3-days Excursion in Meteora - Elati: In the footsteps of the monks (October 26-28)

Last spring we organized a trip to Meteora, which did not have the classic touristic character, but we added some outdoor touches to it. The highlights of this excursion are transferred to a new, enhanced excursion to Meteora, the three days of the 28th.

Among other things, the program will include the Via Cordata route that we will follow under the supervision of a certified instructor. With the use of equipment we will climb the rock of Agia and we will see from above the same breathtaking view that the monks saw on their way to the Monasteries. We will also hike to the beautiful shelter of Koziakas, something we didn't have in the previous program and we included because "another shelter on the list" is our mood. Our excursion to have it all, will also include a visit to the well-known arched bridge of Paleokaria, for the planned stories!

Our accommodation will be in a hotel in Elati, where there will be free hours to visit, while all our transfers will be by coach, in which we will all be transported together as a group.

Highlights:

• Via Cordata in Meteora
• Accommodation in Elati
• Koziaka Refuge
• Paleokarya Arch Bridge

We will visit Meteora - Elati - Koziaka Refuge during the three days of October 28. Meteora, a place so sacred, from a religious and spiritual point of view, as well as of rare and unique beauty, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1988, we will cross them in a different way. With safety and certified guides to guide us to Via Cordata where we will walk the way of the monks and with the use of equipment we will climb the rock of Agia to admire the amazing view of Meteora and Kalambaka. We will visit unique destinations that in autumn will enchant us with the wonderful colors. Elati, as if taken out of a fairy tale, will make you not want to leave, but also the Koziakas refuge, which we will visit by hiking, you will simply love it. Two destinations that will surely reward us with their beauty. We could not fail to visit the much-photographed arched bridge of Paleokaria. A three-day full of unique activities that will leave us with the best memories.

Elati: A heavenly destination at an altitude of 921m. immersed in the fir trees hence her name. The old stone buildings, the cobbled streets and the small squares, decorated with fountains and flower beds, give it nobility and picturesqueness.

Koziaka Refuge: The Koziaka Mountain Refuge is located on the Bakola Plateau at an altitude of 1750 m. For lovers of the E4 trail, the trail passes through the refuge. A unique landscape surrounds the shelter with peaks covering it like the Astrapi peak at 1901m.

Paliokarya Bridge: A bridge of unique beauty stands proudly built between two waterfalls since 1550. With a length of 26 meters and a height of 10 meters, it connected Pyli and the surrounding villages with the area of Aspropotamos. Harmoniously connected with the natural environment it will give you the best shots for photos.

Meeting place:

• Neratziotissa Train Station 09:15 am
• Departure Time from Neratziotissa: 09:30 am

Transportation:

• The transfers will be carried out by Coach.

Day 1: Athens – Meteora – Via Cordata – Elati

On Saturday morning and in a very good mood we leave for Meteora. Arriving in the city of Kalambaka we will make a stop to stock up on the necessary snacks and anything else we need for our activity. We will then head to the starting point of the Via Cordata where our instructors will give us a short training to learn what we need to do this activity safely. The Via Cordata in Meteora is a stunning route with moorings where our instructors - guides place the safety ropes. The ascent to the rock of Agia is done using equipment along the ancient path carved on the edge of the rocks, with an amazing view of Meteora and Kalambaka! The view from the highest point is magnificent! The route was used in the Middle Ages by the monks who lived in the ruined monastery of the small Twelve Apostles. The rock of Agia was part of the ancient fortification of the city thousands of years ago. Really worth visiting this place safely.

In the continuation of our program we will head to Elati where the hotel where we will spend the next two nights is located. In the evening there will be free time for sightseeing and walks in the wonderful village of Elati.

Route Information:

• Total activity time: about 4 hours
• Duration of training: 20'
• Walking time before: 30'
• Duration of main activity 3 hours
• Walking time after: 20'
• Distance: approximately 3.5 kilometers
• Altitude difference: +/- 438 meters

Day 2: Elati – Koziaka Refuge – Elati

After having our breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Pertouli. Just before we reach Pertouli near the Pertouli ski center will be our starting point for the hike to the Koziakas refuge. Our hike will be mainly on a path covered by fir trees in a magnificent landscape. During our route we will come across a water tap for anyone who wants to fill their bottle. Along the way we will be able to learn a lot of information about the mountain of Koziakas.

Activities Information:

• Χρονική διάρκεια πεζοπορίας: 5,5 – 6 ώρες (με τις στάσεις)
• Απόσταση: 8,5 χιλιόμετρα περίπου
• Υψομετρική διαφορά: +/- 700 μέτρα

Day 3: Elati – Paleokaryas Arch Bridge – Athens

Waking up on the third day of our excursion, we will have breakfast at our hotel and relax by lounging in Elati for a morning coffee. This beautiful village will leave us stunned with its beauty. Looking at the beautiful local shops, the stone-built houses and the vegetation of the area will fill our minds with unique images. Leaving behind this dream destination we will head towards the much-photographed arched bridge of Paleokaria. The Arched Bridge of Paleokarya is a bridge of unique beauty that stands proudly between two waterfalls since 1550. With a length of 26 meters and a height of 10 meters, it connected the Gate and the surrounding villages with the area of Aspropotamos. Harmoniously connected with the natural environment it will give you the best shots for photos. Then we will head for lunch in a village that is on the way back to Athens.

Participation fee: €346/person