Religious Journey [7 days]

Religious Journey [7 days]
from 800 €

In Central Macedonia and especially in the regions of Imathia and Pieria, the religious differences have created an explicit mosaic with parts of the Muslim, the Jewish, the Christian and the Old Greek religion. Ancient Greek sanctuaries of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses can be found all over the regions, with the most important ones being in the region of Pieria, and although this is not where Ethnic Hellenes perform their rituals, they are still places of worship.

Christian churches and monasteries, dating back to the Byzantine era, can be found in the most unexpected places, all carrying rich history. Hidden in abandoned villages, built by refugees, in various sizes and rhythms, the churches and monasteries in Central Macedonia have tales to tell you.

The Jewish and the Muslim communities in Central Macedonia are not as vibrant as they once were, most of the remains being mainly of the Jewish religion. The Synagogue and the Jewish neighborhood in Barbouta still stand in Veria, revealing the alter ego of this beautiful town. The relics of the old mosques in Veria, Katerini and Naoussa, bear testament to the peaceful coexistence of the populations.

All these different religions have been and still are highly influential for the culinary customs of the believers.

Highlights:

IMATHIA: Thematic Guided walking tours, Guided visit to the Barbouta area, the Holy Monasteries of Timios Prodromos, Theotokos Kallipetra, and the Virgin Mary Soumela, Guided tour to the Archaeological site of St Patapios, Wine Tasting experience, Byzantine Symposium Dinner

PIERIA: Guided tour to the Chapels of St Apostles and Prophet Elijah, the Archaeological site of Dion, and the Centre of Mediterranean Mosaics, the Old Holy Monastery of St Dionysus, and the Hermitages of Pythion

GROUPS: 8-15 people

Itinerary

Veria

Welcome to the hotel, small treat, and local drink, meet the hosts, and tour of the premises. Biking tour in Veria with stop for lunch in a local tavern, know the town’s religious history and visit key points, talk about the 3 main communities. Workshop on icon making. End with dinner and night out.

Veria

Early breakfast and tour in the region surrounding Veria with visits to significant Christian churches and Monasteries. Visit the Holy Monastery of Timios Prodromos, the Holy Monastery of Theotokos Kallipetra, the Holy Monastery of Virgin Mary Soumela, stop for lunch. Return to Veria for coffee. Last visit of the day, the Archaeological site of Saint Patapios. End the day in a restaurant with a fasting-themed dinner.

Naousa

Visit Naousa and know other equally significant Churches and Monasteries in the region. Visit the Holy Monastery of St Ioannis Prodromos, stop at Dalamara Winery wander in the vineyards, and taste the local wines. Visit the Holy Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior with a stop for lunch. Dinner in Naousa and return in Veria.

Pieria

Pack the luggage and move to Pieria. Welcome at the hotel, small treat, and local drink, and meet the hosts. Biking tour in Litochoro with stop for lunch in a local tavern, visit the Chapel of St Apostles and the Chapel of Prophet Elijah, and the Church of St Solomoni. End the day with dinner on the coastline of Pieria.

Dion

Visit the Archaeological Site of Dion & the Archaeological Museum with a guided tour, conversation about the Ancient Greek Religion. Lunch in traditional picturesque tavern and visit the Centre of Mediterranean Mosaics. Return to Litochoro for dinner and night out.

Pieria

Start the day with an early breakfast. Visit the Old Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysius and the Sacred Cave of Saint Dionysius. Depart and drive to Pythion Hermitages on the other side of Mt Olympus. Lunch in a nearby picturesque tavern. Drive to Agia Kori near the abandoned village of Palia Vrontou. Return to Litochoro for dinner.

Katerini

Visit Katerini and get acquainted with the city via a biking tour. Know the town’s religious history and visit key points, talk about the Muslim community that had faded in time. End the vacation with lunch, and departure for Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki.

Places to visit