Itinerary
- Day 1
Thessaloniki to Arnaia - Ouranoupoli - Stageira
Your driver picks you up from your Thessaloniki hotel and heads east toward Halkidiki's mountainous interior. You'll spend time walking through the traditional village of Arnaia, where narrow cobblestone streets wind past local craft shops and village life continues much as it has for generations. After that, it's down to the coastal town of Ouranoupoli where you board a scenic cruise along Mount Athos' western shore. From the water, you'll see the Byzantine monasteries perched on the peninsula's cliffs. Later in the afternoon, you head to the archaeological site of ancient Stageira, birthplace of Aristotle, to explore the ruins before dinner and an overnight stay in the Athos area.
- Start point
- Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece (Thessaloniki hotels)
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional dinner at a local taverna)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotrel in Olympiada)
Included Activities
- Visit traditional village of Arnaia with cobblestone streets and Macedonian architecture
- Browse local craft shops in Arnaia
- Scenic cruise along western coast of Mount Athos from Ouranoupoli
- Walk through archaeological site of ancient Stageira including fortification walls and public buildings
Optional Activities
- Sample traditional mountain honey in Arnaia
- Sample tsipouro (grape pomace spirit) in Arnaia
Landmarks Arnaia Mount Athos Ouranoupoli Ancient Stageira - Day 2
Amphipolis - Philippi - Kavala to Thessaloniki
In the morning, you leave the Athos area and drive inland toward Eastern Macedonia's ancient sites. The first stop is Amphipolis, where you see the iconic Lion sculpture and learn about the city's strategic importance in ancient times. From there, you continue to Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk through the Roman forum, the theater, early Christian basilicas, and the prison traditionally connected to Apostle Paul. Later, you head to the coastal city of Kavala and spend time in the colorful old town of Panagia, then check out the impressive Aqueduct of Kamares. You'll have free time for lunch and to explore the harbor area before the evening drive back to Thessaloniki.
- End point
- Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece (Thessaloniki hotels)
Included Activities
- See the Lion of Amphipolis sculpture
- Learn about Amphipolis' strategic location on the Strymon River
- Walk through the Roman forum at Philippi
- Explore early Christian basilicas at Philippi
- Visit the prison at Philippi traditionally believed to have held Apostle Paul
- Explore the old town of Panagia in Kavala
- View the Aqueduct of Kamares in Kavala
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Kavala
- Shopping in Kavala
- Seaside coffee with harbor views in Kavala
Landmarks Amphipolis Lion of Amphipolis Philippi Kavala Panagia old town Aqueduct of Kamares
