DAY 1 | THE ARRIVAL

Pick up from Thessaloniki Airport

Transfer to Kastoria by bus

Arrival in Kastoria

The Belgian historian Henri Grégoire once said that “if the Byzantine tradition is ever lost, the city of Kastoria is enough to recover it.”

Kastoria, “The lake’s byzantine princess” is full of historic and architectural secrets. A town among the most beautiful in Europe thanks to its lakeside splendour and idyllic tranquillity. Kastoria is built amphitheatrically on a narrow peninsula, mirrored in Orestiada Lake and nestled in between the mountains of Grammos and Vitsi.

Check in – Rest & Relaxation

Welcome drinks at the Hotel

Briefing on the entire event

Dinner

DAY 2 | ROUTE 1

4 Countries in one Day

This route will take you through the beautiful area, southwest of Kastoria. You’ll feel like you’re riding through 4 different countries in one day. One moment you’re riding in Oregon, USA, the next you’re discovering less-travelled France. Hitting the villages and the old structures along the route and you’re back in Greece.

ITINERARY

Traditional breakfast with locally sourced produce

Morning

4 Countries in one Day (Route 1)

Afternoon

Rest & relaxation at the hotel with spa treatment and massage service available (extra charges apply & advance booking is required).
• VIP programme: Bike washing, laundry service, massage,
• Spa treatment: longer service (priced accordingly)

Evening

Dinner at a local Tavern (19:00 – 20:00)

The tavern “To Steki tis Pareas” has been operating since 1966.

Back then, in the hands of Mr. Kostas and Mrs. Eleni, it worked predominantly with army personnel (omelette and retsina wine).

Then, from 1981 onwards, Nikos & Dina took over. With a lot of passion they renovated the space and managed to make the tavern the most revered one in Kastoria. Today, in the hands of their sons Kostas and Vangelis (Le monde professional cook), the tradition, albeit with a twist, continues.

DAY 3 | ROUTE 2

To the Borders / The highest lakes in the Balkans

Going through bear country, you probably won’t fear an attack here. The only thing you have to worry about is keeping enough air in your lungs for the final part. The beauty of the Prespa lake will probably take your breath away, so will the climb to the finish.

ITINERARY

Traditional breakfast with locally sourced produce

Morning

To the Borders / The highest lakes in the Balkans (Route 2)

Afternoon

Two Options
• Walking Tour of Florina town and visit to a local coffee shop.
• Rest & relaxation at the hotel with spa treatment and massage service available (extra charges apply & advance booking is required).

Evening

Dinner at a local Tavern (19:00 – 20:00)

DAY 4 | ROUTE 3

From the coal mines to the Bear Sanctuary

We’ve saved the best for last. As you head out from Florina, being waved away by a violin playing bear, you’ll discover more water landscapes with Lake Vegoritida (one of the deepest in Greece) stealing the show. If you feel strong, you could venture out into the nearby mountains (expect 15% gradient) but we’ll guide you around the lake, through the lignite mine nearby and we’ll welcome you at the finish line in Nymfaio, where you’ll be a citizen for one day. Don’t be too excited, because the climb to Nymfaio is a steep one. It’s one of the best kept places in the area, where you might spot a bear or a goat on the side of the road.

ITINERARY

Traditional breakfast with locally sourced produce

Morning

From the coal mines to the Bear Sanctuary (Route 3)

Afternoon

Visit Arcturos Bear Sanctuary & Village Tour

Seeing brown bears in forested enclosures, where bears rescued from poor captive conditions can spend their remaining years in a natural environment, is a rare and fulfilling experience.

A purpose- built tour to introduce the history, architecture and culture of the Nymfaio village and its people. The “waymen”, guardians of the most important Imperial road, the Via Egnatia, who turned into the most prominent silversmiths and goldsmiths in the Balkans and later on into Tobacco merchants left their mark on the finely decorated mansions, the magnificent Saint Nicholas Church and the monumental Nikeios School, the likes of which could very rarely be found, if at all, in the whole of Greece.

Evening

BBQ Dinner and Last Day Party

DAY 5 | DEPARTURE

Departure day
Transfer to Thessaloniki by bus

Love to Extent your stay with an extra night?
Optional – for those spending one more day in Thessaloniki

Arrival at the Hotel

Two Options offered:
1. Free day – Shopping
2. Thessaloniki City Secrets Tour

We’ll show you the thriving food and culture spots of the city that reflect the pulse of Greek people’s hearts – bustling, warm and full of life!

Throughout the tour you will enjoy stories about Greek culture, customs and traditions and immerse into the richness of local life, while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the different areas of the city.

Dinner by the Sea