Pre tour - Sept 22
Informal plans for those arriving earlier
There will be a number who will plan to arrive early and have a few days in Athens.
You need to make your own way to Thessaloniki for September 22 (midday).
You need to make your own way to Thessaloniki for September 22 (midday).
Sept 22 - Monday (Thessaloniki)
Arrive in Thessaloniki under your own arrangements
Sprawling along the edge of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is a seaside showcase of Greek history from ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins to the modern high-rises lining its beaches.
1.00pm (TBC) Meet Guide in Hotel Lobby for walking city tour of Thessaloniki visiting Viatades, Monaste, visitry, the Rotonda, St. Demetrius Basilica, the white tower the house of Silas and the Jewish Quarter.
1.00pm (TBC) Meet Guide in Hotel Lobby for walking city tour of Thessaloniki visiting Viatades, Monaste, visitry, the Rotonda, St. Demetrius Basilica, the white tower the house of Silas and the Jewish Quarter.
Sept 23 - Tuesday (Thessaloniki)
Philippi, Kavala
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Visit (Bus - 1.5hrs) the ancient city of Philippi; one of the most fascinating archaeological sites one can visit. Once conquered by Macedonian King Phillip II, Alexander the Great's father, who gave the city his name, later became one of the most important Roman cities of the area.
This is where Paul, came to preach creating the first European ecclesia. The city flourished because of that and the ruins of huge christian temples can be found to this day, some of them still standing! In the nearby baptistery of Lydia we will visit the place where the first European woman, Lydia, was baptised and where adult baptisms still take place to this day. No visit to the area would be considered full without enjoying a beautiful walk around the nearby city of Kavala, one of the most beautiful cities of northern Greece. |
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Sept 24 - Wednesday (Thessaloniki)
Veria (Berea) and Vergina
Visit (Bus) Veria (Berea) and also Vergina the royal tomb of King Philippus 2 (world heritage site not to me missed).
Veria, also known in the past as Berea houses an ancient Jewish settlement where the Apostle Paul, after leaving Thessalonica, and his companion Silas preached to the Jewish and Greek communities of the city.
Veria was the second most significant town, after Aigai, during the blooming ancient Macedonian years. The city is built on the foothills of Mt. Vermion and crossed by the River Tripotamo.
From the 11th to the 14th century it was the third most important city of the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople (Istanbul) and Thessaloniki. The impressively large number of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches gave the city the nickname “Little Jerusalem”. Today, 48 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches are preserved in the city centre. Vergina is located on the site of ancient Aigai, capital of ancient Macedonia. Aigai is the first capital of Macedonians and the core of their ancient Kingdom, the place where the family of Philip II and Alexander the Great reigned for over three centuries. It is the legendary, spiritual and political cradle that spread the Greek civilization to the whole world.
On our return to Thessaloniki, we will complete our city tour.
Veria, also known in the past as Berea houses an ancient Jewish settlement where the Apostle Paul, after leaving Thessalonica, and his companion Silas preached to the Jewish and Greek communities of the city.
Veria was the second most significant town, after Aigai, during the blooming ancient Macedonian years. The city is built on the foothills of Mt. Vermion and crossed by the River Tripotamo.
From the 11th to the 14th century it was the third most important city of the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople (Istanbul) and Thessaloniki. The impressively large number of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches gave the city the nickname “Little Jerusalem”. Today, 48 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches are preserved in the city centre. Vergina is located on the site of ancient Aigai, capital of ancient Macedonia. Aigai is the first capital of Macedonians and the core of their ancient Kingdom, the place where the family of Philip II and Alexander the Great reigned for over three centuries. It is the legendary, spiritual and political cradle that spread the Greek civilization to the whole world.
On our return to Thessaloniki, we will complete our city tour.
Sept 25 - Thursday (Thessaloniki)
Mount Athos
Full day to Mount Athos including a short cruise around the mount.
Mount Athos has been inhabited since ancient times and is known for its long Christian presence and historical monastic traditions, which date back to at least 800 AD during the Byzantine era. Because of its long history of religious importance, the well-preserved agrarian architecture within the monasteries, and the preservation of the flora and fauna around the mountain, the monastic community of Mount Athos was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.
