Thessaloniki & the Treasures of Northern Greece
8-day small-group journey through Northern Greece’s history, local flavors, and wine, with a traditional Greek Easter celebration.
Come explore the part of Greece where I grew up—through its traditions, its food, and the places I look forward to sharing with you.
With Thessaloniki as our base, we’ll wander through traditional markets, taste regional wines, discover the royal treasures of Vergina, and spend a day on Mount Olympus. Our journey begins with Greek Easter: candles at midnight, “Christos Anesti,” and a festive meal together.
There will also be time for your own discoveries—a coffee by the waterfront, shopping, or simply enjoying an afternoon without a schedule.
About the Experience
This experience is designed for travelers who want to:
• explore Greece beyond the usual must-see destinations
• discover ancient sites and stories beyond Athens
• experience Greek Easter and its traditions
• enjoy meaningful encounters with local people, food, and culture
For 7 days, Thessaloniki will be our home base as we discover the treasures of Northern Greece—with time to slow down and enjoy the journey.
What Makes This Different
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Small group experience
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Most of the meals included — with house wine
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Balanced pace (no rushing)
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Local connections & real experiences
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Fully hosted journey
You just show up — we take care of the rest.
Experience Highlights
Celebrate Greek Easter: Join the midnight Resurrection service with traditional Easter candles and share an Easter Sunday dinner.
Discover Thessaloniki through its food: Explore the markets and taste small bites of local specialties.
Experience Mount Olympus: Enjoy mountain scenery and a gentle introduction to Greece’s most legendary mountain.
Explore ancient Macedonia: Visit the Royal Tombs of Vergina and discover the world of the Macedonian kings.
Taste Northern Greece’s wines: Visit Kyr-Yianni and Kechris wineries to discover Xinomavro and retsina, with time to savor the wines, enjoy local food, and share the experience around the table.
Enjoy personal time: Free afternoons give you space to explore at your own pace.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Saturday May 1
Arrival & Greek Easter Eve
Arrive in Thessaloniki and check into the hotel according to your flight arrival time and the hotel’s check-in schedule. Take some time to settle in before we meet for dinner and a drink.
Shortly before midnight, we’ll head to church with our traditional Easter candles to share the Holy Light and hear “Christos Anesti”—“Christ is risen!”
Afterward, we’ll follow Greek tradition and go out for magiritsa, the traditional Easter soup served after the midnight Resurrection service
Included meals: Dinner and after-midnight Easter meal.
Day 2 · Sunday, May 2
Greek Easter Together
After our late-night Easter celebration, enjoy a leisurely wake-up and breakfast at the hotel. We’ll meet in the late morning for a relaxed walk along Thessaloniki’s waterfront and a coffee together.
Later, we’ll gather for an early Easter dinner with traditional dishes, Greek customs, and drinks—a chance to celebrate and get to know one another around the table.
Included: Breakfast, coffee, and Easter dinner.
Day 3 · Monday, May 3
Mount Olympus: Nature, Wine & Family Hospitality
After breakfast, we’ll leave Thessaloniki for Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Greek gods. With a local mountain guide, we’ll explore a short section of Enipeas Gorge, where forested slopes, clear river waters, and dramatic cliffs offer a beautiful introduction to the mountain.
After our walk, we’ll enjoy a meal together in one of the small villages around Mount Olympus—a relaxed afternoon of local flavors and warm hospitality before returning to Thessaloniki.
Included meals: Breakfast, snack, and dinner.
Day 4 · Tuesday, May 4
Royal Treasures & Vineyard Views
Today we’ll visit Vergina, ancient Aigai, the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom. At the Royal Tombs museum, we’ll discover remarkable gold treasures and the tomb identified as that of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great—bringing us closer to the royal family whose ambitions helped shape the ancient world.
We’ll then continue to Kyr-Yianni winery for a guided tour and wine tasting. Our day will end around the table, enjoying a food and wine pairing prepared especially for our group by the winery’s chef, discovering how each dish brings out different flavors in the wines
Included meals: Breakfast, snack, and dinner.
