Ecotourism at the slopes of Mount Olympus at Ktima Bellou and Ktima Gerovassiliou vineyard [5days]

Today is the time for the breathtaking Olympus region. A magical journey to the unknown side of this mythical mountain. A fascinating off-road adventure (half by jeep and half hiking) awaits you to discover the foothills of northwest Olympus, remote beautiful locations admiring the high peaks of Olympus literally hanging over us. We see the beautiful forest of Kokkinopilos full of streams, springs and fountains. Among the pine and fir forest, we will encounter meadows full of flowers overlooking the mountain. After lunch we will be initiated to the ethereal oil distillation. We will probably use dry vegetable material that is already collected from the Estate (that is, you will not collect it, as we usually do – due to season). Lazaros Bellos will explain in detail the distillation process, as well as each plant’s different properties and behaviour.  During both activities you will have time to make photos, videos and record your experience. Dinner and overnight at Ktima Bellou.

Today our group leaves for Thessaloniki. (Departure 10.00 hrs. Arrival 11.30 hrs.) On the way we stop at Vergina (Ancient Aigai), in the foothills of Mt. Pieria, was the first capital of ancient kingdom of Macedonia, called Aigai. Upon arrival we will visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs. The museum is built under an artificial hill to protect the founding and to introduce the tombs. Some of the most remarkable excavated treasures of the Macedonian civilization can be found in the museum. Excellent examples are the legendary King Phillip II’s incinerated remains and his golden crown. The exhibits that are most memorable, however, are the two great tombs of King Phillip II and Alexander IV that were found at the Great Tumulus.These glorious monuments are waiting to amaze you! Around 16.00 p.m. we depart for Thessaloniki, the co-reigning city of the lost Byzantium Empire. (Duration 1 hour and 30 minutes). We check in at our hotel to refresh and relax. In the evening, we will walk and dine at Ladadika, a cosy and historic area in the center of Thessaloniki and one of the most important gastronomic places of the city. The word Ladadika literally means the “shops that sell oil and its products”. The area used to be the central market and bazaar of the city during the ottoman occupation or even earlier. Taverns, cafes, bars, shops and restaurants are all gathered around this area. Overnight at Thessaloniki.

Breakfast and at 09:00 we will enjoy a guided historical tour of Thessaloniki. Starting our exploration by visiting the Roman monuments; the famous Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius and the Palace Complex of Galerius. We will pay a visit to the Roman Forum and the nearby Crypt of St. Demetrius Basilica, originally part of a Roman Bath complex. Quick Lunch and we will continue with a visit at 13:00 at Ktima Gerovassiliou vineyard a few kilometres away from Thessaloniki. The vineyard is surrounded on three sides by the sea, which is three kilometres distant, while its west side faces Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus, and the beaches of Pieria. We will enjoy a tour to the famous vineyard and taste surprising Greek cultivated wine varieties and foreign varieties, both well – and less- known and we will discuss about the primary concern of the vineyards, most rural tasks  and harvesting.  We can also visit the aspiring Wine Museum with the especially notable corkscrew collection. You will also notice The Gerovassiliou Art Collection that has been enriched in recent years by a number of artworks which one encounters in the course of touring the estate. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight.

The tour comes to an end today. We wish a warm-hearted goodbye and transfer to Thessaloniki airport. Head back home with some lifelong content for your colleagues.