Northern Greece with Meteora, Delphi and Thessaloniki

Northern Greece with Meteora, Delphi and Thessaloniki

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7 Days From

$1360

Northern Greece with Meteora, Delphi and Thessaloniki

7 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Kalambaka, Thessaloniki

Tour code:

251710

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1360

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Greece with our tour of Meteora, Delphi, and Thessaloniki. Begin your adventure in Athens, exploring its vibrant streets and historic sites. Travel to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and uncover the mysteries of the ancient Oracle. Marvel at the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering sandstone pillars. Discover the rich history of Thessaloniki, from its Byzantine walls to the bustling city center. Visit the archaeological wonders of Vergina, including the tomb of Philip II, and explore the serene ruins of Dion. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, providing an immersive experience in the heart of Greece.

Highlights

  • Delphi: The Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi sits at the foot of Mount Parnassos.

  • Meteora: Monks settled on top of these 'columns of the sky' in the eleventh century, building their monasteries on the peaks of these immense natural pillars.

  • Vergina: Manolis Andronikos’ discovery of the tombs of the Macedonian Kings Philip II and Alexander IV in 1977 rocked the archaeological community and the world at large.

  • Dion: Dion is one of Greece’s most spacious and serene archaeological sites.

  • Thessaloniki: Visit unique sites like the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the Byzantine Walls.

  • Pella: Best known as the historical capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and the birthplace of Alexander the Great.

  • Thermopylae: Stop to see the Leonidas Monument.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*, Hotel Fresh or similar 4*

On your arrival at Athens airport or port you will be met and transferred to your Athens hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be at your leisure for exploring this never sleeping city. You may optionally visit Syntagma Square and get into the city’s vibe. Enjoy shopping in one of the most popular streets of the city in the Kolonaki area of Ermou, and have a nice,  quiet walk at the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district) where you can also find a big number of small shops selling  souvenirs and other local artefacts.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 2 : Athens – Delphi – Kalambaka (378 Km – 9 Hrs)

Location: Kalambaka

Accommodation Name: Hotel Amalia or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the day with an energizing breakfast at the hotel. Today’s itinerary will begin with a drive through the fertile plain of the Beotia region, passing the towns of Thebes and Levadia. Continue the drive to Delphi via the picturesque mountain village of Arachova nestled at the foot of Mt. Parnassós. Arrive in the Sanctuary of Delphi and enjoy a unique visit around this UNESCO-listed World Heritage site and location of the Pythia, the high priestesses of the Temple of Apollo, otherwise known as the Oracle of Delphi. The Oracle was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world, including all major undertakings such as wars and the founding of colonies. After the tour of the Sanctuary of Delphi, depart for Kalambaka, a small town located right next to the astonishing Meteora rock formations, gigantic sandstone pillars that rise precipitously out of the plain of Thessaly. Check in to your hotel in Kalambaka and spend the rest of the day at your leisure in this stunning location.

Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 3 : Kalambaka – Meteora – Thessaloniki (240 Km – 8 Hours)

Location: Thessaloniki

Accommodation Name: Hotel Grand Palace or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Wake up to the beautiful breakfast in the hotel and get ready for your visit to the Meteora. Perched on top of the huge sheer rocks, these timeless monasteries seem to be suspended in mid-air. Monks occupied the caverns and peaks of the Meteora as early as the eleventh century and the community reached its peak in the sixteenth century with a total of twenty-four monasteries. Created to serve monks and nuns following the teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church, these isolated buildings were accessed by long ladders which could be drawn up in case of attack. Now accessed by stairs, the monasteries house large collections of Byzantine art, frescoes, libraries of old manuscripts and, of course, stunning views. Depart Kalambaka and drive across the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, admiring the gigantic figure of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and notable in Greek mythology as the home of the Greek gods. In the late afternoon, arrive in Thessaloniki, the second largest and most vibrant city in Greece. 

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 4 : Thessaloniki

Location: Thessaloniki

Accommodation Name: Hotel Grand Palace or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. See unique sites like the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the Byzantine Walls. A short walking tour includes the ruins of the Palace and Arch of Galerius, and a visit to the famous Rotunda, built as a temple and transformed into a church, with fine Early-Christian mosaics. The rest of the day is free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city.

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 5 : Thessaloniki – Edessa – Naoussa – Vergina – Veria – Thessaloniki (260 Km – 9 Hrs)

Location: Thessaloniki

Accommodation Name: Hotel Grand Palace or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a tour of historical Macedonia. Our first stop of the day is the picturesque Edessa, where tributaries of the river Edesseos are responsible for the town’s most famous landmarks: its waterfalls. Then we will proceed to Naoussa and the ruins of the School of Aristotle. This is a site of exceptional beauty and importance, and it is where the great philosopher taught his doctrines of political and morals to a young Alexander the Great and the people of Macedonia. Then visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Vergina, the archaeological site of Aigai. The most important remains here are the monumental palace and the burial ground containing more than 300 tombs, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs in the Great Tumulus is identified as that of Philip II, Alexander the Great’s father. Just a few miles away, you will find Veria, known as Beroea in biblical times. Visit the Bema of Saint Paul, before strolling through the old Jewish neighbourhood and the colourful market area. Return to Thessaloniki in the afternoon.

