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Packages in Greece: Special Interest packages: SUGGESTED WALKING AND HISTORICAL TOUR – SAMOS Day 1: SAMOS Arrival in Samos – assistance and transfer to the hotel. Balance of day at leisure. Overnight in Samos. Day 2: SAMOS - EFPALINIO TUNNEL - IREON - KARLOVASSI - KOKKARI Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we shall start with a visit to the famous Efpalinio Tunnel which is one of the supreme technical achievements of an era that possessed minimal means and knowledge. It was constructed by the outstanding architect Eupalinos in the mid of the 6th century B.C. to supply in water the town of Samos. This tunnel, 1036 m long, which penetrates the mountain Evokes is remarkable for the precision of its calculations. The excavations were conducted on both sides and met in the middle with no margin of error. Our trip continues to the archeological site of Ireon where we shall see the temple of Hera (Hera was the goddess of Samos), the largest reported by Herodotus. A paved road, the Sacred Way, lined with 2000 statues and other offerings, linked the city with the goddess’ sanctuary. It was 108,73 m long, 54,8 m wide and 25 m high. After the visit we drive to the monastery of the Holy Cross (Timiou Stavrou), one of the oldest monasteries on the island (visit). From here we drive on to Koutsi with its flowing streams and tall plane trees and panoramic view and the village of Pyrgos. From here an unpaved road (2 km) leads to monastery rich in frescoes and icons. Our bus will take us then to the typical village of Karlovassi. As we enter Karlovassi we see plane trees, springs and old neo-classical mansions harmoniously co-existing with modern elements. We have time to walk around and visit some ceramics factories for which Karlovassi is well-known. 2 km away from Karlovassi lies the small picturesque village of Potami – time for lunch and swimming. Afterwards the bus takes us to Platanakia, an enchanting landscape full of greenery and we continue to Kokkari, the most picturesque fishing harbor in Samos. Enjoy a walk through this hospitable village and drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Samos. Day 3: SAMOS - VOURLIOTES - MANOLATES Breakfast at the hotel. First the bus will take us to the mountain village of Vourliotes and from there we start walking through the beautiful mountain slopes of the North coast of Samos, along green valleys, passing by the charming and breathtaking village of Manolates. Returning to the main road we meet in Platanakia and have free time for lunch. From here the bus will take us back to the hotel. Overnight in Samos. Day 4: SAMOS - KUSADASI - EPHESUS Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning transfer to the port and departure to Kusadasi in the nearby Turkey (1-hour trip). Kusadasi is a well known seaside resort of Minor Asia which has undergone vigorous development in the recent years and is an excellent place to shop for Turkish goods. Upon arrival we meet with our guide and leave for the Ancient Ephesus. Accompanied with our guide we shall walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Our tour takes us today through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated baths of Scolastika, the temple of Adrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and the grand theater where Saint Paul preached and which is the largest theater in antiquity, having a capacity of 24.000 people. Walk back to the coach along the Arcadian Way where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra one rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus view the Basilica of Saint John which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by the Emperor Justinian. We return to Kusadasi and have free time for shopping. In the afternoon sailing back to Samos and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Samos. Day 5: SAMOS - PALEOKASTRA - KERVELI - POSSIDONIA - PYTHAGORION Breakfast at the hotel. Our bus will take us to Paleokastra, a village near Samos town, known for its taverns. A farming village with clean little white-washed streets and an old closed olive factory. From here we walk down to Kerveli on dusty road/path. From Kerveli we follow the bay and then hitting up through the olive plantations and then down to Possidonia. Here we follow the road and a path. There might be possibility to swim in Kerveli or Possidonia. From Possidonia a small boat will take us to Pythagorion for lunch. The village is built on the ruins of ancient Samos which according to Herodotus had a population of 300.000 inhabitants. Today Pythagorion is one of the most popular touristic center on Samos. Enjoy the picturesque port and walk through the village. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Samos. Day 6: SAMOS - PATMOS Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning transfer to the port and departure to Patmos. This serene island is known as the site of the Apocalyptic Revelations of Saint John the Divine written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. Depart from the port of Scala and enjoy a short journey to the village of Chora, where the monastery of Saint John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphills towards the entrance of the monastery marvel this magnificent structure which was built 900 years ago, exceptional in its architecture. View the courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noting its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, see the priceless ecclesiastical treasures housed in the beautiful small museum: books and manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid Medieval textiles and vestments as well as jewelry. We return to the coach to continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, where above stands the church of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main monastery. Walk down the steps to visit the grotto where you will see the silver niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelations. Return to Scala – have free time for lunch and walk around then trip back to Samos and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Samos. Day 7: SAMOS - PLATANOS - HYDROUSSA Breakfast at the hotel. The walk today will take us high up into the mountains of Samos, to some of the mountain villages which have retained their traditional character. We go by bus to our starting point for this walk, the village of Platanos. This picturesque village is set high in the mountains and is surrounded by pine forest. From here we make our way down a shady track through the forest leading towards the village of Kouramadei. Shortly before we reach the village we turn off and head down into the ravine. At the bottom of this steep ravine with its wooded hillsides there is a small bridge over the gushing stream. We make our way down into the ravine and before crossing the bridge we have the chance to see and old deserted water mill that was once used as saw-mill. Continuing along the path we make our way towards the village of Hydroussa. Our route takes us through fields and local produce. Upon reaching Hydroussa we make a stop for refreshment and to explore the village at leisure. From here the bus will take us to Potami. Free time for lunch or swimming and return back to the hotel. Overnight in Samos. Day 8: SAMOS Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport. For details and prices, please contact us by email: info @ argonautravel.gr and let us know of the number of participants as well as your requested dates   Book     Back to packages page
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