Hosios Loukas is a historic walled monastery situated near the town of Distomo in Greece. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art, and has been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
You understand, it is impossible to see Greece just in a couple of days. Come with us to explore Greece in a 1-2 week road trip. We will pass Hosios Loukas, along with other Greece' attractions, to discover the soul of the country, its way of life, culture and traditions, food and drinks. Browse our tours passing Hosios Loukas, or contact us directly for a custom tour in Greece. By the way, we charge nothing for a custom itinerary. Contact us directly, let's plan all the details of your trip and get it done!
Hosios Loukas, Greece Monterrasol private car tours to
Hosios Loukas, Greece Monterrasol private car tours to
Hosios Loukas, Greece Monterrasol private car tours to
Hosios Loukas, Greece Monterrasol private car tours to
Argos - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, castle, orthodox cathedral; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Arta - Known for bridge, byzantine empire, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral
Athens - Known for archaeological site, museum; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bassae - Known for archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Chalkida - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, museum, viewpoint
Corfu - Known for archaeological site, beach, fortress, historical center, island, marina, medieval old town, museum, promenade, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint
Corinth - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, landmark, viewpoint
Larissa - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; ancient theatre is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Livadeia - Known for castle, medieval old town, river, waterfall
Messene - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, landmark, museum, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Mesolongi (Messolonghi) - Known for beach, coastal town, lake, landmark, promenade, wildlife
Meteora - Known for landmark, nature, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Methoni - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, viewpoint; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Metsovo - Known for architecture, mountain town, museum, viewpoint, winery
Monemvasia - Known for ancient settlement, beach, coastal town, hiking pass, island, medieval old town, viewpoint, orthodox church
Monodendri - Known for hiking pass, mountain town, museum, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint, Zagori cultural landscape, orthodox church, orthodox monastery; Zagori cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mycenae - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mystras - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nafpaktos - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint
Nafplio - Known for castle, coastal town, fortified town, fortress, historical center, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; fortified town is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Oiniadai (Oeniadae) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, walls; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Olympia - Known for archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Palace of Nestor - Known for archaeological site, architecture, landmark
Parga - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, promenade
Patras - Known for archaeological site, castle, coastal town, museum, promenade, seaport, viewpoint, winery, orthodox cathedral
Porto Kagio - Known for beach, coastal town, marina, viewpoint
Preveza - Known for castle, coastal town, marina, museum, seaport
Pylos - Known for beach, bridge, castle, coastal town, fortress, marina, venetian empire, wildlife
Rio - Known for beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, seaport, viewpoint
Sparta - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site
Volos - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, beach, coastal town, marina, museum, nature, seaport
Western Thrace - Known for beach, forest, lake, landmark, nature, park, river
Last reviewed: 25 March 2020
Hosios Loukas description
The Hosios Loukas monastery was founded in the early 10th century AD by the hermit, Luke of Steiris (in Greek: Lukas), whose relics are kept in the monastery to this day. A hermit is a person who lives in seclusion from society, usually for religious reasons.
Saint Luke (he should not to be confused with the Evangelist author of the Gospel of Saint Luke) died on 7 February 953. He is famous for having predicted the conquest of Crete by Emperor Romanos. The Crete island was actually reconquered by Nicephorus Phocas under Romanos II.
Saint Luke was believed to have been a miraculous healer, levitator, miraculous feeder and prophesier during his lifetime; after his death, all of the miracles associated with him involved the healing power of his tomb.
The main shrine of the monastery is the tomb of Saint Luke, originally situated in the vault, but later placed at the juncture of the two churches. The monastery derived its wealth (including funds required for construction) from the fact that the relics of Saint Luke were said to have exuded myron, a sort of perfumed oil which produced healing miracles. Pilgrims hoping for miraculous help were encouraged to sleep by the side of the tomb in order to be healed by incubation. The mosaics around the tomb represent not only Saint Luke himself, but also hegumen Philotheos offering a likeness of the newly built church to the saint.
The Hosios Loukas, the oldest in the complex, is the only church known with certainty to have been built in the tenth century in its site in mainland Greece. This centralized parallelogram-shaped building is the oldest example of the cross-in-square type in the country; its plan closely follows that of Lips Monastery in Constantinople. The walls are built from mix of bricks, stones, and pieces of marble and display curious patterns.
