Ammon Express

From Thessaloniki: Excursion to Meteora by Bus

<p>We depart to Meteora with the bus ofAmmon Expressalong with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist,</p><p>at 08:00 from Aristotelous Square &amp; Egnatia Street (at the statue of Venizelos),</p><p>The distance is 230km and lasts approximately 3 hours. During our way, there is a 30’ stop for rest and coffee.</p><p><br></p><p>We reach Meteora at around 12:30p.m; this fascinating complex of huge steep rocks of pennant, arising close to the first elevations of the longest sierra in Greece, Pindos (the “spine” of Greece). We visit two of the six operating Holy Monasteries depending on the schedule of each one*:</p><ul><li>the women’s monastery of Saint Stefanos with the impressive wood-carved iconostasis and the magnificent view of the city of Kalampaka, the river Lithaios and the plain,</li><li>the monastery of the Holy Trinity at the steepest rock of Meteora, through stairs cut through the stone,</li><li>the women’s monastery of Rousanou with the extraordinary wall paintings of the small church, and the verdant path leading to it,</li><li>the Varlaam monastery with the valuable surviving frescoes of the painter of icons Frangos Katelanos and, among others, the thirteen-ton wooden barrel,</li><li>the monastery of the Transfiguration (Metamorphosis) of Christ, which is the largest monastery of Meteora,</li><li>the monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas, with the frescoes of the famous painter of icons Theophanes the Cretan, which has a balcony that is a stone’s throw away from the huge rocks.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>*Every Monday we visit the monasteries of Varlaam and Rousanou, every Wednesday and Sunday the monasteries of Saint Stefanos and Varlaam and every Friday the monasteries of Rousanou and Saint Stefanos.</p><p><br></p><p>The monasteries are built οn the peak of the huge rocks, and form the second most important complex of monasteries after Mt. Athos. In the past, there were twenty four monasteries but today only the six of them operate properly. In 1988, Meteora joined the list of the World Heritage sites of UNESCO.</p><p>For your convenience, the bus stops in front of the entrance of the Holy Monasteries.</p><p><br></p><p>During our visits to the monasteries we make a short stop to admire the stunning panoramic view of the Holy Monasteries from up high and capture the mystique of the landscape. The wild unapproachable area with the sandstones of more than 65 millions years old is majestic and at the same time unearthly and divine as until today their origin cannot be explained.</p><p><br></p><p>Next, we enjoy our greek traditional lunch break in Kastraki, at Kalampaka area, against the view of the astonishing Meteora.</p><p>We depart to Thessaloniki at around 15:30p.m and we have a last stop for 20΄ for coffee and rest. We are back at about 19:00p.m, making the same stops where we started from.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 December 2023

From Athens: Day Trip to Mycenae - Nafplio - Epidaurus

<p>We depart toMycenaewith the bus of AMMON EXPRESS together with our friendlytrip attendant-archaeologistfrom the “Smart-Eco-Pickup” at Halandri metro station. The distance is 130km and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. During the way we have a short stop for coffee and photos at the beautifulIsthmus of Corinth.</p><p><br></p><p>We reach the ancient city of Mycenae where the Cyclopean Walls “take our breath”, as until today no explanation can be found regarding their construction. Mycenae is considered the greatest and richest kingdom of the later Bronze Age (around 1350B.C). Even the legendary author Homer was inspired by Mycenae to compose his epic poem “Iliad”. We have about 1.5 hours to admire the archaeological site of the argolic plain with the unique findings such as the great Lionesses Gate, the Ancient Treasure of Atreus also known as King’s Agamemnon Tomb and the Tomb of Clytemnestra.</p><p><br></p><p>Later on, we visit the museum of Mycenae where we can find the famous Golden Mask of Agamemnon and various artifacts from the life, the activities and the burial customs of Mycenae. Exhibits from the royal Grave Circle A΄ and B΄ are exposed as well as various burial complexes and other historical copies.</p><p><br></p><p>After Mycenae, we reach the beautiful seaside city ofNafpliowhere we enjoy our greek traditional lunch. Naflpio used to be the first capital of Greece (before Athens) and its architecture has venetian, byzantine, ottoman and modern greek influences. It connects perfectly the intense marks of the historical past with the modern life. The oldest district of the city is calledAcronafplia, with various traditional spots where the locals hang out and above it we can see the Castle of Palamidi, which rules from the top of the hill. In front of city’s port, we can see the Castle of Bourtzi in a small island emerging from the argolic gulf.</p><p><br></p><p>After the connection of the ancient greek history in Mycenae with the cultural beauty in Nafplio, we head to the epicenter of the ancient drama; the ancient theater that until nowadays is considered the one with the best acoustic balance worldwide, theAncient Epidaurus. In the antiquity, Epidaurus was connected with the healing center of Asclepeion and is considered that there was the origin of the medical science.</p><p>The art of drama in Epidaurus was connected also with the healing of the human soul, the supreme beauty and moreover the salvation of one’s soul. Today in Epidaurus, modern artists organize newer versions of ancient tragedies as well as the Festival of Epidaurus takes place, known also as Epidavria. We have 1 hour to admire the ancient theater.</p><p><br></p><p>We depart to Athens at around 16:00 where we are back at about 17:30 at theSmart-Eco-Pickupof Ammon Express, theHalandrimetro Station.</p><p><br></p><p>Join us and feel like being with a friend who is excited to show you around like a Greek!</p>

