Tastes of Northern Greece, 9days

Arrive in Thessaloniki, the capital of Macedonia. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Thessaloniki

This morning, take a walking tour of Thessaloniki. Begin with a view of the city’s emblematic 15th century White Tower, once used as a fort, garrison, and prison. Continue with a visit to the Archaeological Museum, where impressive artifacts, including sculptures, jewelry, and ancient relics, tell the rich history of Macedonia. Stroll through the city center to admire the Arch of Galerius (Kamara), one of the most distinctive Roman structures in the city, built as a triumphal monument by the emperor. View the nearby Rotunda, a massive cylindrical structure originally built as a mausoleum and later converted into a church. At the Basilica of St. Demetrios, dedicated to Thessaloniki’s patron saint, you see a superb example of Byzantine architecture. Tonight, have dinner at a restaurant in the vibrant Ladadika district where you will enjoy some lively Greek music
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your day of discovery begins with a drive to Veria, a town with deep historical and religious significance. Stroll through the Jewish Quarter, a beautifully preserved neighborhood along the Tripotamos River, known as Barbuta. View the restored synagogue, one of the oldest in Greece, dating back to the 15th century, and learn about the city’s once-thriving Sephardic community. Continue to the Tribune (Bema) of St. Paul, marking the spot where the Apostle Paul is believed to have preached during his missionary journey. Next, travel to Vergina, the first capital of the Macedonian Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Royal Tomb of King Phillip II, the father of Alexander the Great, where you’ll see gold urns, finely crafted armor, jeweled wreaths, and ceremonial vessels. Return to Thessaloniki, arriving in the late afternoon
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast

Today is free to explore Thessaloniki at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Monasteries of Meteora. Journey across the fertile plains of Thessaly toward spectacular Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you approach, marvel at the towering rock formations that rise dramatically from the valley floor, topped with centuries-old monasteries seemingly suspended in mid-air. Visit these awe-inspiring sanctuaries to admire exquisite frescoes, Byzantine icons, and priceless religious treasures. From the monastery balconies, take in sweeping views of the surrounding Peneios Valley and the distant Pindus Mountains. Learn about the monks’ daily lives, their remarkable engineering achievements in building atop sheer cliffs, and the enduring role Meteora continues to play in Greek Orthodoxy
Optional: Monasteries of Meteo

Embark on a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki’s distinct local flavors and famed landmarks. Learn about the regional cuisine and sample Greek meze dishes and freshly baked goods. Visit the open-air market, with its paved alleys, stalls filled with fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, dairy products, and many local specialties. Afterward, embark on a boat tour around Thermaikos Gulf, taking in splendid views of Thessaloniki and the surrounding coastline from the water. The rest of the day is free
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day at leisure, or join the optional Pella, Edessa, and Naousa with Wine Tasting. Depart Thessaloniki and travel to Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Walk among the ruins, including the agora and residential quarters, and admire the well-preserved floor mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology inside the Archaeological Museum. Continue to the town of Edessa, known for its beautiful waterfalls and panoramic views over the plains below. Your journey concludes in Naousa, a town surrounded by rolling vineyards, where you’ll visit a local winery to learn about the winemaking traditions of the region and enjoy a tasting of its varietals. Arrive back at the hotel in the afternoon
Optional: Pella, Edessa & Naousa with Wine Tasting
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast

On your last day at leisure, choose the optional Kavala & Philipi. Embark on an excursion along the Aegean coastline to the port city of Kavala, known for its amphitheatrical layout, and historic landmarks such as the Imaret, the Aqueduct of Kamares, and the Panagia district with its narrow streets and colorful houses. Continue to the ancient city of Philippi, founded by Philip II of Macedon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the archaeological site and view monuments representing Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Christian periods. Highlights include the Acropolis, the Hellenistic theater, the Agora, and the octagonal church dedicated to St Paul, as well as the Roman cistern believed to be where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. Return to Thessaloniki in the afternoon. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Kavala & Philipi
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast