Northern Greece: Along The Via Egnatia
Northern Greece: Along The Via Egnatia
9 Days Starting and ending in THESSALONIKI
Visiting: Thessaloniki, Meteora, Byzantine Monastery of Daphni, Metsovo, Kastoria, Lake Prespa, Kerkini Lake National Park, Kavala
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GRE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$3919 (USD)Tour Overview
Following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, the Apostle Paul, Caesar, Brutus, poets, traders and crusader knights we'll take an epic journey through Northern Greece: along the "Via Egnatia".The Via Egnatia was a Roman road that ran from Rome to Istanbul, thus connecting the Eastern and the Western part of the holy Roman Empire. It crossed Illyricum, Macedonia, and Thrace, running through territory that is now part of modern Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and European Turkey. You could say that it was both the continuation of the Silk Road, to the west and the Via Appia, to the east.As such this offbeat region of northern Greece offers not only spectacular scenery, it is also home to an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, spectacular gastronomy – boasting flavours from Asia Minor, and Constantinople as well as Arab and Armenian influences – and a charming independent people. Away from the busy islands in the south, in the hidden north you’ll find a Greece full of charm, history and few other travellers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Thessaloniki
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Park or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner,
Having met at our city centre hotel and had a light lunch and an introductory briefing from our tour leader, we will start our walking tour of Thessaloniki, a city with over 2,500 years of history. On the course of the tour we will visit such highlights as Aristotelous Square, the White Tower – probably the most iconic building in the city – the 4th century AD Rotonda and the Arch of Galerius. After returning to our hotel for a rest and change we’ll head out to a restaurant for both dinner and live music.
Day 2 : Thessaloniki - Meteora
Location: Thessaloniki, Meteora
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Meteora or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today we take a tour back in history as we take in two of the most important archaeological sites of northern Greece - Pella, the glorious kingdom of ancient Macedonia, and Vergina, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia. We depart first for the village of Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and visit the archaeological site and the museum. The excavations have brought to light the interesting findings of the ancient city, exhibited at the local museum. Here we'll marvel at the mosaic floors that used to decorate the city's grand mansions – the most famous are the ones depicting the Abduction of Helen, Rapture, the Amazonomachy (the battle of Amazons), and the Deer Hunt. From here we head to Vergina, the ancient capital of the Macedonian Kingdom, which is now home to one of the most impressive museums of Greece. We'll visit the museum, which contains the royal tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander the Great’s father, along with other artefacts of an incredible beauty and value. From here we will head on to one of the highlights of the tour, the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Meteora.
Day 3 : Hike To Visit The Unesco Byzantine Monastery Of Meteora
Location: Byzantine Monastery of Daphni
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Meteora or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,
This morning after breakfast we will hike the trails with our local guide, see several monasteries and experience the most captivating views from the summit of this famous landmark. Following in the footsteps of the first monks who arrived here more than 15 centuries ago, the walk offers a grand way of seeing the unique rock formations and to learn the history of the region. Having visited various monasteries, we’ll walk down the old footpath back into town and take lunch in a small tavern. The afternoon will be free to enjoy the region on your own, Dinner, although not included, will be at a local restaurant with spectacular views of Meteora.Total distance 7kms, 320m ascent / 380m descent. Approx 5hrs
Day 4 : Meteora - Metsovo
Location: Meteora, Metsovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Katogi Averoff
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we will leave Meteora and drive into the Pindos Mountains to the village of Metsovo, a town famous for its agriculture and artisan products such as wine and cheese. From here we will do a beautiful circular walk along the Ursa Trail through stunning natural landscapes. After lunch at a local tavern we will head to the Katogi winery for a wine tasting tour and visit their local gallery of modern Greek Art. Total distance 8km, 430m ascent / 430 descend. Approx 3hrs
Day 5 : Metsovo - Kastoria
Location: Metsovo, Kastoria
Accommodation: Guesthouse Vissinokipos or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
After breakfast today, we will explore the cobblestone alleys of Metsovo before driving to the pretty lakeside town of Kastoria, a place famous for both its wildlife and it Byzantine churches and one that has been inhabited for nearly 2,000 years. Here we will take a wander through the village to visit some of the 11th, 12th and 13th century churches and well as along the lakeshore to spot some of the region's many birds, which include pygmy cormorants, pelicans and herons. The walk will finish with a tasting of many local delicacies and liqueurs. After lunch we will walk via the Dragon's cave and on to the monastery of Virgin Mary Mauriotissa (3km walk). Dinner will be at a small local restaurant with live traditional music.
