Northern Greece Explorer

Greece's best places north of Athens

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Summary

Journey through 7000 years of Greek history & explore the Land of Alexander the Great.

START / FINISH - Athens

Duration: 5 days/4 nights

This tour provides you with the ideal opportunity to explore Macedonia, Land of Alexander the Great, journeying through 7000 years of Greek history and parts of unspoilt Greece.

Delphi is the first port of call, the site sits on a mountainside with fabulous far-reaching views. The Delphic Oracle was the most prestigious and authoritative oracle among the Greeks, and she was among the most powerful women of the classical world. People came from near and far to seek advice on important matters.

Kalambaka is the base for Meteora, famous for its monasteries which perch atop granite rocks. It is one of the holiest places in Greece.

The most dramatic mountain in the country is Olympus, not only because of its height, but also because the ancient Greeks believed it to be the home of the gods.

During the era of the Byzantine Empire Thessaloniki was the co-reigning city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. The city has some of the most characteristic churches in the Christian world. Thessaloniki is also a modern city and you'll have ample time to explore it as you stay here for three nights.

Your day in historical Macedonia will include visits to Edessa, known for its waterfalls; Naoussa where Aristotle taught 'the doctrines of morals and politics' to Alexander the Great; Vergina (ancient Aigai) where you find the chamber tombs of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great and other members of the Macedonian royal family, and finally Veria where St. Paul preached, where you can stroll through the Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market.

On the way back to Athens you'll stop off at Pella, capital of Alexander the Great to see the exquisite 4th century BC floor mosaics as well as the new museum followed by the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians at the foot of Mount Olympus).

Not included: Overnight Stay Tax per room per night, which is payable locally - the amount varies according to the category of the accommodation (i.e. 5* hotel: 4,00€ per overnight per room, 4* hotel: 3,00 € per overnight per room, 3* hotel: 1,50 € per overnight per room)

Dates of Operation 2024

11th May, 25th May, 15th June, 29th June, 13th July, 14th September, 21st September, 28th September

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What's included on your Northern Greece Tour:

4 nights in 4* hotels on Half Board
Comfortable a/c transport throughout
Sightseeing & entry fees for sites listed
English-speaking guide / escort throughout

Highlights

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece's second city and is steeped in a mixture of Byzantine and Ottoman legacies. It was built in 316 BC by King Kassandros and named after his wife, the sister of Alexander the Great. For several centuries it was the second-most important city of the Byzantine Empire and played an important role during the Middle Ages. In 1988 fifteen monuments of Thessaloniki were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Vergina & Edessa

Vergina or Ancient Aigai was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. The most important remains are the monumental palace and the royal tombs - in 1977 that of Philip II and a year later, the tomb of Alexander IV, son of Alexander the Great. The underground museum contains the main treasures of the tombs of the Macedonian Kings. Nearby Edessa is the 'city of waters' famed for its waterfalls.

Delphi

Delphi enjoys the most fabulous location on the slopes of a mountain terrace, dwarfed by Parnassus. In ancient times it was believed to have been the centre of the earth but it became most famous for its oracle. People used to journey there to consult the oracle on matters of love, business affairs or war.

Mount Olympos & Dion

Mount Olympus is Greece's highest mountain and home to the mythological gods. At the foot of Mount Olympus is the ancient city of Dion, the Macedonian kings used to come here to make sacrifices before going into battle.

Meteora Monasteries

Meteora is one of the holiest places on earth, huge monasteries built on top of granite boulders, 400m above the ground. The site was chosen as an escape from raiders but also as a place of solitude to be close to God.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece's second city and is steeped in a mixture of Byzantine and Ottoman legacies. It was built in 316 BC by King Kassandros and named after his wife, the sister of Alexander the Great. For several centuries it was the second-most important city of the Byzantine Empire and played an important role during the Middle Ages. In 1988 fifteen monuments of Thessaloniki were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Vergina & Edessa

Vergina or Ancient Aigai was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. The most important remains are the monumental palace and the royal tombs - in 1977 that of Philip II and a year later, the tomb of Alexander IV, son of Alexander the Great. The underground museum contains the main treasures of the tombs of the Macedonian Kings. Nearby Edessa is the 'city of waters' famed for its waterfalls.

Delphi

Delphi enjoys the most fabulous location on the slopes of a mountain terrace, dwarfed by Parnassus. In ancient times it was believed to have been the centre of the earth but it became most famous for its oracle. People used to journey there to consult the oracle on matters of love, business affairs or war.

Mount Olympos & Dion

Mount Olympus is Greece's highest mountain and home to the mythological gods. At the foot of Mount Olympus is the ancient city of Dion, the Macedonian kings used to come here to make sacrifices before going into battle.

Meteora Monasteries

Meteora is one of the holiest places on earth, huge monasteries built on top of granite boulders, 400m above the ground. The site was chosen as an escape from raiders but also as a place of solitude to be close to God.

Itinerary

Drive through fertile plains on your way to Delphi where there will be a visit to the archaeological site. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the soaring rocks which rise steeply from the plain of Thessaly.

Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka

Visit several of the monasteries in which you can see exquisite examples of Byzantine art. Leave Kalambaka through the plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi to admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and home to the 12 gods in Greek mythology.

Next stop, Thessaloniki - the second largest and most vibrant city in Greece.

Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

A morning visit of the city, renowned for some of the oldest churches in the Christian world. There will be free time later to relax or explore further.

Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Depart in the morning for historical Macedonia. Hear stories of Alexander the Great and visit some picturesque spots which are still very unspoilt.

Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

En route back to Athens you'll pop in to Pella, capital of Alexander the Great & Dion at the foot of Mount Olympus.

Return to Athens for your flight home or to continue your holiday in Greece....

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