North Traditional Greece [8days]

After Breakfast, we start the panoramic tour of Thessaloniki. We will visit Galerius Arch, Rotonda and Saint Sofia, Egnatia and Aristotle’s Square. Our bus will ascend at the Byzantine Castles where another world with endless beauty unfolds. We will visit the Byzantine Museum, the Church of St. Demetrios and its’ Crypt, the famous White Tower. In the afternoon we will continue our exploration of the city center and we will visit numerous monuments from the Byzantine period. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

During this tour we will visit Meteora a region of unique beauty and religious interest. Its’ landmark is the natural phenomenon of the steep rocks which are like they are suspended by the sky, on which remarkable byzantine monasteries are built and have till present times valuable, historical and religious heirlooms. We ‘ll have free time to taste local food at a nearby restaurant. Dinner and overnight in Volos.

Begin your journey in Portaria, the “Gate of Pelion.” Lead the group through the Centaur’s Path, an easy and scenic trail that follows a stream under a canopy of plane trees. Afterward, move 3km further to Makrinitsa, known as the “Balcony of Pelion” for its breathtaking views of the Pagasetic Gulf. Gather at the central square to admire the Marmaro fountain and the church of St. John the Baptist. For a cultural touch, visit the Museum of Folk Art and History housed in the Topali Mansion to see authentic Pelian architecture and artifacts.

Return to Volos and head to the Argonafton Waterfront. Host a traditional dinner at one of the city’s famous tsipouradika. This is a unique social ritual where small carafes of tsipouro are served alongside a spontaneous sequence of seafood meze. It is the perfect way for a group to bond while experiencing the city’s most famous culinary tradition.

Head to Ano Lechonia Station to board the historic Pelion Steam Train. This narrow-gauge train, designed by Evaristo de Chirico, offers a 90-minute journey through stone bridges and olive groves that is consistently the highlight for international groups. Upon arrival in Milies, visit the Public Library to view rare 19th-century manuscripts and explore the Church of the Holy Taxiarches, which features unique “hidden” murals and sophisticated acoustics.

A short distance from Milies lies Vyzitsa, a village protected as a monument of Pelian architecture. Visit a local Women’s Cooperative to sample traditional fruit preserves or “spoon sweets.” Conclude the afternoon with a group lunch under the giant plane tree in the village square, featuring local specialties like spetzofai (a savory sausage and pepper stew) and boumbari.

Option A: The Lush East (Nature Focused) Drive through the dense chestnut forests of the eastern slopes to reach Tsagarada. Here, the group can marvel at the 1,000-year-old Plane Tree in Agia Paraskevi square, which is one of the oldest in Europe. Continue to Kissos to visit the 17th-century Church of Agia Marina with its impressive gold-leafed iconostasis. If time permits, a stop at the viewpoint above Mylopotamos beach offers a chance to photograph the iconic turquoise Aegean waters.

Option B: Volos Heritage (Urban/Industrial Focused) Explore the Archaeological Museum of Volos, which houses rare Neolithic finds from the nearby settlements of Sesklo and Dimini. Afterward, visit the Tsalapatas Brickworks Museum, a beautifully preserved industrial complex that illustrates the city’s 19th-century economic peak. Finish the tour at the port to see the modern replica of the Argo, the mythical ship of Jason and the Argonauts.

During this tour/cruise we will visit Skiathos, its picturesque town and the beautiful beaches. We will board on the ship at 09:00. During the trip, people in charge of the ship organize a competition of traditional dances on deck. until we’ll arrive at Skiathos after 2,5 hours. The ship will remain at the port of Skiathos for 3 to 3,5 hours. We will have time to visit Papadiamantis’ island and enjoy our meal at a traditional tavern at the picturesque beach overlooking Bourtzi. The ship departs at 14.45 to Koukounaries, the biggest and the most beautiful beach of the island and after 20 minutes sail we will enjoy a swim in the crystal blue waters and drink a beer under the numerous pine trees that literally reach the sand up to the point sea starts. We will depart from the beach after 2,5 hours and at around 21:30 we’ll be back at Volos.

Back to Thessaloniki and transfer to the airport.