13 DAYS GREEK & ROMAN HERITAGE THROUGH BALKANS – BY PROF OLS

Arrival in Thessaloniki

Arrive in Greece's vibrant second city, the modern heir to ancient Macedon. Settle in and prepare for the journey ahead through lands steeped in heritage.

Pella & Aigai: Heart of Ancient Macedonia

Leave Thessaloniki behind for a full-day excursion into the heartland of Ancient Macedonia. Begin at Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, where mosaics and ruins bring the ancient city to life. Continue to Aigai (modern Vergina), the first capital of the Macedonian Kingdom, to marvel at the royal tombs and treasures of the ancient necropolis.

Journey to Korçë

Leave Thessaloniki this morning and journey east through northern Greece before crossing into Albania, arriving in Korçë after a scenic 3.5 hours (~250km) drive. On arrival, settle into your boutique hotel on lively Republika Boulevard and enjoy an introductory walk through Korçë’s historic centre, a cultured mountain city often called Albania’s ‘Little Paris’, with elegant boulevards, an old bazaar and lively café terraces.

Tirana Arrival

Depart Korçë and travel north-west across rural Albania, watching the landscape shift from upland valleys to broad plains as you approach the capital, after a 3.5 hours (~168km) drive. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided introduction to the city’s main landmarks, including Skanderbeg Square. The city’s colourful buildings and energetic pace offer a striking contrast to the ancient sites visited so far, reflecting Albania’s vibrant cultural evolution.

Coastal Echoes: Durrës

Take a day trip from Tirana to explore Durrës, Albania’s main port since Roman times, where an ancient amphitheatre and seafront promenade invite exploration. This leg of the journey follows the route of the ancient Via Egnatia, a Roman road that once linked Byzantium with the Adriatic Sea, passing through Thessaloniki and Durrës.

Berat: City of a Thousand Windows

Travel south to Berat, in about 2 hours (~100km), you will arrive at one of Albania’s most photogenic towns. With its white Ottoman houses stacked up the hillsides, Berat is a living museum. Explore its imposing castle, home to Byzantine churches and frescoes, and stroll through its beautifully preserved old town. Admire the town’s harmonious blend of architecture, history, and natural beauty that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Hellenistic Traces: Bylis to Gjirokastër

Depart Berat and drive less than 2 hours (~72km) to the remote ruins of Bylis, once a flourishing Hellenistic city commanding strategic views of southern Albania. Its impressive stone theatre and basilicas reflect its former significance. Continue to drive for 1.5 hour (~82km) to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its distinctive Ottoman architecture and dramatic hilltop setting. Settle into the historic ambiance and enjoy an evening walk through its cobbled streets.

Butrint: A Crossroads of Civilizations

Embark on an excursion to Butrint, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Balkans. Set in a lush national park, this ancient city reveals layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history. Walk among temples, forums, and theatres while gaining deeper understanding through expert commentary. On the return, enjoy more time to explore the historic charm of Gjirokastër.

Truffle hunting in Metsovo

Today you cross into northern Greece, travelling through the Pindus mountains to the alpine town of Metsovo (2.5hour ~140km), known for stone-built houses and red-tiled roofs. After checking in at Grand Forest Metsovo, join a Truffle Treasure Trek: an afternoon truffle-hunting experience with expert guide, followed by truffle-based specialties and local wine in a forest setting.

Explore Meteora Monasteries

Drive to Meteora (1h15m, ~88km) to explore its extraordinary cluster of monasteries perched atop sandstone pinnacles, one of Greece’s most spectacular spiritual landscapes. These UNESCO-listed spiritual retreats date back to the 14th century and remain active to this day. Visit some of the monasteries to admire their frescoes, tranquil chapels, and breathtaking views.

In the afternoon, continue south toward Delphi (3 hours, ~230km), arriving in the Arachova region to check into your mountain resort, where you can unwind and enjoy the crisp highland air.

Delphi and Drive to Athens

Spend the morning at the sanctuary of Delphi, visiting the archaeological site and museum to trace the myths, oracles and political influence of this famed ancient centre. Wander through its hauntingly beautiful ruins including the temple, stadium, and theatre, set dramatically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. After lunch, travel on to Athens (2h45m, ~190km) and settle into your city-centre hotel.

Athens: Legacy of a Civilization

Today, embark on an enriching exploration of Athens’ most iconic cultural treasures. Ascend the legendary Acropolis Hill, where timeless monuments rise above the city, embodying the ideals of classical beauty and human achievement.

Continue to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural gem that houses the masterpieces of the sacred rock with elegance and clarity. Conclude at the National Archaeological Museum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of ancient Greek art and artifacts-offering a profound window into the soul of a great civilization.

Departure from Athens

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. As you depart, carry with you the rich tapestry of landscapes, histories, and insights gained throughout this memorable exploration of the ancient Macedonian world and its enduring legacies.