Discover Northern Greece

As you land in Athens, a member of the team will be at the airport to welcome you and take you to your hotel in Thessaloniki. Once you have arrived and checked in, use the rest of the day to explore your surroundings or simply relax before your tour begins tomorrow morning.

Greek Flag

Greek Sunset

Greek Cat

Greek Markets

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Monasty Thessaloniki, Autograph Collection

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Today, you will spend the day exploring Thessaloniki in a private guided tour. The tour starts with a visit to the archaeological site of Philippi, a site that's been inhabited by Greeks, Romans and Jews since 356 BC. Next, you will continue to the prison of Paul and Lydia's house, recognized as the first European Christian church dating back to 49 AD. Follow in Paul's footsteps as you make your way to the heart of Kavala’s old town, a place that has retained its charm and energy since the 7th century BC. Kavala once played a significant role as a major tobacco producer, with thousands of men and women making their livelihoods in the industry. The city’s bustling port facilitated the export of tobacco across Europe, America, and the Ottoman Empire. In 1879, it was the site of the Balkans’ first and largest strike, uniting 3,000 workers in a 15-day protest. As you wander through the city, take in the traditional Macedonian architecture of its historic homes. Their distinctive style serves as a striking reminder of Kavala’s enduring grandeur. End the day with an evening back at your hotel where you can relax and unwind from an exciting day of exploring.

Thessaloniki Town

Philippi Ruins

Thessaloniki Sea Front

Thessaloniki Ruins

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Monasty Thessaloniki, Autograph Collection

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In the morning, your driver will greet you at your hotel to take you to the next stop on your tour to Nymfaio village. On the way, you will visit two hotspots; the royal burial of Philip II and a vineyard tour at Ktima Kir. The museum of the tumulus of Philip II was constructed directly over the tombs, preserving them in their original location and recreating the appearance of the burial mound before its excavation. It offers a remarkable experience, yet remains relatively unknown to many visitors. Leading the tour is a professional guide who studied under the archaeologist responsible for the tomb's discovery. With deep insight, the guide will take us on a journey through the grandeur of the Macedonian Dynasty. Among the most notable artifacts are the golden wreath of Philip II, his golden gaiters, and the golden reliquary adorned with the "Sun of Vergina." After the museum, you will make your way to the vineyard where you will get to take part in wine-tasting, whilst you take in the lush surroundings of the local vineyards. Get acquainted with the Boutaris family who look after the Xinomavro vines that you will have the chance to taste during your wine-tasting. Finish the day, as you arrive at your hotel where you'll check in and spend the evening as you wish.

Lake Zazari Nymfaio

Greek Wine

Vineyard

Tomb Artefacts

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Argyro Guesthouse

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Today will be a full day of exploring and discovering. You will begin the day with a village tour around Nymfaio, to get an idea of its history, architecture and culture. You will then be taken to Arcturos Bear Sanctuary where you will get to see brown bears in a forested enclosure, who were once rescued from poor captive conditions. It is a great experience to see the bears in a natural environment where they will spend their remaining years. Next, you will take part in a truffle foraging experience, where you will get to find the best quality mushrooms and truffles in the country. You will be accompanied by a licensed truffle hunter and his trained dogs, who will take you to a nearby forest that is the best place to locate truffles. Once you have found your truffles, you will then be able to explore the best ways to use them and cook with them by our guide, before finally tasting your creation. After, you will finish the experience with tasting a traditional Greek dessert - spoon sweets. Your day will end with a dinner at the restaurant Thomas. This restaurant is known for its vast array of dishes with a selection of more than 30 cheeses and 520 different wines.

Brown Bear

Truffles

Truffles

Greek Food

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Argyro Guesthouse

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Today, you will depart Nymfaio village for the next stop on your tour, Aristi. On the way there, you will make a stop to Meteora Rocks where your guide will show you around the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complex is beautiful, with monasteries that sit on top of giant rock pillars dating back centuries. It is a truly unique site that cannot be missed, so take in the surroundings and the centuries of history that sits amongst these great rocks. After your visit, you will continue on to your hotel in Aristi where you will check in and have the rest of the day at your own pace. We recommend you visit a local café that sources local tsipouro, or greek coffee and more spoon sweet.

Meteora Sunset

Meteora Mountains

Meteora

Monastery Kitchen

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Aristi Mountain Resort

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Today is a day to be spent at your own pace. As you are located in the middle of the Greek mountains, take in the surrounding views as you spend the day to your own liking. Perhaps you may like to make some reservations at some local restaurants for dinner to savor local tastes, discover and find out more about the local history, or simply just unwind and make use of the hotel's facilities such as the spa.

