History & Archaeology [7 days] |mazi travel

History & Archaeology [7 days]
from 950 €

On the foothills of the Pieria Mountains, in the “land of Macedon”, as described by Herodotus, lay the relics of Aigai, the first city of Macedon, the land with many goats (“Aigai” in ancient Greek: “goats”). Visiting the site that is open to the public, such as the royal burial cluster of Philip II, a monument of international value where one can admire the elaborate creations, and touring the site’s monuments which are currently in the process of conservation, one can formulate a general and dynamic view of the ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom and, at the same time, comprehend its cultural significance. Visitors will also wander the ancient Mieza and the School of Aristotle, where the young Alexander the Great was taught by Aristotle himself and where the teachings of Socrates, Plato, and other great philosophers were praised. The whole of Imathia and Pieria is filled with rich history, from the Roman era to the Byzantine times, when significant monuments arose. The visit of Apostle Paul to Imathia, preaching to its people from the Bema, the Greek Revolution in 1821, the World Wars, all left their stigma in the region, creating a fascinating puzzle waiting to be explored.

Highlights:

IMATHIA: Thematic guided walking tours, Guided visit to the Royal Tombs of Aigai and the Ethnographic Museum of Meliki,the Ancient Theater of Mieza and the school of Aristotle, Ancient Greek & Byzantine Symposium Dinner

PIERIA: Guided visit to the Archaeological Park of Dion, the Center of Mediterranean Mosaics, the abandoned Palia Vrontou Village and the Holy Monastery of Virgin Mary, Mosaic and Pottery workshop

GROUPS: 8-15 people

Itinerary

Veria

Welcome at the hotel, small treat, and local drink, meet the hosts, and tour the premises. Walking tour in Veria with stop for lunch in a local tavern and introduction of Imathia’s cuisine, know the town’s history and visit key points, talk about the 3 main communities & their architecture. End with dinner and night out.

Veria & Vergina

Visit the Royal Tombs of Aigai where a guided tour will take place, accompanied by sketch of Ancient Greeks. Visit the New Museum of Aigai & lunch in Vergina. Small stops to visit the Sanctuary of Cybele, the Ancient Theatre of Aigai & the Acropolis. Return to the hotel for some rest, dine as Ancient Greeks, and fun night with board games and traditional ancient Greek music.

Naousa

Visit the Heroic city of Naousa and enjoy a walking tour with stops at key points where one will get to know the history of the city since Ancient times to the modern era. Stop for a light lunch with traditional pies. Visit a traditional, family-owned winery and enjoy a fine selection of wines, then dinner and night out in Naousa.

Naousa – Mieza – School of Aristotle

Visit the place where the ancient city of Mieza once stood and learn about its significance. Picnic “Kolatsio” in the wonderful surrounding nature. Visit the school of Aristotle, during the golden sunset and have an introduction to ancient Greek philosophy. Return to the hotel for dinner and a philosophy board game.

Pieria - Dion

Departure for our hotel in Pieria. Small treat and local drink, meet the hosts, and tour of the premises. Visit the region of Pieria and have a guided tour of the Archaeological Site of Dion & the Archaeological Museum. Lunch in a traditional picturesque tavern. Visit the Centre of Mediterranean Mosaics which is followed by a mosaic workshop. Dinner and night out.

Pieria – Surrounding villages

Visit the villages around Mt Olympus, the abandoned Palia Vrontou, and the nearby church of Agia Kori. Stop at a picturesque point for lunch. Visit the Village of Petra and the Holy Monastery of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Pieria - Leivithra

Visit Leivithra and walk around the Archaeological Park with a guided tour. Pottery workshop on the premises of the park and lunch. Transport to the airport.

Places to visit