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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).
Dates of Operation 2025
10th May, 24th May, 14th June, 28th June, 12th July, 13th September, 20th September, 27th September
Not included: the New "Climate TAX" for overnights in hotels. This is to be paid directly to the hotel, prior to check-out . The price depends on the hotel category.
Itinerary
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.
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. Visit its 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 with the Council of Europe's Museum Prize for the year 2005. Rest of the day free, to
enjoy time in the lively centre of the city.
Depart Thessaloniki in the morning. First stop will be at picturesque Edessa, where you'll see the town's famous landmark, the waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, to 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 to the 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.
Only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) - visit Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colourful market area. Return to Thessaloniki.
Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century
B.C. villas in situ as well as in the new museum.
Then it's onto the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of Mount Olympus). After the visit you'll drive south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes.
Return to Athens late afternoon.
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