Authentic Metsovo
The spectacular landscape of Meteora
Historic Ioannina
Colourful Corfu
The timeless villages of Zagoria
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.
Available Departures |
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01 - November - 2024 | Limited Availability | Travel Info On Request |
Provisional Timings London Gatwick Departing: 01st November 2024 at 07:25 Returning: 08th November 2024 at 12:05 |
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
NOT INCLUDED
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 decorated bedrooms include all modern amenities.
Hotel Website
Your manager was consistently excellent. I would have liked more time in Thessaloniki & less in Ionnana The journey to Corfu for a 3 hour stay was too long., so would be happy to skip it.
Review by Spouse who travelled 03-November-2023
A lovely relaxed tour of Northern Greece. The pace of the tour allowed us to view everything without feeling rushed, and gave us the time to fully appreciate the experience. The tour manager Jane was wonderful, very knowledgeable, very friendly and very patient with us all.
Review by Morgan who travelled 03-November-2023
Tour Manager, Jane, was fantastic - very efficient, knowledgeable and cheerful. She has a light hearted way of controlling everone in the group and is meticulous on H&S. She was very kind and helpful when I was ill for a day or so.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 03-November-2023
Review by Adams who travelled 03-November-2023
A great tour, beautifully organized and run, viisting a variety of places, with expert guidance . Marvellous scenery, great buildings and good hotels. Jane was a great tour leader and made sure that, in spite of my walking frame, I was able ot enjoy a large part of the tour - and get home safely. .
Review by Goss who travelled 03-November-2023
1) Excellent driver too - perhaps include this category in future surveys? 2) One downside - mini-bus had very cramped leg-room for northern European-sized travellers. Since a lot of miles covered on the tour this was a significant issue.
Review by Tames who travelled 03-November-2023
It was our first visit to Greece and what a wonderful introduction. Only a small group made things easier and Tour Manager Jane was superb. Caring considerate, knowledgeable, amusing and efficient. She managed my wife's dietary needs (coeliac - gluten free) assiduously. The Royal Hotel was adequate, the on in Mestsova was excellent and the last one was good. It has whetted the appetite for more.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 04-November-2022
This was a very good holiday - plenty to see and great variety - it gave the opportunity to see Greece away from large numbers of tourists. Jane does a first rate job both in putting the tour together and in shepherding her group around. She works well with the local guides, hotels and restaurants we visit which enhances the experience. First rate all round.
Review by Banyard who travelled 04-November-2022
The tour was really enjoyable, even one wet day didn't spoil it. Our Tour manager was really good and alive to any modification needed to make things run smoothly in conjunction with our driver. A very interesting part of Greece.
Review by Swallow who travelled 04-November-2022