SATURDAY
Our departure point is at Larissis Station at 7.30 a.m. and our trip is about to set off! Our final destination of our first day is the picturesque capital of the prefecture of Evrytania, Karpenisi. In the meanwhile, we will have some stops for coffee and rest.
Arriving at Karpenisi, we will go to our hotel to settle in, we will visit Mikro and Megalo Chorio, two villages “nested” in the verdant valley of the river Karpenisiotis. At Megalo Chorio, exploring the cobbled streets, we can visit the Folklore Museum, next to the church of Agia Paraskevi, which accommodates an interesting collection of exhibits concerning the history of the area. After our walk, we could enjoy a hot beverage and the delicious sweet called “galaktoboureko”, widely known, in the central square and shop various local products in the traditional shops. Our next stop is Mikro Chorio. Its history is important as it is remarquably confessed that this is the area where the dead body of Markos Botsaris was cleaned after the battle of Kefalovryso and a print shop of Resistance operated during the Occupation. The stony rural fountains and the runny waters around the square are spots worthy walking. It is certain that all visitors will admire the beautiful church of Metamorfosi Sotiros and the stone building of the old school which shelters the museum. It is widely known that Mikro Chorio is characterized as “the balcony of Evrytania”, due to its breathtaking view. At the square, we will have free time to have our lunch in one of the traditional taverns and after our lunch, we will return to our hotel to get some rest. Early in the evening, we will walk around the center of the town, visit traditional shops and buy local products and of course souvenirs. Later, we will visit the center of Karpenisi, the central square with the huge plane tree and the fountain. Time will be available to taste local food and drink in one of the taverns. Some of the traditional plates are the pies, local meats such as chasapiko, lamb in a pot, boiled goat and other specialties. After our diner, we will come back to our hotel for an overnight sleep.
SUNDAY
After our lunch, at 09:00 a.m., we will move towards the Monastery of Proussos. On the way to the Monastery, we will see a rock with the “seven footprints of Virgin Mary” on it. They are said to be the footsteps of Virgin Mary on her way to Proussos. The two castles on its side of the monastery are the “Towers of Karaiskakis”. A museum is housed in the monastery with several exhibits such as religious apparels, silver and golden chalices, handwritten codes and the sword that belonged to Karaiskakis. After our tour in the monastery, our next stop will be Kefalovryso. It is about a grove, next to the river, a magic place with scenic paths in the trees, wooden bridges with a view to the river and over centuries-old trees. We could admire the lake of Kefalovryso, a lilliputian round lake full of fish and ducks most of the year. The monument of Markos Botsaris underlines the historical importance of the area. After our tour, we will enjoy our lunch in one of the taverns of the area.
At 17.00p.m. , we will set off back to Athens having rapid rest-stops!
