Set out on a captivating journey from Thessaloniki to uncover the treasures of northern Greece. This full-day excursion takes you through the ancient ruins of Pella, the breathtaking waterfalls of Edessa, and the lush vineyards of Naousa, where you’ll indulge in a delightful wine tasting. With convenient pickups, comfortable transportation, and knowledgeable guides, this experience promises to immerse you in the region’s rich history, stunning natural wonders, and renowned winemaking tradition. What secrets will you uncover along the way?
Key Points
- This full-day excursion from Thessaloniki visits Pella, Edessa, and the Naousa wine region, providing an immersive experience of ancient Macedonia and local wine culture.
- Participants can choose from multiple convenient pickup locations across Thessaloniki and are transported to the first stop, the archaeological site of Pella.
- In Pella, visitors explore the city’s impressive ruins and learn about its history as the former capital of ancient Macedonia through a guided tour.
- The tour then proceeds to Edessa, where participants admire the breathtaking Karano waterfall, the largest in the Balkans, and have free time for lunch and shopping.
- The final stop is a local winery in the renowned Naousa wine region, where visitors enjoy a tasting of three distinct Xinomavro grape varietals accompanied by snacks and insights from the guide.
Tour Overview
The tour departs from Thessaloniki, taking participants on a full-day excursion to explore the historic sites and renowned wineries of Pella, Edessa, and Naousa.
Set out on a full-day journey from Thessaloniki to discover the historic sites and renowned wineries of Pella, Edessa, and Naousa.
Priced from €65.00 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours and is available in English and Italian.
It’s wheelchair accessible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.
Pickup is offered at several locations around Thessaloniki.
The highlights include a guided tour of Pella’s archaeological museum, admiring Edessa’s waterfalls, and a wine tasting of the famous Xinomavro variety in Naousa.
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Pickup Locations
Five convenient pickup locations are offered for this tour across Thessaloniki. The Grand Hotel Palace, Arch of Galerius, and Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki are the central locations.
For those staying outside the city center, the Voulgari and Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos spots provide additional options. Travelers can choose the pickup point most suitable to their accommodations, ensuring a seamless start to their wine tasting adventure.
The tour bus will collect participants from the selected meeting point and transport them comfortably to the first destination of Pella.
Exploring Pella
Guests embark on their wine tasting adventure with a guided tour of Pella, the former capital of ancient Macedonia and the birthplace of Alexander the Great.
They explore the Archaeological Museum of Pella, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the city’s ancient past. The tour guide provides fascinating insights into Pella’s history and culture, bringing the site to life.
Visitors marvel at the well-preserved ruins and learn about the architectural and engineering feats of the ancient Macedonians.
The 75-minute guided tour allows ample time to take in the rich heritage of this historic city.
Admiring Edessa’s Waterfalls
After exploring the ancient ruins of Pella, the group ventures to the scenic town of Edessa, known for its breathtaking waterfalls.
They make a photo stop at the picturesque "Karano" waterfall, the largest in the Balkans. Cascading over 70 meters, the thundering waters create a mesmerizing display.
As the group wanders the lush parks and gardens surrounding the falls, they’re struck by Edessa’s natural beauty. The guides share insights about the town’s history and point out local landmarks.
Wandering the lush parks and gardens, the group marveled at Edessa’s natural beauty as guides shared insights about the town’s history and landmarks.
With ample free time, the group enjoys lunch and explores the shops before continuing their journey to the final destination, the wine region of Naousa.
More Great Tours NearbyWine Tasting in Naousa
As the group departs Edessa, they journey towards the renowned wine region of Naousa.
Upon arrival, they’re greeted by a local winery, eager to showcase its celebrated Xinomavro grape. The group embarks on a captivating tasting, sampling three distinct varietals accompanied by delectable snacks.
The guide enthusiastically explains the unique terroir and traditional winemaking methods that impart the wine’s distinctive flavors. Guests savor the rich, full-bodied character and subtle nuances of each pour, gaining a deeper appreciation for Naousa’s wine heritage.
After an hour of indulgence, the group reluctantly departs, their palates enlightened and their spirits lifted by this oenological adventure.
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Transportation and Amenities
The tour utilizes air-conditioned luxury buses to transport participants between the various destinations. The total travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Participants are transported between destinations via air-conditioned luxury buses, with a total travel time of approximately 3.5 hours.
The tour offers a few key transportation and amenity highlights:
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Pickup locations include the Grand Hotel Palace, Arch of Galerius, Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki, Voulgari, and the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos.
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The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.
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Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning.
Highlights of the Tour
The tour offers a captivating exploration of the region’s rich history and renowned winemaking traditions.
Visitors will discover Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great, touring its archaeological museum.
In Edessa, they’ll marvel at the region’s largest waterfall, "Karano," and enjoy free time for lunch and sightseeing.
The highlight is a wine tasting at a local winery in Naousa, where they’ll sample the famous "Xinomavro" variety.
Throughout the day, the expert guide provides engaging commentary, ensuring an informative and memorable experience.
Customer Feedback
What do previous customers have to say about this wine tasting tour in Thessaloniki?
The tour received an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 6 reviews. Customers praised the guide’s engagement and the informative nature of the experience.
Key highlights mentioned include:
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The guides’ recommendations for lunch in Edessa were well-received.
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The wine tasting at the local winery was a unique and enjoyable part of the tour.
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The tour provided a rundown of the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
Since You Asked
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Wine Tasting?
The wine tasting doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions. However, guests should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs or allergies prior to the excursion to ensure their comfort and safety during the experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s important to note that the wine tasting at the local winery will be provided as part of the inclusions, so guests may want to save their appetite for that experience.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Time in Each Location?
The tour allocates 105 minutes of free time in Edessa for visitors to explore the scenic parks, have lunch, and shop. No specific time is mentioned for free time in the other locations.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
This tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but customers can inquire about adding extra time or activities. The standard 9-hour itinerary provides ample time to explore the key sights without feeling rushed.
Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance or Can I Purchase on the Day?
You’ll need to book the tour in advance to secure your spot. Purchasing on the day is not an option, as the tour requires prior reservations. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Final Words
Discover the captivating blend of history, nature, and culture on this full-day excursion from Thessaloniki. Explore the ancient ruins of Pella, marvel at the breathtaking waterfalls in Edessa, and indulge in a delightful wine tasting in Naousa. With convenient pickup, free cancellation, and flexible payment options, this €65.00 per person tour offers an unforgettable experience that seamlessly combines the region’s rich heritage and natural wonders.
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