Services - Excursions

You have just docked in Volos port…Welcome to the land of the myths….Jason & the Argonauts, The mythical Centaurs, The Golden Apple that Aphrodite gave to Beautiful Helena and set off the Trojan war are some of the few famous Greek myths….

Meteora and the monasteries are a 2 hours drive away and you will be able to visit the magnificent rocks and the monasteries that are literally build "on the air"….

The famous Little Train of Pelion – Moutzouris – as we know it is ready to take you on a beautiful trip along the lush vegetation of Mt Pelion were as you will gaze the magnificent views of the Pagasitic Gulf sea….

Even though you are getting off from a cruise ship why not board a wooden gullet and enjoy a "Lazy Day at Sea" aboard the Ilias, and explore the small caves, private beaches, the island of Trikeri (a small island were no cars are allowed were you can enjoy the fresh fish right next to the waterfront or walk to the Monastery of Virgin mary) or even have your BBQ in a secluded beach in Pelion?

Let us take you through the Neolithic period in Volos and visit the museum of Volos & the site of Dimini, among the best in Greece with unique findings….To top that a drive through the forest will take you for your coffee to Makrinitsa – the balcony of Volos.

For those that wish to explore the land of Volos & Pelion in full we can take you to our Pelion Tour and you will be able to see Pelion’s best locations….drive through the forests and the ski resort, view the traditional villages and explore the architecture, swim in the Aegean sea, lunch in Mama Mia land (as feaured in Mama Mia film and the dancing queen scene), see the famous library and church in Milies among the few…

If you always favor Greek cuisine allow us to take you to your own cooking lesson in the traditional square of Portaria, were not only you will learn the tips and tricks from the best but you will enjoy your meal and drink once cooked to perfection….

If you love the nature we will take you to the best trekking paths were you will see the local flora and fauna along with the oxygene that the forests can give you….

See our suggestions in more details and feel free to ask us any questions or a quotation…….



METEORA (8 hours)
We drive from Volos through the rich agricultural basin of Thessaly, to Meteora, which means in the «air», famous for its monasteries situated in a fantastic landscape on top of giant pillars rising up to 600 meters above sea level. Meteora form a unique landscape, ideal for those who wish to come closer to God.

The monastic history of the Meteora goes back to the 11th century AD when the first hermits sought peace and solitude in the rifts and caves of the rocks. But the first monasteries were not built until the 14th century AD, attaining their peak in the 16th.

The development of the monasteries led to an illustrious period of monastic life, particularly in the 15th and 16th century.

Originally the only access was by means of very long ladders, which could be drawn up when not in use, or in basket or net suspended on ropes from a winch which was mounted in a tower above the void. Steps have now been cut out in the rock face and there is a fine modern road servicing the main monasteries.

Lunch in Kalambaka, and return between 17.00 - 18.00.

Two of the most important monasteries will be visited.

NOTE: 1. In the monasteries discreet clothing is required. Shorts are not permitted and ladies should not wear trousers. 2. Comfortable and non - slip shoes are recommended.



VOLOS & Mt. PELION (4 hours)
On this excursion we will have the opportunity to travel through the ages, both to the prehistoric times, but also to the tradition and culture of Volos and Pelion. We will start our tour from the Archaeological museum. It displays an astonishing series of about 300 marble funerary steles which date from the Hellenistic period. Some tombs have been reconstructed to illustrate the funerary rites and customs practiced in prehistory and antiquity. There are also collections of Neolithic objects (4,000 BC) and Mycenaean vases excavated at Iolkos. We shall continue to Mount Pelion which forms a well - wooded and well - watered promontory protecting Volos Bay from the Aegean Sea. In summer it is a heaven of cool peacefulness.

The sense of mystery engendered by the mountain’s impenetrable forests has given rise to many legends. It was said by the ancients that during the battle between the gods and the giants, the latter tried to challenge Olympus by piling Pelion in Ossa. Mount Pelion was also the remote home of Chiron, the wisest of the centaurs, who played an important role in the Greek fables. Moreover, Pelion was the mountain that the Gods held their weddings and beauty contests.

We will drive up to one of the most interesting village of Pelion, Makrinitsa at an altitude of 700m. We shall leave the coach in the square at the entrance to the village and take a stroll through the narrow streets among the splendid old houses. Owing to the abundant water resources, they are also scattered; many are built in the traditional style with jutting upper storey’s, supported on wooden sorbels, and slate roofs, with overhanging saves. The main square (platia) is especially attractive due to its fountain, plane trees and tiny church (13th c.).

There will be plenty of time for those wishing to stroll along the cobble paths of the village, visit the museum of culture and tradition, or just have coffee at the square of the village, gazing at Volos and the Gulf.

Return to the ship at 13.00 – 13.30



TREKKING TRIP TO Mt. PELION (5 hours)
This is the chance for those wishing to walk on the steps of the centaurs in the forests of Pelion. The trip will start from Kala-Nera This a village known for its beautiful beach, leafy plane trees and an abundant of water.

