Museum of Byzantine Culture

Explore the beautiful port city of Thessaloniki on a convenient hop-on hop-off bus tour. With unlimited access to the bus route for 1 day, you can see all of the key sights in your own time-frame, hopping on and off as much as you please. Listen to the on-board tour commentary to learn all about Thessaloniki's fascinating history, which dates back thousands of years. From the open-top deck, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the natural landscape, as well as the beautiful architecture (such as the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Church of St. Sophia). Discover the White Tower of Thessaloniki, an impressive historical structure (and one of the most iconic landmarks in the region). Also be sure to hop off at Ano Poli (Upper Town), and the Port of Thessaloniki, to take an even closer look at this Greek city, and to immerse yourself into the local culture. There's so much to see, and this sightseeing tour ensures you experience all of the major points of interest from the comfort of a double-decker bus. Bus Stops: • Archaeological Museum • Church of Agios Dimitrios • Ano Poli (Upper Town) • Port of Thessaloniki • Lefkos Pyrgos (White Tower of Thessaloniki) • Makedonia Palace Hotel

Discover Thessaloniki on an enjoyable hop-on hop-off bus tour. With unlimited access to the bus for 24 hours, you can explore this fascinating destination at your own pace. Spend more time at your favourite places and design your own schedule, taking in the 360 degree views from the open-top deck. On your way round you will see the White Tower, Thessaloniki's most iconic structure, and a building which has become the symbol of the city. As you cruise round you will see all of the key landmarks, including Church of St Demetrios, Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki and the Traditional Markets. Experience the beautiful natural sights and historic architecture, accompanied by comprehensive commentary. Be sure to hop off as much as you can and fully immerse yourself into the local food, drink and general culture. Route Stops: Lefkos Pyrgos (White Tower) Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki Agios Dimitrios Church (Church of St. Demetrios) Arch of Galerius (Kamara) and Rotonda Egnatia (Aristotelous) Palaios Stathmos Port of Thessaloniki

Day 1: Drive through the fertile plains of the Beotia region, passing the towns of Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova. Arrive in Delphi and visit the archaeological site, the most famous oracle of the ancient world. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town located at the foot of the astonishing Meteora complex, whose gigantic rocks rise steeply from the plain of Thessaly (dinner and overnight). Day 2: Visit Meteora and admire the ageless Monasteries perched on top of huge rocks, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka to Thessaloniki, driving through the valley of the longest river in Greece, the Aliakcmon. Arrive in Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece (dinner and overnight). Day 3: In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige only to Constantinople. Visit unique monuments and feel the glorious Byzantine past in some of the oldest and most characteristic churches of the Christian world as well as the Museum of Byzantine Culture, awarded with the Council of Europe's Museum Prize in 2005. The rest of the day is free, to enjoy time in the lively city center (dinner and overnight). Day 4: Spend the day exploring the highlights of Macedonia, first with a stop in picturesque Edessa to see the town's famous waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa to learn about Aristotle's School, the site where the great philosopher taught the doctrines of morals and politics to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Next drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai) to visit the museum created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. Continue a few miles further to Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul's Bema, and stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colorful market area. Return to Thessaloniki (dinner and overnight). Day 5: Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics decorating the villas from the 4th century B.C. and visit the new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion, a city sacred to the Macedonians and situated at the foot of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and house of the 12 Gods of Greek Mythology. On the way back to Athens, drive through the striking Thessaly Plain and the Valley of Tempi, admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympus, and stop in Thermopylae to see the Leonidas Monument. Arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.