8 Days Treasures of Northern Greece

Thessaloniki is the Capital of Northern Greece and the 2nd largest city of Greece, a city that drifts in time from classical antiquity to modern days, preserving centuries of history till modern days through architecture, gastronomy, local people and archaeological monuments. Among the 15 UNESCO heritage sites in the city, seize the opportunity to find more about the most important of them through this tour. Firstly, we will head to the upper town the so called “Ano Poli” and observe the impressive byzantine walls that once used to be approximately 4km in length and 10-12 meters in height surrounding and protecting the city inhabitants from invaders. Moving on, you will spot the traditional architecture by visiting the Paleochristian church of Saint Demetrios ,the patron saint of the city and its catacombs. Heading to the heart of the city center, you will learn about the Roman period by admiring the beautiful Monument of Rotunda and the famous Arch of Galerius. We will finish our tour by the sea with the landmark of the city, the White Tower and the statue of Alexander ,the Great King of Macedonia. During our walk we will pass through Kapani Local Market (the oldest public makret of Thessaloniki), a place full with flavours and aromas of the fresh ingredients of the local cuisine, we will have the opportunity to taste some of them and feel like a local Greek. The Cultrure and History lovers can visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki with our guide.

Our journey to Myth and History starts by visiting the ancient city and sanctuary of Dion, dedicated to the most important and powerful Olympic God , Zeus, the king of ancient Greek Dodecatheon and the ruler of the universe. The ancient people used to make sacrifices in the name of gods to please or appease them, among them the Great King of Macedonia, Alexander. In the archaeological site of Dion we see a large temple dedicated to Zeus, and a series of temples dedicated to Demeter and Isis (the Egyptian god with the ability to create and destroy life), unique mosaic floors and ancient baths and ruins. Moving on, our experienced guide will lead you to the Dion Museum , where you will admire the ancient statues, relics and findings that were found in the site and listen to the myths and stories about everyday life of the people in ancient Dion. Our tour ends in the picturesque, traditional village of Old Panteleimon which is traced back to 14th century till the end of WW2 ,when it was abandoned. There ,you will have the time to stroll around and discover the graphical narrow stone paved streets, the cute houses, the hidden taverns and coffee shops . After our lunch break, we return back to the meeting points of the tour.

Our guided tour starts in the archaeological site of Ancient Pella, known as the old Capital of Macedonia and the birthplace of Alexander the Great . Stroll around the 2.500 sq. mt. of symposium parlors and explore rooms with incredibly well- preserved mosaic floors of the 4th century B.C built by small natural pebbles, matched and laid in portrayed scenes such as the lion hunt of god Dionysos riding a panther. A whole city was revealed after excavations in 1957, well preserved in time , giving you the opportunity to use your imagination and along with history knowledge provided by the experienced guide to picture the predominance of the Ancient Kingdom of Macedonia. Next point of interest is the so called “City of Water", the magnificent Edessa. Take some time for yourself and admire the breathtaking waterfall “Karano” ,the frothy rivers with over 47 bridges and the cute little parks . All combined creates a fairytale scenery of an outdoor water museum. There , you will have some free time to enjoy a local lunch. For the end of the tour we arranged for you a unique wine tasting experience to one of the many local wineries, famous worldwide for the “ Xinomavro” wine variety. The local producers guide you through the wine making process ,answer to any of your questions and offer you their wine along with some snacks . After enjoying a complete experience, we return back and drop you off at the meeting points.

Meteora, a monument characterized as one of the “Treasures of the World” by UNESCO and enlisted in its World Heritage List, is a must while your visit in Greece. Do not miss this top pick tour to a breathtaking ongoing geological phenomenon which one should see for himself to believe! It all started approx. 60 million years ago and since approx. 12th century AD the rocks have been exploited by the monks of Holy Mount Athos and built monasteries on top of each rock pillar. Each of the monasteries owns a vast richness of frescoes and icons and is admirable for its history and architecture, museums that contain a wide array of relics and ecclesiastical treasures. Our guide will guide you through two of the most important and most well preserved of the total six monasteries of the complex. After a lunch break in the beautiful village of Kalambaka located at the foothills of the rock formations, we return back to the meeting points of our excursion.

This excursion combines an archeological tour and the visit to a famous pilgrim/religious destination in Greece the City of Veria. Veria, a town well-known for its religious history as St.Paul preached there on his 2nd missionary journey.During your free time explore the interesting Byzantine and post- Byzantine churches,stroll around the old quarters among which, the Jewish one and of course taste the local sweet called revani. Afterwards we will head towards Vergina or “Aegae “ as per its ancient name , the first capital of Ancient Macedonia. Together with our professional licenced guide we enter the New Museum of Aigai, a gate to the History of the Royal metropolis of the Macedon, which was recently inaugurated. There you will be informed about the history, the culture and the daily life of Macedons . More specifically, its exhibitions focusing on the architecture,sculpture and grave goods house impressive and unique findings like ancient weapons, pottery and precious jewelry. Here we will visit the new museum of Aegae and the Vergina Royal Tombs, protected by Unesco. After the visit to the Nea Museum of Aegae, we will continue our excursion to the Royal Tombs of Vergina, where before entering them, we will have a short stop for lunch at Vergina Village where the Tombs are located. Seize the opportunity to get under the tumulus that covers impressive funerary monuments like the royal tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great and houses extraordinary golden treasures dated back to 4th B.C, a breathtaking scenery which will stay in your memories forever After our last visiting point and the departure,you will be dropped off at your pick up point at the estimated time of arrival.

Accompanied by our official guide the day starts by leaving behind the Thermaic Gulf, passing by the two lakes Koronia and Volvi ,wetlands of international importance , heading east through beautiful route of the Castle of Rentina (or else named "The Macedonian Tempi") where the tragic poet Euripides left his final breath. Shortly we arrive at Strymonian Gulf and after leaving behind us the touristic village of Stavros we enter Halkidiki’s region. Heading south, enjoy the wonderful route along the coasts of northeast Halkidiki and spot the small Kapros island where Olympiada the mother of Alexander the Great was kept in jail. Our first point of archaeological interest is the Acropolis of Ancient Stagira, the birthplace of the worldwide known philosopher Aristoteles, the teacher and mentor of Alexander the Great. After the guided tour our next stop is the small port of Ouranoupolis. From this seaport, we will go on with our journey, sailing towards the south of the Athos Peninsula, until we reach the south limit, where the highest point is 2.033 m. From here we shall sail north, along the western coast. You will be able to see from a close distance (from the boat), the mysterious and miraculous place which has been for centuries the center of Orthodoxy and you will find out new information about the history of Mount Athos and 8 of its monasteries. After our return to the port you will have free time for lunch in Ouranoupolis while we will enjoy the amazing view towards Singitic Gulf, Athos and Sithonia Peninsulas. After a full day of Impressions, we return back to the meeting points.

Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport for departure flight