The Hosios Loukas adjoins a larger cathedral church, or Katholikon, tentatively dated to 1011-12. The Katholikon is the earliest extant domed-octagon church, with eight piers arranged around the perimeter of the nave.
Hosios Loukas is the largest of three monasteries surviving from the Middle Byzantine period in Greece. It differs from the Daphnion and Nea Moni in that it is dedicated to a single military saint. Saint Lukes' prophecy about the reconquest of Crete is commemorated by the image of Joshua on the exterior wall of the Panagia church: Joshua was considered a model "warrior of the faith", whose help was especially effective in the wars waged against the Arabs. The Katholikon contains the best preserved complex of mosaics from the period of the Macedonian Renaissance.
There is evidence that the monastery was reputed all over Byzantium for its lavish decoration, liberally applied to all surfaces. Apart from revetment, carving, gold and silver plate, murals, and mosaics (especially imposing on curving surfaces), the interior featured a choice assortment of icons, chandeliers, silk curtains, and altar cloths.
Hosios Loukas related tours
We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Hosios Loukas during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Hosios Loukas.
We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Hosios Loukas. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.
Discover Greece from Igoumenitsa: 7 days round trip via Parga, Delphi, Meteora. Ancient towns, beaches, castles and monasteries. Visit few the important Greece mainland UNESCO sites.
See Parga castle and enjoy Parga beach, explore Arta museum and walk over beautiful Arta bridge, refresh in Messolonghi lagoon, take image of gorgeous Antirrio bridge, climb on walls of Nafpaktos fortress and enjoy sandy beach, enjoy lunch in calm coastal town Galaxidi, visit famous archaeological site and museum in Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage site), visit Hosios Loukas monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), explore medieval structures in Livadeia, say hello to king Leonidas in Thermopylae, wonder on Meteora monasteries (UNESCO World Heritage site) and return back via Ioannina with Ottoman castle and Dodoni archaeological site with huge ancient theater (UNESCO Tentative List site).
This 9 days (8 nights) tour covers the most important archaeological sites, monasteries and UNESCO sites of Greece mainland. See Parga castle and enjoy Parga beach, walk in Arta museum, enjoy unique Mesolongi wetland formation, take image of beautiful Antirrio bridge, climb on walls of Nafpaktos fortress and enjoy after crystal clear sea water and sandy beach, visit UNESCO archaeological site Delphi and UNESCO Hosios Loukas monastery, walk in medieval old town Livadeia, say hello to king Leonidas in Thermopylae, wonder on UNESCO Meteora monasteries, visit UNESCO archaeological site Aegae, and on the way back see ancient Ioannina castle and Dodoni archaeological site included in UNESCO Tentative List.
Come to explore main touristy attractions of Central Greece with this 9 days discovery tour from Athens. We will visit UNESCO Word Heritage sites and UNESCO tentative list sites, old monasteries, medieval fortresses, ancient theaters and archaeological sites. We will walk the places truly called as roots of the culture of our civilization.
Come to explore central region of Greece mainland with our all seasons 10 days tour from Athens. We going to see main attraction of Greece mainland: UNESCO archaeological sites, ancient castles, orthodox monasteries, and amazing coastal line with beaches.
All the places we going to visit with this tour has a rich history. Walk with us archaeological site Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its rich museum, Nafpaktos hilly fortress, old bridge and museum in Arta, Dodoni archaeological site famous for huge amphitheater, Meteora complex of monasteries (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Thermopylae, the place of forever glory of Sparta, and few other places.
Greece discovery 11 days (10 nights) round tour from Igoumenitsa will pass through ancient towns, beaches, castles and monasteries, and some places are on UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The tour will visit Parga castle, we will walk in Arta museum, see Mesolongi sea lake, climb on steps of Nafpaktos castle and touch statue of Cervantes, take an images of longest bridge of the fully suspended type, walk in Patras fortress and pray in St Andrew cathedral, walk in Ancient Corinth, touch stones of ancient civilization in Mycenae, wonder on Corinth canal, walk the passages of medieval town Livadeia and visit old Hosios Loukas UNESCO monastery, ask Delphi oracle and see the place of the feat of Leonidas, visit unique UNESCO complex of monasteries in Meteora, stay in ancient theater of Larissa, visit UNESCO archaeological site Aegae, and on the way back see ancient Ioannina castle and Dodoni archaeological site included in UNESCO Tentative List.
