Travel Tours Greece
Unexplored Northern Greece & Corfu
- Tour Dates: 09/15/24 - 09/26/24
- 12-Day Tour
- Group Size: 10 max.
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- Tour Dates: On Request.
- 17-Day Tour
- Group Size: 8 min – 12 max
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- 5150 euros/person (double occupancy)
What’s Included in Greece Tour
- 11 nights in traditional mansions/manors/boutique hotels.
- Breakfast, some midday breaks and 5 dinners.
- Private VIP Transfer with a dedicated driver from Thessaloniki to Corfu.
- A dedicated trip leader from Thessaloniki onwards.
- Transportation from the airports to the hotels and back.
- All Entrance Fees to sites of interest that we visit.
- Entrance to places closed to the public
- Insider access to unique experiences
- All taxes
What’s Not Included
Domestic flights: Athens to Thessaloniki (less than $100 in 2024) Corfu to Athens (less than $100 in 2024)
Travel/Medical/Trip Cancellation Insurance
Extra beverages or alcoholic drinks during meals
Other expenses of a personal nature
Gratuities
Detailed Northern Greece & Corfu Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Athens
Welcome to Athens, the mesmerizing birthplace of democracy and a vibrant cultural hub.
This is a flexible day with ample possibilities in this wonderful. Highly recommended is the National Archeological Museum, which is the preeminent museum in all of Greece. Also, we can wander the vibrant streets of Plaka, which are lined with tiny shops, sidewalk cafés and family run taverna. In the evening, we can experience the vibrant nightlife of Athens or perhaps attend a performance at the world renowned Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theater.
Hotel: Electra Hotel Athens or equivalent
Day 2: Athens
Athens
We begin today with a market tour with the chef of our cooking class. We will explore markets to find the ingredients needed for our class at The Blue Butterfly Restaurant. Learning about the local foods is a fascinating introduction to Vietnam, a country long famed for its cuisine of fresh and healthy ingredients prepared in simple ways. During this half-day experience, we will learn several recipes from our chef and conclude with eating the food we have prepared, accompanied by a local beer or wine.
In the afternoon we will take a cyclo ride to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. It is closely linked to the Legend of Le Loi the Hero, who asked the heavens for help in resisting the advance of the Chinese in 1418 A.D. Afterwards, we will attend a performance of the Water Puppet Show, a unique art form which originated in northern Vietnam. The evening is free.
Hotel: Lucien Hanoi Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (Cooking Class)
Day 3: Athens – Thessaloniki
Athens – Thessaloniki
We will fly (1 hr.) from Athens to Thessaloniki, the co-capital of Greece. Thessaloniki is a year-round destination with a youthful energy all of its own – and there’s always something to do and see! It is well known for its amazing and varied street food, pastries and late-night eats, but it also has incredible fine dining. This evening we will enjoy a Dinner by the Sea at one of the most picturesque restaurants overlooking Thermaikos Bay. Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Mediterranean Palace or equivalent
Day 4: Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
Today we have our Thessaloniki City Secrets Tour. The central hub of the city is Aristotelous Square which offers a view of the sea and dozens of cafes. Nearby is the longest seafront promenade in Southern Europe.
