Eastern Thrace Greece and (Adrianople) Edirne Turkey
Explore the Greek Influence in Eastern Thrace!
Uncover the beauty of Eastern Thrace and Edirne, rich in history and culture. Plan your adventure and experience the blend of Greek and Turkish heritage.
Eastern Thrace, often overlooked, holds a rich tapestry of history and culture. This region straddles the border between Greece and Turkey. It encompasses stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities. Edirne, known as Adrianople in ancient times, is a gem within this territory. It boasts remarkable architecture and a diverse heritage. In this blog post, we will explore the unique connections between Eastern Thrace and Edirne. Discover the stories that have shaped this fascinating area and its significance today.
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Destinations: Xanthi, Alexandroupolis, Adrianople (Edirne), Komotini, Katerini, and Thermopylae
Region: Eastern Thrace Greece, and Turkey
Accommodation: Xanthi, Alexandroupolis, Edirne, Katerini
Tour Language: English
Age Range: 1- to 99-year-old
Available: All Year Round
Departures: Daily
Itinerary of Eastern Thrace Greece and (Adrianople) Edirne Turkey
- Athens, Xanthi, Avdira, Alexandroupolis, Edirne, Redesto, Karaagac, Soufli, Komotini, Kavala, Thermopylae, Athens
- Accommodation in Xanthi and Adrianople.
- Passage and acquaintance with Alexandroupolis.
- Transfer by luxury air-conditioned vehicle.
- Breakfast and dinner daily (half board 6 breakfasts & 6 dinners).
- Free use of the pool and hammam facilities at the Margi Hotel.
- We will admire up close the Selimiye Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and a UNESCO heritage site.
- Tour the award-winning Health Museum.
- “Tasting” with the most famous specialties of Edirne: jieria (chopped fried livers) and many oriental sweets.
- Explore and walk on the beautiful beach of Raidesto.
- Visit for relaxation in the famous hammams of Edirne.
- We will see up close the magnificent Orian Express railway station in Karagats (old Orestiada).
- Interesting visit to the Silk Museum in Soufli where we will learn all about the local product.
- We will enjoy soujuk lokum and tour the atmospheric Komotini, a city where the Christian and Muslim elements coexist harmoniously.
- Stop for a walk and get to know the beautiful Kavala.
- Accommodation in the “lady of Thrace”, Xanthi.
The Historical Thrace in the Country of Greece and Turkey
An exciting journey of culture in beautiful Thrace and the opposite bank of the river Evros, in a place so close and so different at the same time.
From the modern, young Alexandroupolis, in a few hours, we will find ourselves among majestic mosques and muezzins, bazaars and markets with spices, blooming gardens, verdant squares, hammams, and oriental delicacies. An image, absolutely representative of the neighboring country, just two steps from the border. And then back again, to the most “oriental” of the Greek cities, Komotini, to sweetly erase the intense images we will have kept in mind from the neighboring country.
The carefully planned program, the result of Athens Tours Greece Travel’s vast experience in “different” travel, guarantees a dense and exciting seven days, full of authentic experiences and memories.
The Traditional Xanthi
Xanthi; The city with a thousand colors
Embark on a very early morning departure from Athens, leaving behind the city’s bustling energy and heading towards Xanthi. Known as the “city with a thousand colors” and the “Lady and Princess of Thrace,” Xanthi awaits. We’ll weave through its captivating Old Town, where time seems to stand still.
Here, grand mansions, adorned with intricate details, whisper tales of a rich past. Imagine strolling along cobblestone streets, the scent of jasmine filling the air, and the sun catching the vibrant hues of painted facades.
Witness the unique blend of Greek neoclassical, local, and Ottoman architecture, a testament to the city’s fascinating history. We’ll arrive in Xanthi late morning and settle into our hotel, ready to savor the flavors of a delicious dinner before a restful night.
A fascinating journey through history and culture, bridging the gap between Greece and Turkey.
Breakfast and we start for the beautiful Alexandroupoli which is embraced by the Thracian Sea. This Greek coastal town offers a glimpse into the beautiful Thracian Sea and its famous lighthouse, a symbol of maritime history. The Gardens Bridge: This bridge marks a unique point of connection between Greece and Turkey, bridging not only land but also two historical nations. It signifies the intricate web of history that binds these countries.
Edirne: A city steeped in history, Edirne boasts an impressive array of Ottoman architecture. From majestic mosques to bustling covered markets, the city whispers of a rich past.
