Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:
Departure from Serdika Bus Station at 06:00.
Return transfers to Sofia are possible from Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo and Novi Iskar.
Boarding is possible at Petrol Studena (with 10 registrations from Pernik, boarding at the Lukoil petrol station in Ladovitsa district) and Metro Blagoevgrad.
Arrival in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Founded in 315 BC by Cassander and named after his wife Thessalonike, sister of Alexander the Great, the city carries the spirit of three civilisations: ancient, Byzantine and Ottoman.
Panoramic city tour, including: the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s emblem and witness to its turbulent history; Navarinou Square and the Palace of Emperor Galerius, built in the 4th century as part of the imperial complex; the Arch of Galerius, erected to honour his victory over the Persians in 305; the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a reminder of the spiritual ties between Greece and Bulgaria; and the Church of St Demetrius, one of the most important Byzantine holy sites, dedicated to Thessaloniki’s patron saint and housing his relics.
Free time for a walk along the waterfront promenade or Tsimiski shopping street.
In the afternoon, departure for the Olympic Riviera, the coast at the foot of the mythical Mount Olympus, home of the ancient Greek gods. Hotel check-in. Overnight stay.
Day 2:
Breakfast. Departure for Meteora, one of the world’s most impressive places and a UNESCO-listed site. Its name means “suspended in the air”, and indeed the monasteries built on sheer cliffs seem to float between heaven and earth.
We will visit the Zindros icon workshop, where we will learn about traditional Byzantine icon-painting techniques. Then we will explore two active monasteries, guardians of centuries of spirituality, valuable frescoes and relics. You will learn how monks once used ropes and baskets to transport building materials and food up the steep cliffs.
Free time for photographs and a short break amid the majestic scenery.
Departure back to the Olympic Riviera.
Optionally and with advance reservation, dinner in a traditional Greek taverna with live music and bouzouki, immersing you in the atmosphere of Greek celebration and hospitality.
Overnight stay.
Day 3:
Breakfast. Departure for Vergina, the ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom. Here is the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. The impressive museum, built into the hill itself, displays authentic grave goods: gold wreaths, weapons and exquisite vessels from the 4th century BC (admission fee payable separately).
We continue to Edessa, the city of waterfalls, set between four mountains. We will make a photo stop by the picturesque waterfalls, followed by free time for a walk through the old town with its stone-paved streets and traditional architecture.
In the afternoon, departure for Bulgaria.
Arrival at Serdika Bus Station late in the evening.