This off-season balanced 12 days tour is aimed for people who interesting in the history of Greece, to walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. During this tour we will visit 6 places that are on the list of UNESCO. Many other we going to visit places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
This Peloponnese and Greece mainland discovery 13 days (12 nights) round tour from Igoumenitsa will pass through castles and fortresses, beaches, ancient towns and monasteries. Some of visited places are on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, and some on the UNESCO Tentative List.
The tour will visit Parga castle, we will walk in Arta museum, see Mesolongi lagoon, climb on steps of Nafpaktos castle and touch statue of Cervantes, take an images of longest bridge of the fully suspended type, walk in Patras fortress and pray in St Andrew cathedral, walk in site of Olympic Games Ancient Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), explore old Messene (UNESCO Tentative List site).
We will also visit Sparta and medieval fortified town Mystras (UNESCO World Heritage Site), touch stones of ancient civilization in Mycenae (UNESCO World Heritage Site), wonder on Corinth canal, visit old Hosios Loukas monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site), ask Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage Site) oracle and see the place of the feat of Leonidas, visit unique (UNESCO World Heritage Site) complex of monasteries in Meteora, and on the way back see ancient Ioannina castle and Dodoni archaeological site included in UNESCO Tentative List.
tour destinations: Apollonia, Bar, Berat, Budva, Dajbabe, Delphi, Dodoni, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Hosios Loukas, Ioannina, Kotor, Krujë, Livadeia, Meteora, Thermopylae
We welcome you to the 14 days all seasons tour across Southern Balkans. We will explore 3 countries: Montenegro, Albania, Greece.
In Montenegro, we will visit town Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. In coastal town Budva we will walk its narrow streets of historical center and surrounding walls. We also will visit Old Bar, the settlement known from Byzantine Empire ages. On the way to Albania we will visit cave monastery Dajbabe with unique frescoes.
In Albania, we need to see historical center of town Krije and its museum, admire ancient theater in Durres, wonder on beautiful sea on Divjaka beach, and come to sleep in town Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), called as town of thousand windows. After Berat, we will visit archaeological site Apollonia (UNESCO Tentative List site), and come to see historical center of town Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here in Gjirokaster we will walk in Ottoman fortress and see local museum.
In Greece, we will stay in mainland, and see fortress of Ioannina, together with historical town and Silversmithing museum. We will admire huge amphitheater at Dodoni archaeological site (UNESCO Tentative List site), and arrive at evening to town Kalampaka to see famous complex of monasteries Meteora (UNESCO World Heritage Site). On the way to Delphi, we will see Thermopylae, the battle area of Greek hero, King Leonidas I of Sparta, and his 300 Spartans.
Next place we will see if famous Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the place of Delphian Oracle, now it's large archaeological site and museum with extended collection. Next, on the way to Athens, we will see hidden in mountains monastery Hosios Loukas (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and walk along of river in historical center of Livadeia. The sane day evening we will arrive to Athens.
We welcome you to explore central region of Greece mainland with our off-season 14 days tour from Athens. We going to see main attraction of Greece mainland: UNESCO archaeological sites, ancient castles, orthodox monasteries, and amazing coastal line with beaches.
Archaeological sites we will visit with this tour: Epidaurus (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mycenae (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tiryns (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Sparta, Mistras (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Messene, Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Together with that we will see famous museums in Epidaurus, Delphi, Patras, Olympia. We will see also monastery Hosios Loukas (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The fortresses and castles we will walk are: Nafplio, Palamidi, Rio, Patras, Nafpaktos.
Welcome to Greece off the beaten path 14 days tour from Athens. We going to visit less touristy areas of central Greece and understand Greek's national character. This tour will bring you to ancient theaters not included in tourist catalogs and beaches visit mostly by locals. Together with that we will visit few UNESCO sites, castles and fortresses, and monasteries.
Let's come together to 15 days all seasons tour to explore 3 countries: Montenegro, Albania, Greece.
In Montenegro, we will visit town Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. In coastal town Budva we will walk its narrow streets of historical center and surrounding walls. We also will visit Old Bar, the settlement known from Byzantine Empire ages. On the way to Albania we will visit cave monastery Dajbabe with unique frescoes.
In Albania, we need to see historical center of town Krije and its museum, admire ancient theater in Durres, wonder on beautiful sea on Divjaka beach, and come to sleep in town Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), called as town of thousand windows. After Berat, we will visit archaeological site Apollonia (UNESCO Tentative List site), and come to see historical center of town Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here in Gjirokaster we will walk in Ottoman fortress and see local museum.
