Nestled in the heart of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is easy to fall in love with. It has beauty, chaos, history and culture, remarkable cuisine and wonderful, vast sea views. Ever since the 4th c. BC when it was founded, Thessaloniki has kept its urban character and has remained a civic centre and the hub of that region.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Meteora: In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards.
Thessaloniki: The city’s multicultural history has been associated with great empires, as it has known the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Rule.
Macedonia: Visit Edessa with its famous waterfalls and discover the cities with rich historical and cultural past. Visit the unique Museum covering the royal tombs of Macedonia in Vergina and the Archaeological Park of Dion in Pella.
Day 1: ATHENS – KALAMBAKA (350 km– 4.5 hrs)
Drive through the fertile plain of the Beotia region, pass by the towns of Thebes, Levadia and via the picturesque village of Arachova, arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of the Meteora, those gigantic rocks that rise steep from the plain of Thessaly. Dinner and Overnight in Kalambaka.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 2: KALAMBAKA – THESSALONIKI (230 km – 3.5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Meteora: perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology. Arrive at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3: THESSALONIKI
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. See unique sites like the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the Byzantine Walls. A short walking tour includes the ruins of the Palace and Arch of Galerius, and a visit to the famous Rotunda, built as a temple and transformed into a church, with fine Early-Christian mosaics. The rest of the day is free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 4: THESSALONIKI – MACEDONIA – THESSALONIKI (450 km– 4 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa where we see the town’s famous landmark, the waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, to a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle’s School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics’ to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander’s father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. Only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea). Visit Saint Paul’s Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colorful market area. A walk in a city where the past is present and around. Return to Thessaloniki.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 5: THESSALONIKI – ATHENS (500 km– 6 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). After the visit we shall start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas’ Monument) and Thebes, arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
