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Greece

Northern Greece: Off the Beaten Path From Macedonia to Epirus

Program No. 24848RJ
Take the path less traveled to Northern Greece, where you’ll discover the influences of the Ottoman Empire and Greek Orthodox life on a region filled with history and rich culture.
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  • The large, red-orange domed Saint Paul's church overlooks the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, from a hillside covered with green trees.
  • Two smiling men toast with white wine during a group meal on an outdoor patio in Greece.
  • Steep, tree-covered cliffs drop down to a winding river in the vast Vikos Gorge, located in the Zagori region of Greece.
  • An older man with white hair and glasses laughs while sitting with others at a bright restaurant in Greece.
  • The rock pillar monasteries of Meteora rise above a lush, green valley in Northern Greece.
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  • A red-roofed mountain refuge sits on a rocky ridge in Northern Greece as the sun rises over the dramatic peaks.
  • A group of women travelers smile while sitting together in front of a blue door in Greece.
  • The ancient stone amphitheater of Philippi in Greece sits on a hillside overlooking a valley and distant mountains under a bright blue sky.
  • Aerial view of Kavala, Greece, showcasing the Kamares Aqueduct and a fortress overlooking the coastal city's red-roofed buildings.
  • An aerial view of the White Tower on the waterfront of Thessaloniki, Greece, with the sprawling city behind it at sunset.
Art History & MuseumsSmall GroupHistory
Length
12 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,599
Flights start at
1,150
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
23 meals ( 10B, 6L, 7D )
5 expert-led lectures
16 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Check-in available from 2:00 PM.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant, enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles mostly flat surfaces; standing and walking up to total 2 hours on the Thessaloniki upper town field trip and visit the Byzantine Museum, walking and standing for more than an hour. Popular sites may be crowded at certain periods. This program is not suitable for participants using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After the morning lecture by your Group Leader, we will board our bus for the field trip of Thessaloniki. We will start with a panoramic drive along the waterfront, a brief photo stop at the White Tower then famous landmark of the city and then continue with the visit to the Byzantine Museum. This award-winning museum houses one of the richest Byzantine collections in Greece. During our guided-led field trip, we will see the most important artifacts and learn more about the history as well as life in the Byzantine Empire. We will then continue our drive towards St. Demetrius church, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is dedicated to the Patron saint of the city. We’ll visit this interesting basilica and then we’ll drive towards the Early Christian Monument of the Rotonda, also UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest monuments in Thessaloniki. We’ll admire this imposing structure which started as a pagan monument, in Byzantine times it was converted into a Christian church and during the Ottoman times into a mosque. Our walk will then continue towards the remains of Galerius Palace as well as the famous Arch of Galerius.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we will board our bus to drive towards the upper city in order to see the Byzantine walls and fortresses of Thessaloniki. The view from the upper city is superb and in a clear day we’ll be able to view the highest mountain of Greece, the Mt. Olympus). Later in the afternoon, return to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to independently explore local fare. The Study Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and standing around 2 - 3 miles and 2-3 hours on paved streets of Thessaloniki.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will start our walking discovery of Thessaloniki’s rich gastronomy! The city has been announced as Greece’s first city to join the UNESCO Network of Gastronomy due to its delicious regional cuisine with its rich culinary influences and traditions. We’ll walk through the traditional area of Ladadika, we’ll visit the city’s vibrant markets such as Kapani and explore the neighborhood around Modiano. We will have an opportunity to taste local sweets, cheeses, olives, the traditional koulouri (sesame breads), the famous bougatsa, a savory or sweet pie originating from Byzantium, while diving deep into the city's culture and history through its culinary traditions. After we visit the markets, we will walk through the attractive Athonos Square, our final stop, where the local craftsmen work and sell their trades.
Lunch:
Light market tasting lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will have free time to explore Thessaloniki on your own. Before our dinner we will have a lecture by a local expert.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the bus to the center of Kavala total driving round trip approximately 4 hours. Walking and standing total 3-4 miles around 2- 3 hours on uneven and varied terrain, several steps without handrails on the archaeological site and town.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will board our bus for our day field trip and drive to Philippi. We will cross the lush plains of eastern Macedonia and reach Philippi, the city that the ancient Greek historian Appian described as “the gate between Europe and Asia”. Founded by the Thasians (inhabitants of the island of Thasos) and rebuilt by King Philip of Macedon the father of Alexander the Great, Philippi evolved into one of the greatest cities of Macedonia. Due to its great strategic position, the city developed into a center for the exploitation of the rich gold mines of the nearby Mt. Pangaion as well as for lucrative trade. Philippi became widely known as a great Christian center after the visit of St. Paul We will visit this extensive UNESCO World Heritage site, its beautifully located theater as well as the spacious ancient Agora, where the monuments exemplify various architectural types that developed during the Roman and Early Christian period. We will then continue to the nearby village of Lydia where according to the scriptures St. Paul had baptized Lydia, a woman who is regarded as the first documented convert to Christianity in Europe. After our stop at Lydia, we will drive to Kavala for lunch.
Lunch:
Lunch at a local restaurant in Kavala.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will start our Field trip to the old town of Kavala. Walk up and stroll through the old town's cobblestone alleys. Explore the hidden gems of the old neighborhoods and the architectural monuments of the Ottoman period. On our way back to the harbor we’ll view the the emblematic arched Aqueduct. After our field trip we will drive back to our hotel in Thessaloniki and have a free evening.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the bus to Ioannina total driving approximately 3 - 4 hours. Walking and standing total 2 - 3 miles up to 2 -3 hours on uneven and varied terrain, several steps without handrails on the archaeological site and town.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning, we will check out from our hotel and we will head to Vergina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On our way, we will stop and explore the brand-New Archaeological Museum of Aigai for an introduction to the history of ancient Macedonia and the campaign of Alexander the Great to the East. We will then proceed to the extraordinary Museum of the Royal Tombs where King Philip was buried, in order to see one of the most exquisite collections of precious ancient artifacts.