Day 6 : Kastoria – Prespa Lakes - Kastoria
Location: Kastoria, Lake Prespa, Kastoria
Accommodation: Guesthouse Vissinokipos or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today we will discover Prespa Lakes, which are situated right on the Via Egnatia! We will start the day with a hike around the traditional town of Agios Germanos enjoying the narrow cobbled alleyways, 1000 year old church and fully restored watermill (4km trail). We will then move on to our next trail the Agios Achillios, this hike loops around the island of Agios Achillios which is famed for its basilica built in 10th century AD (5.5km trail). This afternoon we will then head to Psarades to enjoy a boat trip on the Megali Prespa lake. Here you can expect to encounter giant pelicans and post-Byzantine frescos on the rocks. We will then head back to Kastoria for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 : Kastoria – Lake Kerkini National Park
Location: Kastoria, Kerkini Lake National Park
Accommodation: Villa Belles or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we head off on another adventure, driving over three hours from Kastoria to Lake Kerkini. Although something of a long drive we will break this journey with a stop along the way at Nymphaio Bear Sanctuary and Greece’s highest waterfall at Edessa. Firstly we will visit the bear sanctuary; a shelter for orphaned and rescued bears where we will enjoy a hours guided tour. Next we move on to Edessa, which holds a special place in the history of the Greek world as, according to some ancient sources, it was here that Caranus established the first capital of ancient Macedon. Later, under the Byzantine Empire, Edessa benefited from its strategic location, controlling the Via Egnatia as it enters the Pindus mountains, and the town became a centre of medieval Greek culture, famed for its strong walls and fortifications. From here we drive on to Lake Kerkini, having lunch overlooking the lake, before taking an afternoon boat tour on the lake to view some of the region's impressive and varied birdlife. Dinner tonight will be in a local tavern where we can enjoy local produce.
Day 8 : Lake Kerkini National Park – Kavala
Location: Kerkini Lake National Park, Kavala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Minimal Culture or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,
First up today we step deep into Greek mythology by visiting one of the most impressive caves in Europe. According to Greek mythology, the Sphinx made her appearance at the Gorge of Aggites that traverses the Alistratis Cave area. Myth also mentions Pluto, the god of the Underworld, bringing the kidnapped Persephone, the daughter of goddess Demeter, to this natural ravine where a Gate to the Underworld existed. We will have a picnic lunch before visiting the famous archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site of Philippi. Founded in 356 BC by the Macedonian King Philip II, the city developed as a “small Rome” following the Battle of Philippi, in 42 BC and the succession of Rome. The vibrant Hellenistic city of Philip II, of which the walls and their gates, the theatre and the funerary temple are still to be seen, was supplemented with Roman public buildings such as the Forum and a monumental terrace with temples to its north. Following the visit of the Apostle Paul in 49-50 AD, the city became a centre of the Christian faith and the remains of its basilicas constitute an exceptional testimony to the early establishment of Christianity. And from here we head on to the sea at Kavala with the opportunity to have dinner (not included in tour price) at a restaurant overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Day 9 : Kavala – Thessaloniki Airport
Location: Kavala, Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a lazy morning we will transfer to Thessaloniki Airport for departure flights and onward journeys.
What's Included
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MEALS
8 x Breakfasts, 8 x Lunches, 6 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a minibus/bus (depending on the final group size) and a couple of boats.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
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ACCOMMODATION
3 nights x Premium5 nights x Superior
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Moderate
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Greece. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note there are a few walks, which for full enjoyment of the trip, should be taken.
Check out our Q&As
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Greece. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Dates & Availability
Friday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Friday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Friday - Saturday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Friday - Saturday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 03, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 09, 2025 - May 17, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.