Join this seven-day tour and discover the remarkable history of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. This tour provides you with the opportunity to explore Macedonia – the Land of Alexander the Great – and Athens, the cradle of modern democracy. Unveil the secrets of predicting the future at the ancient religious sanctuary of Delphi, home of the Oracle, and discover the sacred tranquillity in the sky-high monasteries of Meteora. This tour offers a unique adventure that will introduce you to the key locations in the foundation of Western civilization.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delphi: The Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi sits at the foot of Mount Parnassos. It was the most famous Oracle in ancient Greece, and it is now the second-most important archaeological site in Greece and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Meteora: In a region dominated by sandstone peaks rising precipitously from the ground, monks settled on top of these ‘columns of the sky’ in the eleventh century, building their monasteries on the peaks of these immense natural pillars.
Vergina: Manolis Andronikos’ discovery of the tombs of the Macedonian Kings Philip II and Alexander IV in 1977 rocked the archaeological community and the world at large. Philip’s tomb concealed the famous golden larnax where his bones lay intact for over two millennia.
Dion: Dion is one of Greece’s most spacious and serene archaeological sites. Here, ancient history and natural beauty vie for your attention. In a setting crisscrossed by bubbling streams, you will find temples, Hellenistic and Roman theatres, flag-stoned streets, baths decorated with mosaics, Roman houses and villas, early-Christian basilicas and an odeon.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS (40km – 35min)
On your arrival in Athens airport or port, you will be greeted you will be taken to your Athens hotel to check-in. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to exploring this never-sleeping city. You may optionally visit Syntagma Square and get into the city’s vibe. Enjoy shopping in one of the most popular streets of the city in the Kolonaki area of Ermou, and have a nice, quiet walk at the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district) where you can also find a big number of small shops selling souvenirs and other local artefacts. Overnight in Hotel in Athens on a bed and breakfast basis.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (378 km – 9 hrs)
Start the day with an energizing breakfast at the hotel. Drive through the fertile plain of 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 steeply from the plain of Thessaly. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 3: KALAMBAKA – METEORA – THESSALONIKI (240 km – 8 hours)
Wake up to the beautiful breakfast in the hotel and get ready for your visit to 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. Arrival at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 4: THESSALONIKI
Today, breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning tour of the city of Thessaloniki. Visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the "co-reigning" city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. Visit unique monuments and feel the glorious Byzantine past in some of the oldest and most characteristic churches of the Christian world as well as in the Museum of Byzantine Culture, awarded with the Council of Europe's Museum Prize for the year 2005. Rest of the day free, to enjoy time in the lively centre of the city. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 5: THESSALONIKI – EDESSA – NAOUSSA – VERGINA – VERIA – THESSALONIKI (260 km – 9 hrs)
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a tour of 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. In only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market area. A walk in a city where the past is present and around. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 6: THESSALONIKI – PELLA – DION - THERMOPYLE - ATHENS (560 km – 9 hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then drive to the town of Pella, best known as the historical capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and the birthplace 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. Overnight in Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 7: DEPARTURE ATHENS (40km – 35min)
Wake up to your beautiful breakfast in the hotel and enjoy your last day in this long-standing metropolis. You may choose to visit the city at your own pace, or you can join our optional shared half-day excursion City Tour with the visit of the Acropolis & Acropolis Museum (not included). At the indicated time, you will be transferred to the airport in Athens and you could take your flight to your following destination.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Athens. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
