GREECE! BEACH, SEA, SUN! Discover THESSALONIKI & Mt Olympus traditional villages


Details
Thessaloniki is renown for its vast beautiful sea front, the vibrant, magical, capturing vibe, the mouthwatering food and the 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the second capital city of Greece.
Mt Olympus slopes boast numerous photogenic traditional villages with cobbled pathways and breathtaking views that we will exclusively visit!
What is more, life is ... a BEACH! Yes please, every single day! No wonder why the 12 Gods in ancient Greece chose to live in that area!
If you would enjoy a SUMMER HOLIDAY in magnificent nature, exploring and discovering different cultures, cuisines and landscapes, making the most of the unique combination of the mountain and the beach at the same beautiful location, swimming & relaxing, sun downer aperitifs in upbeat chill-out beach bars as the night goes by, with a friendly group of individuals travelling in a summer mode, then this trip is for you!
Tuesday, 29th July : arrive in Thessaloniki, meeting up in the hotel. We are visiting Aristotle Sq, the newly established Modiano covered market, and Ladadika area where we’re indulging in dinner with local specialties, a so called foodies paradise, a fun and lively experience evolving in the heart of the city and by the vibrant seafront.
Wednesday, 30th July: Starting the day with a walk around the historical city centre with Eleni 'as a local' to explore its UNESCO world heritage sites and definitely exclusive flavours, indulging in sweet and savoury culinary experiences in hidden gems as known by the locals only, as we are walking by the most delicious spots, admiring the diverse architecture of the city, a fine blend of Ancient, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman civilisations. We are also sailing on a Pirate's boat on a 40 minute cruise from the White Tower, seeing the city from a different perspective while being refreshed by the sea breeze.
We are visiting the patron of the city, st Demetrios cathedral & crypt, the Arch of Galerius, Navarinou sq with its open air archaeological site, Kapani open market and so on.
If you'd like to visit the significant Archaeological, Byzantine & Jewish Museums, the upper town walls, visit inside the White Tower as well as other UNESCO World Heritage sights, staying for a day or two longer after our stay in Platamonas, is highly recommended. Further guidance can be provided if required..
In the early evening we are reaching Platamonas by private transfer, perfectly in time for a refreshing swim, admiring the castle views
(estimate cost of transfer around £30 per person, 1.5 hrs drive)
Based in the scenic, seaside, vibrant town of Platamonas...
Thursday, 31st July: Half day trip to picturesque Mt Olympus traditional villages. We are visiting Litochoro with Enipeas river where Zeus used to bathe, we are strolling around the village and mountain side, enjoying traditional delicacies among the trees, also visiting St Dionisios 15th century monastery and onsite museum, sheltering its well preserved treasures, meandering in the cobbled streets of the truly photogenic Old Panteleimon where the Muses played as in mythology, we are having another local food experience by the byzantine church and the natural spring in the picturesque square of the village.
Friday, 1st August: Relaxing morning at your own time, with an afternoon optional visit (with an easy hike up the hill) the 10th century Byzantine castle of Platamonas, having lunch while admiring iconic views of the castle in Neos Panteleimon, beach time in Gallaria, a former train tunnel converted into a popular vibrant beach bar, on the cobbled beach where the pine trees meet the sea.
Saturday, 2nd August: In the early afternoon we are visiting Rapsani village, famous for its wine produce for wine tasting and lunch in the traditional tavern in the main square under the pergola and surrounding trees. At the second part of the day we are swimming in blue-green crystalline sea, enjoying cocktails at an exclusive hidden gem beach bar, with a party vibe, and indulging in sea food and cocktails in the local renown tavern literally on the sand.
Sunday, 3rd Aug: Free morning to relax on the beach before departure unless you have chosen to stay longer in Thessaloniki and explore further.
This area is renown for its organic foods, natural healing herbs from Mt Olympus, raw honey, etc. Make sure you stock up for some winter remedies! 🌸💪
We are spending late afternoons - early evenings on different well organised beacheswith mostly free loungers, some of them offering water-sports, traditional sea side taverns & beach bars in a laid back atmosphere, enjoying the magnificent scenery, relaxing, swimming, sunbathing and/or meditating if you would like to connect deeper with the grounding and healing energies of the earth and the sea.
Kindly allow some flexibility to the above itinerary in case it needs to be adjusted nearer the time for an optimal experience.
Your investment of £649 includes :
-1 night (29/7) in a double room for SINGLE occupancy, in a 3* hotel in Thessaloniki with Greek breakfast buffet, very centrally located.
**-4 nights (30/7 - 3/8) in a DOUBLE for SINGLE occupancy (you have your own room) similar to 3 star local style, self-catering studio with a balcony in Platamonas,**minutes on foot away from the beach with plenty of cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants around, yet quiet and secluded from the hustle and bustle.
-The cruise of approximately 40 mins in Thessaloniki, exclusive of drinks.
-A fruit and a local snack every day on the beach to combat the sea salt cravings after swimming
-The wine tasting in Rapsani if you choose to order a proper meal at the local traditional tavern
-All necessary arrangements & services for a smooth experience. Eleni is leading the group throughout the trip.
-Financial protection
FOR a PLUS ONE person sharing the same room, be in touch for the exact price, can be suitable and available.
Once you are ready to book, please RSVP and message ELENI to receive the payment details for a bank transfer in order to confirm your place in the sun! As it's high summer season, places are filling up quickly and availability is rather limited due to the popularity of the season.
******YOU MAY PREFER TO PAY A NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF £300 TO CONFIRM YOUR PLACE THE SOONEST AND SETTLE THE REMAINING AMOUND BY THE END OF MAY IN ANY CASE.*******
Flights are NOT included in the price, you need to book your OWN flights to THESSALONIKI, Greece (SKG is the airport code)
Recommendations can be provided if requested.
CONFIRM AVAILABILITY WITH THE GROUP FIRST, BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS!
A PROMPT DECISION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, it's SUMMER TIME and therefore busy.
By attending this meet-up trip you are fully responsible for your personal safety. The organiser has no responsibility or liability.
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR OWN TRAVEL INSURANCE
LOVE YOUR LIFE a bit extra this SUMMER!

GREECE! BEACH, SEA, SUN! Discover THESSALONIKI & Mt Olympus traditional villages