Pelion – The Mountain of the Centaurs

11 Nov Pelion – The Mountain of the Centaurs

The evergreen mountain of Pelion, took its name from the mythical king Peleus, father of Achilles. According to Greek mythology, it was the summer residence of the Olympian Gods and the land of the Centaurs.

With 70+ picturesque villages spread across the peninsula, from green mountainous to blue coastal ones, Pelion is an all-year-round destination, with so many things to do and see!!

Day 1: Arrival to Athens airport. Private transfer to your hotel, in the Athens center; check-in and, free time at leisure or, optional Athens city and Acropolis tour (depending on your flight schedule). Overnight in Athens.

Day 2: Breakfast in the hotel. Check-out; car rental pick-up and, head on to Volos. On the way, you may visit the Neolithic settlements of Dimini and Sesklo, two of the main sites of the Greek Neolithic Period.

Upon arrival in Volos, you may visit the Archaeological Museum, that houses exhibits from the prehistoric period up to Roman times. Right after, you may try a glass of the locally produced “tsipouro” accompanied by a variety of local appetizers.

Ηead on to the magnificent village of Portaria, to check-in. Portaria is full of charming mansions, traditional taverns and picturesque alleys, perfect for wandering.

You may also visit the Folk Art Museum and the Church of Agios Nikolaos, dating back to the 19th century. Overnight in Portaria.

Day 3: Breakfast in the hotel. If the weather permits, you may follow the famous “Kalderimia”, the trekking paths that link the villages of Pelion and, find the mythical “Centaur’s path”. According to Greek Mythology, heroes like Hercules and Achilles, had to take this path, in order to find the cave of their teacher, Chiron the Centaur.

Drive to the old village of Makrinitsa, also known as “the balcony of Pelion”. Walk along the cobblestone paths and, admire the impressive noble mansions, the beautiful fountain, the byzantine church and the famous central square. You may also visit the Pelion Museum of Folklore and History, housed in the Topali mansion. Drive back to Portaria, overnight in the hotel.

Day 4: Breakfast in the hotel. Continuing your road trip around the mountainous villages of Pelion, you will come across the village of Chania, home to the popular Pelion’s ski center “Agriolefkes”, approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and also a ski school for youngsters and beginners.

Next destination is the lovely village of Kissos, one of the quieter villages of Pelion, covered with plane and chestnut trees. Visit the wonderful church of Agia Marina, with frescoes considered the finest, in Pelion. If you wish, you may also visit the magnificent waterfalls of Kissos, following the path from the central square.

Head on to the popular Tsagarada village. Admire the famous old plane tree situated in the main square and walk along the paths around the village, leading to impressive mansions situated in the middle of a chestnut forest. Drive back to Portaria, overnight in the hotel.

Day 5: Breakfast in the hotel. Head on to the village of Milies, driving through the nature reserve of Agios Dimitrios – Itamos. According to the Greek Mythology, it is here, where the famous cave of Centaur Chiron was located.

Milies, is a village of unique beaty and great historical importance. It was the place where, the local revolution against the Turks started, with the famous “School of Milies” operating as a spiritual and cultural centre.

Milies is also known for the famous “Moutzouris” train, operating a 90-minute route, from Ano Lechonia to Milies, and back. Worth of a visit, are also the Folklore Museum of Milies and the historic Church of Pamegistoi Taxiarches.

There are also horse-riding centres, offering the opportunity to discover the home of the “Centaurs”, while on a horseback. Drive back to Portaria, overnight in the hotel.
Milies – Church of Pammegistoi Taxiarches

Day 6: Breakfast in the hotel, check-out. Drive to Athens. Depending on your flight schedule, you can either drive directly to the Athens airport (car rental drop-off) or, spend the night in Athens and, the next day (07th), drive to the Athens airport.

Package Service Includes:

• Five (05) hotel overnights, in 4* property
• Daily buffet breakfast.
• Arrival transfer (first day) Athens airport – Athens center hotel by private, modern A/C taxi.
• Car rental service (second to sixth day) / Citroen C3 or similar, including:
  -Free pick up / drop off services, between 08:30-22:00
  -Unlimited mileage
  -Insurance
  -CDW
  -24 hours assistance
• VAT

Important Overall Notes
1) The above package is valid for the winter period (01/11/2022 – 31/03/2023).

2) Accommodation is provided in the following hotels (or similar):
-Athens: Amalia (www.amaliahotels.com)
-Pelion, Portaria: Pelion Resort (www.pelionresort.gr)

3) No reservation of any kind of the above services has been done; potential booking requests, will be subject to hotel availability.

4) Prices upon request, to secure the best possible “last minute” offer!!