NORTHERN GREECE FROM ATHENS

Early in the morning, at the time indicated, we will pick you up from your hotel or closest meeting point, to begin our trip to Northern Greece.

Past Thebes, towards Mount Parnassus and the village of Arachova, the landscape turns from arid to majestic and lush. Under two gigantic cliffs named Phaedriades, and on top of an impressive plateau, the famous Delphi oracle was established here to honor Apollo, the god of harmony, music, and guardian of the sacred laws of Zeus. For the ancient Greeks, Delphi was the center of the world, the navel of the Earth.

From the very beginning, the oracle exerted immense influence owing to the prophecies of Pythia, the high priestess of Apollo. These prophecies would affect the decisions of individuals, groups of people and the fortunes of whole cities and city-states. It is said that Apollo would speak in an incomprehensible language, understood and interpreted by the priestess.

Finally, we will leave the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the native home of Delphi and head towards the plains of Thessaly, where the city of Kalambaka is located.

Arrival in Kalambaka, dinner and accommodation.

Greca Tip: During the short stop at Arachova look for the traditional woven carpets (flocati rugs), woodwork, dry wines, honey and the local cheese as a going-away gift.

Early in the morning, you will visit Meteora, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1988.  Meteora is a place where the natural beauty of the area is combined with the history of the eternal monasteries, suspended or 'meteora' on top of the huge rocks.

The first monastery "The Great Meteoron" was built by Athanasius after being expelled from Mount Athos, fleeing from his persecutors. Currently, there are only six monasteries still in use, five for male and one for the female monastic community.

Departing from Kalambaka, you will head further north, driving through the fertile plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi.  You will have the opportunity to admire the imposing mass of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the twelve Gods of Greek Mythology.

Your journey will go on to the region of Macedonia in northern Greece and the city of Thessaloniki, the second largest and most important center of the area. Here you will dine and rest.

Greca Tip: Visit Kalambaka's old picturesque district and buy religious icons, hand-made wood-carved objects and local home-made pies.

This day is set aside for becoming acquainted with and exploring this big city. Thessaloniki, literally meaning the victory of Thessalians, is a city with a glorious past and the cultural and economic center of the region of Macedonia for centuries. During the Byzantine era it was the "co-reigning" city, second in population and prestige after Constantinople.

We will have the opportunity to visit a number of its unique monuments, such as the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, and the Rotonda.

We will also visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture, awarded the Council of Europe's Museum Prize for the year 2005. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy the lively center of the city.

Greca Tip: Discover the city's traditional markets, amazing Ottoman monuments, and neighborhoods, particularly the old city (Ano Polis) with spectacular views of the city.

In the morning, after a good breakfast, you will start a journey in Macedonia.

The first stop will be at the picturesque city of Edessa, where you will have the chance to see its famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then you will proceed to Naoussa, a place of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle's School, the place where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics' to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth.

You will go on to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to visit the splendid Museum, created in the Great Tumba covering the royal tombs of Macedonian royalty. There you will see the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, which is considered among the greatest discoveries of the 20th century.

Only a few miles away there is Veria (Biblical Beroea). Amongst the highlights of the city are Saint Paul's Bema, the old Jewish neighborhood, and the colorful market area. You will have free time to walk and explore the city where the past is still alive and in harmony with the present.

Finally, you will return to Thessaloniki, have dinner and rest.

Greca Tip: Look for Veria's traditional sweet Revani, which is made with semolina, yogurt, and syrup.

Today you will visit Pella, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia and Alexander the Great.

Here, you will have the chance to marvel at the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century BC. villas, and the exhibits of the new Museum. Then, you will visit the Archaeological Park of Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of Mount Olympus.

Continuing your journey, you will move further south through Thessaly, Lamia, and Thermopylae, where we will pay homage to Leonidas' Monument, the legendary king of Sparta who fell in the famous battle against the Persians in 480 BC.

Our arrival in Athens will be late in the afternoon. Check-in at your hotel and rest.

Greca Tip: The area is famous for its delicious fruit so you can store up on jam preserves and other sweets.