Northern Greece and the Aegean Islands 2028

Day 1: Wednesday 24 May, Arrive Thessaloniki

• Tour commences at 3.00pm in the foyer of the City Hotel
• Welcome Meeting
• Afternoon orientation walk
• Welcome Dinner

Meeting Point: The tour commences at 3.00 pm in the foyer of the centrally located City Hotel. We begin with a short Welcome Meeting, followed by an orientation walk – our first taste of Thessaloniki. We will encounter the monuments, and the scars, of its long unbroken history around every corner as well as the uniquely Greek modern European style. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local  (Overnight Thessaloniki) D

Day 2: Thursday 25 May, Thessaloniki – Pella – Edessa – Kastoria

• Pella, the new capital of the ancient Greek Kingdom of Macedon: Archaeological Site & Museum
• Waterfalls of Edessa

At the beginning of the 4th century BCE, King Archelaus I moved the capital of Macedonia to Pella in order have the trade advantage of direct, but protected, access to the sea. Pella became the largest city in Macedonia. Famous intellectuals and artists from all over Greece were invited to stay at the royal palace, notably the great Athenian tragedian Euripides. 

The 70,000 square metre Royal Palace dominated the sprawling city with its vast agora and residential precinct of extravagant private houses. The largest, the “House of Dionysos”, so named from the pebble floor mosaic of the god Dionysos riding a panther found in a banqueting hall, covered an entire block. We will see this and other distinctive Macedonia pebble mosaics in the Archaeological Museum.

At Edessa, the “City of Water”, we visit the two largest waterfalls; Karanos a single mighty torrent that drops from a height of about 70 metres and a double cascade called Lamdan. (Overnight Kastoria) BL

Day 3: Friday 26 May, Kastoria & Dispilio

• Byzantine churches of Kastoria: Agios Stephanos, Agio Anargyroi and Taxiarches Metropoleos
• Neolithic Lakeside Settlement of Dispilio

The stunning lakeside town of Kastoria is known for its early Byzantine churches with their hauntingly evocative frescoes. Of particular interest is the Church of Agioi Anargyroi with its portraits of people who worshipped there a thousand years ago.

In the afternoon, we explore the Open-Air Museum of Dispilio on the southern shore of Lake Orestiada. Dispilio is one of Europe’s most significant Neolithic lake settlements; it was in continuous use from 6000 to 1200 BCE. Among the remarkable finds are a flute made of human bone and a wooden tablet engraved with symbols that appear to be a form of writing. The tablet challenges the previous assumption that writing developed in Sumer (Mesopotamia) about 3500 BCE. (Overnight Kastoria) B

Day 4: Saturday 27 May, Kastoria – Argos Orestiko – Arkochori – Mieza – Naousa

• Argos Orestiko Archaeological Museum
• Lunch at Charama Restaurant: gastronomic restaurant in the traditional village of Arkochori
• Nymphaeum of Mieza: School of Aristotle

Kastoria’s Archaeological Museum features artefacts from three recently excavated burial sites that survive from communities that have otherwise disappeared. They reveal changes in burial customs and social stratifications over a period of 600 years.       

In a verdant natural setting among springs and streams, lies the Nymphaeum of Mieza, exactly the kind of place that the ancient Greeks honoured as sacred to the nymphs. It was here that the philosopher Aristotle taught Alexander (the Great) until the age of 16.  It is said that in return for this service, Philip II agreed to rebuild Aristotle’s home city of Stageira.  The ancient theatre of Mieza is a recent archaeological discovery (Overnight Naousa) BLD

Day 5: Sunday 28 May, Naousa – Vergina – Thessaloniki

• Vergina (ancient Aigai) incl. Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, Palace of Aigai & Polycentric Museum of Aigai
• UNESCO World Heritage listed, Walls of Thessaloniki

All knowledge of Aigai, the traditional burial ground of Macedonian royalty was lost until November 1977 when archaeologist Manolis Andronicus was lowered into a dark airless chamber that contained, among extraordinary treasures, a gold ossuary embossed with the 16 rayed starburst emblem of the Macedonian royal house. He had found the tomb of Philip II and the last person who had stood there was Philip’s son, Alexander (the Great).

