An Autumn Adventure In Northern Greece Tour

This ‘adventure’ takes us to the surprising landscapes and natural beauties of northern Greece during a period when the colours of autumn should be painting the trees and when most tourists have already departed, which ensures tranquility and uncrowded places. The variety of the places visits provides a fantastic glimpse into the diversity and beauty offered in this region, not only in its spectacular scenery but also in its local tastes and distinct regional culture.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki.
Transfer to Metsovo and check-in to the comfortable Kassaros Hotel, situated close to the centre of Metsovo Village, for a two-night stay. A suitable stop will be made enroute from the airport to the hotel for lunch. 

Day 2: Meteora Monasteries.
The joy of visiting Meteora is not just about these special monasteries, which are certainly magnificent in their own right, but it’s also the unusual and dramatic rock formations that provide a sensational setting for these historic monasteries to teeter on, which grab our attention. A visit here certainly provides both history as well as natures grandeur. This evening will be relaxed to spend at leisure.

Day 3: Metsovo and on to Ioannina.
Before leaving Metsovo we will visit the town’s excellent folk museum for a short guided tour, which will provide an excellent insight into how Metsovo became so prosperous, despite nearly 500 years of Ottoman occupation.  Leaving Metsovo behind we will venture into the region of Tzourmerka enjoying some spectacular views before sitting together for lunch at a local taverna.  Then it’s on to Ioannina with the evening free to relax and settle in to the friendly and very comfortable Anemolia hotel.

Day 4: Discovering Ioannina.
We spend the morning exploring Ioannina, having with us a local guide to provide us with a little of the town’s colourful history. After this is concluded, there will be free time to wander at leisure in Ioannina and have lunch before returning to our hotel.  Evening at leisure. 

Day 5: Day trip to Corfu.
We journey to the port town of Igoumenitsa and catch the ferry to Corfu where we will spend our time discovering the picturesque historic backstreets of Corfu town. We will have a short, guided tour and then you will be at leisure to enjoy the town as you wish. Return late afternoon to Ioannina, where a  tasty buffet dinner will be prepared for us at the hotel.

Day 6: The Zagoria villages. 
Our final day in the region of Epirus takes us into the wonderful and timeless region of the Zagoria villages where we will encounter spectacular scenery, timeless authentic villages and wonderful old stone bridges, a photogenic trademark of the region.  During our visit here we will enjoy a leisurely and tasty lunch at one of the local tavernas serving traditional Epirot fare.  Evening at leisure.

Day 7: Transfer and visit to Thessaloniki. 
We depart from Ioannina and transfer to Thessaloniki. On arrival there will be time to catch a glimpse of this atmospheric seaside city, with a stroll through buzzy Aristotelous Square, the heart of the city, and walk on the seaside promenade, enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. There will be free time to enjoy lunch before transferring and checking into the Golden Star Hotel, situated in seaside Perea, situated approximately 20 kms from Thessaloniki. Evening at leisure.

Day 8 Transfer to Thessaloniki 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

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki
• Two nights bed and breakfast at the Kassaros Hotel, Metsovo, four nights bed and breakfast at the Anemolia Hotel, Ioannina and one night bed and breakfast at the Golden Star Hotel, Perea,
• Two dinners and two lunches
• Transfers and full touring itinerary
• 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

Golden Star Hotel, Perea, Thessalonik, 

Situated just 17 kilometres from Thessaloniki and a short drive from the airport, the 4-star Golden Star Hotel, set on the sea front in the small seaside resort of Perea, provides a relaxed place to stay for the start of our tour. The comfortable rooms all have balconies, ensuite facilities, air conditioning/heating. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar. All local facilities, including the beach (the sea is still usually relatively warm for swimming at this time of the year), are easily accessed on foot from the hotel.

Hotel Website

Kassaros Hotel, Metsovo

The cosy Kassaros Hotel ensures a taste of Metsovo tradition and hospitality. Decorated in the traditional Metsovon style, this comfortable hotel is very well-located within very easy walking distance of Metsovos central square where you can find shops, tavernas and plenty of local atmosphere.

Hotel Website

Anemolia Resort & Spa, Ioannina 

This very comfortable four-star hotel overlooking Lake Pamvotis is located approximately 4 kms from Ioannina’s city centre. Set in landscaped gardens, facilities include a bar, spa, including sauna and hot tub, various treatments are also available (at an extra cost).  The well-appointed and tastefully decoated bedrooms include all modern amenities.

Hotel Website