Day Trip: Pilgrimage & Nature in Eastern Thessaloniki
Monastery of Saint Andrew in Peristera (1-hour stop)
The first destination is the picturesque and historic village of Peristera, nestled on the slopes of Mount Hortiatis. There stands the old catholicon of the Monastery of Saint Andrew, a place that exudes mysticism and deep history.
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History & Architecture: The monastery was founded in 870 AD by Saint Euthymius the Younger, one of the most important figures of monasticism of that era. The most remarkable sight is the church itself, an architectural gem of the Middle Byzantine period. It is a rare four-conch style church with five domes, built on the ruins of an ancient observatory or temple.
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What the visitor will enjoy: During the one-hour stay, pilgrims have enough time to enter the atmospheric interior, pray, and admire the impressive brick and stone masonry. Stepping out into the courtyard, the tranquility of the landscape, the fresh mountain air, and the hospitality of the locals offer a truly refreshing breath of renewal.
Leaving Peristera, the route continues southeast, crossing a beautiful mountainous and semi-mountainous zone that connects Thessaloniki with the gateway to Halkidiki. The winding roads reveal small valleys, dense forests, and traditional settlements. The landscape changes colors according to the season, offering travelers a unique connection with nature.
Holy Monastery of Saint Anastasia Pharmakolytria (1-hour stop)
The second stop of the excursion is the imposing Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Saint Anastasia Pharmakolytria, built at the foot of Mount Vavdos.
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History & Significance: The foundation of the monastery dates back to the 9th century (attributed to Empress Theophano), but it experienced its greatest prosperity in the 16th century, when it was completely renovated by Saint Theonas, later Metropolitan of Thessaloniki. The monastery played a decisive role in the Greek Revolution of 1821, serving as a spiritual sanctuary and stronghold for freedom fighters, which led to its destruction by the Ottomans and its subsequent rebuilding.
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What the visitor will enjoy: During the one-hour stay, visitors pass through the majestic gate into a spacious, paved courtyard surrounded by two- and three-story monastic buildings. At the center stands the impressive catholicon, where worshippers can venerate the holy relics of Saint Anastasia, admire the magnificent wood-carved iconostasis, and feel the deep spiritual heritage of the site. The panoramic view of the lush green valley from the monastery balconies completes the experience in the best way.
Return to Thessaloniki
The return journey to Thessaloniki is filled with feelings of serenity, historical memory, and architectural beauty. This few-hour pilgrimage proves that you don’t need to travel far to discover Orthodox treasures and revitalize your spirit in nature.
Trip Itinerary
- Visit to the Monastery of Saint Andrew in Peristera
- Visit to the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Anastasia Pharmakolytria
- Take some wonderful photos
- Return
Book your day trip to the Monastery of Saint Andrew and the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Anastasia Pharmakolytria by Private Car or Minivan easily at the lowest prices with Thessalonikitaxitransfers.com
Day Trip to Holy Monastery of Saint Andrew Peristera & Holy Monastery of Saint Anastasia
Thessaloniki City → Day Trip → Thessaloniki City
Duration: 5:00h Time: Flexible
Vehicles
Sedan Car (1-4 Passengers)
(05:00 hours) Total
(2:30 hours Drive + 2:30 hours Waiting Time)
Low season (11/09 – 31/05) – 120 €
High season (01/06 – 10/09) – 140 €
Minivan (5-8 Passengers)
(05:00 hours) Total
(2:30 hours Drive + 2:30 hours Waiting Time)
Low season (11/09 – 31/05) – 200 €
High season (01/06 – 10/09) – 200 €
Flexible (1-8 Passengers)
City Tour
Sedan Car (1-4 passengers)
Low season (11/09 – 31/05) 100€ + Waiting Time
High season (01/06 – 10/09) 110€ + Waiting Time
Minivan
Low season (11/09 – 31/05) 140€ + Waiting Time
High season (01/06 – 10/09) 140€ + Waiting Time
**Waiting time : You can specify the time you wish your driver to wait for you to return. The cost for each hour of waiting time is (€15 for a Sedan Car (1-4 passengers), (€20 for a Minivan (5-8 passengers) (minimum waiting time is 1 hour). E.g. Tour for a Sedan Car (1-4 passengers) + 4 hours (Waiting Time) the cost is €225 + €60 = €285
Services
Thessalonikitaxitransfers handles your transfer from Thessaloniki with comfort and safety. First of all, our fleet consists of luxury private cars or Minivans that are always clean and well-maintained. Our drivers are consistently polite and helpful, always ready to assist passenger needs. In conclusion, the quality of our services aims to offer a safe, comfortable, and reliable journey.
The base cost for a private car (1-4 people) is flexible + Waiting time *
The base cost for a private Minivan (5-8 people) is flexible + Waiting time *
Waiting time: You can specify the time you wish the driver to wait for you during your trip to bring you back. The cost for each hour of waiting time is €15.
E.g. Tour with a private Minivan + 4 hours (waiting time), the waiting cost is €60.
We specialize in private transfers, family trips, business travel, and small group transfers.
We operate 24 hours a day – 7 days a week.
Airport Pickup
Our driver will be waiting at the airport holding a sign with your name. It is important to us that you and your family feel safe from the moment our driver picks you up until you reach your destination.
Please contact us if you require child car seats or boosters.