The Museum of the Royal Tombs at Aigai is one of Greece’s best kept secrets! Visitors descend into a vast atmosphere and light controlled space and then down again to stand in front of the tomb facades underground. The priceless grave goods are displayed in glass cases nearby. It is a breathtaking experience, a rare and literal immersion in the world of the past. 

Continuing the discoveries at Aigai, Philip II’s lavish palace, one of the most remarkable buildings of the classical world, has been carefully restored and was opened to the public in January 2024. It was here that Alexander III (the Great) was crowned King after the assassination of his father in 336 BCE.  (Overnight Thessaloniki) BL

Day 6: Monday 29 May, Thessaloniki

• Arch of Galerius, Palace of Galerius
• Byzantine Churches including the Rotunda of Galerius (Church of Agios Georgios), S. Demetrios, Panaghia Acheiropoietos, Agia Sophia (UNESCO World Heritage sites)
• Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The triumphal Arch of Galerius was built on the Via Egnatia to celebrate the Emperor’s victory over the Persians in 305 CE. Two central arches and three pillars survive from the original monument. On a line of sight with the Arch is the massive Rotunda. It was intended to be the Galerius’ mausoleum but was converted to a Christian church and magnificent mosaics were added to the dome. The remains of Galerius’ palace are close by on Navarinou Square.

Our walk takes us to some of Thessaloniki’s finest early Byzantine churches all celebrated for their exceptional mosaics. The Church of Agios Dimitrios is the largest church in Greece.

Precious treasures in the  Archaeological Museum include the Derveni krater and Derveni papyrus roll. The elaborate krater depicts the youthful god Dionysos at a moment of divine epiphany. The charred papyrus, the oldest surviving book in Europe, includes Orphic teachings and a hymn to accompany the secret ceremonies of the Mystai (Initiates). (Overnight Thessaloniki) B

Day 7: Tuesday 30 May, Thessaloniki – Platamon Castle – Dion – Thessaloniki

• Byzantine Crusader Castle of Platamon
• Ancient Dion, Mt Olympos: incl. Sanctuary of Zeus & Archaeological Museum

Platamon Castle sits on a high rocky hill with views over the Aegean Sea and across to Mt. Olympos. Throughout its history many groups have fought to secure the location which effectively controlled the only land route connecting Macedonia with the rest of Greece. The Macedonians took it in 413 BCE.

The sanctuary of Zeus and the Muses at Dion, on the river Helicon in the foothills of Mount Olympos, was the most important cult site in ancient Macedonia. It grew in fame and prestige after 408 BCE when King Archelaus I reorganised its annual festival to include lavish sacrifices and athletic games, similar to those at Olympia, as well as musical and theatrical competitions. It was at Dion that Philip II celebrated his seizure of the great classical city of Olynthos and where his son Alexander (the Great) mustered his army in 334 BCE on the eve of his world-changing campaign against the Persians. The legendary poet Orpheus is said to be buried at Dion. (Overnight Thessaloniki) BL

Day 8: Wednesday 31 May, Thessaloniki – Olynthos – Stageira – Kavala

• Ancient Olynthos, Chalcidice Peninsula (subject to reopening in 2028)
• Ancient Stageira, birthplace of Aristotle

By 382 BCE, Olynthos was capital of a powerful coalition, which included the town of Stageira, and had taken possession of royal Pella. However, Olynthos made the fatal mistake of harbouring rivals to Philip’s throne! In 348 BCE Philip II destroyed Stageira and then laid siege to Olynthos. He shocked the Greek world when he razed the city and slaughtered the inhabitants. 

However, Philip kept his word to Aristotle to rebuild Stageira in return for his service as tutor to Alexander. Archaeologists are gradually uncovering the remains of the city on stunning stepped terraces overlooking the coast. Olynthos was never rebuilt.

