Mostra Carnival 2 Days – 1 Night

After meeting at Egepark at 06.30 in the morning, Bostanlı Pier at 06.40, Karşıyaka Pier at 06.50, Alsancak Station in front of FMA TRAVEL Office at 07.00, Sabancı Cultural Center at 07.10, Göztepe Pier at 07.20, Üçkuyular Shell at 07.30 and Çeşme Customs at 08.30, we set off for Chios, one of the most beautiful islands of the neighboring country. After having our passport checks at Çeşme sea customs, we start our pleasant sea journey of about 45 minutes.
When we reach Chios, our first stop is Chios Castle, located in the heart of the island, to explore Chios, the most well-kept and richest island of Greece, with our bus waiting for us. We visit the castle and the settlement inside the castle, which once bore the traces of the Venetian, Genoese and Ottoman periods, accompanied by our guide. After the castle tour, we continue our trip to Mecidiye Mosque, the most intact mosque of Chios, built by the order of Sultan Abdülmecid, who visited Chios in the 19th century. We take a panoramic view of Vunaku Square (Platia Plastira), the meeting point of Chios, the Public Garden (Dimotikos Kipos), the Melek Pasha Fountain, one of the most charming Ottoman buildings of Chios, and the buildings such as the Chios Prefecture, Homerion (Homeros Cultural Center) and Aya Iakovos Church lined up around Vunaku Square.  Then we start our South Chios Tour to see Mastihohoria (gum drop villages) where Chios trees and architectural richness are most abundant. On this pleasant day, we first go to Armolia, famous for its pottery, ceramics and castle. In Armolia, we both do our island-specific shopping and have the chance to see the famous Chios Trees up close. Then we continue our trip to Emporios, the historical harbor of the island. During our frape break in Emporios, we see Mavra Volia, which was formed as a result of the eruption of a volcano under the sea in ancient times, and we are fascinated by its jet black stones. After our pleasant moments in Emporios, we continue our journey to Pirgi, famous for its facade decorations called “kysista”. In Pirgi, we get to know the Agioi Apostoli (Holy Apostles) Church, one of the oldest churches of the island (15th century). If the church is open, we get valuable information from our guide about the unique frescoes of the church. Afterwards, we photograph the Church of Koimisis Theotokou, one of the most magnificent buildings in Pirgi square adorned with the famous Xystas and continue our journey to the southernmost part of the island to have lunch in Mesta Port. We have lunch consisting of seafood and authentic flavors accompanied by the fascinating view of Mesta Port. At the end of the day, we continue our journey to Mesta, famous for its streets resembling grottoes and castle-like houses. After our historical and architectural journey in Mesta, the most beautiful village of Chios, we settle in our hotel and rest. In the evening, we join the Taverna Entertainment with our guests and enjoy Greek music and have dinner with unlimited drinks.

After a buffet breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we go to the village of Thymiana where the carnival is held to watch the famous Mostra Carnival of Chios. We have fun with dance performances called “Talimi”, parades and marching bands and get to know the carnival culture of Chios. After our enjoyable moments at Mostra Carnival, we start our excursion to the charming medieval village of Vessa to visit the North and West of Chios.  We get to know the unique architecture of Vessa and explore its streets. After our pleasant moments in Vessa, we continue our trip to Lithi, home to the most popular beach of Chios. After seeing Lithi Beach, famous for its turquoise waters and sandy beach, we watch Anavatos, once the most interesting mountain village, from the observation deck and photograph this now abandoned mountain village. Then we go to Avgonima Village, which is considered the eagle’s nest of the island. In Avgonima, which fascinates those who see it with its unique architecture, we have lunch consisting of local flavors unique to Chios in the village tavern.  After lunch, we take a stroll through the pleasant streets of Avgonima and have the chance to get to know the village closely. Then we continue our journey towards the Windmills. During our journey, we have a panoramic view of the Nea Moni Monastery, the most important historical heritage of Chios and one of the oldest monasteries of the island. When we arrive at the Historical Windmills, known as Tabakika, we photograph the mills, the symbol of Chios. Then we say goodbye to Chios and take our places on the ferry that will take us to Çeşme. After completing our customs procedures in Çeşme, we start our return journey to İzmir with FMA TRAVEL private vehicle. In Izmir, where we arrive in the evening, we say goodbye with the hope of meeting again on another FMA TRAVEL trip.