Northern Greece | 5 Days

Day 1:                   Athens – Delphi – Kalambaka

Depart Athens and drive through the fertile plain of the Beotia region, passing the towns of Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova. Arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of Meteora and its gigantic rocks. Overnight Kalambaka. (D)

Day 2:                   Kalambaka – Thessaloniki

Visit Meteora with its striking scenery. Perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries where you can see exquisite samples of Byzantine Art. Depart from Kalambaka to Thessaloniki, driving through the astonishing valley of the longest river in Greece, Haliacmon. Arrive in Thessaloniki, the second largest, and most vibrant city in Greece. Overnight Thessaloniki. (B, D)

Day 3:                   Thessaloniki

After breakfast see 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 from 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). Rest of the day is free to explore Thessaloniki’s lively centre. Overnight Thessaloniki. (B, D)

Day 4:                   Thessaloniki – Edessa – Naoussa – Vergina – Veria – Thessaloniki

In the morning, depart for historical Macedonia. First stop is at picturesque Edessa to see the town’s famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Proceed to Naoussa, where you will visit a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle’s School, where the great philosopher taught the doctrines of morals and politics to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Drive to Vergina and visit 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. Travel to Veria to visit Saint Paul’s Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market area. Return to Thessaloniki. Overnight Thessaloniki. (B, D)

Day 5:                   Thessaloniki – Pella – Dion – Athens.

Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great, and see the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas. Then visit the Archaeological Park of Dion – the sacred city of the Macedonians at the foot of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and house of the 12 Gods of the Greek Mythology. On the way back to Athens, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi. Pass by Thebes, Lamia and Thermopylae (see the Leonidas’ Monument from across the road). Arrive in Athens in the evening. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

KALAMBAKA: Grand Meteora Hotel, Amalia Kalambaka Hotel, or Kosta Famissi Hotel

THESSALONIKI: Grand Palace Hotel

Includes:

–        Transportation by air conditioned vehicle

–        Accommodation as listed below or similar

–        Meals as per itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)

–        Touring with English speaking guide

–        Entrance fees and local taxes

Things to Note:

–          Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes, but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m. Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours; therefore, coach changes may be required. Sequence of the tour is subject to change. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          Archaeological sites and museums in Greece are closed Jan 1, Mar 25, May 1, May 5, Dec 25 & Dec 26, 2024. Additional dates may be added.

–          For a visit to the Monastery, ladies will need to wear a skirt and the gentlemen will need to wear long trousers.