Hafen
Volos

Gain an appreciation for the versatility of natural, recyclable building materials by touring several structures ingeniously constructed with them. Known as the Aeiphoria Project, this collection of buildings near the village of Nesson is made with natural, locally sourced materials such as soil, stone and even straw. It will be eye-opening to see exactly how these sustainable, green materials are harvested and put together using simple, low-impact tools instead of heavy machinery. The process doesn’t contribute to deforestation, pollution, or the waste of mineral resources. The resulting structures are strong, durable, and non-toxic as soil is the main building material. They are also naturally bioclimatic as they are designed around local climatic factors such as sunlight and wind, so energy use is minimized. In all likelihood, you will come away from this experience more enlightened about alternative, green architecture and how it complements the environment rather than destroying it.

HIGHLIGHTS
• See a collection of buildings ingeniously constructed with natural materials such as soil.
• Be amazed by the strength and durability of the 100% recyclable, locally sourced materials.
• Gain an understanding of how these green buildings complement the environment.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Visit two of the Monasteries of Meteora, which were built atop rocky pinnacles nearly 600 years ago, and understand how Greek Orthodox hermit monks once lived. After a scenic drive with the Pindus mountain range as a backdrop, you’ll approach wondrous Meteora, which means “suspended in the air ”. Here you’ll find six of the 24 original monasteries, UNESCO World Heritage sites that were built on vertiginous sandstone peaks in the 14th and 15th centuries under extraordinarily hazardous conditions. Explore the Agios Stephanos Monastery, still stunning despite damage sustained during multiple military conflicts, and view the nearby Varlaam Monastery, which contains an exquisite collection of Byzantine crosses and icons in its sanctuary. Touring these beguiling religious havens, you’ll learn how the solitary monks lived and worshipped. At a nearby restaurant, enjoy a Greek lunch of traditional dishes such as spinach pie and moussaka, while you contemplate the extraordinary devotion and lifestyle of Meteora’s holy men.

Discover the premiere attraction in Volos and explore the city's ancient past during this picturesque, full-day journey to the spectacular Meteora Monasteries.

Depart the pier for the approximate 2.5-hour, 85-mile (137-kilometre) drive inland to the Meteora Monasteries. En route, proceed through the fertile plain of Thessaly and Larissa, the provincial capital, before reaching Kalambaka. This quaint country town provides a convenient base for visiting the Meteora area and its monasteries, the main attractions in this part of Greece. A brief comfort stop is made (optional) before ascending the road leading up from Kalambaka and visiting the monasteries.

Meteora Monasteries

Towering above the plain is the unique phenomenon of the Meteora Monasteries. Here, the awesome landscape features immense granite rocks soaring hundreds of feet skyward, with many of them crowned by 600-year-old monasteries clinging to the crest-like eagles' nests. At various points, caves once occupied by hermits can be seen in the rock face. Monks formed communities on mountain crests of dizzying heights, and took refuge from plundering bandits.

Originally built with wooden balconies overhanging sheer drops, the monasteries were accessible through net baskets hauled up by ropes. Later, steps were cut into the rock and, more recently, a road was constructed. Only six of the original 24 monasteries are still inhabited. Two have become nunneries, going against an initial ruling that barred women from entering these institutions. Few of the monasteries are open to the public; today, visit two of them.

Lunch

Both monasteries are of considerable interest and offer spectacular views out to the distant Pindus Mountains. Afterward, re-board your coach, drive back down to the plain via an alternate route and stop for a Greek lunch. After lunch, re-board your coach for the approximately 2.5-hour return drive to Volos.

Volos sits in the shadow of Mount Pelion, one of the most beautiful and mountainous areas in all of Greece. Visit two local villages in the region on this half-day sightseeing excursion.

Makrinitsa

Your scenic drive will take you along the waterfront, leaving the modern town of Volos behind and ascending the slopes of Mount Pelion as you pass traditional villages that have remained unchanged for centuries. This is one of the most beautiful regions of Greece, with lush vegetation and abundant trees. First, visit a small village of Makrinitsa, built amphitheatrically along the slopes of a green mountainside. Join your guide and wander along the traditional narrow cobbled streets filled with small shops displaying honeyed fruit, herbs and spices, the typical goods of small mountain villages. The village square and town hub, locally known as the 'balcony of Volos', offers a breathtaking view of the town and the Gulf of Pagasae far below. Enjoy some free time to browse through Makrynitsa's many craft and souvenir shops before continuing on to another scenic village below.

Portaria

With traditional architecture and surrounded by lush greenery, Portaria is a popular winter destination of Pelion region. In the past, it was famous for its cheese and retsina and a small Byzantine church with frescos from the 16^th century. The village is also known for the distinctive Pelion style traditional houses and a beautiful town square and a very large platanos (sycamore) tree.

Experience one of the most beautiful and historic regions in Greece during this memorable visit to Volos, Mount Pelion and Makrinitsa.

Volos and the Archaeological Museum

Depart the pier for the scenic drive along the waterfront to Volos. Upon arrival, proceed to the Archaeological Museum, which is housed in a century-old Neo-Classical building. During your guided visit, view numerous exhibits that include Palaeolithic artefacts, vases and figurines from the Neolithic Era, splendid, 3,500-year-old jewelry and a unique collection of painted funerary stele from Hellenistic times.

Mount Pelion

Next, re-board your coach for the drive up the slopes of Mount Pelion. One of the most beautiful regions in Greece, it features an abundance of trees, waterways, lush vegetation and 24 picturesque villages. Most of the villages have remained untouched over the centuries, and the architecture of their houses is unique.

Makrinitsa

Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,460 feet (about 750 metres) is the village of Makrinitsa, also known as the 'Balcony of Pelion' and one of the prettiest villages in Greece. Its narrow, cobbled streets lead to the main square, which features a sculpted marble fountain, the Church of Agios Ioannis, a café with wonderful frescoes, and spectacular views overlooking Volos and the ships in the bay.

After some free time to explore Makrinitsa at your leisure, re-board your coach for the brief drive back to the pier.