Day 1 02 MAY / THURSDAY 02 MAY / THURSDAY
THESSALONIKI - SMYRNA
Meeting at "Macedonia" airport of Thessaloniki at 2.30am and flight at 4.30am to Izmir. Arrival at the airport at 5.35am. Immediate transfer to our hotel. Settle in our rooms and after the necessary time for rest we will start for the tour of the city. Our first thought is to get to know its geographical terrain, moving from one side to the other, from Kordeli (Karsiyaka) to Karatas (Karatas). Crossing the coastal front, we find the great mansions, the churches, the places where the first Greek cultural clubs were organized, such as Panionios and Sporting, Punta, Bairakli (the new town now with high-rise buildings and skyscrapers), Kai, Pasaporti, Skala tou Papa, Bournova and Konaki. We will visit the famous "ASANSER" and admire the unique view of the city.
We continue towards the closed market Kemeralti with its countless shops, traditional folk art, the magnificent synagogue buildings, an authentic experience not to be missed! Free time at our disposal. Back to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight stay.
2nd day 03 MAY / FRIDAY
SMYRNE - TRAPEZUNDA (by air)
Very early in the morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Trabzon (departure 05.45 - arrival 07.00). We will enjoy breakfast in one of the traditional shops of the city and then we will start with our first introduction to the legendary capital of Komnenoi. We will visit the church of Agia Sophia (now a mosque), the church of Panagia Chrysokephalos (now a mosque) and the Fotistropoulos house (now a museum). We will visit the famous Women's Monastery on the hill of the town, recently renovated and functioning as a museum.
We will then climb up the opposite hill to the Kapagiannidis House (now a museum) in an idyllic location on the outskirts of the town. Transfer to the hotel and settle into our rooms. After necessary time for rest, in the early afternoon we will tour the central square and its neighboring picturesque alleys. Dinner at our hotel. Overnight.
3rd day 04 MAY / SATURDAY
BANKSUNDA - LAKE SARAJEVO
Immediately after breakfast, we will start our drive to Lake Saracho (Uzungiol) in one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Pontic Alps, reaching the corresponding plateau, 1000m above sea level. In the late afternoon, return to the city of Trabzon. Dinner. Overnight stay.
4th day 05 MAY / Easter Sunday
TRABZONTA - PANAGIA SOUMELA
After breakfast, we will visit the bastion of Pontian Hellenism, the monastery of Panagia Soumela. It is located on Mount Mela, just above the community of Matsouka. Built on a steep cliff with 1700 years of history. We will start from the recently renovated church of St. Barbara, where the monks had hidden the icon and holy relics of the monastery. Immediately afterwards we will climb up to the interior to admire the church of the Virgin Mary, built in a cave and decorated from end to end with hagiographies. Lunch will follow at a local traditional restaurant. Free time and then return to the city of Trabzon. Dinner. Overnight.
5th day 06 MAY / EASTER MONDAY
TRAPEZUNTA - ARGYROPOLI - KRUMNI (Optional excursion)
After breakfast we will start our journey to Argyroupoli. This is a uniquely beautiful tour in a beautiful alpine landscape that ends in the mining area of Argyroupolis. In the old town, houses and Orthodox chapels are preserved in an extremely eerie landscape. We will then board mini vans to tour the interior of the Kromni Valley, with its old Greek settlements and chapels. Return to Trebizond. Free time at the FORUM shopping centre, with many restaurant and café options. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir (23.15 - 00.15). Transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay.
6th day 07 MAY / TUESDAY
SMYRNA - BURLA - ALATSATA
After breakfast we will enjoy a beautiful nature drive to the south of Izmir, visiting communities, now suburbs of the city and holiday resorts with excellent architecture and views of the unique Aegean landscape. We start from Vourla and the summer residence of the greatest George Seferis, the picturesque little harbour and its once great commercial location.
We continue towards the Erythraean peninsula and Cesme (fountain) where we will admire both the old impressively well-kept town with the church of Ag. Charalambos standing out in its centre, and the luxurious modern marina and its port, with countless choices of cafes and shops. We leave at the end, not coincidentally, the greatest example of the redevelopment of a historic settlement with traditional architecture, ALATSATA, where it is absolutely essential to wander the cobbled streets, the narrow alleys, the Orthodox Church, the bougainvillea lush streets where we will admire the entire settlement for preserving the architecture with an honest modern (and ultra-luxurious!) approach.
Return late afternoon to Izmir. Free time on the city's waterfront. Transfer to the airport for your return flight (23.55 - 01.15).
