14 activitati in Thessaloniki, GREECE

Explore the very best of Thessaloniki on this unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour. With unlimited access for 24 hours, you'll see all of this beautiful Greek destination’s key points of interest. The bus tour includes a multilingual audio tour commentary, ensuring there is an educational element to your journey, and providing fascinating insights into this historic city’s intriguing past. Hop off at any point to become fully immersed in the local way of life, discovering the culture, cuisine, ancient architecture, natural wonders and more. Enjoy fabulous panoramic views from the open-top deck, as you see the Archaeological Museum, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, Ano Poli, Lefkos Pyrgos and the Port of Thessaloniki. The double-decker bus tour is the most convenient and enjoyable way to see everything Thessaloniki has to offer.

We discover the unknown spots of the greek cuisine in the city of Thessaloniki. We learn the history of the local markets and the well-known traditional taverns. At the same time we experience a variety of gastronomic treasures during our walk accompanied by a professional of the greek cuisine. We start our tour from 12 Tsimiski Street enjoying a traditional greek coffee and we get ready to explore the city center of Thessaloniki with all of our senses. As we walk we learn about the daily life in the city and details regarding the habits of the locals while treating ourselves with traditional viands in the «hidden» spots of the local markets. The history of the greek flavors is revealed in every step of our tour, ideal either for those who already know a lot about the greek cuisine or for those who want to experience new flavors! At the end of our tour, we will take advice about the well-known taverns and the numerous hangouts of the locals in order to delve into the entertainment in the city! It’s a unique opportunity to feel the city vibes and «spice up» your stay, getting to know all these special gastronomic secrets. Our experienced escort will also recommend you the best places for fresh veggies, various types of homemade cheese, freshly-roasted coffee and a lot of other delicious local products. The gastronomy walking tour is a family-friendly experience!

Early pick up from central locations in Thessaloniki and transportation by bus to Ormos Panagias, situated in N-E of the Sithonia peninsula in Chalkidiki. From there we will go on with our journey, sailing towards the south of the Athos Peninsula, until we reach the south limit, where the highest point is 2.033 m. and continue sailling north, along the western coast. You will have the opportunity to admire from the cruise ship, the mysterious and miraculous place which has been for centuries the center of Orthodoxy and you will find out new information about the history of Mount Athos and 8 of its monasteries. The 'Holy Mountain', which is forbidden to women and children, is also a recognized artistic site. The layout of the monasteries had an influence as far as Russia, and its school of painting influenced the history of Orthodox art. Mount Athos is an Unesco heritage list. After the end of approximately 4 hours cruise you will stop in the village of Ouranoupoli. Enjoy your free time in order to discover this beautiful village, have a walk, to shop or to have a delicious traditional meal at one of the best taverns there. Taking the way back to Ormos Panagias, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful program with traditional dances and Greek music. The cruise will finish in Ormos Panagias, where the bus will be waiting for you to drive back to the hotels. Return to Thessaloniki late in the afternoon. Languages Audioguide in English

We depart to Pozar thermal springs with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist and the distance is 110km and lasts approximately 1½ hours. One explanation regarding the meaning of the name “Pozar” is “after the charcoal” while another one is “under the fire”, which forms an evidence that in the past the village was located in a different place that was burnt or set on fire and the villagers gave the name “Pozar” to their new village. We reach the enchanting Pozar hot springs, the spa into nature. The healing water infiltrates the ground and after going quite deep is heated up and goes back to the surface enriched with minerals and trace elements. Admire the beautiful gorge located in the majestic mountain where the river “Toplitsa” (in slavic language is defined as “the hot river”) flows through it forming small cascades and shallow shores. Nowadays is mostly known as the river of Saint Nicolas. Enjoy the free time in Pozar in order to feel the qualities of the healing water relaxing in the natural pools of the hot springs. Combine it with a coffee break in the organized area. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear and a towel/bathrobe! Later on, we have a stop for a lunch break in a picturesque village next to Pozar where we can taste greek traditional flavors. There we have also the chance to spoil ourselves with traditional viands of local producers (honey, spoon sweets etc.) from the local market in the main square of the village. We continue our trip to Edessa. The name Edessa means “a tower into the water” because of the intense presence of the liquid element in the city since the antiquity. We have free time to admire the impetuous waterfalls and capture the enchanting scenery; where the park of the cascades meets the edge of the rock, also known as the “eyebrow” of the city, is located, according to the famous greek author Menelaos Lountemis, “the step where God steps on to go up the sky”. The water comes from the springs of the mountain Kaimaktsalan (Voras) supplied constantly by the snowmelt of the mountain.

