Treasures of Macedonia and Thrace [8days]

After breakfast we will start the tour around the sites of Thessaloniki. A city of great historic importance and a crossroad of so many civilizations and cultures. Begin the tour with a panoramic drive around the White Tower, the main landmarks of the city, the Galerius Arch, the Rotunda monument, the Old Town (Ano Poli) and the City Walls, from where you will have a marvelous view of Thessaloniki. Your expert tour guide will provide you with all the information about Thessaloniki’s history old and new as you look at these stately buildings.During the tour, there will be a short stop at Agios Demetrius Byzantine church which is the most important church of Thessaloniki for religious, historical and artistic reasons. The most famous and interesting part of the church, is the underground ancient «Crypt». The crypt was re-discovered after the fire of 1917 and was finally restored as an exhibition/museum in 1988. According to the Christian Tradition, the saint was imprisoned here and died in 303 A.D. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum which holds artifacts from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods, mostly from the city of Thessaloniki but also from the region of Macedonia in general.Free evening. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, departure to Pella. We will visit the monumental palatial complex that occupies the northernmost hill of the city and covers an area of 60.000 m2. Wander around the city’s commercial and manufacturing center, the so-called agora (ayorá), which was in fact the biggest agora of the ancient world. This huge building complex of 70.000m2 included shops, workshops, administration offices, and the repository of the city’s historical records. The main avenue of agora was actually connected with the city’s port, the ruins of which are still visible today. The ancient agora is constructed according to the famous urban planning of Hippodamus (Hippodamian grid plan): well-defined city blocks, paved streets with sidewalks, and elaborate water supply and sewage systems. They all illustrate Pella’s modern infrastructure and sophisticated urban design. The two-storey private houses built in Doric and Ionic style brings to mind images of a prosperous, ancient, city. We will continue to Vergina. The excavation by Professor Manolis Andronikos and his associates under the Great Tumulus of Vergina village in Imathia, Central Macedonia in 1977 brought to light the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century in Greece. Today’s Vergina (Ancient Aigai), in the foothills of Mt. Pieria, was the first capital of ancient kingdom of Macedonia, called Aigai. The site of the Royal Tombs under a modern roof hosts the main excavation, as well as an exhibition of the major finds from the burials. It is protected by UNESCO as world cultural heritage and comprises a unique discovery of an enormous universal impact. Return to Thessaloniki. Overnight

Today we have free time to enjoy the beauties of Thessaloniki. You can revisit some of the sites that interest you, or just stroll in the beautiful historic city center or the wonderful Ano Poli. On the other hand if you wish to take another guided tour we can assist you with a variety of options. Overnight in Thessaloniki

After breakfast we depart for Alexandroupoli. On our way we will make a stop for the visit of the famous statue of Amphipolis, the statue of Leo, a symbol for Macedonia. The Lion of Amphipolis is undoubtedly one of the most significant monuments of the 4th century BC . Then we visit the archeological site of Philippi . Philippi is located near the ruins of the ancient city and is part of the Macedonia Region. The ancient city of Philippi founded by the King of Macedonia Philip II (father of Alexander the Great) as a Thassian colony of Crenides in 356 BC. Continue along the Egnatia highway to arrive in our hotel Alexandroupoli. Overnight.

Breakfast at hotel and depart to explore the Evros Delta.When it comes to artistic flair, nature is the true master in these parts. The Evros Delta is a nature lover’s dream. Freshwater mixes with the sea to create a rich wetland habitat and vital sanctuary for large numbers of water birds. Of Greece’s 400 species, 300 pass through here, while the river itself boasts 46 kinds of fish, 7 amphibian, 21 reptile and more than 40 mammal species. Depart for Soufli . We will have the opportunity to visit Soufli and be better informed about the loom, how many types there are manual, motorized wooden and metal large and small. Made from the beginning of 1900 until today. We will learn about the weaving process, as well as the types of weaving pattern and the variety of yarns used in the weaving art. Return to Alexandroupoli, overnight.

Breakfast at hotel and depart for Kavala for a full day tour to the beautiful island of Thassos. Thassos is one of those Greek islands that boasts an incredible natural setting. Thassos island is the northernmost island of the Aegean Sea and sits very close to the

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back.