Lakes Of Northern Greece Tour

One doesn’t think of lakes when one thinks of Greece, it is always the sea, the islands and the countrys beautiful coastline, and yet Greece is home to numerous lakes that offer a completely different view of this wonderful country.  This tour will take you on a journey to uncover the joy of these hidden places exposing their exceptional nature, stunning scenery, unusual fauna and, as always, a range of tasty regional food. Birds, buffaloes, beans, bears, boats and magnificent scenery are just a little of what you can expect to discover on this tour.

Your Tour Manager Jane Freeman
Jane has spent many years involved with Greece, one way or another, originally on the island of Crete, where many of our Greek tours are based, but in more recent years, mainland Greece too. Jane enjoys finding something a little different from the usual tourist haunts that she can share with guests and, having spent some time exploring an 'off the beaten tourist track' part of Northern Greece, she came up with the inspiration for this tour. Most of the areas visited will probably not be known or even heard of by guests who have visited Greece before, which is why Jane believes they should be shared. She hopes these lovely places and their special nature will appeal to guests looking for something just a little different!

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Thessloniki and transfer to Lake Kerkini and check-in to the Villa Belles hotel for a two-night stay. 

Day 2: Exploring on and around Lake Kerkini.  
Whether you know the difference between a Grebe and a duck, a boat trip on peaceful Lake Kerkini is a must and a wonderful opportunity to spot birds in their natural habitat. Our exploring will also take us around the lake where we learn more about the buffalos, that are a very important part of local life. We shall enjoy lunch altogether at a local taverna trying some of the regional specialities and visit the lovely nunnery of Timios Prodromos that has panoramic views to Lake Kerkini. Evening at leisure.

Day 3: Kerkini to Kastoria via Ancient Aigai. 
En-route to Kastoria, set on the banks of beautiful Lake Orestiada, we take the opportunity to visit the exceptional museum of Vergina built within a remarkable recreated tumulus that contained the tombs of Philip II; the gold, and other more practical every day items, found within the tomb are exceptional. The great Palace of Aigai, which has only just re-opened to the public after 16 years of ongoing restoration, closely associated with both Philip II and Alexanda the Great, is another highlight.  On arrival in Kastoria, check in to the comfortable Limneon Spa Hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 4: Exploring Kastoria and around Lake Orestiada.  
Today we shall explore the historic and picturesque neighbourhoods of Kastoria, known as Doltso, with buildings that date back to the 17^th and 18th centuries, and enjoy a tasting of local products at one of the old mansions that is now a lovely cafe. We will have a relaxed stroll alongside the lake visiting the beautiful 11th C. Panagia Mavriotissa Monastery, with its well-preserved wall-paintings, and explore the interesting 'Cave of the Dragon'! This unique treasure of nature is located only 20 metres from the shore of the lake. Returning to the hotel mid afternoon there will be time to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel before dinner altogether in Kastoria.

Day 5: Explore Prespes. 
The lakes of Prespes, situated 850 m above sea level, share their waters with three countries, Albania, North Macedonian and Greece.  The whole area, whichever country the Lake falls in, is known as Prespes and was formalised as an international protected wetland and National Park in 1973.  It is an area of nature, culture, ancient settlements and beans! Yes beans! They say the best beans are found here because of the altitude at which they grow, which creates a healthy microclimate. We will explore the area visiting the island of Agios Achillios, littered with Byzantine remains, Psarades, a listed settlement where we take a short boat trip to see the rock paintings of abandoned hermitages, and have lunch altogether in a picturesque setting by the lake in the tiny settlement of Mikrolimni. Evening at leisure.

Day 6: Kastoria to Preveza. 
En-route to Preveza we will stop at mountainous Metsovo for coffee, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Pamvotis at Ioannina and have time for lunch in the village of Eliniko, which has a delightful and unexpected museum as well as stunning panoramic scenery.  After lunch we continue to Preveza and check-in to the comfortable Daluz Boutique Hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 7: The Ambracian Gulf. 
This peaceful body of water, a closed internal sea that is connected with the Ionian Sea through a narrow seaway, was created thousands of years ago. Fed not only by the sea but also by two freshwater rivers explains the diversity and richness of the biotopes found here. It is a paradise for birds but bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead turtles are also found here. We will explore this wetland area by boat on a half day tour, which will include lunch, searching for dolphins, turtles and other wildlife.  In the afternoon we will visit seaside Preveza before returning to our hotel. 

Day 8: Transfer to 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

• Return scheduled flights  from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki and from Preveza to London Gatwick 
• Two nights’ accommodation at the three-star Villa Belles Hotel, Kerkini, three nights at the five-star Limneon Spa Hotel, Kastoria, and two nights at the four-star Daluz Boutique Hotel, all on bed and breakfast basis and based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• One dinner and three lunches
• Three boat trips
• 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

Villa Belles, Akritochori

Overlooking Kerkini Lake, this traditional style hotel offers comfortable rooms with balcony and a tranquil countryside position.

Hotel Website 

Limneon Resort Hotel, Kastoria

This luxury spa hotel has a lovely position right on Lake Orestiaida. All rooms are Lake View rooms. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, gym, spa facilities and a swimming pool. 

Hotel Website

Daluz Boutique Hotel, Preveza

Very comfortable modern hotel with swimming pool in peaceful location close to Preveza. Rooms included are classic double, these can be upgraded to Deluxe double for a small supplement.

Hotel Website