for the day trip, including the Mount Athos cruise and transportation, starts at just €49.50 per person, a 10% savings from the standard rate.

The booking process is quick and straightforward:

1. Choose your preferred departure date and time.
2. Select the number of participants.
3. Confirm your reservation and pay securely online.

With flexible options and competitive rates, booking this captivating day trip to Ouranoupoli is made easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Monasteries on Mount Athos?

No, visitors cannot visit the monasteries on Mount Athos. The mountain is an independent monastic state that only allows entry to Orthodox Christian men who have obtained a special permit. The cruise provides views of the monasteries from the water.

Is the Cruise Suitable for Children?

The cruise is suitable for children, as it offers free admission for those aged 0-5 and discounted tickets for ages 6-17. The tour allows families to explore the scenic Mount Athos and Ammouliani Island together.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cruise?

The cruise has a relaxed dress code. Casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended, as the boat ride can be windy. Visitors should avoid wearing revealing or overly formal attire.

Are There Any Accessibility Options for the Tour?

The tour offers some accessibility options. Wheelchair users can access the cruise boats, and the tour provider accommodates travelers with limited mobility. However, the hiking and shore excursions may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Can I Extend My Stay in Ouranoupoli After the Tour?

Travelers can extend their stay in Ouranoupoli after the tour. The tour provider offers a flexible schedule, allowing participants to explore the town and its amenities at their own pace following the organized activities. Additional accommodation and dining options are available in the area.

Recap

This day trip from Thessaloniki to Ouranoupoli offers an immersive experience, blending a scenic bus ride, a captivating cruise around Mount Athos monasteries, and an exploration of Ammouliani Island’s stunning beaches and local cuisine.

With flexible booking options and a hassle-free journey, this tour provides an enriching and memorable adventure for all travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here: