Natural beauties of East Macedonia and Thrace

Duration	Destination	Departure
4 days and 3 nights	Greece (Kerkini Lake, Xanthi, Kavala, Ouranopolis, Arnaia)	Greece (Thessaloniki)

Description

Embark with us to the magical 4 days tour around the Central and East Macedonia and enjoy with all your heart. Learn about religion, history, heritage, tradition of this part of Greece and relax watching the sparkling sea. Visit Arnaia, Ouranopolis, Stagira, Amphipolis, Philippi, Kavala, Toxotes, Porto Lagos, Xanthi, Alistrati Cave, lake Kerkini..This adventure, is impossible to forget!

Program

Day 1: Thessaloniki - Arnaia - Mt Athos Cruise - Ouranopolis
-Begin early in the morning from Thessaloniki to Northern Halkidiki.

-On the way we will stop at the traditional village of Arnaia which is famous for its Macedonian architecture, walk through its quarter and visit The Metropolitan Church of Agios Stefanos, which is the only religious monument in Greece where the faithful can attend services while admiring the archaeological remains just below their feet, as a glass floor separates the church from the archaeological site.

-Close to the area of Arnaia we will have the opportunity to visit a winery and to join one of the cruises to Mount Athos. We will have the chance to see from the boat the world–wide known monasteries on the western part of Mount Athos and learn their history.

-After the cruise – check-in at the hotel and we will enjoy a special dinner inspired by the ancient Greek cuisine at the port of the village.

Day 2: Stagira - Amphipolis - Philippi - Kavala
-Breakfast at the hotel and depart to Ancient Stagira, to discover the birthplace of the famous philosopher Aristoteles and admire the magnificent view from the hilltop by the sea.

-Next stop Amphipolis and the emblematic lion dating back to the 4th century B.C. before we head to Philippi the ancient town which was founded by the Macedonian King Philip the II, father of Alexander the Great.

-In the same area is Lydia where Saint Paul established the first Christian church in Europe.

-Transfer to Kavala in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Toxotes - Porto Lagos - Xanthi
-After breakfast, we will drive to Toxotes – a village that lays beside Nestos river.

-Drink a coffee at the old square of the village or take a walk along the paths, this area will fill you up with “green” images.

-Continue to Porto Lagos, a small scenic village next to Vistonida lake, a rich biotope that hosts 322 bird species, a perfect place for birdwatching.

-Next stop is Xanthi, a city full of history, walk the old town where you see a blend of local, Greek neoclassical and Ottoman architecture, Byzantine churches, and picturesque squares, all of them remain untouched through the years, full of springs and pristine forests.

-Dinner and overnight in the lively city of Xanthi.

Day 4: Alistrati Cave - Lake Kerkini - Thessaloniki
-After breakfast at the hotel and departure to the village of Stavroupoli for a short stop before we end up at Alistrati Cave one of the largest caves in Europe, its explored surface reaches 25000 sq.m. and its stalagmites and stalactites are of unique beauty.

-Next stop is Lake Kerkini surrounded by Mounts Belles and Mavrovouni, one of the top European bird watching destinations, where over 300 bird species have been observed.

-A boat ride will give you the chance to observe them closer. Late at noon, we take the road back to Thessaloniki.

*Extra nights can be arranged in Thessaloniki or at any other part of the tour (request a rate)

Price includes

All transportations as per program

One overnight in 3* hotel in Ouranopoli

One overnight in 3* hotel in Kavala

One overnight in 3* hotel in Xanthi

Breakfast and dinner daily

Wine tasting in Arnaia

Cruise ticket to Mount Athos cruise

Licensed English speaking guide throughout the tour

Entrance fees

Liability insurance

Price does not include

Air ticket

Any drinks/additional meals

Accommodation tax 0.5 euro per room per night for guests

Personal expenses

Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions paragraph

Itinerary

Day	Overnight	Itinerary highlights
1		Thessaloniki - Thessaloniki   Kerkini Lake   Xanthi   Kavala   Ouranopoli   Arnaia

Accommodations provided in each place

Place
Arnaia	3 Stars