Half-day Thessaloniki city tour

Since its foundation by King Cassander of Macedonia in 315 B.C. and named after his wife, the half-sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki has always been a metropolis. The long history of the city is evident by the varied architectural forms, from the Hellenistic era up to the end of the 20^th century as well as with an astonishing Byzantine artistic heritage.
Thessaloniki, the second largest city of Greece, is the principle gateway from the Mediterranean to the Balkans and Central Europe.

You will have the opportunity to see the White Tower, which is the symbol of the city, the International Trade Fair grounds, the University campus, the Gallerius Arch, the Rotonda, St Dimitrios Church, the Citadel and the City Walls, from where you will have a marvellous view of the city, of the Thermaic Gulf, of Mount Olympus in the background, and visit the Archeological Museum that houses a stunning exhibition of golden jewels.

Departure from the Congress Secretariat
Price per person: € 50.– (entrance fees included)

Half-day Byzantine Museum and
churches of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki was one of the first bases for the spread of Christianity. The glory of the city is the uninterrupted and unique presence of Christian religious monuments spanning from the 4^th to the 20^th century. This makes Thessaloniki the largest, most comprehensive, live openair museum of Byzantine art in the Christian world. The tour consists of a visit to the Museum of Byzantine Culture and a number of churches.

Departure from the Congress Secretariat
Price per person: € 50.– (entrance fees included)

Half-day Vergina

Vergina, known in ancient times as Aegae, was the first capital of ancient Macedonia.
Today, this small village has become world reknown as the most important of a cluster of three archaeological sites in the area connected with Philip, father of Alexander the Great. Vergina is where Philip built a massive palace lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, as well as a theatre, and where he was assassinated in 336 BC. The palace has been excavated, as has the theatre, and the tomb of Philip was found here undisturbed in 1977.

Feast your eyes on the marvellous treasures; all masterpieces of ancient Greek art dating back to the 4^th century B.C. Examples of golden wreaths, silver vessels, miniature sculptures and paintings are exhibited in a unique museum.

Departure from the Congress Secretariat
Price per person: € 65.– (lunch not included)

Full-day Mount Olympus – home of gods

Passing Thessaloniki, we drive west to Dion where archeological
excavations have brought to light the extensive ruins of the Macedonians’ sanctuary of the gods. Amidst the lush vegetation and springs of the Pierian plain, just before the ascent to Olympos begins, one can see the ruins of the sanctuary buildings. Most notable of these are the sanctuary of Demeter, two temples dating to c. 500 B.C., the Asklepieion, and the whole shrine dedicated to the Egyption goddess Isis, with its idols still standing on their bases. Next to them the remains of the ancient city of Dion stretch out. It was closely associated with Zeus as its name implies (in Greek the god is called Dias) and famous for festivities and games dedicated to the god. In the museum you will see a vast number of
statues, vessels, coins and a unique find: the ”hydraulis” from the 1^st century B.C. This is a musical instrument which was the forerunner of the church organ in the West.
Continuing south, we arrive at the foot of Mount Olympus in Litochoro village, where a guided walk will begin. Admire the natural beauty, while walking through unspoilt forests to Enipeas valley. Free time for lunch before returning to Litochoro and then back to Thessaloniki.

Departure from the Congress Secretariat
Price per person: € 75.– (lunch not included)