Selimiye Mosque: This UNESCO-listed masterpiece, a testament to Ottoman architectural prowess, is a must-see for any visitor to Edirne. Its beauty and grandeur are sure to leave a lasting impression.
This itinerary is designed to provide a comprehensive experience of both Greek and Turkish cultures. It offers a glimpse into their distinct histories, architectures, and daily life. The tour delves into a region rich in historical significance, exploring ancient ruins, Byzantine remnants, and Ottoman grandeur. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the intricate tapestry of civilizations that have shaped this region. From the seaside charm of Alexandroupoli to the historical splendor of Edirne, this itinerary offers a diverse array of experiences. It caters to a wide range of interests, encompassing history, culture, and nature.
Overall, this itinerary offers a captivating glimpse into the history and beauty of Greece and Turkey. Dinner and overnight stay.
Andrianople (Edirne), Turkey
After breakfast, we will start by getting to know the city that houses us for the first time, and we will fall into an award-winning Health Museum. Museum is situated in 16th-century hospital buildings founded by Sultan Beyazit II for Adrianople. It displays audio-visual material for the history and exhibits of the museum, and it has approximately 40 rooms. One of the most interesting facts when visiting The Health Museum is undoubtedly reflected in its musical environment that unites Byzantine and Arabic sounds. We will drive to the old town center and we will see there some different buildings from Ottoman period / Selimiye Mosque/ old houses and a street for shopping together with covered markets.
We will head to city center to see the Selimiye Mosque, old buildings and pedestrian street with shops, and covered markets. We will drink there Turkish coffee, jieria (chopped fried livers) and many oriental sweets. After breakfast, have a look at the city and get back to the hotel in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay.
Explore Redestos, Turkey
Naidens Or Tekirdaq, as they call it. Today after breakfast we will know the other beautiful city of Eastern Thrace-coastal town of Raidesto. It was built in the 6th BC. century by Samian settlers. Despite that, for along period of centuries it prospered and it has a rich culture that reached its peak on the Byzantine times up until 1922 when was home to many Greeks until the Asia Minor Catastrophe. has a large beach ideal for long walks and delicious meatballs, for which the city is famous. Nor will we forget to experience some of the famous Raidestou raki. Then back to Edirne and hotel, free for shopping in the discount village next door or to experience the hammams which we will never forget.Dinner and overnight stay.
Discovering the Charming Town of Karaagac, Soufli, Komotini, and Xanthi!
This passage paints a vivid picture of a journey through northeastern Greece, weaving together history, culture, and natural beauty.
Historical Significance: Orestiada: The mention of the old and new Orestiada highlights the dramatic impact of the Treaty of Lausanne and the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. The story of how Greek refugees rebuilt their lives in a new location adds a layer of poignancy to the trip.
Orion Express Station: This reference hints at a bygone era of train travel, adding a touch of nostalgia and historical intrigue.
Silk Museum in Soufli: The focus on the silk industry in Soufli reveals the city’s unique cultural heritage. Visiting the museum allows visitors to delve deeper into the history and craft of silk production.
Alleyways smelling of coffee in Komotini: This imagery appeals to the senses, creating a sense of warmth and inviting atmosphere. In Komotini, its alleys smell of freshly brewed coffee. The stragali, the sweets and the famous soujuk lokum are its “trademark”, and its mosques and churches show that the Christian and Muslim elements have coexisted in this multicultural city for many years.
Embark on a captivating tour of Xanthi, exploring its iconic landmarks, charming streets, and cultural gems. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, experiencing its unique character firsthand. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Xanthi, a picturesque town renowned for its rich history and captivating architecture. Upon arrival, settle into our comfortable accommodations for a relaxing evening. Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Xanthi’s regional cuisine. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a peaceful night’s rest in this charming town.
Explore Avdira (Abdira)!
On this day immediately following our breakfast we intend to set off for Abdera, a region of southern Thrace, in Greece. This town is situated on the Thracian coastline and in the remote past it was a city-state fully integrated in the Hellenic world where the famous philosopher and polymath Democritus was born. The sight of Avdira (Abdera), at the cape of Bouloustra is divided by a survival trench into a northern or Epirus and a southern or Macedonian precincts, an ancient town (in a pragmatic sense), and its extensive cemeterial necropolis, primarily expanding towards the northwest, north and northeast, overshooting as early as Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic times.
