CHRISTMAS IN THESSALONIKI, a city worth 2300 years
This Christmas tour delving into Thessaloniki’s past uncovers a wealth of cultural delights from remarkable monuments to stunning mosaics – enhanced by a superb collection of museums and a modern vibrancy that makes the city an ideal festive destination. Interspersed with short excursions, we will cover the principal sites of the city in a relaxed but informative style, whilst also taking the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and drink.
It was Cassander, one of Alexander’s greatest generals, who established Thessaloniki as a major trading city at the head of the Thermaic Gulf. The city would later welcome St Paul, spurring him to compose two letters to the Thessalonians; while the Bible records the apostle’s preaching at nearby Veria – now home to an absorbing ecclesiastical museum and church adorned with 14th century frescoes.
Macedonia will, of course, be forever associated with the rise of Philip II and his son Alexander the Great. Our tour takes us to the latter’s birthplace Pella, which boasts remains of palatial villas and outstanding pebble mosaics. The archaeological site of Vergina –famously excavated in 1977 – houses majestic royal tombs with sumptuous gold ornaments.
It is not only the Classical era that will shine during our time in Thessaloniki. Brimming with Late Imperial monuments from the time of Galerius, this ‘second city’ of Byzantium also features a captivating array of churches displaying fine mosaics and frescoes. Recent history has been no less eventful: part of the Ottoman Empire from 1430 until the First World War, Thessaloniki was the birthplace of Ataturk, and its streets display a range of architectural features from its long and complex past.
Indeed, it is this rich layering that makes Thessaloniki a truly outstanding destination in which to discover both the characters of – and transitions between – some of Europe’s most fascinating historical period.
INFORMATION & BOOKINGS: For further information and booking form please contact: info@tourgreecenaturally.gr
ACCOMMODATION: 3-star hotel located in the historical centre of the city
FLIGHTS: For this tour you can book flights that are the most convenient for you.
WEATHER: Likely temperatures 12C – 18C.
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1 Tuesday, 23 December
Arrive Thessaloniki. Private transfer to the hotel in the historical centre. Dinner at hotel. Overnight
Day 2 Wednesday, 24 December – Christmas Eve
Depart by coach to Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great. Explore the archaeological site and visit the museum. Return by coach to Thessaloniki for independent lunch. Visit Byzantine Museum and principal Byzantine churches. Christmas Eve dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
Depart on foot to explore the less frequented part of the city to view hidden Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. Christmas lunch. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Friday, 26 December
Depart by coach to Eptapirgion to view fortress and ramparts, before walking down through the picturesque old town viewing churches and monuments en route. Lunch at local taverna. Afternoon stroll to waterfront to view White Tower. Some free time. Overnight.
Day 5 Saturday, 27 December
Depart by coach to visit Veria, with New Testament links to St Paul, to view the Byzantine Museum and an interesting church with 14th century frescoes. Continue by coach for independent lunch at Vergina, followed by a visit to the magnificent tomb of Philip II. Return to Thessaloniki. Overnight
Day 6 Sunday, 28 December
Depart on foot to explore Roman Thessaloniki, Rotunda, Arch of Galerius, Imperial Palace and Roman agora. Visit to Archaeology Museum. Overnight.
Day 7 Monday, 29 December
Departure transfer from hotel to airport for flight home.
PRICE: (Based on a minimum of 12 participants)
€ 785 per person (sharing twin-bedded room)
€ 295 single room supplement
INCLUDED:
• Assistance upon arrival and departure
• Private coach transport as per itinerary
• Expert English-speaking guide for sites / museums
• accommodation in 3-star hotel
• Christmas Eve dinner
• Christmas Day lunch
• Service taxes and VAT
NOT INCLUDED:
• Return flight to/from Thessaloniki
• Tips / Gratuities/ Porterage
• Meals not mentioned above
• Beverages, drinks, extras
• Entrance fees to sites and museums
• Climate resilience tax € 10 per room per day
INFORMATION & BOOKINGS: For further information and booking form please contact: info@tourgreecenaturally.gr
