DAY
1

THESSALONIKI (L, D)

Arrive at Thessaloniki International Makedonia Airport (SKG) – Meet with our guide and start Orientation Tour.

We start our excursion of the city viewing the White Tower, an historical landmark. From here, drive by the International Trade Fair grounds and the Aristotelion University, which was established in 1926 and today is the largest of all universities in Greece.

Further visit of St. Demetrios Basilica which was erected in the 5th century AD. The five aisled basilica suffered a tragic fire in the year 1917 but was later restored in 1948. Marvel at the beautiful mosaics, dating back from the 5th to 9th Centuries. From here, follow your guide to the area located under the basilica, where you will see the famous crypt, which according to tradition, was once the confinement for an officer by the name of Demetrius who was later executed by the Emperor Gallerius. Today, St. Demetrius is the patron Saint of the city.

Drive to the upper part of the city with superb Panoramic view of Thessaloniki, Thermaic Golf & Mount Olympus at the background

Return to your motor coach and drive along the modern street, Egnatia, named after the famous Roman road, Via Egnatia. Whilst driving, view the Arch of Gallerius and St. George’s Rotonda. The tour will end passing by the well preserved Byzantine Basilica of St. Sophia, an 8th Century structure, rich in mosaics and frescoes.

DAY
2

THESSALONIKI – MOUNT ATHOS CRUISE  (B, L, D)

Transfer by coach from Thessaloniki to the harbour of Ouranoupolis. Here we board the boat for a cruise across the gulf to the Holy Mountain (the third peninsula of Chalkidiki region).

Mount Athos, the independent State belonging to Greece, consists of 20 Monasteries the oldest being found over 1000 years ago with monks from many countries, keeps its traditional monastic life and houses a variety of unique and distinguished treasures. Each monastery survives priceless treasures and sacred relics ranging from icons, manuscripts, frescoes, mosaics, silk and woven fabrics, created for the glory of God. Mountain scenery and still waters create the essential framework for isolation in the different world chosen by the hermits for their monastic state.

We stop at Ouranoupolis for about 2 hrs to have lunch and then we return to our coach for the transfer back to Thessaloniki.

Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY
3

THESSALONIKI – PELLA – VERIA – VERGINA – KALAMBAKA (B, L, D)

Commence your expedition with a drive by air-conditioned motor coach to Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the second capital of ancient Macedonia.

For 250 years Pella was the cultural center of the Greek world. As the seat of the royal family, Pella experienced its greatest prosperity during the reign of Alexander the Great. Thanks to archaeological excavations, public buildings and luxurious private homes with intricate marble-floor mosaics have been uncovered. Also unearthed were a plethora of delicate clay figurines and vases.

View these and other treasures before continuing to the city of Veria. Here, a three-course lunch will be served at a local restaurant overlooking the immense Aliakmon Valley.

Continue to visit the Royal Tombs of Vergina (Land of Alexander the Great). The tour includes visit of the newly completed exhibition bearing the founds of all 3 Tombs, one of them famous as the Tomb of King Philip the II, Father of Alexander the Great. Make your way inside the subterranean structure, accompanied by your guide and feast your eyes on some of the most important objects, which once belonged to Philip II – the King’s shield adorned with ivory and gold the King’s gold- trimmed iron breast plate, Gold Diadems of unparalleled craftsmanship, the Golden Wreath of oak leaves, the gold plated collar and the Silver Burial Ums. Listen carefully, as your guide explains how inside the tomb of King Philip, a Golden Chest was discovered, containing the King’s bones, washed with wine and wrapped in purple cloth.

Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

DAY
4

METEORA – DELPHI (B, L, D)

One of the most remarkable sites in Greece: a group of monasteries perched atop pinnacles of rock up to 600 meters high.  A rare geological phenomenon, a quirk of nature as it were, created these looming rocks which trust skywards from the plain of Thessaly, as if striving to come closer to God. These peculiarly impressive natural sculptures are known as Meteora because they do indeed seem to hang or hover (meteoro in Greek) above the plain.

Once we arrive to the monasteries you will admire the brickwork of the Byzantine workmanship. The Churches house the spectacular frescoes, ivory carving, manuscripts and the fine work of art previously supported by the Emperos at the time. It is included in the tour the visit of two monasteries, Grand Meteora or Varlaam Monasteries as well as the Monastery of Agios Stefanos (Nuns).

Depart for Delphi. Dinner and overnight in Delphi or Itea.

DAY
5

DELPHI – OLYMPIA (B, L, D)

Spend your day enjoying the ancient site of Delphi, one of the most important archaeological treasures, also listed as a UNESCO world Heritage site.  Visit the Temple of Apollo, the Castilla Springs and much more. Head inside the Delphi museum and encounter numerous artifacts and relics that date back to 15th century BC.

Drive past the beautiful town of Itea on the way to Antirio. Cross the Rio-Antirion bridge and continue on to Olympia for dinner and overnight.

DAY
6

OLYMPIA – CORINTH (B, L, D)

After breakfast, set off with your guide and visit the impressive archaeological site of Anceint Olympia, the birth place of the Olympic Games. Marvel at the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the altar of the Olympic flame, the Stadium and the archaeological Museum.

Continue to Corinth via Central Peloponesse. Overnight stay in Corinth

DAY
7

CORINTH – EPIDAURUS – NAFPLION – MYCENAE – CORINTH (B, L, D)

Start our day visitng the Corinth canal (short stop). Continue to Epidaurus and visit the majestic Ancient theatre, world famous for its outstanding acoustics. Proceed to the beautiful seaport town of Nafplion (short stop) and through the plain of Argos arrive to Myceane. Visit the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Learn about the classical Greek culture as you walk through this impressive archaeological site.

Drive back to Corinth. Diner and overnight

DAY
8

ATHENS (B, L, D)

Athens, the cradle of European civilization. For twenty-five centuries, the panorama of this city is dominated by the rock of the Acropolis. Our fascinating tour begins at the foot of the rock, following the uphill path leading to the magnificent Acropolis. Visit the principal buildings of the Propylea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Parthenon Temple. We continue with a panoramic tour of this Ancient city where you will visit more extraordinary sights including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. Continuing to Syntagma Square, we view the Royal Palace, originally built for Otto I of Bavaria, which is now the present-day Parliament building. In front of the Palace stands the Monument of the Unknown Soldier where two soldiers (Evzoni) stand guard continuously.  Our final visit takes us to view the glorious Panathenaikon Stadium (from outside), which stands on the site of the Ancient marble Stadium.

Dinner and overnight in Athens

DAY
9

ATHENS  – AIRPORT
Depart for your return flight from Athens International ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ Airport (ATH).