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ThessalonikiCulture & history

Our most recommended Thessaloniki Culture & history

Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora

1. Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora

Embark on a full-day bus trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki. Explore this UNESCO world heritage site and admire the unique landscape. Depart Thessaloniki in the morning and journey to the amazing monastery complex of Meteora to visit 2 of the 6 holy monasteries, depending on their operating schedule. Get access to holy sites such as the women's Monastery of Agios Stefanos with its impressive wood-carved iconostasis, or visit the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, perched on the top of a rocky precipice over 400 meters high. Alternatively, discover the tower of the old preserved net at the Monastery of Varlaam, or explore the largest of the monasteries at the Monastery of Great Meteoron. Take in panoramic views of these incredible structures and the stunning landscape. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki, near the city of Kalampaka, before heading back to Thessaloniki.

From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Dion and Mount Olympus

2. From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Dion and Mount Olympus

Discover the archaeological park of Dion and Mount Olympus on this tour from Thessaloniki. Travel in an airconditioned bus and take a nature hike along the Enipeas river to admire views of the Enipeas gorge.  Depart from a centrally-located meeting point in Thessaloniki and head to the archaeological park of Dion. Take some free time to explore the exterior archaeological site.  Purchase a ticket to the site to see the Hellenistic-era theatre which was known for hosting plays by the ancient philosopher Euripides in the past and now hosts the Olympus Festival. Visit the museum of Dion to see statues and admire mosaic work in of the House of Dionysus. Stop to purchase lunch in one of the traditional restaurants in the village before continuing to Olympus. Uncover the secrets of the mythological house of the 12 Greek gods.  Take a short trek through the foothills of the mountain. Go along the Enipeas gorge and keep any eye out for local wildlife. Capture pictures of mountain views, before going back to Thessaloniki by bus in the afternoon. 

Thessaloniki: Vergina and Pella Day Trip

3. Thessaloniki: Vergina and Pella Day Trip

Embark on a journey to Pella with Ammon Express at 8:00 from Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street (at the white Statue of Venizelos). The distance of 50km takes about 45 minutes to reach. Once in Pella, discover the new and modern museum, as well as the archaeological site boasting unique mosaics. Delight in the "Abduction of Helen" and "Amazonomachy" mosaics in the ancient market, and see artifacts from the daily lives of the people that illustrate the lifestyle during ancient times. Venture to Vergina, where you'll find the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, situated on the borders of the village. The museum exhibits the Golden Larnax, an urn with the cremated remains of Phillip II marked with a 16-rayed sun, the symbol of Macedonia. The Sun of Vergina, a characteristic symbol of the Argead Dynasty of King Phillip II and Alexander the Great, was found alongside the excavations that revealed his father's Royal Tomb. Admire the Golden Oak Wreath Phillip II wore during his funeral pyre, military armors, various grave goods, and other tombs that were brought back to light. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Greek restaurant before stopping at the grand New Museum of Aigai, where you'll uncover artifacts and findings excavated from the old capital. An impressive portrait of Alexander the Great greets you and invites you to discover the roots of history. Take in the temporary numismatic exhibition showcasing coins from every corner of the Hellenistic world, including coinage of Macedonian kings and Alexander's successors. View monumental sculptures, sárissa spears and helmets of the Macedonian phalanx soldiers, high-class painted pottery, banquet utensils from aristocratic symposiums, and the queen burials with all their jewelry and royal insignia. Your journey concludes with your return to Thessaloniki at approximately 15:30, making the same stops where you started.

Thessaloniki: Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket

4. Thessaloniki: Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket

Visit the Museum of Illusions Thessaloniki and embark on an intriguing sensory experience that includes some brand new illusions. As you enter the fascinating world of illusions, you’re sure to be confused, educated, and amazed. Nothing is what it seems, especially not here. Let your imagination run free in the Infinity Room, defy the laws of gravity in the Reverse Room, and shrink to miniature size in the Ames Room. All the while, try to capture coveted and unbelievable photos to share with friends and family. As you view a collection of holograms, look closely at different optical illusions, and observe each exhibit, you’ll find that each is a brilliant reminder that our assumptions about the world are often nothing but an illusion.