Mount Athos has been inhabited since ancient times and is known for its long Christian presence and historical monastic traditions, which date back to at least 800 AD during the Byzantine era. Because of its long history of religious importance, the well-preserved agrarian architecture within the monasteries, and the preservation of the flora and fauna around the mountain, the monastic community of Mount Athos was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.
Sept 26 - Friday (Kalambaka)
Meteora
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Visit the extraordinary monasteries.
Pronounced [meˈteora]) is a rock formation, hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos The six (of an original twenty-four) monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the twenty-four monasteries were established atop the rocks. Meteora is located in between the town of Kalabaka and the village of Kastraki at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains. Meteora was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 because of the outstanding architecture and beauty of the complex, in addition to its religious and artistic significance. |
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Sept 27 - Saturday (Delphi)
Mt Metamorphosis, Delphi
Travel to Mt. Metamorphosis then to Delphi including the wonderful Museum.
Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a blend of history, mythology, and stunning landscapes. Known as the “navel of the world,” it features the Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, and a museum with artifacts. Its scenic location on Mount Parnassus adds to its allure.
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Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a blend of history, mythology, and stunning landscapes. Known as the “navel of the world,” it features the Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, and a museum with artifacts. Its scenic location on Mount Parnassus adds to its allure.
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Sept 28 - Sunday (Nafpilo)
Corinth, Nafpilo
Drive to ancient Korinthos, Corinth, visit the famous Corinthian canal, then onto to Nafplio, tour of the Palamidi fortress.
Corinth, a city rich in history and culture, offers visitors a chance to explore ancient ruins like the Temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth fortress. See what remains of the city in which were “much people”.
The Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering, connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas.
Corinth, a city rich in history and culture, offers visitors a chance to explore ancient ruins like the Temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth fortress. See what remains of the city in which were “much people”.
The Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering, connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas.
Sept 29 - Monday (Athens)
Nafpilo, Mycene, Athens
Drive from Nafplio to Epidaurus, Mycene, then to Athens.
Sept 30 - Tuesday (Athens)
Athens, city
City tour of Athens, Acropolis, Mars Hill, Parthenon
Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Highlights include the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, showcasing ancient Greek architecture. The Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum house invaluable artifacts. Stroll through the historic Plaka district with its charming streets and tavernas. Enjoy the bustling Monastiraki Flea Market for unique finds.
Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Highlights include the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, showcasing ancient Greek architecture. The Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum house invaluable artifacts. Stroll through the historic Plaka district with its charming streets and tavernas. Enjoy the bustling Monastiraki Flea Market for unique finds.
Oct 1 - Wednesday (Athens)
Athens
Free day in Athens.
Oct 2 - Thursday (Heraklion, Crete)
Heraklion, Crete
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Fly from Athens to Crete.
Tour of Heraklion including a visit to the Knossos palace. Heraklion, the capital city of Crete Island is very modern, though you can also get a feel for everyday island life by strolling along its waterfront and miles of sandy beaches. Most of Heraklion's museums and major monuments are easily accessible on foot, as many streets around the city centre are pedestrianised and free from traffic. One of Heraklion's most important landmarks is the Koules Fortress at the Venetian harbour. |
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Oct 3 - Friday (Heraklion, Crete)
The Island of Crete
Full day tour in Crete, Krasi Village Olive Mill farm, old big tree Kera Monasterie, Lassithy Platau and the old windmills, Psychro Village, Dikteon Cave (Zeus Cave ), Psicho Village, Zarmiado Village.
Oct 4 - Saturday (Heraklion, Crete)
Fair Havens / Matala Beach tour and Heraklion beach
Tour to Fair Havens and Matala Beach, with its high cliffs and vibrant harbour, Matala has been a mainstay among Crete's beaches. Matala Beach is a mix of soft sand and pebbles, with a few large rocks hidden under the water. Waves can be common thanks to prevailing westerly winds in the summertime. Also, keep your eyes peeled for locals diving into the Libyan Sea from the cliffs to the north.
Oct 5 - Sunday (Onward travel)
Home or further plans ...
The shared trip ends on the morning of Oct 5 in Crete.
