7 Days 6 Nights
Greece
2
IN THE LAND OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
A Journey Through Ancient Macedonia and Halkidiki, Greece
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Tour Style: Premium Cultural & Heritage Experience
Accommodation: Four nights in Thessaloniki, one night in Kavala, and one night in the Ouranoupolis area
Discover the land that shaped Alexander the Great, from his birthplace in Pella and his education under Aristotle to the royal heritage of Aigai and the sacred sanctuaries of Dion. Explore his family’s legacy, the strategic importance of Amphipolis, and the ancient city of Philippi, then continue to Halkidiki. Expert guiding, regional cuisine, and Xinomavro wines enrich this journey through northern Greece.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN THESSALONIKI AND CITY TOUR
Arrive at Thessaloniki International Airport, receive a welcome, and transfer to your hotel.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki to explore outstanding collections that illustrate the artistry, wealth, and traditions of ancient Macedonia.
Continue with a city tour featuring the White Tower, the waterfront Statue of Alexander the Great and Bucephalus, Aristotelous Square and the city’s principal landmarks.
Learn how Thessaloniki, founded in 315 BC after Alexander’s death and named after his half-sister, became part of the enduring Macedonian legacy.
Check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
DAY 2 PELLA, MIEZA AND AIGAI: THE FORMATIVE YEARS OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Depart early for a full-day journey through the royal heartland of ancient Macedonia.
Explore Pella, Alexander’s birthplace and the former capital of the Macedonian kingdom. Visit its Archaeological Museum and archaeological site to discover remarkable mosaics and the remains of the ancient city. Include the remains of the Palace of Pella, subject to access and opening hours.
Continue to the School of Aristotle at Mieza, traditionally associated with Alexander’s education. Discover how philosophy, literature and scientific curiosity influenced the young prince.
Enjoy lunch at a selected winery in the Naoussa region, accompanied by a tasting of celebrated Xinomavro wines.
Proceed to Aigai, the ancestral royal capital, to visit the Royal Palace, where Alexander was proclaimed king in 336 BC.
Continue to the Museum of the Royal Tombs, including the tomb widely identified as that of King Philip II, Alexander’s father. Admire the magnificent gold larnax, golden oak wreath, royal armor and burial treasures that reveal the splendor of the Macedonian court.
Return to Thessaloniki in the evening.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
DAY 3 DION MOUNT OLYMPUS AND THE ALEXANDREION FOUNDATION
Travel south to Dion, the sacred centre of the Macedonian kings beneath Mount Olympus.
Explore the archaeological park and its sanctuaries, and learn about the royal court’s religious traditions, including the sacrifices and celebrations Alexander held before his expedition to Asia.
Continue to Litochoro, at the foothills of Mount Olympus, for a scenic introduction to the mountain landscape and time for lunch.
Visit the Alexandreion International Foundation, dedicated to Alexander the Great and the promotion of Greek Macedonian heritage. Arrange the visit in advance, subject to the Foundation’s confirmation.
Return to Thessaloniki.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
DAY 4 AMPHIPOLIS ANCIENT PHILIPPI AND KAVALA
Depart for Amphipolis, an important strategic center of the Macedonian kingdom. Discover how its river routes, nearby port and regional resources supported Macedonian power and preparations for Alexander’s expedition to Asia.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis and stop at the imposing Lion of Amphipolis.
Continue to Ancient Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Kavala, and explore its remarkable ancient theatre, dating to the reign of King Philip II.
Philip captured and renamed the city in 356 BC, the year Alexander was born. Your guide introduces the royal family that shaped Alexander’s early life: his father Philip, who strengthened the Macedonian kingdom, and his mother Olympias, a princess of Epirus. Alexander inherited the throne in 336 BC and carried Macedonian power far beyond its homeland.
Proceed to Kavala for a stroll along the harbor and through the historic old town, with views of the aqueduct and picturesque hillside streets. Enjoy time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Kavala.
DAY 5 ASPROVALTA STAVROS AND ANCIENT STAGIRA TO OURANOUPOLIS
Depart Kavala and follow the coast towards Asprovalta, continuing through Stavros into eastern Halkidiki.
Visit Ancient Stagira, near Olympiada, the birthplace of Aristotle, teacher of Alexander the Great. Explore the ancient city overlooking the Aegean and discover its connection with Philip II and Alexander’s education.
Your guide will also recount Xerxes’ passage through the area in 480 BC, as recorded by Herodotus.
Continue to Ouranoupolis, the gateway to Mount Athos, for a leisurely seafood lunch overlooking the sea.
Learn about the area’s ancient religious traditions, including accounts that associate Mount Athos with Artemis, before it later developed into a major center of Orthodox monasticism.
Enjoy a waterfront stroll and views of the landmark Byzantine tower, then relax.
Overnight in the Ouranoupolis area.
DAY 6 PETRALONA CAVE AND RETURN TO THESSALONIKI
After breakfast, depart for Petralona Cave, renowned for its impressive stalactites, stalagmites and important prehistoric discoveries.
Explore its underground landscape and visit the accompanying museum to learn about the famous Petralona human skull, fossil animals and the region’s distant prehistoric past.
Continue to Thessaloniki and check in at your hotel. Enjoy a final evening at leisure for shopping, a waterfront stroll or dinner in the city.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
DAY 7 THESSALONIKI AND DEPARTURE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and, depending on your flight schedule, free time to explore Thessaloniki’s historic markets, shops, and waterfront.
Private transfer to Thessaloniki International Airport for departure.
Program Note: The sequence of visits may be adjusted according to flight schedules, site opening hours and local conditions. Day 2 requires an early departure and careful coordination, including confirmation of access to the Palace of Pella. The Alexandreion Foundation visit requires advance confirmation. The White Tower is included as a city landmark; an interior visit depends on the arrival schedule. The Ouranoupolis visit takes place outside the Mount Athos monastic territory, and the Artemis connection is presented as a religious tradition.
- Overview IN THE LAND OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
- IN THE LAND OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
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Overview IN THE LAND OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Overview IN THE LAND OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Discover the land that shaped Alexander the Great, from his birthplace in Pella and his education under Aristotle to the royal heritage of Aigai and the sacred sanctuaries of Dion. Explore his family's legacy, the strategic importance of Amphipolis, and the ancient city of Philippi, then continue to Halkidiki. Expert guiding, regional cuisine and Xinomavro wines enrich this journey through northern Greece.
