Northern Greece Highlights Journey

On arrival at Athens airport or port, we will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. You may wish to visit Syntagma Square to soak up the city's atmosphere, browse the shops along Ermou Street in the Kolonaki area, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming alleys of Plaka, Athens' historic district known for its numerous souvenir shops and local crafts. Overnight at your hotel in Athens, with breakfast included.

After breakfast, we set off through the fertile plain of Boeotia, passing the towns of Thebes and Livadeia. We continue via the charming village of Arachova before arriving at Delphi to explore the renowned Archaeological Site, once considered the centre of the ancient world. Afterwards, we drive to Kalambaka, a small town nestled beneath the striking rock formations of Meteora. These towering pillars rise dramatically from the Thessalian plain and are home to centuries-old monasteries. We conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Kalambaka.

After breakfast, we explore the remarkable Meteora monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations that appear to float above the plain. These centuries-old monasteries house exceptional examples of Byzantine art. Afterwards, we depart Kalambaka and drive through the vast Thessalian plain and the scenic Tempi Valley. Along the way, admire Mount Olympos, Greece's highest peak and legendary home of the twelve Olympian gods. We continue to Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay are in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, we explore Thessaloniki on a guided morning tour. Once the Byzantine Empire's co-reigning city, second only to Constantinople in size and importance, Thessaloniki offers a wealth of history. We visit some of the oldest and most distinctive churches in the Christian world, reflecting the city's rich Byzantine heritage. The tour also includes the Museum of Byzantine Culture, which received the Council of Europe's Museum Prize in 2005. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure in the vibrant city centre. Dinner and overnight stay are in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, we set off on a tour of historical Macedonia. Our first stop is Edessa, where we admire the town's famous waterfalls. We then continue to Naoussa to visit Aristotle's School, the scenic site where the philosopher taught "the doctrines of morals and politics" to Alexander the Great and his companions. Next, we drive to Vergina - ancient Aigai - to explore the remarkable museum housed within the Great Tumulus, which covers the royal tombs of Macedonia. Here, you will see the extraordinary artefacts from the tomb of King Philip II, Alexander's father, considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. A short drive brings us to Veria (Biblical Beroea), where we visit Saint Paul's Bema and take a stroll through the old Jewish quarter and vibrant market area, experiencing a city where history remains alive. We return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we drive to Pella, the ancient capital of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great. Here, we explore the remarkable 4th-century BC floor mosaics preserved in the original villas and displayed in the new museum. Next, we visit the Archaeological Park of Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus. Following this, we travel south through Thessaly, passing Lamia and Thermopylae, where you can see the Leonidas Monument, then continue via Thebes before arriving in Athens late afternoon. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your final day in Athens at your leisure. You may explore the city independently or join an optional shared half-day tour to visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, both rich in ancient history and culture (not included). At the designated time, we will transfer you to Athens airport for your onward flight.