Macedonia and Thrace: History and Traditions

Thessaloniki – Stavros / Olympiada
Approx. 80 km | 1 hour

Arrival at Thessaloniki Airport, baggage collection, and meeting with the Grecia365 staff.

Departure toward the eastern coast of Halkidiki, traveling through the landscapes of Macedonia until reaching Stavros or Olympiada—small towns overlooking the Aegean Sea, nestled in a still-authentic natural setting.

Check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Stavros – Stagira – Aristotle’s Park – Xanthi
Approx. 180 km | 2 hours

After breakfast, depart for Stagira, the ancient birthplace of the great philosopher Aristotle—tutor to Alexander the Great.

Visit the sites associated with his history, including the evocative Aristotle’s Park, where unique interactive instruments allow you to explore various principles of physics and nature that the philosopher himself studied.

Continue toward Thrace, a region of distinct charm where diverse cultures and traditions have converged for centuries.
Arrive in Xanthi; enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Xanthi – Porto Lagos – Fanari – Komotini – Alexandroupoli
Approx. 130 km | 2 hours

After breakfast, explore Xanthi—known as the "Queen of Thrace"—a fascinating city with a multicultural past, featuring elegant neoclassical mansions, cobblestone alleyways, and remnants of the Ottoman era and the once-thriving tobacco trade.
Visit the Shadow Theatre Museum and the Folklore Museum to learn about the region’s traditions.

Continue toward Porto Lagos, a small fishing village overlooking the lagoon of Lake Vistonida—an important natural habitat home to numerous species of water birds. Here, we will visit the evocative Monastery of Saint Nicholas, built on a small islet connected to the mainland by wooden footbridges.

Stop in Fanari, a seaside resort town with expansive sandy beaches, followed by a visit to Komotini, a city where Greek, Ottoman, and Eastern influences coexist.
Arrival in Alexandroupoli; dinner and overnight stay.

Alexandroupoli – Soufli – Feres – Alexandroupoli
Approx. 170 km | 2 hours

After breakfast, depart for Soufli—the "city of silk"—located in the Evros River valley, near the border with Turkey. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, Soufli became a major European hub for silk production, driven by the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. To this day, the town preserves a rich artisanal heritage that speaks to this fascinating tradition.
Visit the Silk Museum, where you will discover the various stages of the process—from silkworm rearing to the creation of exquisite silk fabrics.

The journey continues with a visit to the Church of Saint George, followed by a stop at Bella Winery to explore local winemaking traditions and *tsipouro*, a quintessential Greek spirit.

On the return trip, stop in Feres to admire its significant Byzantine monastery. Arrive back in Alexandroupoli for dinner and an overnight stay.

Alexandroupoli – Philippi – Kavala
Approx. 180 km | 2 hours

After breakfast, we depart for Philippi, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Northern Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded in ancient times and later expanded by Philip II of Macedon, the city was the setting for the famous battle of 42 BC and later became an important center of early Christianity, linked to the preaching of the Apostle Paul.
During our visit, we will explore traces of its long history, including the remains of the ancient city, Roman monuments, and early Christian basilicas.

We then continue to Kavala, a charming port city built in an amphitheater-like layout overlooking the sea, where Byzantine and Ottoman heritage blend with a Mediterranean atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay in Kavala.

Kavala – Thessaloniki
Approx. 150 km | 2 hours

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Kavala—a city with a history spanning millennia, which has served as an important commercial port since ancient times. Its most iconic landmarks include the imposing Ottoman-era Kamares aqueduct, the castle/fortress overlooking the historic center, and the old neighborhoods that face the sea.

Depart for Thessaloniki, the vibrant capital of Macedonia and Greece’s second-largest city—a true crossroads of peoples, religions, and cultures.

In the early afternoon, enjoy a tour of the city to discover its monuments, Roman and Byzantine heritage, lively squares, and the famous waterfront, dominated by the White Tower. Dinner and overnight stay in Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki – Pella – Veria – Vergina – Thessaloniki
Approx. 180 km | 2 hours and 30 minutes

After breakfast, we set off for a fascinating day dedicated to the history of ancient Macedonia.

Our first stop is Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom, renowned for its extraordinary mosaics and significant archaeological remains.

We then continue to Veria, a city steeped in history, known for its numerous Byzantine churches and distinctive historic districts.

Finally, we reach Vergina—ancient Aigai—the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia and one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. Here, we will visit the Royal Tombs, including the one attributed to Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. It is an extraordinary site, housing precious treasures and evidence of the grandeur of the Macedonian dynasty.

Return to Thessaloniki, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Thessaloniki – Airport
Approx. 30 km | 40 minutes

Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may have some extra time to explore Thessaloniki, strolling through its historic streets, markets, and the city’s most distinctive corners.

Transfer to the airport, farewells, and departure for Italy.