We depart to Kerkini Lake with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist ( the distance is 98km and lasts approximately 1½ hour). We reach the dam of the picturesque Kerkini Lake in the area of Lithotopos. Each season of the year the lake hosts different species of birds, therefore every visit hides a different surprise for the traveler. The beautiful flamingos though, can be found there all year round and their characteristic pink plumage colors the blue surface of the lake giving enchanting views combined with the verdant surrounding landscape. The horse riding area is located next to the dam where we can enjoy a ride (not included, optional and upon notification) and feel part of this wonderful natural scenery. Later on, we have a coffee break and then continue our trip to the east part of the lake, visiting a traditional farm with impressive buffalos that walk next to us; observing their movements in their natural environment and learning their unique history. We visit also the historic village of Vironia, to enjoy our lunch break in a traditional greek tavern that during the end of the 2nd Balkan War (in summer of 1993) was used as a Greek Military Command Center. There, King Constantine and the prime-minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos, signed a peace covenant making history and doubling the size of the country. We depart to Thessaloniki enjoying the way back through the perimeter road of the west side of the lake. Leaving behind the enchanting scenery we will experience not only a part, but the whole Lake Kerkini in total!

The cultural heritage of the ancient city of Dion is combined with the incomparable beauty of the foothills of the mythical Mount Olympus. 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! Feel the enchanting aura walking through Enipeas Gorge! We depart to Dion with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist and the distance is 90km and lasts approximately 1 hour. We reach Dion and we visit the archaeological site, walking back in history and admiring 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. Next we visit the modern museum with many 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. Later on we head to Olympus, the mountain of the 12 Gods and we enjoy a 20΄ trekking through the Gorge of river Enipeas, above the village of Litochoro. According to the mythology, Enipeas was the most beautiful among the river gods. The path is magical; let the glory of nature, the running waters, the picturesque wooden bridges, the green banks and the small canyons charm you. We have the chance to admire the view of this “divine area” which was chosen carefully by the 12 Olympian Gods as their residence. More specifically, it is said that the residence of the Olympian Gods were the canyons of the mountain, the “mount folds” as they are described by Homer, where their glorious palaces were also located. Our day trip ends in the picturesque village of Litochoto 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. Don’t miss the chance to visit the second highest mountain in Balkans and the most mythical of all times!

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. The excursion travels you to the ancient greek, byzantine and modern history bringing back in light the lost prestige of Aigai, the first city of the Macedonians. Discover the museum of Aigai; a World Heritage site of UNESCO, against the natural beauty of the area and the view of the Macedonian plain that travels our eye till the end of the horizon. Highlghts Museum ad Archaeological site of Pella Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina museum) We depart to Pella with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist and the distance is 50km and lasts approximately 45΄. We reach Pella, which in the antiquity used to be a port, where we visit the new, modern museum as well as the archaeological site with the unique mosaics. In the archaeological site we can admire the ancient market of the city, the mosaic of the “Abduction of Helen” and the “Amazonomachy” (the battle of Amazons). In the museum, there are exposed objects and artifacts from the daily life of the people; characteristic signs of the lifestyle in the antiquity. Next, we reach Vergina where we visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, situated in the borders of the village. 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 Macedonia. The Sun of Vergina (or Star of Vergina), which is characteristic symbol of the Argead Dynasty (of the King Phillip II and Alexander the Great) 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. Admire 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. Later, we enjoy our lunch break in a restaurant with greek traditional flavours. We depart to Thessaloniki at around 15:30 and we are back after an hour (around 16:30), making the same stops where we started from.

A unique and unforgettable experience during your stay in Thessaloniki will be a visit to the Meteora Monasteries. Meteora is a geological miracle, which one must see for himself in order to believe. These hilltop cloisters are among the most important complexes in Eastern Orthodoxy and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Depart early in the morning from Thessaloniki and travel through a landscape of green valleys dotted with dramatic grey cliffs to reach Meteora. Arriving at the beautiful town of Kalambaka, you will visit the famous Meteora, geological formations unique in their kind, on which the Monasteries are perched; they were built in the 14th century and they are rich in precious testimonies of Byzantine art. Visit two of these fabulous monasteries, built high upon the steep rocks. Each monastery owns a vast richness of frescoes and icons. Afterwards, you will make your lunch break in Kalambaka town where you will have also the chance to explore the region’s modern-day culture. Retrace the route back to Thessaloniki, where you will arrive late in the afternoon.

