TRIP PROGRAM

At the appointed time, the group will meet at Madrid Barajas Airport T1 to take the regular flight with Lufthansa to Thessaloniki.

     11.50 Madrid 14.20 Munich

     15.10 Munich 18.15 Thessaloniki                            

Arrival at the airport and transfer to the indicated hotel for five nights with breakfast included.

Accommodations

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning departure for a visit to Thessaloniki, founded around 315 BC by Cassander and named after the sister of Alexander the Great. It was a key city in the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Known as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" for its large Sephardic Jewish population after 1492, it is the cultural capital of Central Macedonia. We will observe the contrasts that make Thessaloniki a fascinating city. We will visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses archaeological treasures that tell the story of the city and the region of Macedonia, spanning from prehistory to late antiquity, with highlights such as funerary frescoes and artifacts that reflect ancient life. We will continue to the White Tower, a watchtower and the city's most iconic symbol, built by the Ottomans in 1430. It served as a fortification, prison, and execution site before becoming a modern museum about the city's history.

Lunch at a local restaurant, where we will sample Greek cuisine.

The tour will then take us through the fairgrounds and university area, the citadel, and the city walls, an imposing defensive complex dating from the 3rd to 5th centuries, with later Ottoman modifications, which protected the city for centuries. Four kilometers of stone and brick walls remain (out of the original 8 kilometers), most notably in the upper district of Ano Poli, with towers such as the Trigonium Tower and the Acropolis fortress, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional view of Thessaloniki. Our route will then take us past the Arch of Galeria, a Roman monument from the 4th century AD built by Emperor Galerius to commemorate his victory over the Persians; decorated with reliefs.

and the Rotunda of Galerius, a massive circular building, often compared to the Pantheon in Rome; both declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1988.

To end the day, we will visit the Byzantine Church of Saint Demitrios, a 5th-century Paleochristian and Byzantine basilica (rebuilt in the 7th century) declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to the city's patron saint, it was built on the site of a Roman bath where he was martyred. Today, it houses his crypt, 8th-century mosaics, and stands out as an important center of Orthodox pilgrimage.

Return to the hotel and accommodation.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure from the hotel to visit the archaeological site of Filippi and the City of Kavala.

The region of Philippi, located near the Gangites River, was initially called Crenides before being renamed and fortified by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great (356 BC). Historically, it is known for the famous Battle of Philippi in 42 BC and for being a strategic Roman outpost on the Via Egnatia. It is connected to many exceptional historical figures and events that shaped the Western world, with impressive monuments that have survived to this day. At the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site of Philippi, we can appreciate the Roman Forum, the ruins of the first two Christian basilicas (including the prison where the Apostle Paul was detained and preached in 50 AD), and in the ancient city of Philippi, the most impressive building of this period: the ancient Philippi Theatre. Built in the 4th century BC, around 356 BC, the theatre reflects the city's historical evolution, combining Hellenistic and Roman features. Originally Greek, it was drastically remodeled by the Romans in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD to accommodate larger spectacles and later, converted into an arena for gladiatorial games and beast fights in the 3rd century AD, became the cultural heart of the city. After centuries of neglect, it was excavated by the French Archaeological School and the Hellenic Archaeological Service between 1921 and 1950. Today, it is well-preserved and restored, and is used for the Philippi Festival during the summer, hosting theatrical performances and concerts.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, we will head towards the city of Kavala, built in the shape of an amphitheater at the foot of Mount Simo overlooking the Aegean Sea. It is the main port of Eastern Macedonia and serves as an important commercial, historical, and tourist center. Highlights include its Old Town (Panagia) with cobblestone streets, the Kamares Aqueduct (built by the Ottomans in the 16th century), the fortress (also built by the Ottomans in the 16th century), the Imaret (an old Ottoman building constructed in 1817 by Mehmet Ali Pasha, founder of the last Egyptian royal dynasty, who was born in Kavala), and its breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

After the visit, return to the hotel

Accommodation.

Breakfast at the hotel.

