Northern Greece Treasures | 8 Days Tour
Itinerary & Trip Details
- Explore Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls and markets
- Tour ancient Dion and the village of Old Panteleimon
- Visit Pella’s mosaics and Edessa’s waterfalls
- Discover Meteora’s monasteries and scenic views
- See Aristotle’s birthplace and sail by Mount Athos
PRICE STARTING FROM
$1,125.98
DURATION
8 days
IDEAL AGE
From 1 to 85 year olds
STARTS IN → ENDS IN
Thessaloniki → Thessaloniki
OPERATED IN
English, German, Italian, French, Spanish
OPERATOR
BTOURS
TOUR CODE
#262716
Itinerary
Introduction
Discover the hidden gems of Northern Greece with this amazing tour from Thessaloniki! You will visit historical, religious, and ancient sites that span from the 4th century B.C. to the present day, and experience the vibrant culture and lifestyle of one of Europe’s most lively cities, Thessaloniki! This is the perfect package for anyone who wants to explore the rich and diverse heritage of Northern Greece in a fun and engaging way!
Arriving to Thessaloniki
Start Point
- Main entrance, Thessaloniki International Airport Makedonia (SKG) Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Θεσσαλονίκης Μακεδονία, Λεωφ. Αεροδρομίου, Neon Ryssion, Central Macedonia 570 00, Greece
Transfer from the airport to the hotel (Bus/Coach).
Free day.
Thessaloniki City Tour
Discover the rich history and culture of Thessaloniki, the second-largest city and the northern capital of Greece, on this tour that takes you from ancient times to the present day. You will start by exploring the upper town, or “Ano Poli”, where you will see the impressive Byzantine walls that once protected the city from invaders.You will also visit the Paleochristian church of Saint Demetrios, the city’s patron saint, and its underground catacombs. Next, you will head to the city centre to admire the Roman monuments of Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius.
You will end your tour by the sea, where you will find the iconic White Tower and the statue of Alexander the Great, the legendary king of Macedonia. Along the way, you will pass by Kapani Local Market, the oldest public market of Thessaloniki, where you will have the chance to taste some of the local delicacies and experience the Greek gastronomy. Thessaloniki is one of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the world, did you know that? If you are interested in learning more about the archaeological heritage of the city, you can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki with our guide.
History and Myths
Join us on a fascinating journey to explore the ancient city and sanctuary of Dion, where the mighty god Zeus was worshipped by the Greeks, including the legendary king Alexander the Great.You will see the impressive temple of Zeus and other shrines dedicated to goddesses like Demeter and Isis, who had the power of life and death.You will also admire the beautiful mosaics, baths, and ruins that reveal the daily life of the ancient inhabitants of Dion. Our expert guide will take you to the Dion Museum, where you will see the amazing statues, relics, and artefacts that were unearthed from the site and hear the myths and stories that surround them. Our tour concludes in the charming, traditional village of Old Panteleimon, which dates back to the 14th century and was deserted after the Second World War. There, you will have the opportunity to wander around and discover the quaint stone-paved streets, the cozy houses, the hidden taverns and coffee shops. After a delicious lunch break, we will return to the starting points of the tour
Alexander The Great
Our guided tour starts at the archaeological site of Ancient Pella, the former capital of Macedonia and the birthplace of Alexander the Great.You will see the impressive symposium halls and the stunning mosaic floors made of natural pebbles that depict scenes from Greek mythology, such as the lion hunt of Dionysus on a panther. These mosaics date back to the 4th century B.C. and are among the finest examples of ancient art.You will also learn about the history and culture of Pella, which was a flourishing centre of power and civilization in the ancient world. After exploring Pella, we will head to Edessa, the “City of Water”. There you will have some free time to enjoy the scenic waterfalls and the charming atmosphere of the city. Explore the natural beauty of the Karano waterfall, a stunning cascade of water that flows into the river below.You will also see the charming bridges that cross the river, some of them dating back to ancient times. And you will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the green parks that surround the area. It is like a living museum of water and nature.You will have some time to taste the local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. And to end the tour, we have prepared a special treat for you: a wine tasting session at one of the local wineries, where you can sample the famous Xinomavro wine, a red variety with a rich aroma and flavour.You will learn about the wine making process from the experts, and you will have the opportunity to ask them any questions you may have.You will also get some snacks to go with your wine. After this unforgettable experience, we will take you back to the meeting points.