From Thessaloniki: Meteora Small Group Day Trip

5. From Thessaloniki: Meteora Small Group Day Trip

The trip will start from Thessaloniki early in the morning. After a 2.5 to 3-hour drive, your group will reach the little town of Kalambaka right under the Meteora cliffs. From there, you will head to Kastraki, the closest village to the monasteries. You will visit Gran Meteoro which is the largest of all the monasteries and then a second monastery depending on your liking. See the life of the monks and their cells, the magnificent views from the peaks of these cliffs and the great panorama that the area offers. After your visit, the driver will take you to Kalampaka, where you can have a rest and enjoy a coffee, drink or snack. Later, start your return drive to Thessaloniki.

Private Trip to Mountain Olympus & Ancient Dion

6. Private Trip to Mountain Olympus & Ancient Dion

The Archaeological Park of Dion is the most important archeological site at Mt Olympus. In the area comprised by the archeological park of Dion Sanctuaries, were found from Hellenistic and Roman periods. The Monastery is the most important Greek Orthodox monastery in the Pieria Prefecture. It is located at the Enipeas ravine at an altitude of 850 m. The original monastery, established in 1542, was destroyed by the Germans in 1943. If your are a mountain lover you will be enchanted by the impressive slopes, the lush vegetation, the picturesque wooden bridges and the large waterfall of Enipeas with its crystal clean running waters. An authentic Macedonian village with a history dating back to the 14th century is called Litochoro, and it is located along the foothills of Mount Olympus.In this picturesque you will enjoy your lunch in a local greek tavern. * Please note that the Archaeological Park of Dion is closed every Tuesday! If your prefer to book additionally a professional licensed English speaking guide let us know during your booking. ** The above sample itinerary can and will be tailored according to your preferences and needs in order to include or exclude additional spots as long as the total duration of our tour remains up to 10 hours. Upon demand, you may as well extend your tour-schedule. So whether you have something in mind or would like your driver- guide to take the lead and make recommendations, feel free to make a request about it – Your wish is our command!! *** Please keep in mind that anytime you feel hungry there will always be a place in the course of our tour to grab a snack. Otherwise, our tour may incorporate a lunch break at a local restaurant to taste and experience the traditional food.

From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Meteora

7. From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Meteora

Following early morning pick-up from Thessaloniki, journey by luxurious air-conditioned bus to Kalambaka for an estimated arrival time of 11:30. Upon arrival, go to the famous rock formations of Meteora and marvel at the enormous columns of rock that rise sharply from the ground. Settled in the 9th century by hermetic monks of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Meteora was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Of the monasteries that were established in this implausible location, 6 remain well preserved and 4 are still inhabited. Spend approximately 2 hours visiting 2 of the monasteries, and see a vast array of frescoes and religious iconography. Then, enjoy around 1 hour of free time in Kalambaka for lunch (not included) before departing at 15:30. Stop for a coffee along the way, before your arrival in Thessaloniki at around 18:45.

From Thessaloniki: Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer

8. From Thessaloniki: Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer

Enjoy a private tour to the stunning Meteora rocks from Thessaloniki. Discover magnificent monasteries built between the 14th-16th centuries, and marvel at how the monks even managed to construct them in the first place. After convenient pickup at your accommodation in Thessaloniki, make your way toward Meteora. As you arrive through narrow winding rows, catch an awe-inspiring first glimpse of the Great Monastery, as it is commonly known. Try to fathom the majesty and size of a building constructed atop a huge sandstone column. Upon arrival, drive up to the monasteries in the cooler morning hours, giving you time to see as much of the site as possible. As you climb up the hill toward the first monastery, wonder how on earth the monks managed to build this incredible place. Building materials could only be brought up by a system of ropes, baskets, and pulleys, and the same went for getting provisions in and out of the community. One of the monasteries you will visit is the Holy Trinity, which is the most isolated and most difficult to reach. For this reason, it makes sense to choose to tackle the 140 steps to reach it first. Revel in the reward of phenomenal panoramic views, and see why Holy Trinity was given a starring role in the James Bond film, “For Your Eyes Only.” St. Stephen's is probably the most accessible monastery as it's situated on the plain, rather than perched on a vertiginous clifftop. Join the friendly cats who love to bask on the sun-drenched walls outside this little monastery. Admire the carved door furniture and the way the sun hits the stone and casts long shadows, and get a glimpse into monastic life through the little, open monk's cell at St. Nicholas. On the way out of the Grand Meteoron Monastery (the largest of the 6), don’t forget to follow a time-honored tradition by slipping a little note into the crack in the rocks. Finally, end your tour in Kalampaka for lunch, and relish finger-licking meals fresh from the farms around. The tour concludes with drop-off back at your accommodation in Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki: Meteora Day Tour by Train with Optional Lunch

