Thessaloniki - “Sun & History”

A few words about the destination… is easy to fall in love with – it has beauty, history and culture, a remarkable cuisine and wonderful, vast sea views. This is ’s second city with streets remain full of life and vibrancy. Skiathos, an island of radiant blues and greens, Skiathos shares its gifts generously with everyone who visits – from the vibrant main town to the legendary beaches that celebrate everything magical about the Aegean.

Useful information…

Best Time to visit: The entire year Language: Greek, English Currency: Euro (EUR) / (1 EUR) (86 INR) Time Difference: Greece is 2 hours and 30 mins behind from India from April to October and 3 hours and 30 mins behind India from November to March.

Excursion schedule…

Day 1 Arrive – Thessaloniki – Hotel – Thessaloniki by night (optional) On arrival at Thessaloniki International Airport you will be transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (optional)Get to experience the city when the day goes and lights turn on with this Thessaloniki night tour! Picking you up just before dusk, on this Thessaloniki photography tour you will have the opportunity to see the sunset across the Thermaikos Gulf and to explore the best of the city

Highlights

 Take a romantic walk along the promenade in the twilight  Watch the sunset from across the Thermaikos Gulf  Explore the best of Thessaloniki in comfort with our driver  Admire the most famous landmark the White Tower at night  Wander through the hotspot of nightlife: the Ladadika Area

Day 2 Thessaloniki – City Tour Today we discover the Byzantine aspect of Thessaloniki and learn about the and history of the «co-reigning» capital during the in a tour full of images, aromas and flavors of tradition. We start our tour at the Upper Town (Ano Poli).

Highlights

 Visit the Old Monastery of Vlatadon. The unique Byzantine Monastery that remains in operation in Thessaloniki and offers a wonderful panoramic view of “The Bride of Thermaikos Gulf”.  Discover the church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos, a particular graphic church with exceptional mural paintings of the 14th century. The church is located at a beautiful spot surrounded by structures of distinct architecture that denote the city’s rich history.  Admire the glorious Rotunda, one of the most ancient and most impressive monuments of the city. According to the latest consensus it was erected in 300a.C by Galerius and forms one of the most significant monuments of Thessaloniki, known for its exceptional mosaics as they are among the most ancient in the Middle-East.  Visit the church of St. Sofia, the «Big Church», as it used to be the metropolitan church of the city with the famous mural painting on its dome of the 9th century and the Early-Christian chapiters of the 5th century. Saint Sofia, as well as all the previous monuments we visit, are part of the World Heritage sites of UNESCO.

Free time to drink your coffee in the countless cafes of the city, to walk by the sea and to taste the rich gastronomy of the city. In the evening we suggest you have fun at “Ladadika” district, a beautiful walkable area which is one of the favorite destinations for both local and tourist visitors and the city’s college community. Ladadika is one of the hot spots of Thessaloniki when it comes to entertainment. It is located in a central area right opposite to the port’s central gate and within a five-minute walk from Aristotle’s Square. The colorful buildings are two-story with wide, rectangular windows and, along with the paved alleys, they exhale the spirit of old Thessaloniki. Here the old merges with the new.

Day 3 Meteora – – - Thessaloniki 80klm x 2 Breakfast at our hotel and we start our tour in capital of ancient . We reach Vergina where we visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, situated in the borders of the village.

Highlights

 Admire the characteristic Golden Larnax (funerary casket), an urn with the cremated remains of Phillip II is marked with a 16-rayed sun, the symbol of . The Sun of Vergina (or Star of Vergina), which is characteristic symbol of the Argead Dynasty (of the King Phillip II and ) was found together with the excavations that brought back to light his father’s Royal Tomb. 4 of the sun rays represent of the 4 classical elements and the other 12 sun rays represent the 12 Olympian Gods.  Observe the golden oak wreath that Phillip II had during his funeral pyre, military armors, various grave goods, the other tombs that were brought back to light and a small sanctuary, the Heroon.

Next stop Pella. Get to know the imperial capital, the ancient city where Alexander the Great was born and raised and where the great philosopher and tutor Aristoteles was invited to educate him. The archaeological treasures of the glorious Macedonian Kingdom of Alexander the Great and his father Phillip II, as detailed by Herodotus, invite you to a unique roadtrip to history. Return to Thessaloniki and free time to enjoy the city.

Day 4 Thessaloniki – Dion – Mount Olympos 110klm x 2 Breakfast at our hotel and we start an excursion to the mythical mountain of the 12 Gods of Olympus, the history and the culture! The cultural heritage of the ancient city of Dion is combined with the incomparable beauty of the foothills of the mythical . The residence of the 12 Gods couldn’t be something less than majestic, with the charming nature and its unique biodiversity, forms the first national park in Greece. Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, interwoven with the greek mythology, is a challenging invitation to discover its greatness and capture amazing photos!