Souvlaki

Spa

Greek Mountains

Greek Taverna

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Aristi Mountain Resort

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This off-road experience explores the unknown natural spots of the Zagori area. The tour begins with a visit to the most famous stone arched bridges of Zagori, before moving on to the Vikaki Canyon and the "Old Bridge", one of the oldest single-arched bridges in Zagori. Next, you will have the chance to enjoy a coffee or a tea in the traditional village square of Tsepelovo, then moving on to follow a dirt road on Mount Tymfi that heads towards the village of Iliochori. On your way to the village, you will make a brief stop through the dense fir forest of Gyftokampos before finally reaching Iliochori. Afterward, you will take a short hike from the village to some impressive waterfalls which will become your surroundings as you cook traditional Zagori food. Coming to the end of the jeep tour, you will visit the open-air museum of Sarakatsani Stani, which displays the life of the area's nomadic populations, before finally stopping at a unique location to take in the gorgeous panoramic views of Zagori.

Zagori Stone Bridge

Jeep

Zagori Nature

Zagori Old Bridge

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Aristi Mountain Resort

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Today, you will be leaving Aristi and making your way to the next stop on your tour, Ioannina. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and drive you to Ioannina, ready for check in. After you have settled in and taken in your surroundings, there will be a reservation ready for you at the restaurant Thamon for your welcome dinner. This restaurant is the perfect way to begin your stay in this beautiful city, with the freshest handmade recipes in Ioannina combined with history, tradition, and hospitality. Take in the beautiful surroundings of this restaurant, which is located along the most picturesque cobbled stone spot in the city. Once you have had your meal, perhaps spend the rest of the evening taking a stroll around the city taking in the sites and the lively atmosphere among the streets.

Ioannina Nature

Greek Local

Lakeside

Ioannina Backstreets

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Stoes Boutique Hotel

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In the morning, you will have breakfast then be greeted by your local guide who will take you around the city for the morning/early afternoon. The tour features the castle of Ioannina, which is the oldest in Greece and was first constructed as part of the fortification project of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. It later became Ali Pasha’s headquarters and the biggest administrative centre of Greece during the Ottoman rule. The rest of the tour is spent wandering around the winding streets and markets, with plenty of history and culture seen within. This city has a great reputation for its silversmiths which have traveled beyond Greece's borders for centuries. The items were so unique, they became known in history as being among Europe's finest. Once you've toured the city, you will then be taken to your cooking class, which will explore the exceptional cuisine of the Epirus Region. Get ready to make the best pie of your life, as you prepare this dish with the finest ingredients known to Greece. The Greeks use their food to communicate and connect people, and they build lasting memories with the flavours that go into their meals.

Castle of Ioannina

Cooking Class

Greek Cuisine

Castle of Ioannina

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Stoes Boutique Hotel

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For the next part of your tour, you will leave Ioannina for your domestic flight to Athens, the last stop on your your. Your guide will greet you at your hotel to take you to the airport in time for your flight. Once you have landed in Athens, you will then be greeted by another member of the team who will take you to your hotel in the city for check in. The rest of the day is then to be spent at your own pace. This is a chance to take a minute to relax in your hotel and make use of the facilities, or take a stroll through the streets of Athens and become familiar with your surroundings. Athens has many hotspots for street food and restaurants, so you may want to get a taste of this and the many homemade meals they offer.

Loukoumades

Erechtheum Acropolis

Athens View

Greek Markets

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Not Hotel

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Today, your guide will greet you at the hotel after breakfast and take you for a tour to the Acropolis, to see the famous Parthenon and its surrounding ruins. In this tour, you will get to discover the greatness and magnitude of the Acropolis, and how it has come to symbolise the great ancient Greek civilization that flourished on this land thousands of years ago. You will be able to step back in time, as you are told background information, anecdotes and historical knowledge of the great monument and reflect on the rich heritage of this capital city. All located on the sacred mountain, are the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and of course, the Parthenon, which you will have a chance to see on your tour. After your visit, you could take a step into the Acropolis museum to find out further about this historical site. Perhaps you need a rest after your tour and visit a local café to try the Greek iced coffee.

Sculpture

Acropolis

The Acropolis

Greek Soldier

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Not Hotel

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On your last day, your guide will be taking you out of the city of Athens in the morning and will drive you to Corinth. There, you will be a given a full tour of the archaeological sites such as ruins, temples and the structures that still stand today. Upon arrival, you will be taken around the site by a guide who will show you some highlights which include the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, the Bema, and the Fountain of Peirene. As you visit these ancient sites, your guide will provide information and biblical stories from the Apostle Paul and his time in the city of Corinth. After exploring Ancient Corinth and its historical and biblical significance, you will then return to Athens to allow you further explore the city at your own leisure. As it is your last night in Athens, you could try some aspects you couldn't necessarily try earlier on in your stay here such as a fine-dining restaurant or some markets you didn't get to explore.

Corinth Ruins

Corinth Ruins

Ancient Corinth

The Fountain of Glauke

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Not Hotel

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Your tour comes to an end, as your guide picks you up from your hotel via private transfer to then take you to the airport for your final flight home. Safe travels!

Airport

Athens

Happy Travels!

Flight

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Not Hotel

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