Offer valid until: 31 December 2023

Corfu Small Group Food & History Tour

<p>Sample Corfu's most delicious flavors and discover Corfu Town top attractions on this exciting Corfu small group food walking tour!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Meet your food-loving guide at a central meeting spot in Corfu Town and embark on a exciting culinary adventure! Start your day with a typical Greek breakfast in a small, traditional bakery in the heart of Corfu Town including a variety of delicious Greek pies like the famous Spinach pie or the sweet Bougatsa accompanied by a glass of refreshing Gingerbeer - Corfu's most popular soft drink and a legacy of the British.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Led by your local guide, stroll the picturesque alleyways of Corfu Town and see the city through the eyes of a local until you reach the next delicious stop on this tour: a delicatessen where you will be able to try Corfu's signature products including Kumquat, Mandolato and Fig Pie. As you continue your walk, take time to visit the bustling Corfu's Food Market. Stroll the colorful stalls filled with fresh local products, watch the locals do their everyday shopping and immerse in its vibrant atmosphere.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Continue your tour with a visit to the Old Jewish Quarter where you will visit a traditional grocery store to savor a variety of cheese and cold cuts including the famed Noumboulo Fumicado - also known as Corfu’s prosciutto. Along the way, you will also enjoy a guided tour of Corfu Town Highlights including the Old Fortress, the Palace of St. Michael and St.George, the Liston, St. Spyridon church and the Town Hall.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Next head to a traditional local taverna in the heart of Corfu Town where you will have the chance to savor Corfu's traditional dishes including Sofrito and Pastitsada, paired with a glass of ouzo or wine. Lunch will be hearty oldest pastry shops before your culinary adventure ends in Liston.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 December 2022

From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Vergina-Pella

<p>We depart to Pella with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist,</p><p>at 08:00 from Aristotle’s Square &amp; Egnatia Street (at the statue of Venizelos).</p><p>The distance is about 50 km and lasts about 45’.</p><p><br></p><p>We reach Pella, which in the antiquity used to be a port, where we visit the new, modern museum as well as the archaeological site with the unique mosaics. In the archaeological site we can admire the ancient market of the city, the mosaic of the “Abduction of Helen” and the “Amazonomachy” (the battle of Amazons). In the museum, there are exposed objects and artifacts from the daily life of the people; characteristic signs of the lifestyle in the antiquity.</p><p><br></p><p>Next, we reach Vergina where we visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, situated in the borders of the village. The characteristic Golden Larnax (funerary casket), an urn with the cremated remains of Phillip II is marked with a 16-rayed sun, the symbol of Macedonia. The Sun of Vergina (or Star of Vergina), which is characteristic symbol of the Argead Dynasty (of the King Phillip II and Alexander the Great) was found together with the excavations that brought back to light his father’s Royal Tomb. 4 of the sun rays represent of the 4 classical elements and the other 12 sun rays represent the 12 Olympian Gods. Admire the golden oak wreath that Phillip II had during his funeral pyre, military armors, various grave goods, the other tombs that were brought back to light and a small sanctuary, the Heroon.</p><p><br></p><p>Later, we enjoy our lunch break in a restaurant with greek traditional flavours.</p><p><br></p><p>We depart to Thessaloniki at around 15:30p.m and we are back after an hour (around 16:30p.m), making the same stops where we started from.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 December 2023

