This tour provides the chance to explore some of the most renowned landmarks and two of the largest historic cities in Northern Greece, Ioannina and Thessaloniki, all within a week. Guests will enjoy picturesque routes, the splendor of nature, rich history, and the company of knowledgeable, friendly drivers.
This tour provides the chance to explore some of the most renowned landmarks and two of the largest historic cities in Northern Greece, Ioannina and Thessaloniki, all within a week. Guests will enjoy picturesque routes, the splendor of nature, rich history, and the company of knowledgeable, friendly drivers.
Thermopylae - Meteora - Kalambaka
Battlefield of Thermopylae - Experience the historic battlefield of Thermopylae, where the brave souls who fought for freedom against the Persians are honored.
Historical Information Center Thermopylon - A decade after the Battle of Marathon, King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans courageously confronted the…
Thermopylae - Meteora - Kalambaka
Battlefield of Thermopylae - Experience the historic battlefield of Thermopylae, where the brave souls who fought for freedom against the Persians are honored.
Historical Information Center Thermopylon - A decade after the Battle of Marathon, King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans courageously confronted the Persian forces. At the historical center, enjoy a 3D movie that transports you back in time, evoking the spirit of those who sacrificed for freedom.
Leonidas Monument - Conclude your visit by viewing the statue of Leonidas, positioned opposite Kolonos Hill, where the steadfast Spartans made their final stand.
Meteora - Continue the journey through the mountains, bypassing the national highway to explore the authentic Greek countryside. Passing through Lamia, Trikala, and Karditsa, arrive at Kalambaka, a charming city overshadowed by the majestic Meteora rocks. Settle into the hotel and embark on an evening photo tour of the rocks under the enchanting Greek sunset.
Great Meteoron Monastery - Explore the monasteries and get a closer look at the sacred rocks. Meteora, meaning “suspended in the air,” hosts one of the largest and most significant Eastern Orthodox Monastery complexes still active. It uniquely blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, making it a standout among global monuments. Great Meteoron is the largest and most impressive.
Agios Stefanos - The Holy Monastery of Agios Stefanos is among the few female monasteries in Meteora. While its exact construction date is unknown, evidence suggests it was built in the 15th century.
Roussanou Monastery - Admire the exquisite wall paintings of the Catholicon, created in 1560. Visit Roussanou for a unique perspective of the surrounding cliffs and nearby monasteries. Follow the path from this monastery to the upper main road to discover an off-the-road panoramic viewpoint that lets you walk on bare rocks!
Dodoni - Ioannina
Dodoni Sanctuary and Theatre - Travel to the Ancient Greek Oracle of Dodoni, where a vast site is preserved, showcasing the ancient Greek theater, the Temple, and the Oracle of Zeus. Dodoni was a significant spiritual center in ancient Greece, the oldest of the Greek oracles, attracting people from afar to consult priests who predicted the future.
Pavlos Vrellis Museum of Greek History - This is Greece’s largest museum of wax figures, a significant part of its history. Every aspect of this museum, from conception to creation, was handcrafted by a passionate individual aiming to bring his country’s history to life.
Ioannina - Located on the western shore of the picturesque Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina is one of northern Greece’s most atmospheric cities, known for its culture and wealth, particularly its renowned silver artisans during the Ottoman Empire. The old fortified city, the Kastro, encloses a serene quarter with minarets, and the lake’s island offers a peaceful, car-free retreat.
Lake Pamvotis - This unique lake is the only one globally with a small inhabited island, situated just across from the city.
Ioannina Castle - The southeast part of Ioannina features a beautiful fortified old town, a historic landmark. It is Greece’s oldest continuously inhabited Byzantine fortress.
Metsovo - Vergina - Thessaloniki
Metsovo - This charming village, shaded by trees and maintaining its traditional character, is nestled on the mountainside below Katara Col in the Pindos Mountain Range. Metsovo is vibrant year-round, offering natural beauty, especially in winter. This famous Vlach village, home to several national benefactors, is a beloved tourist spot in Epirus.
Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) - Visit the museum built around the original Royal Tombs, showcasing their golden treasures, including the impressive tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.
Thessaloniki - Enjoy a traditional northern Greek lunch in the “Ladadika” area of Thessaloniki. In the afternoon, tour this beautiful city to see highlights like the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, the Roman Agora, and the cathedral of Patron Saint Demetrius. Explore the city wall and Ano Poli (Upper City) for breathtaking views of the city and the Aegean Sea. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, visiting museums, strolling through Aristotelous Square, or exploring the central commercial streets.
White Tower of Thessaloniki - The White Tower is a monument and museum on Thessaloniki’s waterfront, the capital of Macedonia in northern Greece. The current tower replaced an old Byzantine fortification, reconstructed by the Ottoman Empire after Sultan Murad II captured Thessaloniki in 1430. It became a notorious prison and execution site during Ottoman rule.
Rotunda - This iconic Thessaloniki monument was built in the early 4th century AD, marking the transition from paganism to Christianity, possibly as a temple for ancient worship or a mausoleum for Constantine the Great (306-337).
Arch of Galerius - A prominent Thessaloniki monument, the Arch of Galerius is located near the Rotunda on the upper side of Via Egnatia. This triumphal arch, built shortly before 305 AD, honors Roman Emperor Galerius after his victory over the Persians. It was part of the Roman Palace of Galerius, developed through today’s Navarinou and Hippodrome squares.
Pella - Thessaloniki
Archaeological Site at Pella - Pella is a key site from the Hellenistic Period, chosen as the capital of the vast Macedonian Empire in the late 5th century BCE. The site includes public baths, sanctuaries, wealthy Macedonian villas with unique mosaics, and the city’s Agora. Originally covering 400 hectares, it became the empire’s cultural and commercial hub. Notably, Alexander the Great was born here.
