ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Thessaloniki
Welcome to Thessaloniki, a bustling city exuding a zest for life with a rich cultural heritage, fabulous cuisine, and stunning scenery. From ancient archaeological sites to contemporary art exhibitions, you’ll be amazed by what’s on offer here. You will be picked up from Thessaloniki International Airport by your private driver and transferred to your luxury hotel. Spend your afternoon and evening enjoying a leisurely stroll along the scenic promenade or head up to the Eptapyrgio Castle to enjoy panoramic views over the city. Ask your Travel Advisor for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.
DAY 2
Explore Thessaloniki and its Local Delicacies
Meet your licensed English-speaking guide at the lobby of your hotel to begin your tour of Thessaloniki. Explore the rich tapestry of Greece’s 2nd largest city, a city steeped in multicultural influences and architectural marvels. Visit the Paleochristian church of Saint Demetrios, the patron saint of the city, before continuing to see the beautiful Monument of Rotunda and the famous Arch of Galerius. You will also see the iconic landmark of the city, the White Tower, and the statue of Alexander the Great. During your tour, you will also pass through Kapani Market, Thessaloniki’s oldest public market, where flavors and aromas come to life, and can taste local delicacies.
DAY 3
Discover Pella, Edessa, and Head to Naousa for Wine-Tasting
Your day begins with you heading to the archaeological site of Ancient Pella. The birthplace of Alexander the Great and the Ancient Kingdom of Macedonia, you will explore this historic site as you stroll around the vast symposium parlors and explore rooms with incredibly well-preserved mosaic floors, dating back to the 4th BC, and built by small natural pebbles, matched, and laid in portrayed scenes. From Pella, you will head to the magnificent city of Edessa, known as the “City of Water", where you will admire the breathtaking waterfall with its frothy rivers and over 47 bridges and charming little parks that all combined, create a fairytale-like feel to it. You will also have a unique wine tasting experience in Naousa at a local winery to sample the famous “Xinomavro” wine variety.
DAY 4
Transfer from Thessaloniki to Meteora with a Tour of Vergina and the Palace of Aigai along the way
Meet your driver and guide in the hotel lobby as you journey to Meteora today. En route, explore Vergina, Ancient Macedonia's first capital, and the 2,400-year-old Palace of Aigai, the largest surviving classical Greek building. Uncover the palace's history as the site where King Philip II was murdered, and a young Alexander the Great was crowned, altering history's course. Admire the palace's grandeur, with column-rimmed courtyards, worship spaces, and banquet halls adorned with marble and intricate mosaics. Learn of its significance and discover the nearby Royal Tombs of Vergina, showcasing treasures, jewelry, and the belongings of King Philip II. Later, head to Meteora, Greece's captivating region with Byzantine monasteries perched on suspended rock formations. Conclude your day with a traditional meal in Kalambaka or Kastraki. Seek recommendations from your travel advisor for further Meteora highlights.
DAY 5
The Majestic Monasteries of Meteora
Discover Meteora, a monument characterized as one of the “Treasures of the World” by UNESCO, and a breathtaking ongoing geological phenomenon, whose majestic rocks date back 60 million years ago. A visit to this vast complex of giant rock pillars with the monasteries offers one a truly unique experience, where nature’s grandeur in tandem with history and architecture has resulted in a truly surreal landscape like no other. You will visit two important and well-preserved monasteries and learn about the history of the first monks who inhabited them and see exquisite frescoes, icons, and religious treasures dating back to Byzantine times.
DAY 6
Hermit Caves Sunset Hiking Tour
Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Meteora as you embark on a one-of-a-kind sunset hiking tour to the historic Hermit Caves, which were once home to monks seeking spiritual seclusion, where an exploration of hidden treasures awaits. You will get to trek to the historic caves, through hills, and head up to the top of Agio Pnevma rock, where you will get to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the monasteries and rock formations that make Meteora so unique. You will also visit the intriguing monks' former prison and at the end, you will also head to one of the best spots to see the stunning sunset at Meteora.
