5 Days Tour Northern Greece (Thessaloniki & Macedonia)
The White Tower in Thessaloniki city
The tholos of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia in Delphi
The Church of the Rotonda in Thessaloniki
Statue of the Spartan King Leonidas in Thermopylae
Orthodox church of Saint Paul in Thessaloniki
Main entrance to Ancient Olympia
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam in Meteora
The charm of the city of Thessaloniki is evident in every corner
Aerial view of the valley of Meteora
Treasury of Sifnians in Delphi
The Temple of Apollo in Delphi
Treasury of the Athenians in Delphi
The Ancient Theater of Delphi
Ancient Greek script in Delphi
Explore Northern Greece and visit Delphi, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Pella and the towns of Macedonia.
Join this unique five day tour where you will be able to explore Northern Greece and its rich history, from the ancient city-states, to the Byzantine Empire and up until modern times. Starting from Athens, the capital of Greece, you will take the scenic route through the plains of Beotia until you reach Delphi, 'the navel of the world', according to ancient Greeks. There you will see the ruins of the great Oracle, before reaching to final destination for the day, Kalambaka. Just a breath away from this cozy town of central Greece, you will find Meteora, an incredible spectacle or massive rock pillars rising up from a valley to form a truly rare sight. On top of the pillars, Byzantine monasteries have stood for centuries, adding yet another layer to the sense of wonder that fills any visitor. Time to head north to Macedonia, the land of Alexander the Great. You will establish your base at Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city and a place that was second only to Istanbul during the Byzantine Empire. Remnants of that era are still about, in the form of architecture, art and archaeological sights. From Thessaloniki, excursions to nearby towns will give you a rare insight on a side of ancient Greek history most visitors don't get the chance to experience.
Starting point: 5, Georgiou Souri, Athens (G.O. Terminal) Starting time: 08:20Itinerary
- Day 1 - Athens to Kalambaka via Thebes, Levadia and Delphi
We will pick you up from select spots in Athens (departure at approx 8:45) and drive through the fertile plain of the Beotia region, passing by the towns of Thebes and Levadia, as well as the picturesque village of Arachova, before you arrive in Delphi and visit the archaeological site, where the famous Oracle once stood. Afterwards, you will depart for Kalambaka, a small town in the heart of Greece, situated right at the foot of the astonishing rock complex of Meteora.
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 2 - Kalambaka to Thessaloniki and a visit to Meteora
Visit Meteora, a geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the valley to create a unique spectacle that is a testament to wonders of nature. On top of the pillars, stand Byzantine Monasteries, of immeasurable historical and religious importance. Depart from Kalambaka and continue your journey through the striking plains of Thessaly and the valley of Tempi, while admiring the gigantic figure of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods of Greek Mythology. Arrival at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece.
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 3 - Explore Thessaloniki's Byzantine Heritage
In the morning, you will explore Thessaloniki, a center of civilization during the Byzantine Empire, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. The spirit of that era is still evident in the architecture and style of the churches of the Christian world and for a deep dive in history the Museum of Byzantine Culture is a must. A walking tour will guide you to important sites like the Arch of Galerius, the ruins of the Palace and the famous Rotunda. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, with the city offering ample opportunities for entertainment.
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 4 - Explore Macedonia
Depart in the morning for an excursion to the historical grounds of Macedonia. Your first stop will be the picturesque Edessa and its characteristic waterfalls, which have brought the town fame all over Greece. Then we proceed to Naoussa and to a site of exceptional beauty and importance, Aristotle's School, the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics' to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Afterwards, we drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to visit the museum created in the Great Tumulus, covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. It is there that you will experience the astonishing findings in the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. Just a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) where you can visit Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and colourful market area. The return to Thessaloniki will be filled with musings about the multitude of unique destinations your day entailed.
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 5 - Visit Pella and Return to Athens
In the morning, you will visit Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great's empire. You will admire the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Up next is the archaeological park of Dion (a sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympus). Afterwards we will start driving south, through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (where you will have the chance to see the Leonidas' monument) and Thebes, before arriving in Athens late in the afternoon.
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast
Operated by G.O. Tours
Important notes
- This tour includes a complimentary pick-up / drop-off service from / to your hotel or other predefined spots in Athens and surrounding areas. Maximum duration of this service to gather / distribute tour participants is approximately 1 hour. Thus, pick-up time may vary for each guest and will be provided during the booking process.
- Clients staying at the coast will depart for their hotels, from G.O. terminal around 19:30hrs.
- Appropriate clothing is required to visit the Monasteries. Long skirts below the knees for the ladies and long trousers for the gentlemen. The monasteries, also, provide long skirts before every entrance. The ladies can choose and wear a long skirt over their clothing, during the tour, and return it, prior to their departure.
- The tour is implemented only in English.