9. Thessaloniki: Meteora Day Tour by Train with Optional Lunch

Discover the wonders of Meteora on a guided day trip from Thessaloniki. Enjoy a scenic train ride to Kalabaka with included round-trip tickets and taste local flavors during an optional lunch at a restaurant. Redeem your train e-ticket for the morning train departure from Thessaloniki’s railway station to Kalabaka on your own. Embark on a train ride through the Greek countryside and admire the beautiful landscapes. Arrive at Kalabaka’s train station, where a tour guide will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name on it. Board a minibus and officially begin your unforgettable journey to this true wonder called Meteora. During the guided tour, see all six of Meteora's monasteries and admire the interior of three of them. View some of Meteora’s most spectacular hidden gems like the ancient Chapel of Doupiani and the magnificent St. George Madilas cave. Discover the “other side” of Meteora as you explore. Learn the truth about why the hermits settled in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and how the monks achieved the impossible. As the trip comes to a close, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and capture some amazing photos that you will cherish forever. Enjoy a transfer back to Kalabaka’s train station or a nearby local restaurant if the optional lunch is selected. Enjoy approximately an hour of free time to explore Kalabaka on foot before taking the evening train back to Thessaloniki.

From Thessaloniki: Train Trip to Meteora & Monastery Tour

10. From Thessaloniki: Train Trip to Meteora & Monastery Tour

Departing at 8:00AM, pass by the unique landscape as it alternates between mountains and sea. The route crosses by the foot of the mythical Mt Olympus, where in ancient times it was believed to be the residence of the 12 Gods. Next, it leads you to Palaeofarsalos train station. There you have to change trains and wait for 1 hour until you board the train that leads to Kalampaka. Here in the greater surrounding area, lies the home of the ancient tribe of Mirmidones, a group of legendary ancient warriors who had the mythical Achilles as their leader, who played an important role in the outcome of the Trojan War. In Kalambaka, arrive at approximately 12:05 PM. A guide will be there holding a signboard to welcome you and start the tour. After which, you will on-board on a luxury mini-bus drive, sit, relax and enjoy the unique landscape. Begin your tour of the Meteora monasteries. Admire the amazing Christian architecture, and discover how monasteries have been influenced over time, having existed for over 700 years. Ask the specialized guide plenty of questions and take photos at fantastic viewpoints. After the tour ends you will be transferred to Kalabaka's city center where you will have over an hour to spend under the shadow of giant rocks either having lunch or a coffee. You will get all the necessary information on how to get to the train station, which is around 5 minutes walk from the city center. You must be at the train station no later than 6:20 PM in order to catch the train back to Thessaloniki.

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What people are saying about Thessaloniki

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 459 reviews

It was a really magical trip to Meteora! Thanks to our guide Maria (who responded to all of my 1038482 questions), it became even more interesting and fascinating. She was funny and easy to understand! That is very important when it comes to such a serious place with looooong history! Highly recommend this trip even if it takes you away the whole day :) Thanks again!!!

It was a pleasant journey, not too tiring and the places we visited are worth seeing. The guide was nice and the information she provided was really interesting. Also, entry to the archaeological site and museum is free for under 25's and people from EU countries.

Very good guide - very friendly and helpful. Full program - incredible sights and well worth the money - nicer going by train than spending 3.5 hours in mini bus drive from Thessaloniki.

My child loved it! The staff was excellent, very friendly and helpful!!

I couldn't expect more than such nice, well organised trip. Thanks