Chios and Lesvos.Visit to the Monasteries and Churches of the Islands [8days]

After breakfast, we’ll journey to Mesta, a stunning medieval village 35 kilometers southwest of Chios city. Explore the Church of the Former Taxiarch, a 15th-century Byzantine gem within the preserved castle-village. Marvel at its single-aisled, domed basilica with remarkable frescoes and a wooden iconostasis dating back to 1833. Next, we’ll visit Kalamoti’s medieval village and Panagia Agrilousaina Church, adorned with 14th-century frescoes and sculptures. Then, onto Pyrgi for a tour and a visit to the Maschicahas Chios Museum. On our return, we’ll stop at Panagia Sikelia, adding the final touch to our enriching journey.

Today our day begins with a visit to the Byzantine Museum of Chios. We continue with a stop at the Sacred Pilgrimage Skete of Agios Makarios and proceed to the Holy Temple of Agios Georgios, Vrontados.

Next, we visit the Holy New Monastery. The New Monastery is located in the center of the island, 12 km from the city of Chios and at an altitude of 670 m. It is considered one of the most remarkable monuments of the Byzantine period and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Founded in 1042 AD by Constantine IX Monomachos, who endowed it with estates and special revenues, resulting in it being one of the most famous and wealthy monasteries in the Aegean. It has internationally renowned mosaics. Saint Nektarios served as a monk here.

We will visit Avgonyma and Anavatos and then continue to the Holy Temple of Agios Georgios the Chiopolitis – Settlement of Pityos.

After breakfast, we head northwest to the Holy Monastery of Moundon, a 16th-century Byzantine gem amidst olive groves on Mount Pelineo. Once home to aristocratic families, it was destroyed by the Turks in 1822 and later restored. Continuing, we visit the Sacred Pilgrimage of Agia Markella, where holy water flows from the rocks where she was martyred. Then, in Agio Gala, we explore the Church of Panagia Agiogalousaina, a 12th-13th century Byzantine church with rare wood-carved iconostasis and frescoes. Tradition tells of miraculous healing waters in its cave. Our final stop is Volissos before returning to Chios.

Check-out and transfer to the port for departure to Lesvos. Arrive in Mytiene and visit the Monastery of St. Raphael, nestled among olive groves atop Karyes hill. Its two churches house the tombs of saints, including St. Raphael and St. Nicholas. Explore the art gallery and the miraculous spring in the courtyard. Established as a women’s monastery in 1963, it served as a refuge during Turkish persecution of Christians. On our return to Mytilini, we’ll visit the Ecclesiastical Byzantine Museum and the Holy Temple of Saint Therapon, built around 1850 on the site of an ancient structure, possibly associated with Apollo or Sappho’s school.

Today, we explore Skala Sikamineas and Panagia Gorgona Church, then visit the Monastery of the Taxiarches near Mantamados, a crucial pilgrimage site. Legend tells of a monk who crafted an Archangel Michael figure from soil and candles after a pirate raid. Next, we visit Panagia Glykofilousa Church in Petra village, with rare Byzantine icons and a wooden-carved throne. Continuing to Moni Limonos near Kalloni, we’ll explore the monastery before heading to Sigri for The Museum of Natural History of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos. En route, stop at The Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian High, with a rich history dating back to Byzantine times.

Begin the day with a visit to Theofilos Museum in Vareia, Mytilene. Erected in 1964, funded by artistic patron TERIADE, it houses 86 paintings by Theophilos, depicting Greek history, mythology, and folklore. Next, explore Agiasos and the Monastery of Panagia of Agiasos, a significant pilgrimage site on Lesvos, built in 1815. Admire its three-aisled basilica with notable frescoes and a marble iconostasis. Conclude the day in Plomari, renowned for its ouzo distilleries and pristine beaches. Explore its traditional architecture, savor local cuisine, and embrace the serene beauty of the Aegean Sea along Lesvos’ southern coast.

Breakfast and free time according to your departure time.