Athens, Meteora, Thessaloniki [8days]

After breakfast you will meet for the Athens Panoramic City Tour

• Panathenaic Stadium: Pass by this historic stadium (Kallimarmaro), the only one in the world built entirely of marble, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
  Hellenic Parliament: Drive past the Hellenic Parliament, the seat of Greece’s government, and see the changing of the guard at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Also pass by the Prime Minister's Residence, guarded by the traditionally dressed Euzones.
  Temple of Olympian Zeus: Admire the towering columns of this once-grand temple dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods.
• Hadrian’s Arch: Observe this impressive Roman-era arch, which once marked the boundary between ancient Athens and the Roman city.
• Academy, University & National Library: Pass by these neoclassical buildings, which
  represent Greece’s dedication to education and culture.
• Constitution Square (Syntagma): Drive through the central square of Athens, a hub of
  political and social activity surrounded by historical buildings.
• Acropolis: Stop at this legendary site and explore its iconic monuments, including the
  Parthenon, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion.
• Acropolis Museum: Stop to visit this modern museum showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis.

Free Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Athens on your own.

Our driver will meet you at your hotel at 08.30 (or your specific check point) and go ahead to your excellent Christian tour in Meteora. The presence of many monasteries in such a small space, and the Orthodox spiritual life and performance over time cause the admiration of both visitors and the people around the world! Our first visit during the tour will be at Thermopiles where there is the statue of Leonidas as a memorial of the battle of the 300 Spartans against thousands of Persian soldiers of the Persian Empire. In continue driving through Central Greece, and the city of Trikala which we have a short stop, we arrive in Kalambaka in the afternoon, a small traditional town that is built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks of God, at the shadow of the great Meteora Monasteries. After your check in and your rest, we will visit one of “the famous Monastery of Holy Trinity” famous from James Bond movie! The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is on top of the cliffs, and was built in 14th century. Late in the afternoon, you will admire the sunset from your balcony feeling the unique energy from the wild environment!

After your breakfast, we visit Meteora enjoying a unique and most impressive scenery of ageless monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between Earth and Sky atop huge rocks. We visit the great monastery of Varlaam, founded on the 16th century and located on the top of a rock at 380m height! The Monastery of Varlaam is the second largest monastery in the Meteora complex, with the largest number of monks (seven) of the male monasteries. Our second visit will be at the Monastery of St. Stephan, of the 15th century, also built on the top of the top of another huge rock where you will admire a small treasure of Byzantine and Christian items, at the museum inside the monastery! In continue, we will suggest you to visit the “Natural History Museum of Meteora & Mushroom Museum”. Meet the mushrooms and their rich variety of shapes and colors. Explore the Museum’s collection and meet some of the most amazing mammals of Greece and Europe. Get familiar with the protection of ecosystems, wildlife and endangered animals. The Museum includes a rich collection of rare birds from around the world. Learn about native and migratory birds and enjoy our collection.

Today we will have the opportunity to visit the “the Monastery of Grand Meteoro”, the largest of the monasteries located at Meteora. It was erected in the mid-14th century and was the subject of restoration and embellishment projects in 1483 and 1552. One building serves as the main museum for tourists. We leave Meteora and head to Thessaloniki. Overnight in Thessaloniki

After our breakfast an experienced guide will take you to a panoramic city tour of Thessaloniki by the luxury buses of our company. Since its foundation by king Cassander of Macedonia in 315 B.C. and named after his wife and stepsister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki has always been a metropolis. The long history of the city is evident by the varied architectural forms from the Hellenistic era up to the end of the 20th century as well as with an astonishing Byzantine artistic heritage. Seventeen monuments in the city have been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Thessaloniki, the second largest city of Greece, is the principal gateway from the Mediterranean to the Balkans and Central Europe. You will have the opportunity to see the White Tower, which is the symbol of the city, the International Trade Fair grounds, the Aristotle University campus, the Galerius Arch, the Rotunda, the City Walls and the Upper City from where you will have a marvelous panoramic view of the city, the Thermaic Gulf and mount Olympus. During the tour you will visit St. Demetrius a 5th century basilica as well as the Archeological Museum that houses a stunning exhibition of golden jewels from the 6th century B.C.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Veria, a city full of churches, if they total about 50. Some of the central streets retain almost intact their ancient Ottoman atmosphere, the churches were once used as barns and warehouses, among the most important Maegalou Alexandrhrou and Hristos with restored frescoes. Continue to Vergina site visit, where the excavations carried out have revolutionized Macedonian archeology, bringing to light the burial chambers belonging to Philip II and other members of his royal family. You can admire the ruins of the Palace of Palatitsia, this complex was built during the 3rd century BC, as the summer residence of the Macedonian King Antogone Gonatus.  Return to Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, departure from the hotel and transfer back.