Halkidiki culture and bathing

Arrival in Thessaloniki, “meet and greet” at the air- port and transfer to the hotel for check in. Dinner and breakfast included at the 4* hotel in Halkidiki.

The Sithonia Peninsula is undisputedly the most beautiful area of Halkidiki after the Athos region. At the beginning of your adventure you will visit an Orthodox monastery. The church still plays an important role in Greek society today. In the middle of the fantastic landscape of primeval rock formations, olive groves and flowering shrubs, the route leads to Neos Marmaras. Break for a little stroll and the opportunity for a coffee under the Greek sun. Around the southern tip you will pass the natural port of Porto Koufo, a great spot to take photos, and continue to Sarti to the cosy and quaint seaside resort on the eastern side of the peninsula. Here you have time to take a dip in the sea with a view of Mount Athos or to try a typical “Ouzo Meze” on the beach in one of the numerous tavernas. On the way back we continue to Nikiti, the famous “honey village”, where you can taste a variety of honey from a beekeeper.

Kassandra, the green peninsula, is an experience at any time of the year. Along the west coast you will discover not only lively holiday villages, but also fantastic landscapes. Short stop in Nea Fokea, where according to legend, Saint Pavlos was supposed to have appeared from the rock before going to Afitos. Here you will learn how to make countrystyle puff pastry. While you continue to discover the peninsula, the Pitta bakes in the oven, being prepared for your lunch later, with a glass of wine or Ouzo. Drive to Nea Skioni, the church of Panagia Faneromeni. Visit and return to Afitos, where you have time for a short stroll through the village. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch break before returning to the hotel.

On this excursion to Thessaloniki, we will first show you the city landmark, the White Tower. It is a monument and museum on the city waterfront sprawling through the university quarter to the Venetian citadel and the old city wall. Afterwards visit the church of Agios Dimitrios, one of the old- est in Greece. Finally drive to the “Rotonda”. As the name implies, it is a round Roman building, pre- sumably designed as a mausoleum for Galerius. Nearby there are shopping streets where you can stroll through the picturesque streets of the Kapani Market and enjoy a refreshing Frappé in one of the street cafés. The archaeological museum can be visited on an optional basis.

On the easternmost of the three fingers of Halkidiki is a monastic republic, unique to Europe, Mount Athos – the “Holy Mountain”. Ever since its incep- tion, every female being – whether human or animal – has been forbidden to enter. On a cruise along the coast, you can experience the magic of this landscape. From the ship one has a view of the monasteries built in the rocks, where today 1,700 monks still live. Often Dolphins accompany the ship, so do not forget the camera! In the town of Ouranoupolis you will have free time to eat or stroll. Afterwards, you will return to the port for the drive back to the hotel.

Two days of leisure. Enjoy your holiday on the beach or the SPA area of your hotel.

Check out and transfer to the airport.