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 6 : Thessaloniki – Pella – Dion - Thermopyle - Athens (560 Km – 9 Hrs)

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*, Hotel Fresh or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then drive to the town of Pella, best known as the historical capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. On the site of the ancient city is the Archaeological Museum of Pella, as well as large, 4th century B.C. villas with mosaic floors portraying scenes such as lions hunting and Dionysus riding a panther. After leaving Pella, proceed to the Archaeological Park of Dion, an open-air archaeological site at the foot of Mount Olympus, which houses almost as much wildlife as it does classical and religious artifacts. In the afternoon, drive south through Thessaly, Lamia, Thermopylae – where we will stop to see the Leonidas Monument – and finally, Thebes. Arrive in Athens late in the afternoon. Check-in at your hotel and then enjoy an evening at your leisure in the Greek capital. Stroll around the bustling streets of this ancient metropolis and enjoy its unique attractions and character before indulging in some traditional Greek cuisine.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 7 : Departure Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up to your beautiful breakfast in the hotel and enjoy your last day in this long-standing metropolis. You may choose to visit the city at your own pace, or you can join our optional half-day excursion City Tour with the visit of the Acropolis & Acropolis Museum (not included). At the indicated time, you will be transferred to the airport in Athens and you could take your flight to your following destination.

What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with English-speaking local guide during the activity in Meteora (Day 3), Thessaloniki (Day 4), Macedonia (Day 5) and sightseeing tour to Pella, Dion Thermopylae and Thebes (Day 6).

  • Accommodation

    6 nights' accommodation in various hotels as per the itinerary.

  • Meals

    6 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners (on day 2, 3, 4 and 5).

  • Transport

    Arrival transfer from Athens International airport or from Piraeus port to the hotel on a shared basis. Departure transfer from the hotel to Athens International airport or to Piraeus port on a shared basis. Air-conditioned transportation throughout the program as per itinerary on a shared basis.

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary: Delphi site (day 2); Monasteries of Meteora sightseeing tour (day 3); city tour of Thessaloniki and the Museum of Byzantine culture (day 4); Macedonia sightseeing tour (day 5); Pella, Dion Thermopylae, and Thebes sightseeing tour (day 6).

  • Other

    Meet & Greet (day 1).

What's Not Included

  • Airfares and Airport Taxes

    Any airfares or airport taxes, supplements for which are quoted separately if applicable.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights.

  • Personal Expenses

    Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic
    on-alcoholic beverages, video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, any insurance, etc.

  • Unmentioned Visits

    Any visit not mentioned in the program.

  • Optional Tours and Activities

    Optional tours and activities.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel Insurance, any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

  • City Tax

    City tax for the hotel overnights (clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels).

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees.

Please Note

  • Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice 
  • Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
  • The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary. 
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
  • Please note the clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels
  • In many hotels in Greece, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed
  • Please note that the inbound airport Athens - City hotel transfers are included only as part of the package and if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise additional transfers should be purchased separately.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 6 Athens:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4*

Day 2 Kalambaka:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Amalia or similar 4*  
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Amalia or similar 4* 

Day 3, 4, 5 Thessaloniki

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Palace or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Palace or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre and post-night stay in Athens:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4* 

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transportation throughout the program, including shared arrival and departure transfers from Athens International airport or Piraeus port to your hotel.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights of comfortable accommodation with options ranging from 3-star hotels like Hotel Evita Asty in Athens to 4-star hotels such as Hotel Fresh in Athens, Hotel Amalia in Kalambaka, and Hotel Grand Palace in Thessaloniki.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 6 Athens:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4*

Day 2 Kalambaka:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Amalia or similar 4*  
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Amalia or similar 4* 

Day 3, 4, 5 Thessaloniki

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Palace or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Palace or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre and post-night stay in Athens:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4* 

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of guide will be available during the tour?

    The tour will be operated with an English-speaking local guide during the activities in Meteora (Day 3), Thessaloniki (Day 4), Macedonia (Day 5), and the sightseeing tour to Pella, Dion Thermopylae, and Thebes (Day 6).

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners on days 2, 3, 4, and 5.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes arrival and departure transfers from Athens International airport or Piraeus port to the hotel on a shared basis. Additionally, air-conditioned transportation is provided throughout the program as per the itinerary on a shared basis.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?

    Yes, all entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary are included. This covers the Delphi site (day 2), Monasteries of Meteora sightseeing tour (day 3), city tour of Thessaloniki and the Museum of Byzantine culture (day 4), Macedonia sightseeing tour (day 5), and Pella, Dion Thermopylae, and Thebes sightseeing tour (day 6).

  • What are the accommodation options available during the tour?

    Accommodation options include standard and superior hotel categories. For example, in Athens, you can stay at Hotel Evita Asty (3*) or Hotel Fresh (4*). In Kalambaka, the options are Hotel Amalia (4*). In Thessaloniki, you can stay at Hotel Grand Palace (4*).

  • Is there an option to extend the stay in Athens?

    Yes, there is an optional extra for pre and post-night stays in Athens. The accommodation options for this are Hotel Evita Asty (3*) for the standard category and Hotel Fresh (4*) for the superior category.

  • What is the policy on hotel taxes?

    City tax for the hotel overnights is not included in the tour package. Clients will have to pay the tax on the spot at the hotels.

  • What happens if there are changes in the local conditions during the tour?

    Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice.

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

Reviews of this operator

Indra  

Best Tpur Operator for Greece

06-Jul-2023

The best Tour Operator. The planning and timing by the agency was great. Accommodation was also good. The package was reasonable. Thanks to Destination Services Greece

Giovanni B.  

Great

27-Jul-2022

Very committed service with proper follow-up. Service provided as per their schedule with a hassle free journey... thanks to ITS tours and travels for providing services

Duran  

Excellent company

15-Jun-2022

Based on their very positive reviews, we booked with Destination Services Greece. I found the service and response of this travel agency to be excellent. Easily 5-stars. My emails were promptly responded to, and everyone showed up when they were supposed to.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Greece requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 35 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services greece charges.

    Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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