In the footsteps of Alexander the Great and the Gods of Olympus, exploring the Macedonian, Greek, Christian and Byzantine heritage of Northern Greece
Question: Where on Earth did this man come from?
Answer: Pella in Greek Macedonia reveals the birthplace of Alexander the Great, conqueror of a great Empire stretching into three continents from southern Europe to Egypt, Persia and the borders of India!
Perhaps he was really from nearby Mount Olympus, mythological home of Zeus and the Greek Gods, bearing in mind that he declared himself a God in Egypt.
Ancient Dion (‘Of Zeus’) in the shadow of Mountain Olympus was the Macedonian holy city. Aigai (now Vergina) reveals the necropolis of his father, Philip, who conquered all Greece and paved the way for Alexander’s conquests.
Philippi itself is a UNESCO site known as ‘Small Rome’ after the Battle of Philippi (Octavian & Mark Anthony versus Julius Caesar’s ‘assassins’) with significant early Christian architecture.
St. Paul first landed at Kavala and the whole region reveals much of the early Christian Heritage. Indeed Thessaloniki (former Salonica), Byzantium’s and now Greece’s second city, is a further UNESCO site for the art and architecture of its Byzantine churches.
Mount Athos’ monasteries still run on Byzantine time, their appeal perhaps that they cannot easily be visited (female visitors are prohibited) but many are visible to all from the sea.
When choosing a destination for your backpacking trip, it is important to consider the level of difficulty of the trail and the weather conditions. Some popular backpacking destinations include national parks, wilderness areas, and mountain ranges. It is also important to obtain any necessary permits and to be aware of any regulations or rules for the area you plan to visit.
Transfer to the 5-star Mediterranean Palace in Thessaloniki for four nights. Welcome drink. Short introductory walk followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Walk amongst the Roman ruins, churches, monuments and neoclassical buildings visiting Agios Dimitrios, the castle walls and the Acropolis. The Archaeological and Byzantine Art museums give an excellent introductory insight into Thessaloniki and the surround region. (B)
Continue to Vergina and visit the museum built around the ancient tombs of King Phillip II and family, revealing their golden treasures, frescoes and artefacts. (B)
At Dion visit the ancient site including the temple of Zeus, the House of Dionysus. Marvel at the statues and mosaics in the museum and on the site. Enjoy lunch in the traditional village of Litochoro on the slopes of Mount Olympus and walk along the Enipeas River. (B, L)
Travel to Ouranoupolis village and cruise round Mount Athos peninsula viewing the 1,000 year old monasteries. Drive to Serres and stay at the 4-star Elpida Resort & Spa for three nights. (B)
Travel to Philippi to visit ‘Small Rome’. Visit the port of Kavala, founded at the end of the 7th century BC along the coastline.
Depart for Kerkini Lake, a wetland in the Serres region for a boat ride. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. Continue to Kilkis to visit the imposing memorial from the Battle of Doiran and the British Military Cemetery. Farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Transfer to airport for your onward journey. (B)
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We have you covered! We will email you as items in your order ship, or if there are updates on the status of your order. Can’t find the email?Click here to check the status of your order.
We have you covered! We will email you as items in your order ship, or if there are updates on the status of your order. Can’t find the email?Click here to check the status of your order.
We have you covered! We will email you as items in your order ship, or if there are updates on the status of your order. Can’t find the email?Click here to check the status of your order.