Throughout the walk the visitor can enjoy the beauties of the mountain and the incredible view to the Pagasitic Gulf. At some points we will walk along the racks of the «little train». We will arrive in Milies (alt. 360m.), one of the most delightful larger villages of Pelion and an important cultural center, as witnessed by the wealth of rare books and manuscripts in its library which we will visit. There the visitors will see the flag that the villagers raised against the Turks in 08/05/1821 declaring the beginning of the revolution. Moreover, we will visit the church of Pammegiston Taxiarhon build in the 18th century. Another stop, during the visit will be in the small railway station - the end of the old Volos Railway - which is particularly attractive as it is a piece of work of Evaristo de Kiriko, father of the well known painter Giorgio De Kiriko.

After a short break for coffee under the Plane tree in the village’s square we will board the buses and through a beautiful drive we will return to the ship between 13.00 – 14.00

NOTE : The duration of the walk is 2 - 21/2 HRS. The pace is estimated at 50 - 60 steps per minute. In the above timing stops have been counted for. This will be according with the experience and the stamina of the group. The track is 100% safe.

The visitor has to have non - slippery shoes. Also, they should notify the guide if they have any form of allergies.



TRAIN RIDE WITH «MOUTZOURIS» (4 hours)
Today, after 25 years of silence, the little train «Moutzouris» rides up Pelion once more. Its approximate speed is 25 km. per hour. The trip will start from Ano Lehonia and we will climb the mountain along a dream like route through the forests of olive groves to Milies. Along the route we will have the chance to enjoy the fantastic view to the sea and the five - arched bridge and the sturdy iron bridge, build both by De Kiriko, unique in Europe. In Milies we will have the possibility to visit the historical museum where we will examine the manuscripts of Antimos Gazis, Konstantas and others who took part in the Greek revolution of 1821. After out tour in the village we will board the bus and return to Volos and on to the ship.



Mt. PELION (8 hours)
The sense of mystery engendered by the mountain’s impenetrable forests has given rise to many legends. It was said by the ancients that during the battle between the gods and the giants, the latter tried to challenge Olympus by piling Pelion in Ossa. Mount Pelion was also the remote home of Chiron, the wisest of the centaurs, who played an important role in the Greek fables. Moreover, Pelion was the mountain that the Gods held their weddings and beauty contests.

On our tour we will visit some of the most interesting villages of Pelion. We will start our visit from the village of Milies and Visitsa, where we will stop to wander around the old mansions, known as «archondika».

Then we will take the road to the village of Tsangarada, built in the spine of Pelion, at an altitude of 450m. The village houses are divided in four levels; they are strung out along the mountainside and are covered with lush vegetation. Characteristic features of the village are its many old mansions, its flag stone piazzas, its picturesque alleys and its superb view of the Aegean Sea. One should not forget the thousand year old plane tree whose 14 meter diameter has constituted it as the area’s emblem.

From Tsangarada we will drive down to the resort of Mama Mia – Damouchari. Damouchari was one of the prime locations of the famous film Mama Mia, using its the beautiful scenery to enhance the film. We will stop there for a swim or lunch and then we will take the way back through Hania (the top of the mountain) to Makrinitsa. We shall leave the coach in the square at the entrance of the village and take a stroll through the steep and narrow streets among the splendid old houses. Many are built in the traditional style with jutting upper storeys, supported on wooden sorbels, and slate roofs, with overhanging saves. The main square (platia) is especially attractive due to its fountain, plane trees and tiny church (13th c.).

We will have coffee at the square of the village, overlooking Volos and the Gulf.



LAZY DAY AT SEA WITH "ILIAS" (8 hours)
Enjoy a lazy day out at sea aboard our wooden gullet boat – “ILIAS”. Have a change to explore the most beautiful and most secluded beaches of Pelion on a unique way. Our boat is offered for small groups as it has a small capacity of 25 persons. Each guest has his own beach towel and space to enjoy the Greek sun and relax.

Pelion has beautiful beaches that can only be visited by sea. Coffee is offered on board. The cruise starts from the port of Volos and we head to the island of Trikeri – a small island were no cars are allowed on. There is a beautiful monastery on the island dedicated to Virgin Mary. You can enjoy your lunch in one of the 2 tavenas on the island with fresh fish and the World known Lobster spaghetti! Various stops for swimming will be made in the clear, turquoise waters of the Pagasitic Gulf! Return o Volos and board your ship.



Cooking Classes in Portaria (6 hours)
Let us show you the best gastronomy that the Greek cuisine can offer. Niki and Elena, the owners of the famous Kritsa restaurant and hotel in Portaria, will allow you access to the well kept secrets.

For all meals local products are used, and you will be participating in all processes, were at the end you will be rewarded with enjoying your meal and drinks, in the shade of the old plane tree and gardenias in the square of Portaria.

Your mini bus will take you from the port and after a 20 minutes drive you will arrive in the beautiful square of the Portaria. Eleni and her team will greed you and will offer you a coffee before your start. Once the meal is prepared, cooked and enjoyed you will have some free time to explore the village. Return to the ship.