In Greece, we will stay in mainland, and see fortress of Ioannina, together with historical town and Silversmithing museum. We will admire huge amphitheater at Dodoni archaeological site (UNESCO Tentative List site), and cute small coastal town Parga with small fortress and gorgeous beach. Next day we will visit Nekromanteio Acheron, a Greek temple of necromancy, walk over famous bridge in Arta and see local museum.
We will visit archaeological site Oeniadae (UNESCO Tentative List site), known for its shipyard and small amphitheater. On the way to Nafpaktos we need to see a Messolonghi lagoon, unique biodiversity area. In Nafpaktos, we will walk inside a fortress, and will see why in the port there is the statue of Cervantes.
Next place we will see if famous Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the place of Delphian Oracle, now it's large archaeological site and museum with extended collection. Next, on the way to Athens, we will see hidden in mountains monastery Hosios Loukas (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and walk along of river in historical center of Livadeia. The sane day evening we will arrive to Athens.
This Peloponnese and Greece mainland discovery 16 days (15 nights) round tour from Igoumenitsa will pass through castles and fortresses, beaches, ancient towns and monasteries. Some of visited places are on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, and some on the UNESCO Tentative List. The tour will visit Parga castle, we will walk in Arta museum, see Mesolongi sea lake, climb on steps of Nafpaktos castle and touch statue of Cervantes, take an images of longest bridge of the fully suspended type, walk in Patras fortress and pray in St Andrew cathedral, walk in site of Olympic Games Ancient Olympia, explore old Messene, visit Sparta and medieval fortified town Mystras, touch stones of ancient civilization in Mycenae, wonder on Corinth canal, visit old Hosios Loukas UNESCO monastery, ask Delphi oracle and see the place of the feat of Leonidas, visit unique UNESCO complex of monasteries in Meteora, and on the way back see ancient Ioannina castle and Dodoni archaeological site included in UNESCO Tentative List.
This off-season 17 days tour is interesting for people who would like understand the history of Greece through visit both kind of sites, a well known as UNESCO Word Heritage sites and UNESCO tentative list sites, as well as some non-touristy places, all located on the territory of Central Greece. With this tour you will walk ancient historical places where are roots of the culture of our civilization. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to give you ability to visit the most interesting Central Greece UNESCO places in one tour.
This off-season 17 days tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
This off-season 18 days tour is good for people who would like to touch the history of Greece through visit UNESCO Word Heritage sites, UNESCO tentative list sites, and some of Greece non-touristy places all around of Central Greece.
With this tour you will walk ancient historical places where are roots of the culture of our civilization. You will visit old fortresses, ancient theaters, sites of few Greece oracles, and of course famous Greece archaeological museums in differ areas.
Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO sites in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most important Central Greece UNESCO sites in one tour.
This off-season 19 days tour covers several important UNESCO World Heritage sites located in Greece mainland and south Albania. Together with that will also visited numerous UNESCO Tentative List sites. Come to see beautiful Mediterranean land and visit stunning sites in the off-peak months!
During the tour here is plenty of things to do: from fascinating museums to imposing archaeological sites, and from mouthwatering gastronomy to perfect- picture villages and towns. Both Greece and Albania is the ideal destination if you enjoy nature and dramatic landscapes, regardless the time of the year you plan to visit it.
This Peloponnese and Greece mainland off-season discovery 19 days (18 nights) round tour from Igoumenitsa will pass through places that on UNESCO World Heritage list and on the UNESCO Tentative List. We will visit ancient towns and monasteries, castles and fortresses, beaches and mountain towns.
The tour will visit Parga castle, we will walk in Arta museum, see Mesolongi sea lake, climb on steps of Nafpaktos castle and touch statue of Cervantes, take an images of longest bridge of the fully suspended type, walk in Patras fortress and pray in St Andrew cathedral, walk in site of Olympic Games Ancient Olympia, walk the steps of old fortresses in Pylos and Methoni, explore archaeological site Messene, visit famous Sparta and medieval fortified town Mystras, touch stones of ancient civilization in Mycenae, wonder on Corinth canal, visit old Hosios Loukas UNESCO monastery, ask Delphi oracle and see the place of the feat of Leonidas, visit unique UNESCO complex of monasteries in Meteora, walk over Aegae archaeological place, and on the way back see mountain town Metsovo with famous winery, ancient Ioannina castle and Dodoni archaeological site included in UNESCO Tentative List.