A fifth-century Greek philosopher Democritus, who went by the name “Chosen from the People”; or in other words, “Democritus” (460-370 BC) Rightly so, considering the fact that his origin was the city of Abdera, “Democritus” was an Ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher. Today, he is mostly known for his atomic theory of the cosmos. He was a man of many interests and wrote extensively, more than 80 books dealing with topics such as poetry, music, military science, and the religious beliefs of the people of Babylonia. However, during his trips, Democritus was not nearly as impressed by Egypt and Persia. And, as a result, he wrote a great many and many types of books with various subjects.
After our visit in Avdira (Abdera) we head to Katerini a beautiful small town on the water and close to Mount Olympus. Overnight in Katerini
Katerini
Olympian Riviera stretches for miles on its side of the coast and even extends to the country’s ever snowy mountains where skiing takes place in the winter producing some of the finest wine which Greece is renowned for.
Katerini is a city in Greece situated at the foothills of Mount Olympus, near mount Pieria. It is a popular resort and recreation region that is comprised of superlative beaches as well as archeological and tourist centers.
This town is situated in the Mediterranean lowlands hence, there are no mountain terrains surrounding it. In this town mostly fruits are grown specifically cherries, tobacco, kiwi and grape. But this is not all as there are many tourists who come and there are many hotels located along the seaport of Loutraki. And finally, the town of Katerini has a rich ski center located in Elatochori where also there is a considerable number of hotels as for example in Mount Olympus with another never spacious ski center. So, one can with confidence say that Katerini, instead of an agricultural district, has a resort that operates all year round, however in summer when most people arrive.
Return to Athens
After having our breakfast, we will start our return, with a stop in beautiful Kavala, the crossroads of East and West with a rich history. Its beautiful beach is ideal for walks and coffee.
Our next stop will be at Thermopylae where the battle between 300 brave Spartans against massive Pasian army took place.
With the necessary intermediate stops, return to Athens in the evening full of beautiful images.
Thermopylae
The next stop of the tour takes place in Thermopylae, which became widely known abroad due to the movie “The 300”. Thermopylae is a place where a glorious page of Greek history was written when King Leonidas of Sparta and his 300 Spartans fought against the thousands of Persians who wished to conquer Greece. It is a site where Greeks proved their bravery and abnegation.
Resources:
Included
- Transfers/transfers by air-conditioned coach.
- Three (3) nights at Margi Hotel 5* in Adrianople, two (2) nights at Nestos Hotel 3* in Xanthi or both.
- Half board, (5 breakfasts & 5 dinners).
- Excursions and transfers as mentioned in the program.
- Experienced office leader/attendant.
- Liability insurance.
Not Included
- Entrances to museums, attractions and archaeological sites.
- Meals other than half board.
- Drinks, soft drinks at meals.
- Personal expenses.
- Accommodation tax, paid locally at the hotel.
- Anything not listed in the included.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION TAX – END OF CLIMATE CRISIS RESILIENCE
From 01/01/2024 with decision A. 1217/2023 the “Accommodation Tax” is abolished and replaced by the “Climate Crisis Resilience Fee” which should be paid by the customer directly to the hotel.
The fee is set for hotels as follows:
March – October
- 2*, €1.50 per room per night.
- 3*, €3.00 per room per night.
- 4*, €7.00 per room per night.
- 5*, €10.00 per room per night.
November – February
- 2*, €0.50 per room per night.
- 3*, €1.50 per room per night.
- 4*, €3.00 per room per night.
- 5*, €4.00 per room per night.
Important observations
- With your reservation you need to send a photocopy of your ID.
- Necessary for entering Turkey, a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry or a new type of identity card, computerized, 15 years old.
- With your reservation, please tell your travel advisor if you want a double bed or two single beds so that it can be requested from the hotel (we request it from the hotel, it is entered as a priority and given upon availability). The office bears no responsibility. You also inform us if there is any allergy or dietary habit or anything else we need to know for the best execution of the program, e.g. a mobility problem, etc. In case of any special dietary requests, e.g. lactose-free, gluten-free, etc., it is not certain that the hotel can provides it.
- Limited number of single & triple rooms, please contact your travel advisor first.
- The flow of the program may change even during your stay, if necessary.
- Entrances to caves, archaeological sites, museums, etc. are not included. Because in Greece there are special discounts according to age etc. they are paid individually locally and you should have an ID or proof with you with which you can get a discount.