Humongous rocks, monasteries «hanging in the sky» and beautiful paths compose an enchanting scenery that everyone must see. This almost “unearthly state” with monasteries that clambered on the edge of impressive steep mountainous masses, challenge you to discover the majesty of nature. The earth meets the sky, the human intervention the divine element and the traveler finds the emotional serenity and spiritual well being which arises eternally from the atmosphere. Every year, millions of visitors from all over the world visit Meteora in order to admire this unique phenomenon. Since 1988, Meteora is part of the World Heritage sites of UNESCO. Don’t miss this absolute experience! Highlights: Two out of six Holy Monasteries of Meteora Kastraki, in Kalampaka area (lunch-break against the magnificent view of Meteora) We depart to Meteora with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist and the distance is 230km and lasts approximately 3 hours. During our way, we have a 20΄ stop for rest and coffee. We reach Meteora at around 12:30 this fascinating complex of huge steep rocks of pennant, arising close to the first elevations of the longest sierra in Greece, Pindos (the “spine” of Greece). We visit two of the six operating Holy Monasteries depending on the schedule of each one. (every Monday we visit the monasteries of Varlaam and Rousanou, every Wednesday and Sunday the monasteries of Saint Stefanos and Varlaam and every Friday the monasteries of Rousanou and Saint Stefanos). The women’s monastery of Saint Stefanos with the impressive wood-carved iconostasis and the magnificent view of the city of Kalampaka, the river Lithaios and the plain, the monastery of the Holy Trinity at the steepest rock of Meteora, through stairs cut through the stone, the women’s monastery of Rousanou with the extraordinary wall paintings of the small church, and the verdant path leading to it, the Varlaam monastery with the valuable surviving frescoes of the painter of icons Frangos Katelanos and, among others, the thirteen-ton wooden barrel, the monastery of the Transfiguration (Metamorphosis) of Christ, which is the largest monastery of Meteora, the monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas, with the frescoes of the famous painter of icons Theophanes the Cretan, which has a balcony that is a stone’s throw away from the huge rocks. The monasteries are built οn the peak of the huge rocks, and form the second most important complex of monasteries after Mt. Athos. In the past, there were twenty four monasteries but today only the six of them operate properly. In 1988, Meteora joined the list of the World Heritage sites of UNESCO. For your convenience, the bus stops in front of the entrance of the Holy Monasteries. During our visits to the monasteries we make a short stop to admire the stunning panoramic view of the Holy Monasteries from up high and capture the mystique of the landscape. The wild unapproachable area with the sandstones of more than 65 millions years old is majestic and at the same time unearthly and divine as until today their origin cannot be explained. Next, we enjoy our greek traditional lunch break in Kastraki, at Kalampaka area, against the view of the astonishing Meteora. We depart to Thessaloniki at around 15:30 and we have a last stop for 20΄ for coffee and rest. We are back at about 19:00, making the same stops where we started from.

Grab the chance to enjoy a delightful cruise in the crystal clear waters of the famous Halkidiki peninsula. Marvel at stunning seaside vistas, swim in azure waters, sunbathe and snorkel to your heart's content. Explore the small picturesque villages that dot the peninsula and stroll their streets. Finally, explore a charming uninhabited island, called by the locals “the turtle Island”, that will certainly enchant you! Toroneos Gulf, Afitos The perfect day for sunbath, swimming or enjoying the fabulous view and the marvelous atmosphere. Neos Marmaras Village of Sithonia Neos Marmaras, where you will have enough time for coffee or shopping. Kelyfos, Neos Marmaras The perfect place for swimming and snorkeling, where you can jump into the water straight from the boat.

