From Thessaloniki: Pella, Edessa and Naoussa Full-Day Tour

Discover the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of northern Greece on this full-day tour from Thessaloniki. Visitors will uncover the ancient ruins and mosaics of Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, before marveling at the largest waterfall in the Balkans in Edessa. The day culminates with a wine-tasting experience in Naoussa, where travelers can savor the unique flavors of the renowned Xinomavro grape. This comprehensive tour provides an opportunity to take in the region’s cultural and natural wonders.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Thessaloniki explores the ancient Macedonian ruins of Pella, the picturesque "City of Water" Edessa, and the renowned Xinomavro wine region of Naoussa.
• The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and lunch, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of Northern Greece’s history, nature, and culture.
• Highlights of the tour include visiting the birthplace of Alexander the Great in Pella, experiencing the largest waterfall in the Balkans in Edessa, and participating in a wine tasting in Naoussa.
• The tour duration is 9 hours, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning.
• The tour is priced from $76.46 per person, making it an affordable way to discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of Northern Greece.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day tour from Thessaloniki covers a diverse itinerary, including visits to the birthplace of Alexander the Great in Pella, the "City of Water" Edessa, and the renowned wine region of Naoussa.

Priced from $76.46 per person, the 9-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows customers to reserve their spot and pay later.

Highlights include exploring ancient Macedonian ruins, seeing the largest waterfall in the Balkans, and tasting the local Xinomavro wine.

The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and lunch, making it a comprehensive exploration of Northern Greece.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Visitors on this comprehensive tour begin their day with a journey to Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and a well-preserved archaeological site that offers a glimpse into ancient Macedonian history. Next, they head to the "City of Water", Edessa, to explore its picturesque parks and marvel at the largest waterfall in the Balkans. The final stop is Naoussa, a renowned wine region, where travelers enjoy a guided wine-tasting experience and learn about the local Xinomavro grape. The tour’s varied activities and sights create an engaging and well-rounded exploration of northern Greece’s history, nature, and culture.

| Location | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Pella | ~2.5 hours | Birthplace of Alexander the Great, ancient Macedonian ruins |

| Edessa | ~2.5 hours | Largest waterfall in the Balkans, picturesque parks |

| Naoussa | ~1 hour | Guided wine-tasting, learning about Xinomavro grape |

Visiting Pella: The Birthplace of Alexander the Great

This comprehensive tour begins with a visit to Pella, the birthplace of the legendary Alexander the Great.

Pella was the capital of ancient Macedonia and boasts well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into its rich history. Visitors can explore the archaeological site, seeing remnants of the ancient city, including the impressive palace complex, mosaics, and the agora.

The guide will provide insights into the significance of Pella and its connection to Alexander the Great, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the importance of this iconic location.

After the Pella visit, the tour continues to the picturesque city of Edessa.

Exploring Edessa: The "City of Water"

After exploring the archaeological wonders of Pella, the tour moves on to the picturesque city of Edessa, known as the "City of Water."

Nestled in the heart of northern Greece, Edessa boasts the largest waterfall in the Balkans, a stunning natural feature that has captivated visitors for centuries.

Travelers are granted free time to wander the city’s parks and marvel at the cascading waters. From the scenic viewpoints, they can gaze upon the impressive Edessa Waterfalls, a powerful display of nature’s beauty.

This section of the tour offers a refreshing contrast to the ancient ruins, allowing guests to enjoy Edessa’s natural splendor.

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Wine-tasting in Naoussa: Discovering Xinomavro

After exploring the picturesque city of Edessa, the tour winds its way to the town of Naoussa, renowned for its exceptional Xinomavro wines.

The group visits local wineries for a guided tour of the wine-making process and an opportunity to sample the region’s signature grape variety.

Xinomavro, a bold and complex red wine, is the star of the show, showcasing the terroir of the Macedonian countryside.

With knowledgeable winery staff on hand, visitors learn about the unique characteristics and production methods that make Naoussa’s wines stand out.

This immersive experience provides a memorable finale to the day’s cultural and natural discoveries.

Inclusions and Exclusions of the Tour

The tour package includes transportation by luxury bus, an English-speaking guide throughout the day, pick-up and drop-off service from central points in Thessaloniki, all entrance fees (€8 per person), lunch, and all taxes.

However, gratuities and personal expenses aren’t covered.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore the ancient ruins of Pella, marvel at the stunning Edessa waterfalls, and indulge in the renowned Xinomavro wine in Naoussa.

With a full-day itinerary and convenient inclusions, this tour offers an excellent value for money.

Tour Schedule and Timeline

The tour begins with morning pick-up from central points in Thessaloniki.

First, travelers visit Pella, Alexander the Great’s birthplace, for approximately 2.5 hours to explore the well-preserved archaeological site.

Next, the group heads to Edessa, spending around 2.5 hours to freely discover the city’s picturesque parks and the largest waterfall in the Balkans.

The final stop is a winery in Naoussa, where participants spend an hour on a guided tour and tasting the region’s renowned Xinomavro wine.

The tour then returns to Thessaloniki, arriving around 5:30 PM.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have generally praised the full-day tour from Thessaloniki, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 18 reviews.

The transportation was rated 4.1/5, while the value for money received a 3.7/5.

Notable feedback includes praise for the knowledgeable guide and the stunning waterfalls in Edessa.

One traveler highlighted the tour’s variety and excellence, while another commended the engaging guide and interesting locations.

The tour appears to offer a well-rounded experience, with high marks for the guide’s expertise and the diverse range of destinations visited.

Since You Asked

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?

Customers can’t fully customize the tour, but they may request minor adjustments to the itinerary to better fit their interests. The tour operator will try to accommodate reasonable requests within the scheduled timeframe.

What Type of Transportation Is Used During the Tour?

The tour uses a luxury bus for transportation. Participants are picked up and dropped off from central points in Thessaloniki, providing convenient transportation throughout the day’s itinerary of visiting Pella, Edessa, and Naoussa.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t explicitly offer discounts for seniors or students. However, customers can contact the tour operator to inquire about any available discounted rates or special offers that may apply to those groups.

Can I Join the Tour if I Have Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, travelers with dietary restrictions can join the tour. The tour provider accommodates various dietary needs – just let them know your requirements when booking so they can make the necessary arrangements for your meal.

Is the Tour Accessible for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour is generally accessible for those with mobility issues, as it includes transportation by luxury bus and guided visits to the sites. However, visitors should check with the tour provider for specific accommodation needs prior to booking.

Final Words

This full-day tour from Thessaloniki offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and renowned winemaking traditions of northern Greece. Exploring the ancient ruins of Pella, marveling at the cascading Edessa waterfalls, and savoring the unique Xinomavro grape at Naoussa’s wineries creates an unforgettable experience for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and wine connoisseurs alike. This comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the region’s cultural and natural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: