Treasures of Northern Greece - Thessaloniki & Meteora

We have arrived! We meet our local representative and transfer to our hotel.

This morning we discover Thessaloniki with a visit to the historical centre of the city on a half day tour. Thessaloniki, being the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of Central Macedonia, is considered Greece's cultural capital. With over 3,000 years of history, there is plenty to explore, with monuments and traditions dating back to Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Jewish civilisations. Many of the churches are included in UNESCO's World Heritage list. See more as we pass by boulevard, the White Tower, the statue of Alexander the Great and on a drive through the Aristotelis University and the campus area, there will be an opportunity to admire magnificent views of the city and take photos. From the old city, we descend to the church of St. Dimitrios, patron saint of Thessaloniki, passing Egnatia street, the Rotonda monument, the Arch of Galerius and St. Sophia.

The afternoon is free. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, head to Tsimiski Street, Thessaloniki’s main commercial avenue. Here you’ll find a mix of high-end boutiques, international brands, and local shops offering everything from fashion to souvenirs. It’s a great place to pick up a unique item to remember your visit or simply enjoy window shopping.

To end your day, head to the Umbrellas Sculpture on the waterfront, designed by renowned artist Giorgos Zongolopoulos. This modern art piece has become a symbol of Thessaloniki. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the sky turns vibrant colours over the sea. Afterwards, enjoy a drink at one of the many trendy bars that line the waterfront or venture into the Ladadika district, known for its nightlife, lively tavernas, and music-filled atmosphere.

This morning we set off on a full day guided excursion to Pella and Edessa.

First stop we uncover Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great.  The archaeological site of Pella is one of the most important political and economic cultural centres of Greece. We admire the mosaic floors of houses dating back to the 4th century BC and part of the Agora, one of the biggest public areas of the ancient Greek world.

Fall in love with the picturesque Edessa, famous for its waterfalls. Here we enjoy free time for lunch as well as a chance to explore the old part of the city and the park of waterfalls, with several viewing points as we gaze upon Edessa’s star attraction from a distance.

We depart Edessa and make our way back to Thessaloniki, where we will have the rest of the evening at leisure to relax and unwind after a full day of exploring.

For your day at leisure, you can explore more of Thessaloniki. For history lovers, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a must-visit. The museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts from ancient Macedonia, including sculptures, pottery, and the famous golden treasures of Vergina. It provides an excellent overview of the region’s ancient history, making it an enriching stop for any visitor.

After breakfast, we depart on a full day of adventure as we make our way to the region of Meteora fondly known as the "Garden of Rocks “. On arrival, we enjoy a visit to one of the monasteries (entrance is included) with their wonderful frescoes and impressive views.  Today there are six surviving monasteries from the twenty-four original in this region; the monasteries became the centre of Orthodox faith during the late Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

Numerous visitors flock to see the unique scenery and the site that became famous, from the James Bond 007 movie in 1981 "For Your Eyes Only"; you might also recognise the rock formations from "The Game of Thrones" series, as a back drop for Eyrie of Vale, of the House of Arryn.

This dramatic site is now a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1989, and a national treasure for Greece.

Today is yours, so you can just relax with a stroll along Thessaloniki’s waterfront promenade. Known as the Nea Paralia, is the perfect place to start your day. Stretching several kilometres along the sea, this wide, open space is ideal for a leisurely walk, a jog, or simply relaxing by the water. Along the way, you’ll encounter parks, cafes, and the iconic White Tower, the city’s most famous landmark. Don’t forget to stop at one of the waterfront cafes for a coffee and watch the world go by.

Indulge in Thessaloniki’s Food Scene: Thessaloniki is often referred to as Greece’s culinary capital, making it the perfect place for food lovers. Spend part of your day indulging in the local gastronomy by visiting traditional tavernas, trendy cafes, or pastry shops. Don’t miss the chance to try "bougatsa", a delicious custard-filled pastry, or a gyro from one of the many street vendors. For a truly local experience, visit the Modiano Market or the Kapani Market, where you can sample fresh produce, spices, and regional specialities.
 

Enjoy a full day exploring Aigai (modern Vergina). Aigai was the first first capital city of the kingdom of Macedonia; and it is known as the place of assignation of King Phillip II, Alexander the Greats father. We uncover more of this story on our visit to the museum where we see the Tomb of Phillip II, the second most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century, after the Tomb of King Tutankhamun in Egypt.

After lunch (not included) we visit the nearby city of Veroia to see the Bema of St. Paul, a monument erected to honour the Apostle of the Nations and his close ties with the city.  See more of Veroia as we visit the archaeological site of the “School of Aristotle” where it is believed that the famous philosopher spent seven years as the tutor of the young prince Alexander and inspired Alexander’s great love for literature.  

We return to our hotel in the evening and enjoy a final dinner together.

It’s time to say farewell to our Greek adventure and set off for home from Thessaloniki Airport.