Arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city and cultural hub of the north. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed orientation walk through the historic center, including Aristotelous Square, the White Tower, and the lively seafront promenade. Dinner is arranged in Ano Poli (Old Town), famous for its traditional tavernas. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

We depart Thessaloniki for Naousa, a lively town ringed by vineyards. We visit a local winery for a Xinomavro tasting, then continue to the Workshop of Traditional Costume to watch artisans craft the “Genitsaroi & Boules” attire—where you’ll paint your own mask. Continue to the National Park of Agios Nikolaos, then on to Edessa city for its spectacular waterfalls, a stroll through the Varosi old quarter, and the Outdoor Water Museum. In the afternoon, relax at the Pozar Thermal Springs at the foot of Mount Voras. Overnight in the Pozar area.

We leave Pozar for Amyntaio village, crossing the Macedonian countryside. At a local pepper farm, we learn about cultivation and taste the local product. We then continue to the mountain village of Nymfaio, nestled in the beech forests of Mount Verno, to stroll its stone mansions and cobbled lanes and visit the Arcturos Center for bear and wolf conservation. In the afternoon, we head to the Prespes Lakes, a pristine cross-border reserve rich in birdlife. Dinner at a lakeside taverna features local specialties—oven-baked giant beans and freshwater fish (tsironi and grivadi). Overnight in the Prespes area.

We embark on a boat trip on Prespa Lake and explore the tiny island of Agios Achillios, accessible via a floating bridge. Wander among Byzantine ruins and chapels, and enjoy birdwatching in this protected ecosystem, home to rare species and tranquil landscapes. From Prespes, we travel south through Epirus and Zagorochoria villages. Stop in Konitsa town, famous for its stone bridge and dramatic mountain setting. Continue and pass from Aristi and then to Papigko villages to admire the natural pools located within a short walking distance. Next stop Monodendri village, where you will admire panoramic views of the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world. After a light hike, you will taste the local traditional pies. Overnight in Monodendri.

Morning drive to Ioannina city and boat across Lake Pamvotida to the island. Visit the Ali Pasha Museum in the Monastery of St. Panteleimon to trace his rise and fall—he was killed here in 1822—and hear the poignant tale of Kyra Frosyni, whose drowning in the lake became legend. Enjoy a coffee or sweet by the shore before returning to the mainland. Back in Ioannina, stop at the Traditional Crafts Center for a silversmith workshop. Continue to Metsovo, a mountain village where Greek and Vlach traditions meet. Stroll through its stone lanes, taste Metsovone in a cheese cellar paired with local wine,
and browse local handicrafts. Walk to the Averofios Garden, a park showcasing the flora of Pindos and the restored chapel of St. George, endowed by benefactor Georgios Averof. Overnight in Metsovo.

We leave Metsovo, cross the scenic Pindus range to Grevena – Greece’s “mushroom capital”—for a stop focused on wild varieties and traditional recipes. Continue to Litochoro village at the foot of Mount Olympus: choose a light hike in the Enipeas Gorge or a relaxed coffee at Prionia with mountain views, then rejoin the group at St. Dionysios Monastery. Back in Litochoro, stroll the old town’s stone lanes before a dinner of regional mountain-and-sea dishes. Overnight in Litochoro.

We leave Litochoro for Halkidiki, winding through forested mountains to Arnaia, a stone-built village on Mount Holomontas. We will visit the Folklore & Textile Museum for a look at local costumes, tools, and crafts, then the Church of St. Stephen, where a glass floor reveals ruins beneath. Stroll the shaded squares and cobbled lanes, then join a cooking lesson with locals to learn regional recipes. Overnight in the Arnaia area.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Arnaia and enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport. As the forests of Holomontas fade behind us, we carry the week’s highlights—vineyards and waterfalls, mountain villages and seaside views, warm hospitality and new flavors. Your Northern Greece experiential tour, A Journey of the Senses, draws to a close—for now. Until we meet again, ευχαριστούμε and safe travels!