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Greece
NORTHERN GREECE: MONASTERIES, PEAKS AND ANCIENT KINGDOMS
Monasteries crowning dizzying rock pillars, ancient kingdoms whispering secrets, high meadows carpeted with flowers. Macedonia, for explorers seeking solitude.
≈ 8
Days
803
Km
7
Stops
Begin in Thessaloniki, then climb toward Meteora and its perched monasteries. Cross Vergina and its royal tombs, hike to Litochoro at Olympus's foot, then explore Almopia and its forgotten valleys. Northern Greece blends spirituality, untouched nature and timeless gentleness.
- Meteora: monasteries atop rock pillars
- Vergina: royal tombs ancient power
- Litochoro: mountain sanctuary holy slopes
- Thessaloniki: cosmopolitan harbor gateway
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Jour 1: Marvel at the iconic White Tower, Thessaloniki's most recognizable landmark rising 34 meters on the stunning waterfront promenade. This cylindrical Ottoman fortification, once known as the 'Tower of Blood' for its dark history as a prison, now houses a fascinating museum chronicling the city's rich heritage from antiquity to modern times. Climb to the top for panoramic views stretching across the Thermaic Gulf and the city skyline.
2
Jour 1: Stand in awe before the Arch of Galerius, a magnificent triumphal arch built in 303 AD to celebrate Emperor Galerius's victory over the Persians. The marble reliefs depicting battle scenes and symbols of Roman power remain remarkably preserved after 1,700 years. This monumental gateway once connected to a vast imperial palace complex along the ancient Via Egnatia.
3
Jour 1: Enter the Rotunda of Agios Georgios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and possibly one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, built around 306 AD. Originally intended as Emperor Galerius's mausoleum, this massive domed structure features early Byzantine mosaics of exceptional beauty. The 6-meter thick walls have withstood earthquakes for seventeen centuries, preserving this architectural marvel.
4
Jour 1: Explore the Roman Forum and Agora, the ancient heart of Thessaloniki's social and political life unearthed only in the 1960s. The remarkably preserved Odeion theater, built around 200 AD, once hosted poetry recitals and musical performances for the aristocracy. Walk among the remains of Roman baths and marketplaces that reveal daily life in this thriving ancient city.
+6 Places visited
Activities
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Jour 1: Stroll along Thessaloniki's magnificent seaside promenade stretching from the White Tower to the port, where locals gather for evening walks and coffee. Pause at The Umbrellas, George Zongolopoulos's iconic 1997 sculpture of stainless steel umbrellas suspended 13 meters high, a symbol of modern Thessaloniki. This waterfront boulevard offers perfect sunset views over the Thermaic Gulf with Mount Olympus visible on clear days.
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Jour 1: Photograph the imposing bronze statue of Alexander the Great astride his legendary warhorse Bucephalus in the Garden of Alexander. This 6-meter masterpiece by sculptor Evangelos Moustakas commemorates the Macedonian king born in nearby Pella who conquered an empire spanning three continents. The dramatic pose captures the warrior spirit of history's most celebrated military commander.
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Jour 2: Immerse yourself in Greek history at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, housing treasures spanning from prehistory to late antiquity. Marvel at the Aravissos Hoard of gold artifacts from 4500 BC, Macedonian royal jewelry, and a striking statue of Emperor Augustus. The eight permanent exhibitions illuminate the remarkable civilizations that flourished in Macedonia over millennia.
+3 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
73 km
Travel time:
1h27
2
Day
4 photos
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1
Experience the extraordinary biodiversity of Kerkini Lake, one of Europe's most important wetland ecosystems and a birdwatcher's paradise. Over 300 species of birds including flamingos, pelicans, herons, and eagles make their home in this protected reserve near the Bulgarian border. The dramatic mountain backdrop and the sight of water buffalo wading through shallow waters create scenes of remarkable natural beauty.
Activities
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Take a boat excursion through the flooded forests and wetlands of Kerkini to observe wildlife at close range. Expert guides lead visitors through this remarkable ecosystem where submerged trees create surreal landscapes and thousands of birds congregate in vast colonies. The lake's status as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance ensures protection for species that have vanished from much of Europe.
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Photograph the legendary water buffalo of Kerkini, herds that have grazed these wetlands for centuries and become a symbol of the region. These magnificent animals, once essential for agricultural work, now roam freely as a protected population contributing to the ecosystem's health. Sunset excursions offer opportunities to capture these gentle giants silhouetted against the reflective waters and mountain backdrop.
3
Day
5 photos
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1
Marvel at the spectacular waterfalls of Edessa, the ancient capital of Macedonia where waters cascade dramatically through the heart of the city. The largest waterfall plunges 70 meters into a verdant ravine, accessible via atmospheric pathways behind the thundering curtain of water. This unique urban waterfall setting has made Edessa one of northern Greece's most picturesque towns.
2
Wander through Edessa's charming old quarter where traditional stone houses and Byzantine churches recall the city's role as Macedonia's first capital. The archaeological museum displays artifacts from this historically significant region that shaped Greek civilization. Riverside cafés offer perfect vantage points to appreciate the natural beauty that has attracted visitors for millennia.
Activities
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Soak in the therapeutic waters of Pozar Thermal Springs, naturally heated pools nestled in a forested gorge of exceptional beauty. These mineral-rich hot springs have drawn visitors seeking their healing properties since ancient times, with water temperatures reaching 37°C year-round. The combination of steaming pools surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs creates a truly rejuvenating experience.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
3h
4
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Step into ancient history at the Archaeological Site of Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great and capital of the Macedonian kingdom. This was where Aristotle tutored the young prince who would conquer an empire stretching from Greece to India. Remarkable floor mosaics depicting hunting scenes and mythological figures reveal the sophistication of Macedonian art at its zenith.
