Explore clifftop monasteries, mountain villages, ancient temples, and pristine beaches, while staying at hand-picked local guesthouses and dining at authentic tavernas.
Day 1: Arrival in Thessaloniki
Arrival at Thessaloniki Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city center. In the evening, explore the charming center of this millennia-old city and discover its dynamic nightlife.
Day 2: Discovering Thessaloniki
Founded in 315 BC by Cassander, one of Alexander’s generals, Thessaloniki flourished along the Via Egnatia and was Byzantium’s second city after Constantinople. Discover key monuments, including the Church of Saint Demetrios (UNESCO), the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, the Bezesteni market, the White Tower, and panoramic views from the city walls.
Day 3: In the Land of Alexander: A Visit to Pella and Vergina
Today, your rental car will be delivered to your hotel and you’ll drive to Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great, to explore the city’s archaeological remains. After, you’ll visit the palace and the tomb of King Philip II of Macedon, Alexander’s father, in Vergina. You’ll then continue on to Epirus and the traditional village of Metsovo for the night.
Day 4: The Road to Zagori
After breakfast, depart for Zagori via Ioannina, a historic city on the shores of a reed-lined lake. Visit Ali Pasha’s fortress and learn about the city’s myths and historical figures, including Ali Pasha and Queen Vassiliki. Continue in the afternoon to the village of Elati.
Day 5: Visiting the Mountain Villages of Zagori
Explore this magnificent region’s old stone bridges, peaceful forest paths, and authentic mountain villages full of character and charm, along with the unique Agia Paraskevi Monastery overlooking Vikos Gorge. Sometimes compared to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, Vikos Gorge is one of Europe’s deepest.
Day 6: Western Zagori
Today you’ll be able to appreciate spectacular views of Vikos Gorge from another angle, and you’ll explore more villages, each with a character of its own. Optional extra: Rafting on the peaceful, clean and clear waters of the Voidomatis river – or you may choose just to hike the relaxing trail that runs along its banks.
Day 7: En Route for the Clifftop Monasteries of Meteora
After breakfast, depart for Meteora, which forms the largest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those of Mount Athos. First settled by hermits in the 11th century, the monasteries are built atop massive rocks and have been classified by UNESCO as a unique cultural heritage phenomenon.
Day 8: Exploring Meteora
After breakfast, you’ll have a choice of activities: a hiking tour, a half-day morning tour, or you can just explore the monasteries at your own pace. Journey back in time as you learn about the first hermits and monks who laid the foundations of Meteora’s monastic community.
Day 9: Onwards to the Land of the Argonauts and the Centaurs
Today you’ll set off towards Volos, home city of Jason and the Argonauts, with its famous tsipouradika (taverns where tsipouro, a type of raki, is served with a variety of meze). Continue on to Mount Pelion, known in antiquity as the land of the Centaurs. As you ascend, you’ll discover the traditional villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa, with their grand manor houses, churches, local delicacies, and views over Volos and the Pagasetic Gulf.
Days 10 and 11: Pelion, From Mountain Trails to Relaxing Beaches
Between the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf, the Mount Pelion peninsula offers a varied itinerary combining mountain villages, coastal scenery, and short walks through wooded landscapes. Explore eastern, western, and central Pelion, with their historic villages and panoramic viewpoints. The southern part of Pelion has a more Mediterranean character and is prized by travellers seeking quieter, less-frequented routes. Be sure not to miss Tsagarada’s thousand-year old plane tree and Greece’s oldest café.
Day 12: On to Mount Olympus
Today you’ll head north through plains and along the coast. Destination: Palios Panteleimonas. Nicknamed “the balcony of Mount Olympus,” it overlooks the Aegean Sea from a height of 700 metres. Stroll through the old village streets and explore the square of Agios Panteleimonas with its centuries-old plane trees.
Day 13: Visiting Mount Olympus – The Home of the Gods
Once considered the home of the 12 gods of the ancient Greek world, today Mount Olympus is internationally recognised for its diverse ecosystem and unique natural beauty. It offers numerous opportunities for hikers, mountaineers, mountain bikers, and climbers. Well worth a visit as well are the tranquil Orlias Waterfall, and the nearby, extensive Dion archaeological park. An important religious center in its day, Dion was where Alexander sacrificed to the gods before setting out for Asia.
Day 14: Departure from Thessaloniki
Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll drive north to Thessaloniki Airport, return your vehicle to our local rental partner and transfer to the departures terminal for boarding. “Kalo Taxidi” and bon voyage!
What’s included
The above itinerary comes with handpicked accommodations at our favourite local hotels and guesthouses, our insider suggestions for the best tavernas and things to do, a tailored day-by day roadbook, 24/7 support from our team via WhatsApp for the duration of your stay in Greece, and of course, transport from the airport on arrival, and a rental car.
And if you’d like more time during your visit to explore, or less, or there’s a place you’d like to see that’s not on the route, let us know! All of our itineraries are entirely customisable.
