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 to 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. 

ITINERARY

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: 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 with a visit to a charming historic village which showcases the Macedonian architecture, as well as a visit to a vineyard that produces many things, but not a drop of wine!  Dinner included this evening at a local taverna by the sea.

Day 3: A Glimpse of Thessaloniki.
A day isn’t really enough to experience all that Thessaloniki has to offer, but its enough to get a feel of this vibrant city. We start with a visit at 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 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. Evening at leisure.

Day 4: The Glories of Ancient Aigai, Vergina.
Today we head towards our next destination, Meteora, visiting enroute 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, is another highlight of the extensive site of Aigai. The Palace is an optional visit during our time to Aigai as it does involve a 900 metres uphill walk to reach it. After our visit concludes, we continue on to the Kastraki Hotel where we get out 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 C building simple hermitages and then, from the 11th C onwards they began to build monasteries atop of 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 this evening.

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 its 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 visits 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, that 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 Preveza Airport for return flight to London Gatwick. 

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 18 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki and with Easyjet from Preveza to London Gatwick 
• Three nights’ accommodation at the four-star Golden Star Hotel, Perea, one night at the three-star Kastraki Hotel, Meteora, and three nights at the four-star Anemolia Boutique Hotel, Ioannina, all on bed and breakfast basis based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Two dinners and one lunch
• Local guides at Meteora and Ioannina
• Transfers and full touring itinerary as detailed
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Single room supplement
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

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