This off-season 19 days tour will allow you to visit not only some of Greece's eighteen UNESCO World Heritage sites but also some of the country's fourteen sites in the UNESCO tentative list, together with other top destinations across this beautiful Mediterranean land. Come and visit this stunning country in the off-peak months! You will quickly understand why Greece is much more than just a perfect summer destination. Greece is a truly year-round destination!
It boasts plenty of things to do: from fascinating museums to imposing archaeological sites, and from mouthwatering gastronomy to perfect- picture villages and towns. Greece is the ideal destination if you enjoy nature and dramatic landscapes, regardless the time of the year you plan to visit it.
We welcome you to all-seasons 3 weeks tour across Greece mainland. With this tour you going to see main attractions of Peloponnese and Central Greece. The tour will bring to to famous UNESCO places, fascinating museums and imposing archaeological sites, picturesque panoramas of see and mountains, dramatic landscapes and scenic routes.
We going to visit well known from the history of civilization towns, coastal and mountain villages, enjoy famous Greek cuisine in local tavernas, climb ancient steps of fortified towns and monasteries, walk the walls of medieval fortresses and castles. Greece is the ideal destination if you enjoy history and nature regardless the time of the year you plan to visit it.
Explore 5 Balkans countries Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece in 21 days cultural tour from Zagreb to Athens. Discover Adriatic coast of Croatia; venetian towns of Dalmatian rivier; medieval towns of Montenegro; famous Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia, Montenegro and Greece; archaeological places in Albania and Greece; medieval fortresses of Croatia, Albania and Greece; UNESCO sites of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece.
This off-season 21 days tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
This off-season 22 days tour covers the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites located in Greece mainland and all UNESCO World Heritage sites of Albania. Thw tour is also allow to visit many UNESCO Tentative List sites. Come to see beautiful Mediterranean land and visit stunning sites in the off-peak months!
During the tour here is plenty of things to do: from fascinating museums to imposing archaeological sites, and from mouthwatering gastronomy to perfect- picture villages and towns. Both Greece and Albania is the ideal destination if you enjoy nature and dramatic landscapes, regardless the time of the year you plan to visit it.
This off-season 23 days tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
This off-season 24 days tour is interesting for people who would like to touch the history of Greece through visit few UNESCO Word Heritage sites, few UNESCO tentative list sites, and some of non-touristy places, all located in Central Greece. With this tour you will walk ancient historical places where are roots of the culture of our civilization. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of Central Greece UNESCO places in one tour.
This off-season tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
We welcome you to explore non-touristic sites of Greece with our extended off-season discovery 26-day tour from Igoumenitsa. We will explore several famous mainland regions of Greece: Central Greece, Peloponnese, Epirus, and even Zagori, recently nominated as UNESCO World Heritage site for cultural landscape.
Few of visited sites are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and few are UNESCO Tentative List sites. We will visit castles and fortresses, coastal and mountain towns, ancient monasteries and cathedrals, archaeological sites and ancient bridges, off the beaten track attractions and beautiful taverns.
We will start the tour with visiting town Parga famous fort castle and beaches. Next attraction where we will walk is ancient city Nicopolis (UNESCO Tentative List site), and come to explore and sleep in coastal town Preveza. Through the only under sea tunnel in Greece we will come to coastal town Nafpaktos, and on the way will visit archaeological site Oeniadae (UNESCO Tentative List site) with shipyard and small ancient theater.
In Nafpaktos we need to see a fortress; in historical center we need to say Hello to Miguel de Cervantes which statue is located in old port. Next day, after exploring two fortresses, Antirrio and Rio, take images of beautiful bridge from ferry, we will come to Patras, to see famous castle, cathedral, and few attractions from Roman time.
Starting from Patras, we are already in the Peloponnese region, where located the most attractions of this our tour. We will come to famous Olympia, explore archaeological site and 3 museums. Next our locations are fortresses Pylos and Methoni, and we will stay in lively town Kalamata with long beautiful coastal line and beach. From here we also will visit archaeological site Messene (UNESCO Tentative List site).
From Kalamata, with short walk in medieval part of town Kardamyli, we will come to explore Mani peninsula famous for specific tower houses and people who claim be descent from the ancient Spartans. We will see the heart of Mani, the historical capital of the Mani Peninsula town Areopoli, its historical center, charming stone tower houses and cobblestone alleyway.
