Tour to Northern Greece – Macedonia

Tour map

Highlights:
1^st day: Drive through the fertile plain of Viotia region, pass by the towns of Thebes, Levadia and via the picturesque village of Arachova, arrive in Delphi. Visit the museum and the archaeological site.
Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks. Dinner & overnight in Kalambaka.
2^nd day: Visit Meteora: among striking scenery, perched on the top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art.
Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the plain of Thessaly and the valley of Tempi and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods of Mythology. Arrival at Thessaloniki (Salonica), the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
3^rd day: See in the morning the city of Thessaloniki 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 from 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). Rest of the day free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city. Dinner & overnight in Thessaloniki.
4^th day:  Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia.
First stop at picturesque Edessa where we see the town's famous landmark, the waterfalls.
Then proceed to Naoussa, to a site of exceptional beauty and importance, the Aristotle's School: the impressive scenery where the great philosopher taught "the doctrines of morals and politics" to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youths.
Then drive to Vergina, to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Philip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20^th century.
A few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) where we will visit Saint Paul's Bema (Vema) and then stroll through the old Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market area. A walk in a city where past is present and around.
Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
5^th day: Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4^th century BC villas, in situ as well as in the museum.
Then visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of Olympos).
After the visit we shall start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes, arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.