Live a unique experience with the summer breeze that travels you while being on board to Mount Athos. 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. The cruise continues to the beautiful island of Ammouliani, which is the unique inhabited island in Chalkidiki; very popular for the crystal-blue water of the sea and the white sand beaches, all of them awarded with the blue flag. Highlights: Ouranoupoli Cruise to Mt. Athos Every Tuesday: Ammouliani island Every Thursday: Alykes Beach (in Ammouliani island) Every Saturday: Ierissos Beach Bring your swimwear! Swimming in the crystal-blue sea is included! Participation in the Mount Athos cruise is also open to women! We depart to Ouranoupoli with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist and the distance is 140km and lasts approximately 2 ½ hours. We reach Ouranoupoli at around 11:00a.m, in front of the Byzantine Tower of Prosforion; a trademark of the city, and we board the ship for the enchanting cruise around Mount Athos. Mt. Athos is an independent monastic state with a history of more than 1.100 years old and nowadays consists of 20 monasteries where among there is one Russian, one Serbian and one Bulgarian. It’s an absolute experience that you can’t miss! 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 Osios (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 2.000meters above sea level. Please find below the details of the schedule for each day. Later we visit: Every Tuesday*: The small island of Ammouliani, where we have free time to enjoy our swim in the emerald sea and to taste the traditional lunch. Ammouliani is a verdant island, with a picturesque port, traditional alleys, with the typical architecture of Mt. Athos dispersed around the island and serene waters that amaze every traveler. Every Thursday*: The Alykes Beach in the island of Ammouliani, where we have free time to enjoy our swim in the emerald sea and our lunch in a picturesque tavern right on the coast, in front of the sea. Alykes is the most popular beach in Ammouliani and you can’t miss the chance to swim into its turquoise crystal-clear water. Every Saturday**: The neighboring town of Ierissos, where we have free time to enjoy our swim in the crystal-clear sea in one of the most beautiful beaches in Chalkidiki, our coffee on the sun beds of the endless sandy beach, or our lunch at one of the traditional seafood taverns by the beach. *Every Tuesday and Thursday the cruise is realized by a glass bottom ship that gives us the opportunity to see the endless seabed. The cruise reaches the port of Daphne, situated in the middle part of the third “finger” of Chalkidiki, so that we have the chance to see half of the Monasteries mentioned above. Later the cruise continues to the wonderful island of Ammouliani.

The program begins with a transfer by bus from your hotel to Pefkochori or N. Marmaras. A leisurely day, cruising the blue waters of Toroneos Gulf and the coastline of the Sithonia and Kassandra peninsulas. The perfect day for sunbathing, swimming or enjoying the fabulous view and the marvellous atmosphere. During the cruise, we stop on a beautiful beach to relax and swim. We will continue then with lunch on the boat. Our next stop will be in a tourist village from Sithonia or Kassandra peninsula, where you will have enough time for coffee or shopping. And finally, our last stop will be at Kelifos Island, the perfect place for swimming and snorkelling, where you can jump into the water straight from the boat. This island is called by the locals “the turtle Island”. The cruise offers you unique moments and relaxation, often accompanied by seagulls and dolphins and listening to the charming Greek music (bouzouki). Languages ​​​​​​​English

A city that served as a bridge for commerce between Europe and Asia Minor, Thessaloniki is a treasure trove of historic landmarks that bear witness to its eventful past. According to legend, even the Apostle Paul came here to preach, leaving the seeds to what would become one of the first Christian capitals of Europe. Highlights - Learn about Foundation in 315 BC Hellenistic Era Roman Empire and its importance as a trade center between Europe and Asia One of the first Christian centers of the world Byzantine Empire (second largest city after Constantinople Crusades and the Kingdom of Thessalonica Ottoman Empire 19th Century modernization The first Balkan War and Thessaloniki’s liberation Post-WWII boom We will take you through the ages on this walking tour, where you will learn about the distant Greek and Macedonian past to the times of the Ottoman Empire and present-day Greece, with views of the city’s famous world heritage sites. Itinerary - Points of interest Aristotelous Square Greek Agora and Roman Forum Church of Saint Demetrius Alatza Imaret Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos Atatürk Museum Rotunda of Galerius Arch of Galerius Palace of Galerius Tsimiski Street

Departing at 8am, pass by the unique landscape as it alternates between mountains and sea. The route crosses by the foot of the mythical Mt Olympus, where in ancient times it was believed to be the residence of the 12 Gods. Next, it leads you to Palaeofarsalos train station. Here in the greater surrounding area, lies the home of the ancient tribe of Mirmidones, a group of legendary ancient warriors who had the mythical Achilles as their leader, who played an important role in the outcome of the Trojan War. In Kalambaka you will arrive at approximately 11:30am. A guide will be there holding a sign board to welcome you and start the tour. After which, you will on-board on a luxury mini-bus drive, sit, relax and enjoy the unique landscape. From here your tour to the Meteora Monasteries will begin. You can admire the amazing christian architecture, and discover how monasteries have been influenced over time, having existed for over 700 years. Grasp the opportunity and ask the specialized guide all the questions that you may have. Take photos at imposing places and capture sublime memories in this amazing experience. After the tour ends you will be transferred to Kalabaka's city center where you will have over an hour to spend under the shadow of giant rocks either having lunch or a coffee or ehatever you want to. You will get all the necessary information on how to get to the train station, which is around 5 minutes walk from the city centre. You must be at the train station no later than 5pm in order to catch the train back to Thessaloniki.