Day 5 · Wednesday, May 5
Discovering Thessaloniki: City Streets & Museum Treasures
After breakfast, we’ll explore Thessaloniki with our local guide. We’ll explore Thessaloniki on a guided walk through the layers of its history, beginning at Agios Dimitrios Church and continuing to the Roman Forum, Bey Hamam, Rotunda, and Arch of Galerius, known locally as Kamara. Along the way, our guide will share stories of the people and cultures that shaped the city, with a coffee break to pause and enjoy its everyday rhythm.
After the tour, we’ll enjoy lunch together. The afternoon is free for shopping, waterfront cafés, or simply enjoying Thessaloniki at your own pace.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 6 · Thursday, May 6
The Flavors of Thessaloniki
We’ll discover Thessaloniki through its markets, small bites, and food stories, starting with bougatsa and koulouri at Modiano Market. In Kapani, we’ll wander among colorful stalls and taste olives, loukoumi, and other local specialties. As we walk through Aristotelous Square, our guide will explain how the city’s different communities shaped its cuisine. We’ll then settle into an ouzeri at Athonos Square for meze, last stop for Greek coffee and traditional sweets, including trigona pastries and syrup-soaked treats.
We’ll finish our walk with lunch together before going our separate ways for a free afternoon—time to shop, relax, or continue exploring.
Included meals: Breakfast, the local specialties and lunch.
Day 7 · Friday, May 7
Ano Poli, Retsina & Our Farewell
After breakfast, we’ll explore Ano Poli, Thessaloniki’s upper town, with our local guide. Our route includes Heptapyrgion, Trigoniou Tower, the Gate of Anna Palaiologina, the city walls, and Vlatadon Monastery. Along the way, we’ll hear stories of the people who lived here and enjoy sweeping views over the city.
Around lunchtime, we’ll visit Kechris Winery to discover retsina, Greece’s traditional pine-resin wine. We’ll learn how resin gives it its distinctive character and taste different styles, discovering the winery’s fresh approach to this Greek tradition. Shared food platters will accompany our wines for a light lunch.
Back in Thessaloniki, enjoy a free afternoon to relax, shop, or pack before we meet for our farewell dinner in the city—one final evening of good food, conversation, and memories from our week together.
Included meals: Breakfast, light lunch with wine tasting, and dinner.
Day 8 · Saturday, May 8
Until next time
Breakfast, goodbyes, and departures—with new friendships and a little more of Greece to take home
Included meal: Breakfast.
Meals & Food Experience
Thessaloniki’s cuisine tells the story of its people—a mix of Macedonian, Asia Minor, Pontic, and Jewish influences, shared through recipes, markets, and everyday meals.
Most meals are included, with different settings and styles throughout the journey:
- Traditional tavernas serving regional dishes
- Local cafés, bakeries, and lively food markets
- Winery meals with thoughtfully paired wines
- Contemporary restaurants offering fresh takes on Greek cooking
- A festive Easter table with traditional specialties
From small bites during our market walk to leisurely dinners together, food will be part of how we discover Northern Greece.
Local wine is included with every included lunch and dinner.
Pricing & Dates
September 23 – October 1, 2027
9 Days / 8 Nights
Shared room: $3,500 USD per person
Single room: $3,900 USD per person
Single supplement: $400. Single rooms are limited.
Discounts
Save up to $250 per person:
Early Bird: $100 off (book until February 1st)
Pay in Full: $100 off
Bring a Friend: $50 off each
Returning Guests — An Extra 10% Off
Booking & Payments
You can reserve your spot with a $500 deposit per person.
Your spot is only confirmed once the deposit is received.
The remaining balance can be paid in flexible installments, as long as the full amount is completed 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
The deposit is non-refundable
Any additional payments beyond the deposit are refundable if cancellation is made at least 60 days before departure
Room Information
Price is based on shared rooms
Single rooms are limited and offered on a first-come basis
Good to Know
We are staying at Park Hotel in Thessaloniki.
This is a small group experience — some elements may be adjusted depending on group size
Some activities depend on weather conditions and may be rescheduled or adapted
Ready to Experience Crete Differently?
Limited spots available.
Reserve your spot or contact us for more information.
