We know that a successful and unforgettable trip can be materialised only with an extraordinary guide at the helm. That is why we are proud to have in our company one of the finest naturalist expedition leaders in Greece.
We also know that responsible tourism simply must take place in small groups. That's why our trips average just between four to eight travellers. This not only provides a more comfortable and more personalised travel experience but also ensures that our guests' experience is what they want, not simply what is described in the information material.
Travelling in small groups also means that we are able to offer to our guests the possibility to organise their own daily itinerary. Group leader and guests will discuss all the opportunities provided in the destinations and together will organise the day's programme.
So the itinerary below only provides a rough description of the possible activities and option that a visitor can choose from.
Day 1
Pick up from Thessaloniki airport and travel to Kerkini village. Spend the night at a local hotel. We will enjoy good wine and well-cooked local traditional food at a local restaurant.
Day 2-3 (National Park of Kerkini Lake)
We will spend our day in the National Park of Kerkini Lake, an area of enormous ecological value and one out of ten wetlands of International Importance for Greece. The riparian vegetation consisting of riparian forests of wild willows; the buffalos swimming in the lake’s calm water; and the impressive surrounding mountains covered with mixed forests of beech and fir, give a unique beauty to this magnificent area. The artificial lake, established in 1932, provides unique opportunities for bird watching as more than 300 rare and endangered bird species live and breed here: herons, warblers, pygmy cormorants, pelicans, cranes and many more. The presence of rare birds of prey is also remarkable, like imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga) and the white-tailed eagle (Halliaaetus albicilla). Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wintering areas for Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) throughout Europe. The area of the lake hosts the largest number of water buffalo in Greece, a species that is under protection. The Lake’s unique and rich habitat is also home for many mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and wildflowers.
Apart from trekking and wildlife observation, the visitor can enjoy canoe and boat tours, and biking. Visitors can ride a horse right up to the peaks of the Belles mountain range. They can also visit Amphipolis, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the whole of Macedonia.
At the end of the second day we travel to our hotel at the traditional settlement of Agios Germanos, a village with an amazing view to Prespa Lakes.
Day 3-4 (National Park of Prespa Lakes)
We will spend the next two days birdwatching and visiting fabulous historical sites and traditional villages. Located in Western Macedonia the area of Prespa Lakes is shared by three countries, Greece, Albania and FYROM. In 2000, the Transboundary Prespa Park was created, aiming to protect the ecological values of this remote and pristine area of the Balkans. During our visit we will have the opportunity to explore the areas’ rich natural environment and evocative landscape, the birds, the traditional villages and the remarkable Byzantine monuments. The lakes and the wet meadows, the forests of oak and beech and the alpine meadows of the mountains, host many rare and endemic species of birds, amphibians, fishes (like the endemic Prespa trout ), wildflowers (like the endemic Prespa centaury flower) and mammals. The Prespa Lakes is home to the largest breeding colony of Dalmatian pelicans in the world and many rare aquatic bird species nest here like the great white pelican the pygmy cormorant, the 7 species of herons, the greylag goose and the glossy ibis. In this trip we will also visit the basilica of Agios Achilleios island one of the most important monuments surviving today in Prespa, and we will admire the architecture of traditional settlements with houses mainly built from stone, wood, clay soil and reeds. Lake fish, red peppers cooked in a various ways and “gigantic” beans are some of the exceptional local dishes that the visitor can taste.
At the end of our second day in Prespa Lakes, we take our way to our hotel located at the historical and cosmopolitan city of Thessaloniki, where we will spend the next three days of our trip.
Day 5-7 (National Park of Axios-Loudias-Alikamonas Estuaries)
During our stay in Thessaloniki, we will spend one day visiting Axios - Loudias - Aliakmonas National Park located on the western shoreline of the Thermaikos Gulf. The Park is a large complex wetland system with a great diversity of ecosystems, ranging from extensive rice-fields, grasslands and riparian forests to salty marshes and swamps. As the area is ideal habitat for many species of wild animals and plants, during our visit we will explore the diverse habitats that host many rare and threatened birds such as Avocets, Glossy ibises, Black - headed gulls, Dalmatian pelicans, mixed colonies of herons etc. Beside birds, the area hosts many other animal species, some of which are under threat of extinction, such as the European ground squirrel, the European otter and the Hermann’s tortoise. In the fields and in the islets of the Axios river the visitor can observe wild horses and an impressive stock of water buffalos. The Axios – Loudias – Aliakmonas National Park, offers great opportunities for walking, bird-watching and photography.