At the appointed time, we will depart from the hotel to visit Ouranoupolis, where our scheduled cruise to Mount Athos will begin. We will have the opportunity to explore the entire southwest side of the Mount Athos peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

Ouranopolis, founded at the end of the 4th century BC by Cassander of Macedonia and his brother Alexarchus, boasts the Prosphori Tower (14th century), the largest and best preserved in the region; it represents an excellent example of Byzantine defensive architecture, characterized by its solid construction and its strategic position by the sea.

From the boat, we'll admire the Orthodox monasteries, perched on cliffs and surrounded by unspoiled nature. This autonomous monastic community, with over a thousand years of history, is one of the most important spiritual centers of Orthodox Christianity. It houses 20 major Orthodox monasteries (17 Greek and 3 dependent on Russia, Serbia, and Bulgaria), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and preserves the world's largest collection of Byzantine art.

Mount Athos, the "Holy Mountain" as it is known to Orthodox Christians, maintains a special status within the Greek state that guarantees monastic self-governance through the Holy Community (Iera Koinotita). This institution, which brings together representatives from the twenty monasteries, manages all aspects of civil and religious life according to the Julian calendar and ancient Byzantine traditions. Access is strictly regulated: only men can obtain permission to visit, while women have been prohibited from entering for over a thousand years. The mountainous region boasts exceptional biodiversity thanks to its geographical isolation and religious protection, which have preserved its ecosystems intact. Chestnut, beech, and pine forests cover 75% of the peninsula and are home to rare species such as the golden eagle and the Balkan roe deer. The rugged coastline alternates between precipitous cliffs and small bays where the monks have built their skiti (hermitages) and kellia (cells).

Lunch at a local restaurant.

After the cruise, return to the port of Thessaloniki and transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure from the hotel with luggage, towards one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, the Royal Tombs near Vergina.

Very close by lies the ancient city of Aigai, the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. Discovered in 1977 by archaeologist Manolis Andronikos, the site comprises the remains of this great city, including the monumental palace decorated with mosaics and painted stucco. The most important find is the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, an artificial mound that has survived intact and where extraordinary frescoes depicting hunting scenes can be admired. The tomb has yielded exceptional treasures, including two gold urns containing the bones of Philip II and one of his wives. In addition to the tomb of Philip II, there are two other royal tombs: the so-called Tomb of the Prince and another, badly ruined one, dating from the 3rd century BC. The site also includes the remains of the theater where Philip II was assassinated in 336 BC, an event that paved the way for Alexander the Great's conquest of Asia. The museum, built over the royal tombs, preserves some of the most important artifacts of ancient Macedonian art, such as armor, jewelry, and ceremonial objects of extraordinary craftsmanship that attest to the wealth and sophistication of the Macedonian court.

During the tour, we will also visit the town of Veria, known as the "Little Jerusalem" of northern Greece. Located at the foot of Mount Vermius, it offers unique views of the vast Imathian plain, surrounded by the Pierides Mountains and the Aliakmonas River, which enhance its singular beauty. We will make a brief stop for lunch at a local taverna during the excursion.

After the excursion, transfer to the indicated hotel in Kalambaka, at the foot of the impressive rock formations of Meteora, for one night with breakfast included.

Accommodation.

Breakfast at the hotel.

We will leave our luggage on the bus and begin our visits in Meteora.

The Meteora are an extraordinary example of how human ingenuity can enhance the wonders of nature rather than disfigure them. It is a metaphysical landscape, with imposing sandstone towers upon which six ancient monasteries stand. Seen so suspended, the Meteora monasteries appear inaccessible, but in reality, they are all open to visitors and can be reached, more or less easily. The first hermits settled in the natural cavities of the rocks upon which the Meteora now rise around the 11th century. These cavities, accessible only by ropes or removable ladders, were a perfect refuge for spiritual isolation and for escaping the persecution of Christians by the Turks. The first monasteries atop the rocks were built around the 14th century and quickly became important centers of worship, to which new monasteries were added until a total of 24 were established. Today, only six remain in operation, two of which we will visit. Built around a central courtyard, which is surrounded by the monks' cells, the refectory, and one or more chapels for prayer. In the center of the courtyard is the katholikon, or main church.

