Overview
This tour provides you with an ideal opportunity to explore Macedonia, the Land of Alexander the Great. A journey through 7000 years of Greek History and parts of a countryside you will always remember! From Athens to Thessaloniki and back again, discover these historical sites that add to the rich tapestry of all that Greece has to offer.
Tour Start Dates for Summer 2020
25 April
16 May / 30 May
13 June / 27 June
18 July
08 Aug
12 Sept / 19 Sept / 26 Sept
Tour Rate: 795Euro per person sharing in double-twin-triple room
Tour Rate: 950Euro per person staying in single occupancy room
Tour itinerary
Day 01 - Athens to Kalambaka via Delphi:
Depart from Athens on a 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 (museum not included). Then on to Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of the Meteora, gigantic rocks that rise steep from the plain of Thessaly.
meals: dinner included
Day 02 - Meteora then to Thessaloniki:
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, 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 to Thessaloniki, the second largest and most vibrant city in Greece.
meals: breakfast & dinner included
Day 03 - Thessaloniki:
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 (now known as Istanbul). 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 the Council of Europe's Museum Prize for the year 2005. Rest of the day free at leisure.
meals: breakfast & dinner included
Day 04 - Edessa, Naoussa & Vergina
Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop in picturesque Edessa to see the town's famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, 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 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. In only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul's Bema, then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colourful market area. A walk in a city where past is present and all around. Return to Thessaloniki.
meals: breakfast & dinner included
Day 05 - Pella then back to Athens:
Depart for Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century BC villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Then visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). After the visit begin the drive south through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes. Arrive back in Athens early evening around 18:30-19:00.
meals: breakfast included
*For visit of the Monastery ladies need to wear a skirt, gentlemen long trousers.
*Accommodation in Athens before/after tour not included, optional add-on