Escorted Tours
A Snapshot of Northern Greece Tour
Often overlooked, Northern Greece is as diverse and as spectacular as the rest of the country and simply should not be missed!
This tour provides the opportunity to discover many highlights of this immense and interesting region, which offers history, unique cultural flavours and plenty of wonderful scenery.
Our journey takes us from vibrant seaside Thessaloniki and the vast hills of Halkidiki, to the magnificent landscape of Meteora where age-old monasteries teeter atop stunning rock pinnacles, and the remarkable region of Epirus, scenic, historic and, in parts, almost untouched by the hands of time.
what’s included
At A Glance
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki
Transfer to the Golden Star Hotel, Perea, for a three-night stay. Perea is situated just 17kms from Thessaloniki and is situated next to the sea. The hotel, which has a restaurant and bar, sits right on the sea front promenade, making it very easy to go out and enjoy the local seaside tavernas. Evening at leisure.
Day 2: A Glimpse of Thessaloniki
A day isn’t really enough to experience all that Thessaloniki has to offer, but it’s enough to get a feel of this vibrant city.
We start with a visit to the ‘top’ of Thessaloniki, where the old castle walls are found along with wonderful views that stretch down across the city and over the sea to Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest mountain, which can be glimpsed on a clear day. We will visit two historic highlights of the city, the Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius, to get a taste of the city’s historic past, and take a leisurely walk on the bustling seafront promenade, which is a highlight of Thessaloniki, enjoyed by both visitors and locals alike.
There will be free time for you to explore a little around Aristotelus Square, the central buzzy square of Thessaloniki, have a relaxed lunch and perhaps a little shopping before returning to our hotel. Dinner included this evening at a local taverna by the sea.
Day 3: The Blues and Greens of Halkidiki
Halkidiki is a huge region known both for its glorious beaches and its immense agriculture, which is renowned for several first class products; wine, olives, first class honey, cheese, ouzo and Tsipouro (the local fire water).
Our day is designed to discover just a little of this exceptionally scenic region including a visit to a vineyard that produces many things, but not a drop of wine! Evening at leisure.
Day 4: The Glories of Ancient Aigai, Vergina
Today we head towards our next destination, Meteora, visiting en route the historic site of Ancient Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedon, where we find the excellent Royal Tombs Museum, which showcases the incredible riches found in a tomb that is believed to have belonged to Philip II. This spectacular museum has been cleverly created inside the Tumulus where the tomb was discovered.
The remains of the great Palace of Aigai, which only opened to the public in 2024 after 16 years of ongoing restoration, are another highlight of this extensive site. The Palace is an optional visit during our visit to Aigai as it does involve a 900-metre uphill walk.
After our visit concludes, we continue on to the Kastraki Hotel where we get our first views of the stunning rocks of Meteora. Evening at leisure
Day 5: The Impressive Rocks and Monasteries of Meteora
It is not just the monasteries that are a highlight at Meteora but also the astonishing landscape, which is believed to have been formed more than 60 million years ago when the seabed moved downwards, leaving exposed towering rock pillars.
Hermits first settled in caves on these rocks in the 9th century, building simple hermitages, and then, from the 11th-century onwards, they began to build monasteries atop the pinnacles of these incredible rocks. Meteora, loosely translated, means ‘suspended in the air’ and when you see the monasteries teetering upon the pinnacles, you understand immediately the significance of the name.
Check-in to the Anemolia Hotel, Ioannina. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 6: Historic Ioannina
Our day is spent discovering the lakeside city of Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, which saw its zenith under the Albanian tyrant, Ali Pasha, who features in many famous stories of the region.
The lake that Ioannina sits alongside, Lake Pamvotis, hosts a tiny inhabited island, where Ali Pasha met his dramatic end at the hands of the sultan. Today it’s a popular place to visit both for its historic past but also for the pleasant trip by boat that takes no more than 10 minutes.
After our visit, there will be free time for lunch and perhaps a little shopping. Evening at leisure.
Day 7: Timeless Zagoriahoria
When visiting Ioannina, one should never fail to ‘dip a toe’ in to the unique scenic region of Zagoriahoria. It is a timeless place filled with what can only be described as ‘fairy-tale’ villages! Forty-six of them dot the region, each built in a traditional style using local stone from the towering Pindos mountains.
The only connection between these villages until the 1950’s were stone built arched bridges, which were essential for crossing the fast-flowing rivers; many of these bridges still stand today, providing a wonderfully picturesque remnant of the past. We will visit a village or two, marvel at the bridges, enjoy the sensational tranquil scenery, and finish with lunch in a lovely taverna. Evening at leisure.
Day 8: Depart Ioannina for Corfu Airport
Return flight to London Gatwick.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“The Royal Tombs museum of Aigai was fantastic. I wouldn’t have changed anything!”
Trevor Cackett, June 2025
“We loved the city tours of Thessaloniki and Loannina. The tour of the Pindus Mountains was also a favourite. We would love to explore even more locations in Northern Greece”
Celia and Deane Clark, June 2025
“This was a very interesting and tour, and it was run extremely well! Our favourite part was visiting the Royal Tombs of Ancient Aigai, as well as the Zagoriahoria area”
Mr and Mrs B, June 2025
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Excellent quality hotels are used for this tour, each offering a high standard of service and comfort.
Golden Star Hotel, Perea
Situated just 17 kilometres from Thessaloniki and only a 10-minute drive from the airport, the four-star Golden Star Hotel provides a relaxed place to stay for the start of our tour. Set on the sea front in the small seaside resort of Perea, ensures ease of access to local tavernas, shops and the seaside promenade. The comfortable rooms all have balconies with either mountain or sea view, air conditioning/heating. The hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar.
Hotel Website
Hotel Kastraki, Meteora
The three-star Hotel Kastraki is located at the foot of Meteora rocks in the village of Kastraki, just 2 km from Kalambaka town. The hotel has 27 comfortable and elegant rooms tastefully decorated with earthy tones and dark-coloured wooden furnishings. The public areas include a spacious lounge, TV room and cafeteria. Free wi-fi is available in all areas. A small section of taverna’s are located close by.
Hotel Website
Anemolia Hotel, Ioannina
This comfortable four-star boutique-style hotel, overlooking the lake, is located approximately three kilometres from Ioannina’s city centre. Set in landscaped gardens, facilities include a bar, spa with sauna, hot tub and various treatments (at extra cost) as well as very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing.
If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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