Along the waterfront, there are what locals call 12 thematic parks that cover the needs of young and old. There are gardens to relax in, small lakes and waterfalls, places to take pets to get some exercise, as well as basketball and tennis courts. Also, we will visit two special markets of Thessaloniki. The Kapani Market is an important link to the Roman past and the Modiano, which is the city’s largest indoor market. It’s a historic open-air market which hosts a whole array of shops from fish and meat to vegetables, fruits, drinks, olives, sweets, nuts, spices, outdoor shops selling lingerie, flowers, clothes and shoes and restaurants.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Mediterranean Palace or equivalent
Day 5: Thessaloniki – Nymfaio
Thessaloniki – Nymfaio
Today we depart Thessaloniki in our private, deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with our own driver and our local expert. Driving through the city, you will get a feel of its 3000 years of existence. Thessaloniki was named after Alexander the Great’s sister and Greeks fondly refer to it as the “City of Love”. After approximately an hour we will arrive at Vergina, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Royal Burial Chamber of Philip II, Alexander the Great’s father is located. It is one of the most impressive museums one will get to visit in Greece and not many people know a lot about it. Just a stone’s throw away, is Ktima Kir-Yianni, where we’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the best wine labels in
Our final destination of the day is Nymfaio Village, the Dwelling Place of the Nymphs, which is truly an authentic Greek village. Meals Included: Breakfast, Wine Tasting
Hotel: La Moara or equivalent
Day 6: Nymfaio
Nymfaio
After breakfast, we will walk to visit the Arcturos Bear Sanctuary. The sight of rescued brown bears in forested enclosures is a rare and rewarding experience. These bears were saved from poor captive conditions and can spend their remaining years in a natural and safe environment. Our arrival and return to the Sanctuary will be on foot, walking through a pleasant beech forest. It is an easy 20-minute walk through a quiet and treasured area of untouched Greece. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a truffle hunt in a nearby forest! We will follow a truffle path with our licensed truffle hunter and his trained dogs. And we will learn how best to cook this heavenly delicacy. Our last stop of the day will be a visit to the Domaine Karanika, which is famous for producing one of the best sparkling wines in Europe. And then we will finish the day with a delicious Greek Barbecue.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Truffle Lunch, Barbecue Dinner
Hotel: La Moara or equivalent
Day 7: Nymfaio – Ioannina
Nymfaio – Ioannina
Today is a free day. We will travel to the city of Ioannina, a 2.5 hour drive and after we check in, you can discover that the small city of Ioannina is paradise! Set on the western shore of the lovely Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina is one of northern Greece’s most atmospheric cities, as well as one of its more cultured and wealthy urban centers. Historically, it was famous throughout the Ottoman Empire for its silver artisans. Meals Included: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner
Hotel: Grand Serai Congress & Spa or equivalent
Day 8: Ioannina – Aristi
Ioannina – Aristi
After a delicious traditional breakfast with local produce we set off to explore Ioannina and its splendor. The Castle of Ioannina, which is the oldest in Greece, was first constructed as part of the fortification project by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The reputation of Ioannina’s silversmiths has for centuries travelled beyond Greece’s borders. The items they made were so unique, so exquisitely crafted, that they went down in history as being among Europe’s finest. A visit to Silversmithing Museum and then we will be the guests of the local Epirus Gastronomy Club for a cooking workshop and dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Early Dinner (Cooking Class)
Hotel: Aristi Mountain Resort or equivalent
Day 9: Aristi – Zagorochoria
Aristi – Zagorochoria
Today we drive to the stunning Zagorochoria area for a fascinating hike to the Voidomatis Springs in one of the most stunning gorges in Europe.
Our hike starts at the traditional village of Papigo and finishes at Vikos. We will hike in the heart of the beautiful National Park of Vikos-Aoos – our destination is the Voidomatis Spring. En route, we will have exceptional panoramic views of the upper Voidomatis Gorge, the renowned “Astraka Towers,” and the picturesque Papigo villages.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Aristi Mountain Resort Hotel or equivalent
Day 10: Aristi - Kerkyra (Corfu)
Aristi - Kerkyra (Corfu)
Welcome to Kerkyra (Corfu)! Corfu is an island in the Ionian Sea famed for its cosmopolitan Old Town, spectacular sandy beaches, and beautiful landscapes. Corfu has a rich history that weaves a bewildering number of influences with the Venetians, English, French and Russians all flourishing here and leaving their mark on the island. We will take the ferry from the mainland for the 1.5 hr ride to the island.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Grecotel Corfu Imperial or equivalent
Day 11: Corfu
Corfu
Today we discover the unique heritage of this beautiful island with an Olive Oil Experience followed by a private tour in Corfu town. We will drive south about 45 minutes to the 15th century Governor’s Olive Mill, the birthplace of the award winning Governor Olive Oil. In the afternoon, we will return to our hotel to enjoy time at the beach before our Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Hotel: Grecotel Corfu Imperial or equivalent
Day 12: Corfu. Tour Ends
Corfu. Tour Ends
Following breakfast, we check-out and depart for Corfu Airport for our flight(s) home. Bon Voyage!
Meals Included: Breakfast
