Northern Greece with Meteora, Delphi and Thessaloniki

Join this 7-day tour and discover the remarkable history of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. This tour provides you with the opportunity to explore Macedonia – the Land of Alexander the Great – and Athens, the cradle of modern democracy. Unveil the secrets of predicting the future at the ancient religious sanctuary of Delphi, home of the Oracle, and discover the sacred tranquillity in the sky-high monasteries of Meteora. This tour offers a unique adventure that will introduce you to the key locations in the foundation of Western civilization.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Delphi: The Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi sits at the foot of Mount Parnassos. It was the most famous Oracle in ancient Greece, and it is now the second-most important archaeological site in Greece and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

Meteora: In a region dominated by sandstone peaks rising precipitously from the ground, monks settled on top of these ‘columns of the sky’ in the eleventh century, building their monasteries on the peaks of these immense natural pillars.

Vergina: Manolis Andronikos’ discovery of the tombs of the Macedonian Kings Philip II and Alexander IV in 1977 rocked the archaeological community and the world at large. Philip’s tomb concealed the famous golden larnax where his bones lay intact for over two millennia.

Dion: Dion is one of Greece’s most spacious and serene archaeological sites. Here, ancient history and natural beauty vie for your attention. In a setting crisscrossed by bubbling streams, you will find temples, Hellenistic and Roman theatres, flag-stoned streets, baths decorated with mosaics, Roman houses and villas, early-Christian basilicas and an odeon. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS

On your arrival at Athens airport or port you will be met and transferred to your Athens hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be at your leisure for exploring this never sleeping city. You may optionally visit Syntagma Square and get into the city’s vibe. Enjoy shopping in one of the most popular streets of the city in the Kolonaki area of Ermou, and have a nice,  quiet walk at the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district) where you can also find a big number of small shops selling  souvenirs and other local artefacts.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 2: ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (378 km – 9 hrs)

Start the day with an energizing breakfast at the hotel. Today’s itinerary will begin with a drive through the fertile plain of the Beotia region, passing the towns of Thebes and Levadia. Continue the drive to Delphi via the picturesque mountain village of Arachova nestled at the foot of Mt. Parnassós. Arrive in the Sanctuary of Delphi and enjoy a unique visit around this UNESCO-listed World Heritage site and location of the Pythia, the high priestesses of the Temple of Apollo, otherwise known as the Oracle of Delphi. The Oracle was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world, including all major undertakings such as wars and the founding of colonies. After the tour of the Sanctuary of Delphi, depart for Kalambaka, a small town located right next to the astonishing Meteora rock formations, gigantic sandstone pillars that rise precipitously out of the plain of Thessaly. Check in to your hotel in Kalambaka and spend the rest of the day at your leisure in this stunning location.

Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 3: KALAMBAKA – METEORA – THESSALONIKI (240 km – 8 hours)

Wake up to the beautiful breakfast in the hotel and get ready for your visit to the Meteora. Perched on top of the huge sheer rocks, these timeless monasteries seem to be suspended in mid-air. Monks occupied the caverns and peaks of the Meteora as early as the eleventh century and the community reached its peak in the sixteenth century with a total of twenty-four monasteries. Created to serve monks and nuns following the teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church, these isolated buildings were accessed by long ladders which could be drawn up in case of attack. Now accessed by stairs, the monasteries house large collections of Byzantine art, frescoes, libraries of old manuscripts and, of course, stunning views. Depart Kalambaka and drive across the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, admiring the gigantic figure of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and notable in Greek mythology as the home of the Greek gods. In the late afternoon, arrive in Thessaloniki, the second largest and most vibrant city in Greece. 

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 4: THESSALONIKI

Breakfast at the hotel. 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. See unique sites like the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the Byzantine Walls. A short walking tour includes the ruins of the Palace and Arch of Galerius, and a visit to the famous Rotunda, built as a temple and transformed into a church, with fine Early-Christian mosaics. The rest of the day is free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city.

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 5: THESSALONIKI – EDESSA – NAOUSSA – VERGINA – VERIA – THESSALONIKI (260 km – 9 hrs)

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a tour of historical Macedonia. Our first stop of the day is the picturesque Edessa, where tributaries of the river Edesseos are responsible for the town’s most famous landmarks: its waterfalls. Then we will proceed to Naoussa and the ruins of the School of Aristotle. This is a site of exceptional beauty and importance, and it is where the great philosopher taught his doctrines of political and morals to a young Alexander the Great and the people of Macedonia. Then visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Vergina, the archaeological site of Aigai. The most important remains here are the monumental palace and the burial ground containing more than 300 tombs, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs in the Great Tumulus is identified as that of Philip II, Alexander the Great’s father. Just a few miles away, you will find Veria, known as Beroea in biblical times. Visit the Bema of Saint Paul, before strolling through the old Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market area. Return to Thessaloniki in the afternoon.

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 6: THESSALONIKI – PELLA – DION - THERMOPYLE - ATHENS (560 km – 9 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then drive to the town of Pella, best known as the historical capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. On the site of the ancient city is the Archaeological Museum of Pella, as well as large, 4th century B.C. villas with mosaic floors portraying scenes such as lions hunting and Dionysus riding a panther. After leaving Pella, proceed to the Archaeological Park of Dion, an open-air archaeological site at the foot of Mount Olympus, which houses almost as much wildlife as it does classical and religious artifacts. In the afternoon, drive south through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae – where we will stop to see the Leonidas Monument – and finally, Thebes. Arrive in Athens late in the afternoon. Check-in at your hotel and then enjoy an evening at your leisure in the Greek capital. Stroll around the bustling streets of this ancient metropolis and enjoy its unique attractions and character before indulging in some traditional Greek cuisine.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 7: DEPARTURE ATHENS

Wake up to your beautiful breakfast in the hotel and enjoy your last day in this long-standing metropolis. You may choose to visit the city at your own pace, or you can join our optional half-day excursion City Tour with the visit of the Acropolis & Acropolis Museum (not included). At the indicated time, you will be transferred to the airport in Athens and you could take your flight to your following destination.