A pleasant surprise awaits anyone who remains in Thessaloniki on the Sunday after the Conference.
On the morning of Sunday, September 13, 2009, a luxury bus will leave Thessaloniki and, after picking up guests from their hotels, will head to Ouranoupolis.
Ouranoupolis is the “doorstep” of Mt. Athos. It is the last secular location where visitors intending to visit the monastic state can rest. It is located at the borders between the human and the divine, as it connects Agion Oros, the Holy Mountain, with the rest of Greece. It is 120km away from Thessaloniki and richly rewards visitors with its natural beauty, as it harmoniously combines the mountain with the sea: a seaside destination at the foothills of Mt. Athos, with historical and architectural grandeur and numerous opportunities for rest and relaxation.
At the small port in the shadow of the Tower, we will be greeted by “IOANNA”.
“IOANNA” is a ship with a capacity of 99 persons, with a beautiful veranda, exclusively leased for conference participants. We will leave on “IOANNA” at 10.30 and proceed along the south-western side of the peninsula, arriving at the borders separating the monastic state from the rest of the world in 10 minutes. From there, 15 minutes later we will arrive at the first Russian skete and, after passing unique beaches, we will arrive at the first monastery, the Holy Monastery of Dochiariou, in approximately 40 minutes. We will then pass 7 other monasteries, Daphne, which is the main port of Mt. Athos, and, finally, numerous sketes, which are small villages where groups of monks reside in each house. The last part of the tour lasts for approximately 40 minutes. On its return, the ship will pass the 4 last monasteries once more and, with an hour and a half until the ship docks, you will have time to discuss your impressions or be photographed on the bridge of the ship with the captain.
Athos soars majestically 2,033 meters above the sea, covered by virgin forests, encompassed by enchanting natural beauty. This fantastic peninsula is the only area of humanity that has been devoted to the worship of God and the Virgin Mary for more than a thousand years and populated only by monks. In 885, the Byzantine emperor Basil I declared the peninsula as the exclusive property of monks and hermits. The first organized monastery was established in 963. A century later, it was decreed that “no woman’s face” would be allowed to violate its sanctity. This prohibition is still in force and no woman can set foot on Mt. Athos. Centuries of isolation and devotion to the Orthodox faith have given Mt. Athos a unique, mystical atmosphere. At its peak, in the 15th century, Mt. Athos housed 40 monasteries and approximately 40,000 monks. Today, the number of active monasteries has been reduced to 20, with a population of approximately 1,700 monks. Surrounded by an enormous wealth of ecclesiastical treasures, rare icons and libraries full of precious manuscripts, they lead simple lives, according to the strict mandates of prayer and work.
At 2 in the afternoon, “IOANNA” will once again dock at the port of Ouranoupolis, waiting for the next pilgrims while we begin our journey home. On the way to Thessaloniki, about a third of the way back, we will make a gourmet tasting stop.
In mountainous Arnea, a traditional village next to the forest of Taxiarchis, Claudia Papagiannis will await us.
A winemaker and owner of the wine label of the same name, Claudia will guide us on the journey of tasting the wines of Halkidiki. September is one of the most creative months in winemaking, with the harvest and pressing of grapes, etc., as well as a great opportunity for a “flash” course on winemaking and exploring wine tastes.
Before the sun sets, around 5 in the afternoon, drunk on aromas ane memories, we will return to Thessaloniki after stopping at the Airport to say goodbye to some of our friends.
The cruise is free for all friends and colleagues who will travel from abroad to participate in the Conference – and for the family members, of course – as well as for the speakers of the Conference. It is kindly sponsored by the Prefecture of Thessaloniki Kanterakis S.A. Group “Greek Dreams” Properties in Greece, as well as Domaine Claudia Papagiannis, whom we would like to warmly thank.
The tourist program is optional and has additional costs. More information at the reception when you register at the conference. |