Interestingly, the sudden destruction and abandonment of Olynthos gives modern archaeologists a rare opportunity to explore an ancient town at a single moment in time. Nearly 100 houses on the North Hill have been excavated and are open to visitors. (Overnight Kavala) BL

Day 9: Thursday 1 June, Kavala – Philippi – Drama – Aggitis – Kavala

• UNESCO World Heritage listed Philippi, Macedonian and Roman colony sited on the Via Egnatia close to Kavala.
• Aggitis River Caves

Only six years (356 BCE) after settlers from Thasos had established themselves near the gold mines of Mt. Pangaion, Philip II seized the town and renamed it Philippi after himself. He established it as a garrison, settled it with Macedonian colonists and partially drained the nearby marshes. It was a strategic site that controlled the route between Amphipolis and the port of Neapolis (modern Kavala). Philippi remained an important city in Roman times when it was extensively rebuilt with a vast forum and fine public buildings. The New Testament records three visits (and possibly even a fourth) by the Apostle Paul.     

The underground galleries of the Aggitis River are the largest and among the most spectacular river cave systems in Europe with vast halls and spectacular iridescent and coloured stalactites. Archaeological excavations have found stone tools and the bones of prehistoric animals. The caves are home to many kinds of bats, microorganisms and varieties of marine life. In winter, the Aggitis River flows at more than 549 kilometres per hour.  (Overnight Kavala) B

Day 10: Friday 2 June, Kavala – Island of Thasos – Kavala

• Return ferry from Keramoti to Limenas Port (Thasos)
• Archaeological site of Alyki
• Thasos ancient theatre
• Archeological Museum of Thasos & adjacent agora

With its fragrant pine forests, waterfalls, luminescent marble beaches, honey, gold production and a protected wine trade, Thasos supported a brilliant and independent Greek community. All of the island’s prosperity was concentrated in the only city, also called Thasos, whose fine sanctuaries, monuments and circuit walls are still visible in and around the modern port of Limenas. Recently, the ancient theatre on the acropolis has been completely restored using marble from the island’s own quarries. (Overnight Kavala) BL

Day 11: Saturday 3 June, Kavala

• Archaeological Museum Kavala
• Byzantine Castle
• Afternoon at leisure in Kavala

Once known as Neapolis, Kavala was established by Phillip II as the port of Philippi. There is plenty to enjoy in this historic coastal city with its fortress, lighthouse, Ottoman architecture and the medieval aqueduct (called Kamares) that crosses the cobbled streets and roadways.

The Archaeological Museum, considered one of the most important museums of its kind in Greece, contains archaeological finds from the broader area of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Kavala’s castle, largely rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 15th century, provides 360-degree views of the city, harbour and the island of Thassos. (Overnight Kavala) BL

Day 12: Sunday 4 June, Kavala – Amphipolis – Kavala

• Athenian colony of Amphipolis: Archaeological Site & Museum
• Kasta Tomb (subject to opening by 2028)

Rich in resources and surrounded on three sides by the Strymon River which gave protected access to the sea, the city of Amphipolis was the gem that Athens lost to Sparta and was never able to recover. Under the Spartans, the Macedonians and even the Romans, Amphipolis was given favoured status and remained a free city. Alexander the Great is said to have established his new, uniform imperial coinage at the mint of Amphipolis. Excavations have revealed its impressive remains and inscriptions testify to the cities’ extraordinary prosperity.

Recent excavation of a massive man-made tumulus on the Kasta Hill facing Amphipolis has uncovered a remarkable, four chambered tomb with vast ceilings, mosaic floors, guardian sphinxes and life-size marble Karyatids. The tomb lies inside a marble clad, 3-metre-tall beautifully constructed retaining wall that formed an almost perfect circle 158.4 metres in diameter. The design of the wall and entry to the tomb are unique to the ancient Greek world.

