Top Macedonia Full-day Tours

Making a day trip to the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Meteora from Thessaloniki can be difficult without a self-drive car. This full-day tour eliminates transport stresses: taking you direct to the medieval rock-pinnacle monasteries by comfortable air-conditioned minivan or coach, and with a guide to explain the monasteries’ construction, art, and history. On arrival, tour two of the six retreats and enjoy lunch (own expense) in nearby Kalampaka before your return.

Leave Thessaloniki for a day and discover ancient Dion and Mt. Olympus without the stress of public transport or hire cars. Travel to Dion Archaeological Park, home to city ruins dating from the 6th century BC; and explore its relics and museum. Next, visit Mt. Olympus, the home of the gods in Greek mythology, and walk in the Epinea Gorge to absorb the scenery surrounding the peak before returning.

Tracing the footsteps of Alexander the Great and other historical Macedonian figures can be tiring work, so savvy travelers will often schedule some downtime in Thessaloniki to rejuvenate. Instead of spending that time in a hotel or local spa, this tour offers the chance to bathe in the waters at the Loutra Pozar. Pozar's naturally warm water attracts visitors from throughout Macedonia, and this tour makes it easy to visit and bathe in a single day.

Immerse yourself in the world of Alexander the Great and Greek history during this full-day, guided tour that visits archeological sites, tombs, and includes a traditional Greek lunch. Learn about regional history and culture from Ancient Greece through the Byzantie era to modern-day Greece and see the Mecedonian plain stretched out before you.

Experience the quiet side of Crete with this all-day Land Rover tour to some of the island’s most beautiful and hidden places. Those who are short on time and eager to get away from the crowds will appreciate this budget-friendly, all-inclusive outing that visits waterfalls, herb farms, and ancient olive groves and includes lunch at a local taverna, a nature hike, and swimming in a cool spring.

Experience the dramatic clifftop views and inspiring solitude of Meteora on this full-day train trip from Thessaloniki. Ride the rails through the countryside to the town of Kalambaka, where a driver whisks you away in a Mercedes van to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit ancient monasteries built at astonishing heights up in the cliffs and learn the legends behind these sacred places from your guide.

Charter a private boat for a cruise around the shores of Halkidiki with just your personal group on board. How you enjoy your time at sea is up to you; sit back and sunbathe on deck, or dive into the water to snorkel or swim. With traditional Greek snacks, drinks, and select water sports gear included, the experience makes a perfect vacation treat for a group of family and friends.

With turquoise bays, island lagoons, and magical beaches, Sithonia is best seen from the water. On this private speedboat cruise, travel around the peninsula for a full day of sightseeing with multiple snorkeling and swimming sessions. Part of the itinerary is customizable: you can choose, for example, whether to have lunch near Sykia Beach or Ammouliani (own expense).

Diaporos Island and Vourvourou Bay are home to turquoise lagoons, magical beaches, and secluded islets. On this private speedboat cruise, travel around the bay and island for a full day of sightseeing with multiple swimming and snorkeling sessions. Highlights include stops at three beaches, the Blue Lagoon, tiny Peristeri Island, and Kryfto Bay’s calm, protected waters.

With its sheer walls and tight passageways, the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most striking natural wonders. With this tour, all the logistics are taken care of so all you need do is complete the challenging 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike. Set off from Chania in early morning and arrive at the trailhead ahead of the crowds. After the guided hike, board a boat back to Chora Sfakion, then a bus back to Chania.

Follow the lead of this excursion on the way to Ierapetra by bus, accompanied by the morning sun. Soon after embarking in the boat, enjoy the trip in the Libyan sea on your way to Chrissi island where you will taste the natural beauty of a unique and protected by “Natura 2000” golden beach.

You don’t need to miss out on the towering peaks and pinnacles of Meteora just because you’re staying in Thessaloniki. Take the hassle out of transportation with this convenient tour that includes round-trip train tickets and a small-group guided tour. See all six of the iconic monasteries and explore inside one or two.