2
Explore the Pella Archaeological Museum housing extraordinary finds from the ancient capital, including exquisite mosaics, royal artifacts, and everyday objects. The collections illuminate life in the kingdom that produced history's most legendary conqueror and his father Philip II. Standing where Alexander walked before embarking on his world-changing campaigns creates an unforgettable connection to antiquity.
Activities
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Descend into the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tombs of Aigai at Vergina, the ancient Macedonian capital where Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, lies buried. The underground museum preserves the magnificent intact tomb with its stunning frescoes, golden larnax containing Philip's remains, and priceless royal treasures. This extraordinary archaeological discovery ranks among the most important of the 20th century.
Next stop
Distance:
80 km
Travel time:
1h15
5
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Witness the otherworldly spectacle of Meteora, where Byzantine monasteries perch impossibly atop towering sandstone pillars rising 400 meters above the Thessalian plain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents one of the most dramatic examples of monastic architecture in the world, with six active monasteries still inhabited by monks and nuns. The name Meteora means 'suspended in air,' perfectly describing these gravity-defying sanctuaries.
2
Explore the Great Meteoron, the largest and oldest of the Meteora monasteries founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios. The monastery's church contains magnificent Byzantine frescoes and a remarkable collection of religious artifacts accumulated over seven centuries. The climb up ancient stone steps carved into the rock rewards visitors with profound spiritual atmosphere and breathtaking panoramas.
3
Visit the Monastery of Varlaam, the second-largest Meteora monastery accessible via a precarious bridge spanning a dizzying chasm. The 16th-century katholikon features extraordinary frescoes by the renowned Frangos Kastellanos depicting scenes of martyrdom and salvation. The original net and windlass used to haul supplies and visitors up the sheer cliff face remains on display.
Activities
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Photograph the Meteora rock formations from multiple viewpoints that reveal the full majesty of this geological wonder. These massive stone pillars, formed by prehistoric seas and shaped by millions of years of erosion, create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. Sunset transforms the rocks into glowing monuments of gold and amber, a spectacle that has inspired artists and pilgrims for centuries.
Next stop
Distance:
160 km
Travel time:
2h30
6
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Stand in the shadow of Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the ancient Greek gods rising 2,918 meters as Greece's highest peak. This mythical mountain where Zeus and the Olympian deities held court dominates the landscape of Pieria with its snow-capped summit visible from Thessaloniki on clear days. Olympus National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protects pristine forests and rare alpine flora surrounding the sacred mountain.
2
Explore the Archaeological Site of Dion, the sacred sanctuary of the ancient Macedonians dedicated to Zeus at the foot of Mount Olympus. Philip II and Alexander the Great celebrated their military victories at this sacred site where the Greeks believed the gods descended to earth. Remarkably preserved temples, theaters, and Roman baths reveal the religious importance of this pilgrimage destination.
3
Wander through the enchanting village of Palaios Panteleimonas, a hidden gem perched 700 meters on the slopes of Mount Olympus. This 18th-century settlement of traditional stone houses draped in flowers offers spectacular views across the Aegean to the snowy peaks above. Time seems suspended in the cobbled lanes where local tavernas serve traditional cuisine on terraces overlooking the sea.
Activities
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Cool off in the crystal-clear pools of Orlias Waterfalls, a paradise of 25 cascading waterfalls hidden in a forested canyon near Dion. Natural swimming pools formed beneath each waterfall offer refreshing respite during warm months, surrounded by lush vegetation. The easy hiking trail through this verdant canyon reveals waterfall after waterfall in an increasingly magical setting.
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Explore the Byzantine Castle of Platamonas, a crusader fortress dramatically positioned on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. Built between 1204 and 1222 to guard the entrance to the Temple Valley, this impressive stronghold features distinctively medieval European architecture rare in Greece. The imposing donjon and well-preserved walls command sweeping views over the coastline and toward Mount Olympus.
Next stop
Distance:
140 km
Travel time:
2h
7
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover the Kassandra Peninsula, the westernmost finger of Halkidiki renowned for its stunning white sand beaches and turquoise Aegean waters. This popular resort area offers some of the finest swimming and sunbathing in northern Greece, with beaches ranging from lively resort strips to secluded coves. The warm, crystal-clear waters and gentle coastline make Kassandra ideal for water sports and family beach holidays.
2
Explore the picturesque village of Afitos, a traditional settlement perched on cliffs overlooking the sea with panoramic views across the Toroneos Gulf. Charming stone houses, artisan workshops, and tavernas line cobbled streets that have preserved their authentic Macedonian character. The village's elevated position provides spectacular sunset vistas over the Aegean that draw visitors from across Halkidiki.
Activities
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Swim in the pristine waters of Halkidiki's beaches, consistently ranked among the cleanest and most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The three peninsulas jutting into the Aegean like Poseidon's trident offer hundreds of kilometers of coastline, from organized beaches with water sports to hidden coves accessible only by boat. The region's clear, warm waters and pine-fringed shores create a quintessential Greek summer experience.
Next stop
Distance:
170 km
Travel time:
2h30
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, ideal temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, optimal conditions.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for islands, vibrant nightlife, festival season.
Fall (September-October): Warm seas, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent weather, good value, harvest season, ideal photography.
Winter (November-March): Mild weather, lowest prices, minimal crowds, rainy season, ski season mountains, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Greece?
Ancient civilization birthplace with stunning islands, incredible history, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Experience mythology sites, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Greece provides historical significance with island paradise and cultural authenticity in Mediterranean setting.