The Museum of Amphipolis holds the treasures retrieved from the Kasta tomb mound. Other exhibits include Neolithic figurines, gold coins gold coins, Classical and Hellenistic sculptures, Roman-era mosaics and Early Christian artefacts. (Overnight Kavala) B 

Day 13: Monday 5 June, Kavala – Xanthi – Alexandroupolis – Samothrace

• Xanthi, major trading town during the Byzantine and Ottoman Eras 
• Afternoon ferry from Alexandropoulos to Samothrace

The area around Xanthi is renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. It is one of Greece’s most important forestry regions. The city’s origins are obscure, but it had been a prosperous part of the Byzantine Empire until it was captured by the Ottomans in 1361 when it became a trading centre of fine aromatic, oriental tobaccos. 

Xanthi is now an exotic multicultural town with a unique blend of Byzantine churches, mosques, neoclassical Greek merchant mansions and Ottoman-Era houses with coloured shutters and cantilevered balconies. In 1976 Xanthi was declared a protected settlement with over 1,200 buildings classified as landmarks

This afternoon we take the ferry from Alexandropoulos to the mythic island of Samothrace (Samothraki).  (Overnight Samothrace) B

Day 14: Tuesday 6 June, Samothrace

• Sanctuary of the Great Gods, Samothrace
• Archaeological Museum of Samothrace
• Afternoon at leisure

Those seeking initiation into the Cult of the Great Gods approached the sanctuary by torchlight across a deep ravine and, after ritual purification, moved slowly down the precipitous Sacred Way.  The little we know about the initiatory ordeals confirms that the experience was overwhelming. At some point, the Mystes (Initiates) were given magnetised iron rings whose power of attraction was understood as demonstrating the eternal bond that had been established with the gods. 

Over time, the sanctuary became famous for its wealth and artistic magnificence; the marble figure of the Winged Victory (now in the Louvre) once stood at the apex of the western hill. Many famous individuals were initiates; Philip II of Macedon met Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great, at the time of his initiation. 

The Archaeological Museum was built and expanded by the American School of Classical Studies, Athens, in 1939–61.  It has benefited from the collaboration of international with Greek archaeologists and holds artefacts dating back to 5000 BCE.  However, the primary focus is on material from the Sanctuary of the Great Gods.

This afternoon is at leisure for you to stroll into the township of Kamariotissa or to enjoy the hotel facilities, which include a swimming pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.  (Overnight Kamariotissa, Samothrace) BL

Day 15: Wednesday 7 June, Samothrace – Lemnos

• Morning ferry from Samothrace to Lemnos
• Afternoon at leisure to explore Myrina village

This morning we take the ferry to Lemnos, an island like Samothrace, well off the beaten track. Following our arrival, the remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore the 13th-century Venetian castle on the highest point of the port of Myrina or explore the cobblestone alleyways of the Old Town. (Overnight Myrina, Lemnos) B

Day 16: Thursday 8 June, Lemnos

• Ancient theatre of Hephaistia
• Ancient settlement of Poliochni
• Afternoon at leisure
• Farewell Dinner

When the Greeks conquered Lemnos in about 500 BCE, they adopted the enigmatic local cult of the primal Kaberoi and decided that their god of fire and metallurgy, Hephaistos, must be their father. The Kaberoi were regarded as part of Hephaistos’ cult  at the town of Hephaistia, now an archaeological site with a fully restored late 5th century BCE theatre.

The little-known prehistoric site of Poliochni is believed to be the oldest urban settlement in Europe, having flourished from 4000 to 2100 BCE. Archaeologists have discovered a road network and sophisticated public buildings including a large rectangular assembly hall with stepped seats. Fascinatingly, it has recently been established that Bronze Age gold jewellery found at Poliochni has a chemical composition identical to that of “Priam’s Treasure” from Troy and objects from the royal tombs at Mesopotamian Ur. 

Following an afternoon at leisure, we say our farewells over dinner at a local restaurant. (Overnight Myrina, Lemnos) BD

Day 17: Friday 9 June, Depart Lemnos

• Tour concludes in the morning
• At leisure/Check out

Our tour ends in Lemnos after breakfast. In the morning you will be required to check out of the hotel.  Please contact ASA if you require assistance with a transfer to Lemnos Airport which is located 18km from Myrina. B