Highlights

 Feel the enchanting aura walking through Enipeas Gorge!  Discover the archaeological site of Dion, walk back in history and admire the various findings around the ancient park. The unique statues, the mosaics and the various artifacts that were brought to light are left in their original place and that so, we pass through the same paths as the ancient Greeks used to do.  Don’t miss the chance to visit the ancient theater with the perfect acoustic balance since antiquity. Until nowadays many ancient tragedies are revitalized by modern actors and various festivals every year.  Visit the modern museum and view the statues and findings of the ancient city with more characteristic the Hydravlis (an ancient wind instrument) and the unique mosaic that represents the “Villa of Dionysos” lying in the building next to it.

Next stop in the picturesque village of Litochoro where we enjoy our lunch in a beautiful traditional restaurant. Litochoro is located right on the foothills of Olympus and forms the main starting point for the various trekking paths of the mountain that reach until Mytikas, the highest top of Olympus. Return to Thessaloniki and free time to enjoy the city.

Day 5 Thessaloniki – Cruise to 140klm x 2 Day trip to the heart of the Orthodox monastic life which beats for more than 10 centuries. Live a unique experience with the summer breeze that travels you while being on board to Mount Athos.

Highlights

 During the cruise, you can admire eight of the twenty Holy Monasteries of Mt. Athos, situated in the west coast of the peninsula of Athos, in Sithonia bay.  During the cruise through the west coast of Mt. Athos, we have the chance to see from a short distance and in turn, the ports (tarsanades) of the Holy Monasteries of Hilandar and Konstamonitou, the colorful Monastery of Docheiariou, the nearby Monastery of Xenophontos, the renovated Holy Monastery of Saint Panteleimon’s – the Russian monastery – the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou, the main harbor of Mount Athos called Daphne, the impressive Holy Monastery of Simonos Petras (or Simonopetra) and the Holy Monasteries of Hosios (Saint) Grigorios, Dionysios and Agios (Saint) Pavlos (Saint Paul’s), scattered along the verdant western coastline of the Mount Athos peninsula.  Lastly, we can see the skete of Agia Anna (Saint Anne’s skete), just below the imposing Mount Athos, which stands magnificent at 2.000m above sea level.

Return to Thessaloniki and free time to enjoy the city.

Day 6 Thessaloniki – Amfipoli – Filippi - 185klm x 2 Breakfast at our hotel and we start for a complex trip which gives you the opportunity to follow into St. Paul’s footsteps, which will introduce to you the Ancient town of Filippi and the modern city of Kavala. But firstly we will visit Amfipoli and see the famous Lion of Amfipolis! Then we set off for the Ancient town of Filippi, a settlement founded by Alexander the Great’s father.

Highlights

 Admire the basilica, the theatre and the Roman forum.  Discover the cell where Apostle Paul was imprisoned but also the Octagon Church-the first Christian church of Europe.

Subsequently we will arrive in Kavala, the amphitheatric town, where we will have a couple of free hours to go shopping, go on a walk or for a visit to the old fortress, the aqueduct or to see Muhammad Ali's house. Return to Thessaloniki and free time to enjoy the city.

Day 7 Thessaloniki – Jewish Tours - La madre de Israel (optional) Breakfast at our hotel and we start a gain deeper insight into the long and varied history of Thessaloniki on our Jewish Thessaloniki tour. Known as the “ of the ”, Thessaloniki has been the center of Greek Jewish scholarship and community since ancient times. A Thessaloniki Jewish tour with our profoundly knowledgeable and experienced guides lets you experience Thessaloniki’s rich Jewish heritage from the inside.

Highlights

 Explore Thessaloniki’s highlights of general interest, as well as specifically Jewish sites, ensuring a meaningful, enjoyable and memorable visit to this lively and multifaceted city. Once boasting a Jewish population of 56,000, the community was decimated by the Nazi occupation in 1941, and today only 1,200 Jews live here.  Discover Thessaloniki’s Holocaust Memorial which commemorates the tens of thousands of Jews from Thessaloniki who were murdered by Nazi violence. The core of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki remains solid, and its continuity and size throughout history is unparalleled for a city of this dimension. The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki hosts artifacts from the early days of Jewish settlement through today.

Day 8 Thessaloniki – Skiathos Transfer early in the morning to the port and departure for the beautiful island of Skiathos. The cosmopolitan vibe of Skiathos comes from the shops, cafes and bars of Hora, day and night. You’ll love the instagrammable beauty of the town’s hidden corners and red-roof-tiled houses – particularly the captain’s houses of the listed Plaka district. Losing yourself in the narrow alleyways will be a holiday highlight, as will be the warmth of the locals and the assortment of stores and interesting new restaurants, particularly along the waterfront.

Day 9 Skiathos - Standout beaches Today, after breakfast the day will be free in order explore the island You could visit Skiathos many times over and still not exhaust its riches when it comes to the beaches. There are more than 60, almost all within easy reach of the town, and many with tavernas and a whole range of activities for a full day’s fun.

