A journey to the “navel of the Earth”!

Drive through the fertile plain of Beotia region, pass by the towns of Thebes, Levadia and via the picturesque village of Arachova, arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of the Meteora, those gigantic rocks that rise steep from the plain of Thessaly. (Dinner and overnight)

A worldwide cultural heritage

Visit Meteora: perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Meteora is the most important and biggest group of monasteries in Greece after those on Mount Athos and the first traces of its history date to the 11th century A.D, when the first hermits settled there.

Entrance to the monasteries: Appropriate clothing is required. Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.

Meet parts of the Greek countryside

Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology. Arrival at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. (Dinner and overnight)

The bright city of Thessaloniki

In the morning we visit the city of Thessaloniki that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. Visit unique monuments and feel the glorious Byzantine past in some of the oldest and most characteristic churches of the Christian world as well as in the Museum of Byzantine Culture.

A worldwide cultural heritage

Enjoy the rest of the day in the lively center of the city. Walk on the seaside promenade where you can see the White Tower, the city’s famous landmark, and head to Aristotelous square that overlooks the Thermaic Gulf. You will be welcome to a number of cozy cafes, bars and shops to relax and have a wonderful time. (Dinner and Overnight)

Aristotle’s School

Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa where we see the town’s famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, to a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle’s School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics’ to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth.

Royal Tombs

Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander’s father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. In only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul’s Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colourful market area. A walk in a city where past is present and around. Return to Thessaloniki. (Dinner and overnight)

The birthplace of Alexander the Great

Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). After the visit we shall start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas’ Monument) and Thebes, arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.