Northern Greece: 8-Day East Macedonia & Thrace Self-Drive Tour
This eight-day self-drive travels east from Thessaloniki into landscapes and communities often missed on a first visit to Greece. Begin beside Lake Kerkini, continue through the forests around Paranesti and the layered old town of Xanthi, then turn towards Kavala, Philippi and the northern coast of Halkidiki. Seven nights with breakfast, an eight-day rental car and liability insurance are included. Wetland boat trips, outdoor activities, wineries, archaeological visits and a possible Thassos excursion remain optional.
Everything you need.
Nothing you don't.
This eight-day self-drive travels east from Thessaloniki into landscapes and communities often missed on a first visit to Greece. Begin beside Lake Kerkini, continue through the forests around Paranesti and the layered old town of Xanthi, then turn towards Kavala, Philippi and the northern coast of Halkidiki. Seven nights with breakfast, an eight-day rental car and liability insurance are included. Wetland boat trips, outdoor activities, wineries, archaeological visits and a possible Thassos excursion remain optional.
Tour Highlights
Why book with us
Clear arrangements and practical support from planning through to travel.
Enough structure to make the trip easy, with room to experience it your way.
Thoughtful hotels, experiences and routes chosen to create a better journey.
Itinerary
Thessaloniki to Lake Kerkini
Collect the rental car at Thessaloniki Airport and travel towards Lake Kerkini if arrival time allows. A late arrival may require a Thessaloniki overnight instead; the final hotel plan must be confirmed before travel.
Lake Kerkini to Paranesti
Spend time beside Lake Kerkini and consider an optional guided boat trip for wetland and birdlife observation. Continue east towards Paranesti, with Alistrati Cave or a Drama-region winery possible only when opening times and reservations align.
Paranesti to Xanthi
Travel towards Xanthi via selected natural or cultural stops. The mountain communities north of Xanthi have their own Pomak heritage; any visit should be planned respectfully and, where appropriate, with local guidance.
Nestos and Xanthi
Explore the Nestos landscape independently or reserve a suitable guided activity such as hiking, kayaking or rafting. Porto Lagos can be added as a separate wetland and monastery visit if time permits.
Xanthi to Kavala, with optional Thassos
Drive towards Kavala. A Thassos excursion is optional and requires a separate ferry plan, sufficient time and confirmation that the rental car may travel on the island; otherwise spend the day along the mainland coast and in Kavala.
Kavala, Philippi and Olympiada
Explore Kavala's Panagia quarter, then visit Philippi independently if desired. Continue west towards Olympiada for the night, allowing time for the archaeological site's opening hours.
Olympiada to Thessaloniki
Return towards Thessaloniki through the wooded landscapes of Halkidiki. Choose one or two stops such as Varvara waterfalls, Arnaia or Taxiarchis rather than attempting every suggestion.
Departure
Drive to Thessaloniki Airport, refuel and return the rental vehicle within the confirmed desk hours before departure.
Clarity before you travel.
Accommodation
The route includes seven nights with breakfast: Lake Kerkini, Paranesti, two nights in Xanthi, Kavala area, Olympiada and Thessaloniki. The Day 1 base changes according to arrival time, so the final rooming plan must be explicit. Named hotels and guesthouses are examples only.
Transport
Transport and getting around
A category B Fiat Panda or similar is included for eight days, with Thessaloniki Airport collection and return stated between 08:00 and 21:00. The final booking must define insurance/excess, deposit, mileage, fuel, additional drivers and roadside support. Taking the vehicle to Thassos requires specific rental permission and ferry arrangements.
Important Information
Before you book
- Lake boats, cave and archaeological admissions, wineries, Nestos activities and the Thassos ferry are not included unless separately confirmed.
- A Thassos circuit is a full optional excursion; the source distance does not include island driving or ferry time.
- Wildlife sightings at Lake Kerkini and other wetlands cannot be guaranteed.
- Use respectful, locally informed language when describing Pomak communities and Muslim heritage in Thrace.
- The climate-resilience levy is locally payable at the hotel at the rate in force when travelling.
Included & Not Included
Included
- 7 hotel or guesthouse nights in the confirmed properties or similar
- Breakfast each morning
- 8 days' category B rental car, Fiat Panda or similar
- Liability insurance as described by the supplier
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