Vergina: the royal tombs of Ancient Macedonia, the kingdom of Alexander the Great / Winery visit: a local tradition, a pleasure worldwide

One of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century in Greece is the Great Tumulus of Vergina. Situated at the foothills of the Pierian Mountains, Vergina, also known as Ancient Aigai, was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. This major archaeological site hosts the Royal Tomb of King Philipp II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great, along with the ruins of an acropolis, theater, shrines and private buildings, a monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. It is protected by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage and comprises a unique discovery of an enormous universal impact. The Museum of Vergina is also a unique museological experience, as its exhibition consists of the burial ground on-site and artifacts exhibited on the same underground level. This tour of Vergina will continue to a local winery, where visitors will be able to taste different Greek wines and see how ancient history meets the local culture.

The Vergina – Winery tour will take place on Saturday June 28th.
Pick up from the White Tower at 09:00.
Duration: 7 hours
Price: 65 euro per person
Includes: coach bus transportation, professional tour guide, entrance fees, wine tasting
Maximum participation 50 pax / Minimum * participation: 30 pax

*Due to the limited number of places for this tour you are advised to book early in advance in order to secure your attendance.
**In the case that the minimum participation is not reached those who have paid will receive a refund.

Dion: The sacred city in the foothills of Mount Olympus / Palaios Panteleimonas: a picturesque village in the mountains

Dion, the sacred city of Macedonia, is known for its archaeological significance and place in ancient Greek history. Inside this incredibly reserved Archaeological Park one can see the remains of residential houses, the baths, the Odeon and a Christian basilica. Outside the walls, one can see exquisite sanctuaries and the earliest existing theatre in Macedonia. However few are those who are familiar with its natural beauty. At 700m altitude, on the hillside of Lower Mount Olympus lies one of the most beautiful traditional villages called Palaios Panteleimonas. The richness of fauna and flora surrounding the fairy tale path leading from the forest to the village will give you the chance to enjoy the raw and majestic nature of Mount Olympus. Once at the village, inside the narrow stone pavements, you will admire the traditionally restored houses and discover the picturesque stores offering a variety of local products and folk artifacts. Apart from its beauty and scenic attractions, Palaios Panteleimonas is also known to offer the best panoramic view of Thermaikos Gulf and the shores of South Pieria.

The Dion – Palaios Panteleimonas tour will take place on Saturday June 28th.
Pick up: White Tower at 09:00.
Duration: 7 hours
Price: 70 euro per person
Includes: coach bus transportation, professional tour guide, entrance fees, lunch
Maximum participation 50 pax / Minimum* participation: 30

*Due to the limited number of places for this tour you are advised to book early in advance in order to secure your participation.
**In the case that the minimum participation is not reached those who have paid will receive a refund.

Pella: a Hellenistic Macedonian exemplar urban unit and commerce center The Byzantine Veria: the “little Jerusalem” of the north

Stageira: the birthplace of Aristotle / Arnaia: the mountainous life of Halkidiki

Stageira, situated in Central Macedonia, is the birthplace of Aristotle, philosopher and polumath, student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. Upon its initial destruction during its occupation by King Phillip II and in honor of Aristotle teaching his son Alexander, King Phillip II rebuilt the city and resettled its residents who had been enslaved. Recent excavations have brought to light the early Classical fortification of the city, preserved in very good condition, various public buildings in the Agora (the Classical stoa), an Archaic sanctuary, the Thesmophorion, private houses of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, and the waterworks of the city.
Arnaia, situated at the foothills of Mount Cholomon at an altitude of 600m, it is recognized as one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Macedonia. With a population of 2300, it still preserves its traditional architectural style as in 1987 the Ministry of Culture declared the village as “a Historical Site” and “a Traditional Residence”, where most of its housings and buildings are considered protected works of art. The village seems to have been created by farmers of the dependency around the well of the age-old plane tree that is located in the main square. The water flows through the tree’s body and -according to tradition- whoever drinks it will marry a woman born in Arnaia!

Stageira – Arnaia tour will take place on Saturday June 28th.
Pick up: White Tower at 09:00.
Duration:8 hours
Price: 70 euro per person
Includes: coach bus transportation, professional tour guide, entrance fees, lunch
Maximum participation 50 pax / Minimum* participation 30 pax

*Due to the limited number of places for this tour you are advised to book early in advance in order to secure your participation.
**In the case that the minimum participation is not reached those who have paid will receive a refund.

Mount Athos: The Garden of Holy Virgin Mary (boat tour)

Mount Athos, also known as “The Holy Mountain” has been an Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054, an autonomous state within the Greek Republic since the Byzantine times. It is a monastic state of mountains and monasteries, about 20 of which are presently inhabited by around 1,400 monks. Women and children are not allowed to set foot on the land; a boat tour around the peninsula is the closest they can get to visit this incredible sight. A renowned Unesco World Heritage Site, Mount Athos has inspired the art scene for hundreds of years. The layout of the monasteries and its school of painting have been a great influence on the history of Orthodox art all over the Orthodox community, all the way to the Russian art scene. Each of these monasteries safeguards Byzantine relics whose religious and historical value is immeasurable. Sailing off from Ormos Panagias, a fishing village in Halkidiki, the boat will head to the west coast of Mount Athos, sailing along the coastline to allow participants a closer view of some of the most prominent monasteries with magnificent architecture. The boat will make a stop at Ouranoupoli around 13.30 for a tour of the Tower of Ouranoupolis that dates back to the Byzantine times and lunch.

Mount Athos tour will take place on Saturday June 28th.
Pick up: White Tower at 07:30.
Duration: 12 ½ hours
Price: 80 euro per person
Includes: coach bus transportation, professional tour guide, boat tour, 3 course meal.
Maximum participation 50: / Mininum* participation: 30

*Due to the limited number of places for this tour you are advised to book early in advance in order to secure your participation.
**In the case that the minimum participation is not reached those who have paid will receive a refund.

Halkidiki: a day for a swim (all)

Mountain or seaside? If the answer to that question is “both” then Halkidiki is the right place for you to visit. Approximately 550 klm of coast line, easily approached, and hills with rich fauna and flora, Halkidiki peninsula offers the combination of amazing blue sea and green of the land at a distance less than a two hour drive. Pine trees that stretch to the beach, golden sand, mesmerizing creeks, emerald crystal clear waters, hidden bays, and an idyllic view, as well as 71 Blue Flag beaches are more than enough to make Halkidiki one of the top destinations in the country and abroad. Before this tour is over you will have the chance to enjoy swimming and sunbathing, followed by some Greek seafood meze and a glass of Ouzo at a local tavern.

Halkidiki tour will take place on Saturday June 28th.
Pick up: White Tower at 10:00.
Duration: 6 hours
Price: 40 euro per person
Maximum participation: 50/ Mininum* participation: 30

*Due to the limited number of places for this tour you are advised to book early in advance in order to secure your spot.
**In the case that the minimum participation is not reached those who have paid will receive a refund.