Escape the crowds and sail the Mediterranean waters. Discover isolated coves, explore hidden beaches, and relax aboard the boat while your professional skipper guides your tour. See locations you won’t find in your guidebook or access by car. Choose a half-day or full-day sailing excursion on a luxury yacht, or book a 4-hour evening boat party for a special occasion.

Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s top attractions and the longest gorge in Europe. Embark on a full-day excursion to the western part of Crete and enjoy a walking tour of the great gorge. Spend your day ascending steep inclines, visiting the old village of Samaria, seeing the church that the gorge is named after, and ending at the refreshing sea in Agia Roumeli.

Discover the monasteries of Meteora during a full-day private tour from Thessaloniki. Get picked up by a private driver in an air-conditioned vehicle and set out for the Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora. Visit three of the oldest monasteries in the region, dramatically set on top of striking rock formations. Explore the sites at your leisure and enjoy a lunch at Kastraki with views of the cliffs.

Skip out on the resort crowds at Thessaloniki and head to the rugged coast of Chalkidiki for this day trip full of dramatic sights and photo opportunities. Cruise around the shore of Ouranoupoli and the ‘holy mountain’ of Mount Athos. See the mountainside monasteries from which Athos takes its reputation, from the colorful Monastery of Docheiariou to the grand Holy Monastery of Simonos Petras. Spend the afternoon on the water, taking in the views and the ocean air.

Journey to the mythical home of the Greek gods on this full-day tour to mighty Mount Olympus. Explore the ruins of an ancient city and temple dedicated to Zeus at the Dion archaeological site, and see excavated statues and other relics at the museum. Soak up the natural beauty of Olympus and experience Greek alpine culture with a visit to the village of Litochoro and walk through beautiful Enipea Valley.

Discover Thessaloniki on this full-day tour of the famous northern Greek city. Highlights include the ‘Forum Romanum’, Lydia’s Baptistry and the Amphipolis Lion. Begin your tour in Kavala in the early morning before passing the Lakes of Koroni, Volvi, and the village of Asprovalta. The ancient Macedonian city Philippi is the last must-see before returning to Kavala, passing by the old bridge of Strymonas river.

Explore Crete by sail with a scenic day cruise to Gramvousa and Balos. Get picked up at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and admire views during the drive to the west edge of Crete. Climb aboard a boat and sail to Gramvousa, or Pirates Island. Cool off with a swim in the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon and get to know Crete from a fresh perspective.

With cliffside monasteries, turquoise waters, and secluded bays, Halkidiki’s coastline is best explored on the water. This cruise takes travelers around Mt. Athos and Sithonia, visiting beaches, waterside monasteries, and island lagoons for swimming and snorkeling. Travelers can opt for lunch on the famous Blue Lagoon of the Drenia islands (own expense).

Mt. Olympus, the original home of the Greek gods, lies just over an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki. Discover the area’s star attractions on this great-value private tour, with onboard Wi-Fi, snacks and bottled water: entrance fees and food are at your own expense. Explore the Dion Archaeological Park’s ancient sanctuaries; stroll past a crystal waterfall to the cave of St. Dionysius; visit an idyllic Greek village; and so much more.

Take a deep dive into the culture of the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia during this full-day small-group visit to the Pella and Vergina archaeological sites. Travel with no more than 15 total guests to explore Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and Vergina, the ancient capital city that today is home to a museum with artifacts like the royal tomb of King Philip the Second.

See Meteora’s rocktop monasteries on a day trip from Thessaloniki. Travel to Kalambaka to visit two of these six UNESCO-listed sanctuaries, each built on a giant rock pillar between the 14th and 16th centuries. Absorb their interiors and views, and learn how and why they were constructed. Before returning to Thessaloniki, stop to see the Valley of Tempi gorge. Includes coach transport, guide, and selected hotel pickup and drop-off, with entrance fees at own expense.

This is the only place where a visitor can experience unique finds you can see nowhere else in the world. The Vergina gold treasures and royal tombs are the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century in Greece. The classical pebble mosaics of Pella are the only ones from the 4th century BC found in such a good condition in the ruined villas. Visit the two Macedonian kingdom capitals at your own pace, learn about this great ancient kingdom of Philip and Alexander and enjoy a traditional taverna lunch in between.