Charming 5 Days North Greece Private Tour

In this 5 days private tour you will have the chance to explore Macedonia, the Land of Philip the second, and his son Alexander the Great. You will experience a remarkable journey through 7.000 years through Greek History and enjoy parts of the Countryside you will always remember.

Itinerary of the five days private tour

Athens, Arachova, Delphi, Kalambaka-Meteora, Thessaloniki, Edessa, Naousa, Pella, Vergina, Veria, Dion,  Athens

Highlights of the Charming 5 Days North Greece Private Tour

• An interesting road trip from Central to Macedonia and North Greece
• Sites of immense archaeological interest, such as Delphi
• Visit the important Byzantine hubs, such as Meteora and Thessaloniki second in population and prestige only to Constantinople.
• Experience famous cities of Macedonia with great history such us Edessa, Naousa, Pella, Vergina, Dion, etc
• Enjoy the gorgeous landscape of Macedonia and North Greece
• Admire Mount Olympus and the legendary Thermopylae of the 300 Spartan

Description of the 5 days tour to Macedonia North Greece

Day 1: Athens, Arachova, Delphi, Kalambaka-Meteora

Your driver will travel you through the villages of Thebes & Levadia towards Arachova, a small picturesque village and one of the most famous and popular winter destinations in Greece. Arachova is built on the south slopes of Mt Parnassus. Also, Arachova is famous for its bright multi-colored carpets and several local products including fresh pasta, cheese, and sweets.

After Arachova, the tour continues to Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Our private tour includes a visit to the Delphi Museum where you can see among others the archaeological treasures of the ancient oracle, the unique bronze Charioteer, and the sacred way to the Athenian treasury.

After our visit to the archaeological site and the museum of Delphi, we will enjoy a tasteful lunch in Delphi (optional). We will continue our private tour driving through the towns of Central Greece (Amphissa, Lamia, Trikala). We will drive through the Thessaly plain (birthplace of Achilles the great warrior), the granary of Greece, and at last to reach Kalambaka late in the afternoon, where we will spend the night.

Day 2: Kalambaka-Meteora, Thessaloniki

On the second day of the private tour, you will have the chance to visit the renowned Monasteries of Meteora, which are located on the top of the Meteora Rocks, as if hanging from them.

The complex of these Byzantine Monasteries is the second most important in Europe, after Athos in Northern Greece. Today Meteora is protected by UNESCO, and it is definitely one of the highlights of the tour.

After the visit to the Meteora Monasteries, you will travel towards

Depart from Kalambaka, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology. Arrive at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. Overnight.

 

Day 3: Thessaloniki, the capital of north Greece

Visit the city of Thessaloniki that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. Enjoy unique monuments and feel the glorious Byzantine past in some of the oldest and most characteristic churches of the Christian world. Visit the famous Museum of Byzantine Culture, awarded with the Council of Europe’s Museum Prize for the year 2005. Rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy time in the lively center of the city. Overnight.

Day 4: Thessaloniki, Edessa, Naoussa, Vergina

Today you will have the chance for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. We will drive from Thessaloniki to picturesque Edessa where we’ll see the town’s famous Waterfalls which is Edessas landmark.

Our next stop after Edessa is Naoussa, a site of exceptional beauty and importance. Here is Aristotle’s School, the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics’ to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Also, Naousa is one of the most important wine-producing areas in Greece. Here is the Xinomavro grape variety cultivated and along with the Agiorgitiko variety (Nemea), are considered to be the most glorious red Greek varieties. Xinomavro is extremely valuable for the winery of Northern Greece. It has intense color, high acidity, and rich aroma. The characteristics of the wines that give the xinomavro improve over time, so they can age. Xinomavro of Naoussa was the only wine which after the transatlantic trip to America would arrive unspoiled. Other wines would turn into vinegar.

After Naousa drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to experience the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander’s father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. Just a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea). Here you can visit Saint Paul’s Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colorful market area. A walk in a city where the past is present and around. After our short visit to Veria, we’ll return to Thessaloniki. Overnight.

5th Day: Thessaloniki, Pella, Dion, Thermopylae, Athens

Visit today in the capital of Macedonia Pella, the palace of Alexander the Great. Admire the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new Museum. Drive next to Dion. Visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of mountain Olympos). After our visit, we’ll start driving south and through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas’ Monument), and Thebes, arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.

Important notes

Tour Type

• Shore Excursion - Private tour
• Activity level: Moderate

Included in the tour

• Car and Driver
• A professional English-speaking driver or escort with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have a licensed state tour guide to escort you inside the sites and museums, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
• Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
• Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
• Pick-up from and return to your hotel
• Pick-up from the Port of Piraeus
• Private tour, Road tolls and local taxes
• Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.

Excluded from the tour

• Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
• Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
• Olive oil tasting fee (olive oil tasting tours)
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and beverage
• Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the difference between a STATE LICENSED TOUR GUIDE and a TOUR DRIVER GUIDE in Greece!

Additional info

• Dress: religious and marmoreal sites: shoulders and knee must be covered
• Terms & Conditions and Frequent Questions
• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
• A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
• This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of the tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.

Persons with Disabilities

• Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
• In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Restrictions:

• Please note that on this tour, your tour driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb. If you want this service you may book a licensed by-state tour guide for an extra cost.
• In case a group is followed by a licensed tour guide or an English speaking tour-escort the professional driver is not obliged to speak English!

Opening hours & Admission fees

• Opening Hours:Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
• Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
• Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
• Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.

Free admission days

• March 6: In memory of deceased Minister of Tourism & visionary Melina Mercouri
• June 5: Environment international day
• April 18 : International monuments day
• May 18: International museums day
• September 27: International tourism day
• The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
• National Holidays
• Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March
• The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August, and September
• NOTE: If the first Sunday is a holiday then the second is the free admission day

Holidays in Greece

• January 1: closed
• January 6: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Shrove Monday: 08:30AM - 03:00 PM
• March 25: closed
• Good Friday: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
• Holy Saturday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Easter Sunday: closed
• Easter Monday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• May 1: closed
• Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• 15 August 15: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• October 28: 08:30 AM- 03:00 PM
• December 25 & 26: closed