DAY 7
Transfer from Meteora to Metsovo
Meet your driver and guide in the lobby of your hotel to head to Metsovo. Amphitheatrically built on the lush slopes of Pindos at a high altitude, this unique village has a diverse history, traditions, and customs and is a fantastic destination with amazing natural beauty, great hiking trails, ski slopes, and great wine. Enjoy the remainder of your day taking in the views from your hotel or exploring the traditional village. Please ask your Travel Advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while in Metsovo.
DAY 8
Wild Truffle Hunting
Enjoy a pleasant stroll in the picturesque countryside today as you set out to gather fresh truffles in the woods. After collecting your truffles, you will head to a farmhouse where you will participate in a unique cooking class and learn how to make a series of truffle-based specialties such as pasta, potato-based dishes, egg-based dishes and even a truffle scented dessert. You will then enjoy your delicious truffle-based lunch, accompanied by local wine.
DAY 9
Day at Leisure
Enjoy your day at leisure soaking in the sun by your hotel’s pool or opt to embark on an exciting off-road jeep safari tour to the impressive Valia Calda region, where you’ll see high peaks, steep slopes, unbelievable colors and experience the wilderness of Valia Calda’s landscape. Alternatively, discover the gorgeous lake of Aoos’ springs with the mountaintops of Pindos surrounding it on a e-bike tour.
DAY 10
Tour of Zagori
Explore Zagori today, a cluster of traditional villages, built among the steep slopes of the limestone mountains and the deep river canyons surrounding them. Head to the picturesque valley of west Zagori, passing by Aristi, admiring the evolving landscape in the meantime. You will have a stop at scenic Kokkori Bridge and then get to visit Ovires Rogovo, natural pools in a narrow canyon, and then the village of Mikro Papigo. You will then head to central Zagori to take in the breathtaking views of Vikos Canyon.
DAY 11
Metsovo to Corfu
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to head to Igoumenitsa Port for your ferry to Corfu. An island with a rich history seamlessly blends Venetian, English, French, and Russian influences all flourishing here and leaving their mark on the island. Meet your driver at Corfu Port to be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day either relaxing by your hotel’s pool or heading to the Old Town of Corfu. Please ask your travel advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while on the island.
DAY 12
Highlights of Corfu
Explore some of the most important sites in Corfu and learn all about its long and unique history. Accompanied by your experienced guide you will begin your tour with a drive to Kanoni, where you will have the opportunity to admire the magical Mouse Island and the Monastery of Vlacherna. You will then continue to the Palace of Mon Repos, which was once the summer residence of the ex-Greek Royal Family and whose wild-natural park is an oasis of tall trees and shrubs. Your next stop will be the Heritage Old Town of Corfu. Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a fortified Mediterranean port town of high integrity and authenticity, where you will discover all the interesting sites like the Saint Spyridon Church, protector of the island, the charming narrow alleyways of the old Venetian town, the famous Esplanade which is one of the largest squares in Europe, and the elegant Liston.
DAY 13
Day at Leisure
Today is all about relaxing and enjoying the amenities of your hotel! Alternatively, you can embark on a unique tour to discover the ancient village of Old Perithia which remains something of an enigma as it’s the oldest permanently inhabited settlement in Corfu, dating back to the 14th century. The village with its cobbled streets and ancient stone mansions is surrounded by eight churches and in the scenic countryside.
DAY 14
Exciting Jeep Safari Off-Road Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating safari for a unique off-the-beaten-path experience, uncovering the hidden treasures of Corfu. Ascend to Mount Pantokratoras, where the island's most captivating panoramic views await, providing insights into local history. Traverse rugged roads, unveiling wild vegetation, and reaching the summit for a breathtaking panorama. Your off-road journey continues along secluded mountain paths, passing through the abandoned gem of old Sinies. Capture moments and stories in quaint villages before pausing for lunch in Palaia Perithia. Indulge in local flavors, wine, and warm Greek hospitality. Conclude your day with a scenic route through villages back to the port, creating enduring memories and an adventure that lingers in your heart.
DAY 15
Corfu to Athens
After breakfast, meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel for your transfer to Corfu Airport to catch a morning flight to Athens for your departure flight.
