Epirus & Macedonia - Greece's Northern Glories

-Vast historical range: from Homeric sanctuaries at Dodoni and Alexander the Great's Macedonian capital of Pella to remote 14th century monasteries.
- Beautiful churches and Roman palaces of Thessaloniki, capital of Northern Greece, whose center is a World Heritage site.
- The vertiginous monasteries at Meteora, perched high in spectacular mountain landscapes.

This is a very beautiful journey, with many fascinating landmarks and impressive sites along the way. We cross the mountainous peninsula of mainland Greece, rugged, dramatic landscapes once home to the two of the greatest rulers of the ancient world - Philip II and Alexander the Great. Palaces, houses, painted tombs and exquisite pebble mosaics from this time survive at Verghina and Pella.
We travel high into the Pindos mountains to the Meteora, where medieval monasteries perch on pinnacles of rock - built as a way of withdrawing from the world. Access to these remote communities was originally by ladders or hoists, but several have now been made more easily accessible.
Other highlights include the historic city of Thessaloniki and Ottoman stronghold of Ioannina, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Pambotis. An unusual tour of this unique area of Greece marked, over the centuries, by a cornucopia of peoples and cultures

Itinerary

1 Fly from your home airport of choice to Thessaloniki and drive to our hotel.

2 We begin our tour with an exploration of Thessaloniki, capital of northern Greece - we visit the rotunda of St George with fabulous mosaics, the Roman arch of Galerius and the striking Byzantine museum. Free afternoon.

3 Drive to the attractive but little-known castle of Rendina which occupies a hill in a thickly wooded defile. Return to Thessaloniki, visiting Aghios Dimitrios and Aghia Sofia - two of the major churches - and then the Roman forum. We also view a surviving section of the city walls - which give fine views from the upper town over the city to the sea.

4 A day at the spectacularly vertiginous Meteora monasteries - home to a monastic community dating back to the 14th century (although there may also have been earlier inhabitants) who left no trace. Drive to Iannina.

5 The sanctuary of Zeus at Dodoni, mentioned by Homer as being the oldest in Greece. The original focus of worship was a holy oak tree, where the god delivered oracles through the rustling of leaves. It was later enhanced with stone monuments such as a theater, temples and a stoa. We also visit the ancient city of Orraon, strategically situated at the southern end of an important pass connecting the Plain of Ioannina with the Ambracian Gulf.

6 The lovely ancient town of Kassopea, laid out in the 4th century BC on a grid, and depopulated when the inhabitants were forced to move after the foundation of Nikopolis. From here there is a view towards Nikopolis ('Victory City'), founded by Augustus after the Battle of Actium. The mysterious Nekromanteion (Oracle of the Dead) on the Acheron, 'River of Hades'. Supposedly the spot where Odysseus consulted the spirits of the underworld, as chronicled by Homer. Certainly the finds show that at a later date sacrifices were made here, and hallucinatory comestibles may have been used.

7 Visit the Castle of Iannina, charmingly situated on Lake Pambotis. This houses the fine newly-displayed Archaeological Museum and Museum of Byzantine Epirus. Afternoon free.

8 Drive via Larissa and the Vale of Tempe to the ancient town of Dion, the Macedonians' sacred city, under Mt Olympus. The site museum houses finds from sanctuaries to Zeus, Hera, Isis and Demeter, and from the city.

9 Explore the capital of the Macedonian kingdom before its move to Pella in the 4th century BC, Verghina (ancient Aigai). We see the remarkable painted tombs, displayed in the excellent site museum under the recreated mound which originally covered the burials (entrance pictured below left). Continue towards Pella, second Macedonian capital which was only discovered in the 1950s (we view it from a distance). Birthplace of both Philip II and Alexander the Great, it is renowned for its exceptional mosaics made from carefully selected natural pebbles. Some of finest examples are on display in the new Museum.

10 Transfer to Thessaloniki airport for flights home.

What's Included

1. Hotels 4/5 * basis B.B.
2. Local Guide -Darkas rep.
3. Transfers & Tours with  a/c coach

Quotation on request*.

*Entries & Tips can NOT be quotation.