Highlights

beach A landmark beach, not just in Skiathos but in Greece, because of its fine golden sand, beautiful swimming conditions, beach bars and three watersports clubs – all within a setting of eye-catching natural beauty where the greenery extends all the way to the sea. Behind the beach is a tree-lined lagoon, Lake Strofilia, attracting local and migratory birds (depending on when you visit). Take a stroll around the lagoon before settling down to all that beach perfection.

 Troulos beach There’s more to discover on the south coast so, hard as it might be, it’s time to continue your journey. Troulos is another strand of golden sand, crystalline water and a backdrop of pine trees. You’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas, but there’s also natural shade in which to sit and take it all in. Just try and resist the temptation of the aromas of chargrilled fish wafting over from the taverna!

 Vromolimnos beach Another beautiful sandy beach with a great vibe. There's a lively beach bar scene and a water sports centre here (the first to open on the island) that caters to all levels. It’s worth staying till the end of the day for the fantastic sunset.

Day 10 Skiathos Lalaria boat trip Another day, another landmark. You swap the road for the sea today as you head off on a boat trip to the internationally-recognized Lalaria beach and other spots accessible only by sea. If your trip doesn’t include food and drink, it’s worth stocking up on local products before you go.

Highlights

 Tsoungria and Arkos Heading south from Skiathos, your first stops are the islets of Arkos and Tsoungria, where you’re welcomed by yet more greenery (eucalyptus trees are prominent here) and surprise, surprise, beaches that seem to out-do each other. Tsoungria’s main beach, in a protected bay, is long and sandy, with a small church (Agios Floros) that you can visit. And if you’ve hired your own boat, Arkos (just opposite of the main town), has a fantastic small beach that’s practically overtaken by greenery, with a beach bar/restaurant and clutch of elegant umbrellas.

 Lalaria beach Here it is… Lalaria, up on the north coast and unique for its smooth, pearly-white pebbles, unbroken views across the blue- green Aegean and dramatic cliff setting. If you think you’ve been here before, it’s because it’s been used to illustrate so many international top 10 beaches magazine article. There’s no other way to get here than by boat. Unsurprisingly, the sense of escape is otherworldly.

 Kastro Just next door is another must-see. Kastro beach gets its name from the medieval castle town that once stood above the beach. If you have time, explore the remains. You can still visit two of the original 22 churches. The view of the peninsula is breathtaking.

Day 11 Skiathos - The beaches of the north Having sampled the beaches to the south, you’re in for another treat as you explore the north coast today. Your reward will be to uncover beaches that are less visited and more remote, the kind that offer wild escape and are accompanied by a simple little taverna that makes you want to stay there all afternoon.

Highlights

 Mikros & Megalos Aselinos beach Your first stop is a pair of dreamy beaches midway along the north coast. Big and Little Aselinos are located either side of the bay of the same name. Mt Kounistra, in the background, adds to the beauty as you go for a long leisurely swim or stroll between the beaches. The yellow sand and taverna are everything you could hope for.

 Agistros beach Agistros is like a little golden nugget resting within a setting of emerald green. It’s a wonderful sandy cove, with a taverna on the beach. You have to negotiate a 200m descent to the beach, where you’ll be greeted by a couple of rows of umbrellas that blend in with the setting and a sublime view of the sea that gets even better at sunset.

 Elia beach Your next stop takes you to Elia, one of the most generous expanses of sand in Skiathos (which is saying something). It’s also one of the island’s most secluded beaches. You’ll find a taverna here, serving the freshest seafood.

 Mandraki (or Xerxes) beach Your final stop is Mandraki beach, a shallow, sandy bay with blue-green water. It quickly becomes a favourite of those who discover it. Bring your own shade, drinks and snacks. You’ll le be wanting to spend the rest of the day here – worth it for the heavenly sunset. Day 12 Skiathos - Shopping in town –Thessaloniki

Whichever beach you choose, you’ll be close enough to be back in town for a final twirl around the shops. Head to Papadiamantis Street if you’re looking to take home something to remind you of your time in Skiathos – jewellery, clothes or local crafts or products, such as bottle of olive oil or jar of honey. Later transfer to the port and departure for Thessaloniki.

Day 13 Thessaloniki – Departure Today, after breakfast you will be transferred at Thessaloniki airport for your departure flight

Package inclusions:

 Accommodation in selected hotels as follows

- 8 nights in Thessaloniki - 4 nights in Skiathos

 Daily breakfast at the hotel  Transfer from and to the Thessaloniki International airports  Guided tours by luxury bus according to the schedule  Guide – group leader of our office throughout the trip (if u want to)  Official guides in archeological sites  Lunch in a Greek tavern in Litochoro

 Ferry tickets to and from Skiathos port  Tour operator insurance

Not included:

 Air tickets  Visa  tickets for archeological sites and sights  Anything mentioned at the program as optional or suggested  Tips  Any item of personal nature such as laundry, shopping, telephone bills etc.

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