Early in the evening we will head back to Thessaloniki to get ready for a night out in this magnificent cosmopolitan city.
The next two days will be spent on visiting historical sites and cultural monuments in Thessaloniki centre and in areas close to the city.
Thessaloniki is a modern cosmopolitan city, cultural and economic centre of the Balkans, which has played an important role in the history of the region for centuries. The visitor can see plenty of evidence of the city’s long history in the archaeological remains of the ancient Forum, the Palace and Arch of Galerius, the churches, the Ottoman buildings, like the Yeni Tzami and Alatza Imaret. The visitor will also have the chance to view the great Byzantine city walls, the Heptapyrgion, the Trigonio Tower and the White Tower –the city’s symbol. The visitor can also visit a number of important museums scattered all around the city.
Thessaloniki is an excellent place for shopping and is considered a city rich in entertainment and dining opportunities, with numerous tavernas, restaurants, cafes and night clubs.
Near Thessaloniki where the modern Vergina village is located, the ancient Macedonians built their first capital city, Aiges. Here we will have the opportunity to inspect the remains of the Palace, the Theatre, the Agora and the Royal Tombs.
Few kilometres from Thessaloniki, the ancient city of Pella is located, where Alexander the Great was born and raised. The visitor can explore the archaeological site and then may look around the new Archaeological Museum of Pella.
Day 8
End Thessaloniki. Transfer to the airport.
Essential Trip info
During this trip we will explore wetlands and rivers delta with rich natural environment and evocative landscape, rare birds, superb wildflowers, magnificent butterflies. We will also have the chance to visit ancient and historical sites, cultural monuments, byzantine churches and museums as well as traditional villages. There will be around 3-4 hours of walking per day with plenty of stops to take photographs, admire the views and the wildlife. The walking during this trip is not technically demanding and should not present difficulties for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. During the winter, the weather can vary greatly therefore the itinerary and walks may need to be adapted. It can be cool and therefore you are advised that you bring warm clothing and also be prepared for rain and snow.
Getting Here
Visitors should fly into Thessaloniki International Airport. Upon arrival, guests will be picked up for transfer to the Kerkini village where the first two nights will be spent.
There may be a number of ways to reach Thessaloniki. For further information and advice please contact us and we can arrange your flights and bus/ train tickets for you.
Support
GreenTraveller's specialist staff provides personalised attention and on-going support to its guests.
Upon booking, you will have a comprehensive pre-departure briefing with the programme coordinator that provides all the details you will need to prepare for your trip to Greece. This briefing will cover topics and information on accommodation, staff, visas, optional activities, medical advices and more.
Upon arrival, your Group Leader will be always available and do his best to ensure that you will have an incredibly rewarding and memorable personal experience. All our Group Leaders are qualified biologists/ environmentalists and experienced professionals bringing a wealth of education and experience to enrich your journey.
Our staff will be always there to offer logistical and emergency support. A 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency contact number is provided for everyone who join us. We never compromise on safety!
Travel insurance
Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all participants prior to their departure and while on one of our expedition/ tours. You are responsible for ensuring that you are in possession of a valid travel insurance for the entire duration of your trip in respect of medical expenses, personal accident, legal expenses, medical emergency repatriation and death, as well as make sure that there are no exclusion clauses which limit cover for the type of sport or other activities included in your programme, such as, but not limited, to trekking, diving, rafting, cycling, canoeing, skiing etc.
Free Time and Optional Activities
Central Macedonia has everything that makes a holiday destination unforgettable. The visitor can enjoy archaeological treasures, historical monuments, magnificent landscapes of incomparable beauty and sandy beaches with turquoise waters. All the ingredients for a perfect trip can be found here: picturesque villages retaining the old customs and traditions, adventure sports, ski centres, superb food and night life.
From Thessaloniki the visitor can explore more of the wonderful sights and experiences that this beautiful area and adjacent regions has to offer. Depending from the season you can take a trip to many pristine and well known destinations like the ski centres of “Seli” and “3-5 Pigadia”; the mountain ranges of Voras, Pinovo, Tzena and Paiko offering ideal conditions for mountain hiking, climbing, biking and other activities; the remarkable waterfalls of Edessa city; the National Park of the mythical mountain of the Olympus range; the Halkidiki peninsula with its 550 kilometres of coastline, with golden beaches and blue sea; and only for men, the Holy mountain of Athos with its 20 monasteries, a symbol of the Christian faith.