Due to its beauty and perfect integration with the environment, the Meteora monastery complex was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, we will continue our tour with a visit to the archaeological site of Dion, a sacred city of the Macedonians at the foot of Mount Olympus. It was here that King Archelaus established the athletic games (Olympias) and from where Alexander the Great launched his campaign into Asia. The site offers a fascinating tour that combines Hellenistic and Roman remains, highlighting its sanctuaries, theaters, the impressive Villa of Dionysus with its mosaics, and a first-rate archaeological museum; all within a stunning natural setting rich in history, archaeology, and nature.

Return to the indicated hotel in Thessaloniki and accommodation for one night with breakfast included.

Accommodation.

Breakfast at the hotel.

At the appointed time, transfer to the airport to take the return flight to Madrid with Lufthansa.

     11.30 Thessaloniki 12.40 Munich

     14.55 Munich 17.40 Madrid

*** END OF TRIP AND OUR SERVICES ***

Outbound: Friday, July 3, 2026 – Lufthansa

11.50 Madrid 14.20 Munich

15.10 Munich 18.15 Thessaloniki

Return flight: Thursday, July 9, 2026 – Lufthansa Airlines

11.30 Thessaloniki 12.40 Munich

14.55 Munich 17.40 Madrid

Price per person in a double room in a group of 15 people………………………………………………… 2.445 €

Price per person in a double room for single use in a group of 15 people……………………….. €3.060

Price per person in a double room in a group of 10 people………………………………………………… 2.730 €

Price per person in a double room for single use in a group of 10 people………………………. €3.325

Price per person in a double room in a group of 8 people………………………………………………….. €3.010

Price per person in a double room for single use in a group of 8 people………………… €3.600

The minimum number of people required to guarantee the departure of the trip is 8.

Consult supplement if you want to fly in business class or upgrade your room category.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• International flights in economy class as per program with 1 checked bag of 23 kg per person included.
• 4* and 5* hotels depending on the program or similar with breakfast included.
• Minibus for land transfers and travel.
• Regular line cruise to Mount Athos.
• Spanish-speaking guides throughout the tour.
• All visits to monuments, monasteries and museums, according to the program.
• Lunches at local restaurants, without drinks, as per program.
• Tickets to the monuments described in the program.
• Modular Plus Excellence travel insurance with cancellation coverage (for justified reasons)
• Agency support (José Chicano).

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Personal expenses.
• Drinks at lunch.
• Tips for drivers, guides and other staff who assist during the trip.
• Any other service not specified in the “price includes” section.

We need a transfer to this account number of €1.500 per person, the rest of the payment will be requested 1 month before the trip and a copy of the passport or ID card that you will be traveling with (minimum 6 months validity from the entry into the first country).

• ENTITY: LA CAIXA – Office 2121 – AV. DE FELIPE II, 18 28009 MADRID
• BENEFICIARY: VS IN AND OUT, SL
• CURRENCY: EUROS
• IBAN: ES33 2100 2121 2102 0041 3147
• BIC (SWIFT): CAIXESBXXXX

(Please indicate as the subject: “CULTURAL TRIP TO THESSALONIKI” with your full name and send it by email to the attention of: belenparpal@viajessingulares.com).

• The order of the visits can be altered respecting the content, if the accompanying guide considers it appropriate, for the best development of the trip.
• Prices are calculated based on current rates and conditions. Any change in rates or introduction of new taxes, significant changes in currency exchange, etc., may cause our final price to vary, which will be communicated at the time of payment.
• Any additional service during the trip must be paid by the client.
• To make the reservations correctly, we need the names and surnames of the passengers, as well as a copy of their valid PASSPORT or ID card.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

(applied after confirmation/payment):

In the event that the client wishes to cancel travel plans, the following penalties will apply (the percentages indicated below are percentages of the total cost of the travel plans, not the amounts paid to date) All dates that The following are working days, that is, from Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 18:00, calculated according to the date and time in Spain:

• 20% from confirmation until 45 days before the first service provided
• 40% from 44 to 25 days before the first service provided
• 60% 24 to 15 days before the first service provided
• 80% 14 to 7 days before the first service provided
• 100% if there are 6 business days or less from the first service provided.

If some hotels/services' cancellation policies are more restrictive than ours, theirs will apply.