After Mani, we will pass coastal town Gytheio and will come to see amazing medieval fortified town Monemvasia, and will explore both lower and upper towns there.
Next important places we will explore are famous town Sparta and archaeological site Mystras (UNESCO World Heritage site) with still active monastery. From Sparta, passing by mountain road cute mountain town Kosmas and cliff monastery Elonas, we will come to Nafplio, where around are located several important attractions like Argos, Tiryns (UNESCO World Heritage site), Midea, Asini, Tolo.
On the way to Ancient Corinth we will walk over stones of ancient civilization in Mycenae (UNESCO World Heritage site). Around Corinth we will wonder on Corinth canal and explore ancient fortress Acrocorinth.
Next important attraction to visit is Hosios Loukas monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site). We will have overnight in mountain town Arachova, and from there will come to see famous complex of monasteries in Meteora (UNESCO World Heritage site).
From Kalampaka, the town of Meteora monasteries, we will come to Ioannina to see its castle and nice Silversmith museum. The rest of tour we will spend in Zagori (the whole region is UNESCO World Heritage site), learn the stories of this not usual region, see several ancient bridges and mountain towns.
We welcome you to come with us to explode 6 the Balkans countries with our extended 26 days Balkans cultural tour passing though Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece.
The tour will pass Adriatic coast and Dalmatian Riviera of Croatia, wonderful hilly nature of Bosnia-Herzegovina, coastal Venetians towns of Montenegro, unexpected panoramas and castles of Albania, meet truly Roman sites of North Macedonia and rich historical places in Greece.
We will visit medieval and venetian towns in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro; will see famous Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Greece; ancient Roman theaters in Macedonia and Greece; fortified towns in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro; archaeological places in Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Greece; medieval fortresses in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania and Montenegro; UNESCO sites in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania and Greece.
This tour will open for you the Balkans as important part of the civilization, full of dramatic history and great achievements.
The off-season tour 26 days tour started in Athens cover most of UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites in 2 countries, Greece and Albania. Additionally, the tour cover several places in Greece that submitted to the UNESCO tentative list.
Come and visit this stunning countries in the off-peak months! You will quickly understand why Greece is much more than just a perfect summer destination. Greece is a truly year-round destination!
It boasts plenty of things to do: from fascinating museums to imposing archaeological sites, and from mouthwatering gastronomy to perfect- picture villages and towns. Greece is the ideal destination if you enjoy nature and dramatic landscapes, regardless the time of the year you plan to visit it.
This off-season tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
This off-season tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
June 13, 2025 Klis, Croatia. Klis Fortress, known well in Roman time, played a crucial role during the Ottoman wars in Europe. Fortress rises dramatically above the village of Klis, just 13 kilometers from the city Split, Croatia. Its strategic hilltop location, sandwiched between the Kozjak and Mosor mountains, offers sweeping views of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the rural hinterland.
June 2, 2025 Korçë (Korce), Albania. Korce (Korçë): Albania's vultural crossroads. Nestled in southeastern Albania near the Greek and North Macedonian borders, Korce is a high-altitude town surrounded by the Morava Mountains. Its crisp climate, cobblestone streets, and mix of Ottoman and European architecture make it a refreshing escape. Known as the ＂City of Serenades＂, it blends tradition with vibrant urban energy.
May 21, 2025 Vir, Croatia. Vir peninsula, linked to Croatia's mainland by a bridge, is a North Dalmatian coastal gem blending modern comforts with rustic charm. Once a quiet fishing area, it's now a family-friendly destination famed for sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant summer energy. Its accessibility and mix of relaxation and activities make it a hit with both locals and international visitors.
May 9, 2025 Filosofou, Greece. The Filosofou Monasteries, located near the town of Dimitsana in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is a significant historical and cultural site that attracts tourists for its unique blend of natural beauty, architectural heritage, and spiritual significance. The monasteries are nestled within the stunning Lousios Gorge, providing a picturesque backdrop of natural beauty.
April 30, 2025 Grgeteg, Serbia. The Grgeteg Monastery, one of several monasteries on the Fruska Gora mountain in northern Serbia, founded in 1471, is famous for its baroque church with intricate iconostasis.
Safe Travels
The Safe Travels stamp allows travelers to recognize destination companies around the world that have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC's Global Safe Travels Protocols.
Monterrasol Travel Private tours has implemented health and hygiene protocols. Monterrasol Travel is the Safe Travels company.