Byzantine Walks
Meteora, one of the “Treasures of the World” according to UNESCO and a World Heritage Site, and witness a stunning natural wonder that will leave you speechless. These towering rock formations, formed about 60 million years ago, have been home to monks of the Holy Mount Athos since the 12th century AD. They built impressive monasteries on top of each pillar, which still stand today as marvels of history, architecture, and art.You will have the opportunity to explore two of the most important and best-preserved monasteries of the six that exist in the area and admire their rich collections of frescoes, icons, relics, and ecclesiastical treasures. Our guide will provide you with fascinating insights and stories about the monasteries and their inhabitants. After a delicious lunch in the charming village of Kalambaka, located at the base of the rocks, we will head back to our departure points. Don’t miss this amazing tour to a place that inspired the 1981 James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only!
Macedonian Treasures
This excursion combines an archeological tour and a visit to a famous pilgrim/religious destination in Greece the City of Veria. A city where St. Paul preached on his second missionary journey.You will have free time to explore the old quarters of the city, including the Jewish one, and admire the Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches.You will also have a chance to taste the local delicacy, revani, a sweet cake made with semolina. Next, we will travel to Vergina, or Aegae, the first capital of ancient Macedonia. With our professional licensed guide, we will enter the New Museum of Aigai, a gateway to the history of the Macedonian royal metropolis. The museum showcases impressive and unique findings, such as ancient weapons, pottery and precious jewelry, that reveal the culture and daily life of the Macedonians.You will also learn about the architecture and sculpture of this ancient civilization. Here we will have an unforgettable tour of the ancient city of Aegae and the majestic royal tombs of Vergina, both recognized as World Heritage Sites by Unesco.You will explore the new museum of Aegae, where you will see the archaeological treasures of the first capital of Macedonia. Then, you will visit the royal tombs of Vergina, where the kings of Macedonia were buried, including Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great.You will marvel at the stunning gold artifacts that date back to the 4th century BC, and witness the grandeur of the burial monuments under the earthen mound. Before entering the tombs, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at the nearby village of Vergina. After this amazing experience, we will take you back to your original pick up point, where you will arrive at the estimated time.
Land Of Aristoteles and Mount of Athos Cruise
We begin our day with our official guide, leaving the Thermaic Gulf behind us and heading east. Along the way, we pass by the Koronia and Volvi lakes, which are internationally recognized wetlands. We also admire the scenic route of the Rentina Castle, also known as “The Macedonian Tempi”, where the tragic poet Euripides breathed his last. Soon, we reach the
Strymonian Gulf and continue our journey after crossing the tourist village of Stavros and
entering the region of Halkidiki, where you will discover its rich history and culture. As we drive
south along the scenic northeast coast of Halkidiki, you will see the small island of Kapros,
where Olympiada, the mother of Alexander the Great, was exiled. Our first stop is the ancient
city of Stagira, the birthplace of the famous philosopher Aristotle, who was Alexander’s teacher
and mentor.You will have a guided tour of the archaeological site and learn more about the life and work of Aristotle. Next, we will head to the charming port of Ouranoupolis, where we will
board a boat and sail around the holy mountain of Athos, the center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism.You will admire the stunning landscape and the impressive monasteries that dot
the peninsula, and learn about the history and traditions of this unique place, which has been an autonomous state since the Byzantine era and is forbidden to women. We will sail along the eastern and western coasts of Athos, and see eight of its monasteries from a close distance. After our boat trip, you will have some free time to enjoy lunch in Ouranoupolis and take in the amazing views of the Singitic Gulf, Athos and Sithonia Peninsulas. This will be a day full of unforgettable impressions and memories, before we return to our meeting points. Did you know that Mount Athos has a height of 2,033 meters and is home to more than 2,000 monks?
