Day 1: Thessaloniki arrival – City tour (_,_D)

Arrive to Thessaloniki airport. Meet our staff at the airport, welcome. Thessaloniki guided city tour, including White tower area, market, Agia Sofia, Agios Dimitrios, Rotonda and Arch of Galerius, Kastra and city walls. Hotel check in. In the evening stroll on the promenade by the Aegean, then have your fill of traditional Greek mezze at a tavern at Ladadika with bouzouki music.

Day 2: Thessaloniki – Nestos national park – Kavala (B,_,D)

Reach Nestos with 2 hours driving from Thessaloniki. The national park covers the delta of the Nestos river, teaming with wildlife from wild boars to flamingoes. It is one of the most important biotopes in Europe. As it winds its way through the Rodopi Mountain Range the views are breathtaking and unique. Its course has helped shape wonderful land & waterscapes that include rich forests, rare wetlands and impressive geological formations. We explore the wonders of nature by getting a train from Stavroupoli to Toxotes for a scenic ride past winding rivers. After, hit the highway (towards Thessaloniki) and drive to Kavala for overnight. Walk on your own in the Old Town through ancient cobblestone streets, to old Castle and Ottoman monuments. Dinner at a local tavern at the port.

Day 3: Kavala – Athos mountain cruise – Serres (B,_,D)
After breakfast drive to Ouranoupoli. Board on boat for the enchanting cruise around Mount Athos. Mt. Athos is an independent monastic state with a history of more than 1.100 years old and nowadays consists of 20 monasteries. We’ll see eight of them in short distance from the boat. Lastly, we’ll see the skete of Agia Anna. Then we visit the small island of Ammouliani, where we have free time to enjoy swimming in the emerald sea and taste the traditional dishes. Return in the afternoon to Ouranoupoli and drive to Serres for overnight. Dinner at a local tavern to test the delicious souvlaki.
Note: If time permits, morning short drive to Phillipi to see the “baptismal” site where Lydia was baptized as the first European woman and the crypt where Paul was imprisoned during his first trip to Europe.

4th day: Kerkini lake – Vyronia – Kalambaka (B,_,D)
After breakfast drive to Kerkini lake, one of the 10 most valuable wetland habitats in Greece with about 300 species of birds and rare animals. Tour around the lake and admire the beautiful flamingos. Stop at the buffalo water land farm with the magnificent buffalos walking near you. Food here is locally sourced and delicious, especially at the Border Station taverna in Vyronia, where you can have our lunch. We circle the lake to Lythotopos and then long drive to Kalambaka – Meteora for overnight. Dinner at a local tavern.

Day 5: Meteora – Pelion – Portaria (B,_,D)
Morning short drive to Meteora. Guided visit to unique Meteora. We’ll see 2 Byzantine Monasteries (too many steps) standing between earth and the sky, atop of huge rocks and containing historical and religious treasures. The first Monastery was founded in the 14th-16th century by a monk from Mount Athos. Then driving to Centaurus mountain, Pelion, summer resort of 12 Greek ancient Gods. Overnight at Portaria. Dinner at a local tavern.

Day 6: Explore Pelion villages – Departure (B,_,_)

After breakfast a short walk at Centaurus path (1,4km). A beautiful, unique, rich and thick in trees and herbs and different plants, waterfalls, spring and a sense of magic, ideally for photos. Then drive around Centaurus mountain beautiful villages to admire the nature in its best. Stop at Volos for tsipouro which is served with local mezes (appetizers) in small plates. Some shopping and we continue to Thessaloniki for your departure to your next destination.
Note: Departure can also be from Athens airport with a short stop at Leonidas monument at Thermopile.