Archaeological Museum of Pella - Opened in 2009, this modern museum rivals other Greek museums in major cities.
Eptapyrgio Castle - The Heptapyrgion is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress in the northeastern corner of Thessaloniki’s Acropolis. Despite its name, meaning “Fortress of Seven Towers,” it has ten towers and was likely named after the Yedikule Fortress in Constantinople. It served as the main stronghold of the city’s acropolis and the garrison commander’s seat during Ottoman times until the late 19th century.
Church of Saint Dimitrios - Patron of Thessaloniki - The Church of Saint Demetrius is the primary sanctuary dedicated to Saint Demetrius, Thessaloniki’s patron saint, dating back to when it was the Byzantine Empire’s second-largest city. It is part of the Palaeochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Dion - Litochoro
Dion Archaeological Park - Travel to Dion, following the national highway to the village, where you’ll find the archaeological site and museum of Dion, an ancient Greek city named after Zeus (Dias in Greek). It maintained its significance during the Macedonian Period. Philip II and his son Alexander the Great made sacrifices to the Gods here after conquering the Ancient Greek world, and Alexander launched his Asian expedition from this city. Dion held strategic importance for the Macedonian Kings. Today, visit the sanctuary of Isis and other Egyptian Gods, the oldest sanctuary of Goddess Demeter, a Hellenistic theater, a Roman theater, a stadium, the mansion of Dionysos with its stunning mosaics, and many more public and private buildings.
Archaeological Museum of Dion - Located in modern-day Dion, just 500 meters from the archaeological site’s entrance, the museum showcases finds from various excavations over the years. The exhibits are organized by the areas they were excavated from, including discoveries from ancient Pydna and other archaeological sites in Pieria. In the basement, visitors can watch an educational film titled “Daily Life in Ancient Dion” and view audiovisual materials related to ancient Dion and Olympus.
Litochoro - After lunch in Dion, drive to the scenic village of Litochoro at the foothills of Mount Olympus, where you’ll spend the rest of the day and overnight. Litochoro is the closest location to Mt. Olympus at sea level, making it a popular starting point for mountain climbers. Stay at the base of Greece’s highest mountain, where the 12 Gods of Olympus were said to reside according to Greek Mythology.
Delphi - Arachova
Delphi - Travel to the ancient site of Delphi, a renowned sanctuary with a PanHellenic character dedicated to Apollo. It served as an oracle and was considered the “navel” or center of the world. Today, Delphi symbolizes Greek cultural unity. The picturesque location offers a calming view of the Greek mountains.
Temple of Apollo - Visit the mystical Temple of Apollo, where Pythia communicated with the God, the ancient theater, and the stadium.
Delphi Archaeological Museum - In the museum, view the famous charioteer and Gold Ivory statues.
Arachova - Aráchova is a picturesque mountainous village at the foot of Mt. Parnassós in Viotia, Southern Greece. It is Greece’s most cosmopolitan winter destination, popular among ski enthusiasts, celebrities, and first-time visitors seeking relaxation in a dreamy mountainous setting with modern tourism facilities. Its modern ski resort, proximity to Athens, and breathtaking landscape are compelling reasons to visit. Besides mountain activities, Aráchova is known for its vibrant nightlife and as Athenians’ favorite mountain resort.
Distomo - Marathon - Sounio
Monastery of Hosios Loukas - Visit the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, representing the second golden age of Byzantine art (11th-12th century), particularly its golden mosaics and fine architecture, protected by UNESCO.
Marathon Lake - Passing through the present city of Marathon, the final stop in this area is Marathon Lake, on Mt. Penteli’s slopes. This artificial lake once served as Athens’ main water reservoir, and its dam is a remarkable early 20th-century engineering feat.
Marathon Tomb - Visit the Tumulus of the Athenians, a site symbolizing courage, bravery, and the Athenians’ victory over the Persians in 490 BCE. This is the original Marathon Race course, marked by signs indicating each kilometer.
Temple of Poseidon - Upon entering the site, see the commanding Temple of Poseidon, the ancient Greek sea god, surrounded by fortifications, gateways (porticos), and houses. Nearby are the remains of the Temple of Athena Souniada. Besides its unique location and archaeological significance, Cape Sounio is renowned for its stunning sunset and views of the Greek Islands, making it one of Greece’s most romantic spots.
Varkiza - Pass through Varkiza.
Lake Vouliagmeni - Drive by Vouliagmeni, known for its luxurious hotels and the famous lake protected by Natura 2000.
Glyfada - Traverse Athens’ southern suburbs to enjoy the seaside areas, known as the Athenian Riviera.
Athens - Conclude the journey by driving to Athens.

- Convenient hotel, AirBnB, or port pickup and drop-off included
- Complimentary bottled water
- Professional drivers with deep historical knowledge (Note: Drivers are not licensed for guided tours inside sites)
- Travel comfortably in a private vehicle
- Convenient hotel, AirBnB, or port pickup and drop-off included
- Complimentary bottled water
- Professional drivers with deep historical knowledge (Note: Drivers are not licensed for guided tours inside sites)
- Travel comfortably in a private vehicle
- Accommodation (We work with some of the best hotels. We have to know the number of the rooms)
- Entrance Fees
- Licensed Tour guide on request (Additional cost)
- Accommodation (We work with some of the best hotels. We have to know the number of the rooms)
- Entrance Fees
- Licensed Tour guide on request (Additional cost)
- The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.
- The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and…
- The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.
- The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
- Accommodation (If you need our help we work with some of the best hotels in each area, we only need to know the number of the rooms)
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.