Departure from Thessaloniki
End Point
- Main entrance, Thessaloniki International Airport Makedonia (SKG) Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Θεσσαλονίκης Μακεδονία, Λεωφ. Αεροδρομίου, Neon Ryssion, Central Macedonia 570 00, Greece
Transfer from the hotel to the Airport (Bus/Coach)
What’s Included
Accommodation
- 3*, 4* & 5* hotels. Single Rooms, Double/Twins/ Triple Rooms available.
- All rooms are air-conditioned and offer private bathrooms.
- Hotel breakfast is included.
- We will send you the full hotel information after your booking is completed.
- Children up to 12 years old sharing a double room with 2 adults charge a 50% per person
rate. - During periods of exhibitions, congresses or other special events in Thessaloniki rates are
subject to change. - We can modify the tour according to your preferences for the departure dates and the
duration of the trip, which can be 5, 6, or 7 days. - For arrivals from Monday to Saturday with one tour less on the first day discount £45,00 per
person
Guide
- Bilingual professional guide during the excursions.
- For entering the monasteries of Meteora appropriate clothing is required. Skirt or dress under the knee for the women and long trousers for the men.
Meals
- Breakfast is Included
- HB supplement: Extra charge per person per dinner depending the hotel.
Others
- Transfer Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG) airport – hotel – Makedonia airport
- Transportation during the tours as per the program
- Arrival transfer, maximum waiting time 50 minutes at the airport
Insurance
- Liability insurance is included for this tour
Others
The program varies based on arrival day, offering unique experiences tailored to each group’s schedule. Activities include city tours, historical explorations, and scenic cruises, ensuring a diverse and enriching visit to Thessaloniki and its surroundings. Every Sunday is a free day for personal exploration.
- SUNDAY: Arrival / Free Day
- MONDAY: Thessaloniki City Tour
- TUESDAY: Myth & History
- WEDNESDAY: Alexander The Great
- THURSDAY: Byzantine Walks
- FRIDAY: Macedonian Treasures
- SATURDAY: Land of Aristoteles & Mount Athos Cruise
E.g.: If you arrive on a Tuesday, you will miss the Myth & History tour, and if you arrive on a
Wednesday, you will miss the Alexander the Great tour. Each day offers unique activities, so we
recommend checking the schedule to ensure you can participate in your preferred tours. For
arrivals from Monday to Saturday with one tour less on the first day discount £45,00 per person.
Optional
Tour can be combined with an extension package for leisure (request an offer)
Departure Dates
STARTING IN
Thessaloniki
→
ENDING IN
Thessaloniki
| 20 April 2025 | 27 April 2025 |
| 21 April 2025 | 28 April 2025 |
| 22 April 2025 | 29 April 2025 |
| 23 April 2025 | 30 April 2025 |
| 24 April 2025 | 01 May 2025 |
| 25 April 2025 | 02 May 2025 |
| 26 April 2025 | 03 May 2025 |
| 27 April 2025 | 04 May 2025 |
| 28 April 2025 | 05 May 2025 |
| 29 April 2025 | 06 May 2025 |
| 30 April 2025 | 07 May 2025 |
| 01 May 2025 | 08 May 2025 |
| 02 May 2025 | 09 May 2025 |
| 03 May 2025 | 10 May 2025 |
| 04 May 2025 | 11 May 2025 |
| 05 May 2025 | 12 May 2025 |
| 06 May 2025 | 13 May 2025 |
| 07 May 2025 | 14 May 2025 |
| 08 May 2025 | 15 May 2025 |
| 09 May 2025 | 16 May 2025 |
| 10 May 2025 | 17 May 2025 |
| 11 May 2025 | 18 May 2025 |
| 12 May 2025 | 19 May 2025 |
| 13 May 2025 | 20 May 2025 |
| 14 May 2025 | 21 May 2025 |
| 15 May 2025 | 22 May 2025 |
| 16 May 2025 | 23 May 2025 |
| 17 May 2025 | 24 May 2025 |
| 18 May 2025 | 25 May 2025 |
| 19 May 2025 | 26 May 2025 |
| 20 May 2025 | 27 May 2025 |
| 21 May 2025 | 28 May 2025 |
See all departures at https://btours-1.secure.tourradar.com/book-now/262716
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