Lunch:
Lunch in local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we’ll have a walk through the old town of Veria and then we’ll depart for Ioannina. We will enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful landscapes of Western Macedonia. The scenic drive will take us through some towering fir tree-covered mountains, plenty of waters and gorges of unique beauty. Late afternoon we will arrive at Ioannina, the center of the region of Epirus and check-in at our hotel.
Dinner:
At hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the bus to Zagoria mountain total driving round trip approximately 3 - 4 hours. Walking and standing total 3 miles around 2- 3 hours on uneven and varied terrain, several steps without handrails, including some downhill and uphill.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will depart for the mountainous region of Zagori in the morning. The region is a National Park, an area of protected natural beauty which has been included in the European network of “Natura 2000” protected areas. The area is famous for its mountain high peaks as well for its rare and sensitive ecosystem and beautiful gorges such as the famous Vikos gorge. We will visit beautiful villages, walk through alleys, admire the traditional stone architecture and see some of the iconic stone bridges of Epirus region. We will immerse into the traditional mountainous life in Zagoria and admire beautiful panoramic view of the Vikos Gorge.
Lunch:
Lunch in local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch and some free time, we will return to Ioannina. We will have a lecture by a local expert.
Dinner:
Dinner on your own. The Group Leader will be happy to suggest options for dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the bus for a short drives and transfers in Ioannina; total 20-30 min. Today's field trip includes short 15 min drive on the small boat to the island Nisos on the Ioannina lake. Walking and standing 3-4 miles around 2 -3 hours on varied terrain, mainly town streets, several steps without handrails.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will start our morning walking field trip of Ioannina after our breakfast. We will explore the capital of Epirus region, a cultural and intellectual center of the entire Epirus region which is located around the Lake Pamvotis. We will learn about the beautiful fortress of Ioannina which stands on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Lake. We will then stroll through the alleys of the picturesque old town, see the old mosque and visit the museum of Silversmithing. A wonderful exhibition of finely-crafted objects, such as jewelry, arms and martial gear, as well as household silverware, starting from the 18th up to the 20th century. We’ll then proceed to the Ioannina Silversmiths’ Cooperative for an expert presentation and hands-on experience. Return to the city center for free time and lunch on your own.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll take the boat to the lake’s little island called Nisaki. The island preserves a small community of inhabitants and it is well known for the little museum of Ali Pasha as well as for its old monasteries. We’ll visit the little museum and have some free time. We’ll then take the boat back to Ioannina and return to the hotel.
Dinner:
In the local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the bus for a drive to Meteora, stop in Metsovo; total driving approximately 2 hours. Walking and standing 3-4 miles around 2 -3 hours on varied terrain, mainly town streets, several steps without handrails,including some downhill and uphill.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check out from our hotel and depart for Metsovo which is one of the best-known mountain villages of the Greek mainland and the largest Aromanian (Vlach) center of the country. The village was always known for its excellent hand carved wooden items and utensils, the wool and woolen rugs, its dairy products as well as for its fine red wine! Upon arrival we will walk through the cobbled stone alleys and reach the Mansion of Tositsa. The Mansion takes you to a bygone era with its distinctive decoration and magnificent wooden ceilings while the exhibits include copper and wooden kitchen utensils, jewelry, traditional costumes, ornamental items, saddles embroidered with gold, chests, different tools, looms and woven fabrics. The exhibition also includes a rich collection of icons, dating from the 15th to the early 20th century. After the visit of the museum, we will visit the local winery for sampling the local wines.
Lunch:
Wine tasting combined with snacks consisted of a variety of Metsovo cheeses.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will have some free time to explore Metsovo on your own. The Study Leader will be happy to give you suggestions for your free time. After our free time we will depart for Kalambaka and upon arrival we will check in at our hotel.
Dinner:
At hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the bus for Meteora monasteries visit; total driving approximately 20 min. Walking and standing 3-4 miles around 2 -3 hours on varied terrain, mainly town streets, several steps without handrails,including some downhill and uphill.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning, we will start our field trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora. An on-site lecture will take place. Meteora means “suspended in the air” as the monasteries which are located on top of the rocks seem to be hanging from the air. Monasticism started here on the 11th c AD and little by little 20 monasteries were erected attracting pilgrims from all over the Christian Orthodox world. Today 6 monasteries are still functioning. We will drive around the monasteries, stop at viewpoints to admire the excellent views and we will visit two of the most important monasteries. After our visit we will drive to the town of Kalambaka for free time for lunch.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After our free time in town we’ll return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the bus for a drive back to Thessaloniki, stop in Dion; total driving approximately 3 - 4 hours. Walking and standing up to 3 miles around 2 hours on varied terrain, mainly town streets, several steps without handrails,including some downhill and uphill.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After we check out from our hotel we will depart for Thessaloniki. We will cross the extended plain of Thessaly and reach the feet of Mt. Olympus, the highest mountain of Greece home of the Olympian gods. We will continue back to the region of Macedonia until we reach the archaeological site of Dion. The sanctuary of Dion was one of the important sanctuaries of Northern Greece. Macedonians held here brilliant festivals and sacrifices to the honor of the different gods but especially to Zeus and the Muses. After the excavations, the site was converted into one of the most beautiful archaeological parks in Greece.
Lunch:
Light lunch en route under own arrangements.
Afternoon:
Arrival to Thessaloniki in the afternoon and check in to our hotel.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
In transit from program
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
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