From Athens: Day Trip to Aegina

<p>Experience the magic of Aegina Island, located in the Argosaronic Gulf just a stone’s throw from Athens. Our expert historian guide will accompany you on the ferry ride from Piraeus port to Aegina, where you’ll be immersed in the Mediterranean lifestyle and learn all about the island’s fascinating history.</p><p>Kick off the tour with a visit to the sanctuary of Apollo Delfinios at the Kolona archaeological site. Discover more than ten historical buildings, including the 6th century BC temple of Apollo, and learn the myths surrounding the god. Don’t miss the excavation findings on display at the nearby Kolona archaeological museum, the first museum in Greece.</p><p><br></p><p>Next up is a trip to the medieval city of Paleochora and Saint Nektarios Monastery. Marvel at the exceptional wall paintings in the area’s 28 surviving churches and snap breathtaking photos from the top of the mountain. The impressive Agios Nektarios Monastery, one of the largest in the Balkans, is a must-see.</p><p><br></p><p>Take a break from sightseeing and soak up the sun on one of the island’s stunning beaches. Spend two hours on the sandy shore, and indulge in fresh seafood from the Aegean Sea at one of the traditional taverns in the area.</p><p><br></p><p>The tour ends with a one-hour walking tour of the cosmopolitan alleys of Aegina town. Explore the impressive neoclassical mansions built for the Governor and other public buildings from modern Greece.</p><p><br></p><p>Before we leave, don’t miss the chance to taste the famous Aegina pistachios, a local product used in various traditional sweets and other delicious treats. Aegina Island is the perfect destination for anyone seeking to experience the lifestyle and history of a Greek island, just a short trip from Athens.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 October 2023

From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Mount Olympus - Dion

<p>We depart to Dion with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist,</p><p>at 08:00 from Aristotle’s Square &amp; Egnatia Street (at the statue of Venizelos),</p><p>The distance is 90km and lasts approximately 1 hour.</p><p><br></p><p>We reach Dion and we visit the archaeological site, walking back in history and admiring the various findings around the ancient park. The unique statues, the mosaics and the various artifacts that were brought to light are left in their original place and that so, we pass through the same paths as the ancient Greeks used to do. Don’t miss the chance to visit the ancient theater with the perfect acoustic balance since antiquity. Until nowadays many ancient tragedies are revitalized by modern actors and various festivals every year. Next we visit the modern museum with many statues and findings of the ancient city with more characteristic the Hydravlis (an ancient wind instrument) and the unique mosaic that represents the “Villa of Dionysos” lying in the building next to it.</p><p><br></p><p>Later on we head to Olympus, the mountain of the 12 Gods and we enjoy a 20΄ trekking through the Gorge of river Enipeas, above the village of Litochoro. According to the mythology, Enipeas was the most beautiful among the river gods. The path is magical; let the glory of nature, the running waters, the picturesque wooden bridges, the green banks and the small canyons charm you. We have the chance to admire the view of this “divine area” which was chosen carefully by the 12 Olympian Gods as their residence. More specifically, it is said that the residence of the Olympian Gods were the canyons of the mountain, the “mount folds” as they are described by Homer, where their glorious palaces were also located.</p><p><br></p><p>Our day trip ends in the picturesque village of Litochoro where we enjoy our lunch in a beautiful traditional restaurant. Litochoro is located right on the foothills of Olympus and forms the main starting point for the various trekking paths of the mountain that reach until Mytikas, the highest top of Olympus.</p><p>Don’t miss the chance to visit the second highest mountain in Balkans and the most mythical of all times!</p><p>We depart to Thessaloniki at around 15:30p.m and we are back after an hour (around 16:30p.m), making the same stops where we started from.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 December 2023