CHALKIDIKI – A LOOK AT THE DEPTHS OF THE CENTURIES (OLYNTHOS – NEA POTIDAIA – AFYTOS)
DEPARTURE
- Chalkidiki, Thessaloniki
EXCURSION THEME
- Entertainment
EXCURTION TYPE
- 1-2 (persons) Car, 1-6 (persons) Mini Van, Individual
GUIDE SERVICE
- With Guide, Without Guide
DURATION
- Half Day
SHORT DESCRIPTION
GALLERY
ROUTE
| Time | Description |
| 08:00:00 | Departure from Thessaloniki |
| 10:00:00 | Olynthos |
| 12:30:00 | Nea Potidea |
| 12:45:00 | Afitos (walk and time for lunch) |
| 15:00:00 | departure for Thessaloniki |
| 16:30:00 | Return to Thessaloniki |
EXCURTION DESCRIPTION
Chalkidiki
The peninsula of Halkidiki is located in the northern part of Greece and is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. It consists of four parts – the so – called “palm” – the continental part and three “legs” 60 km long. each room.
This unusual shape creates a long and indented coastline stretching more than 500 km. (with a total area of the peninsula slightly less than 3000 square kilometers), forming four bays: Thermaikos, Toroneos (or Kassandra), Siggitiko and Strymonikos.
Also, the unusual shape inspired the first settlers to associate it with the trident of the ruler of the seas – Poseidon, although the first name of the peninsula – Phlegra – reminds of the struggle of the Olympic gods and Giants. The name of Halkidiki appeared with the arrival on the peninsula in the 9th century BC.Allah. the first settlers from the island of Euboea from the cities of Chalkis and Eretria.
Olynthos
Legend has it that Hercules, following the horses of Diomedes to Thrace, met the beautiful nymph volvi, who later gave birth to a son, Olynthos.
Historically, the city of Olynthos was founded as a colony of either the Athenians or, according to another version, immigrants from Euboea around the 6th century BC.Allah.
Very quickly, due to the convenient commercial location, the availability of Natural Resources and the proximity of the largest commercial port of the Halkidiki peninsula in ancient times withthe government (today – the village of Kalyves), Olynthos turned into a large and influential city and became, in fact, the capital of the Union of Halkidiki. The city was famous for its mosaics, rich decoration of houses and general prosperity, which made it the object of desire of many conquerors.
The wealth and high population of the Union of Halkidiki is evidenced by facts such as the possibility of placing up to 10 thousand hoplites on the battlefield and the capture of the Macedonian capital Pella in 382 BC.Allah. Perhaps it was this event that shaped the negative attitude of the King of Macedonia Philip II towards Olynthos and, therefore, played a fatal role in the history of the city. In 348 P.Allah., referring to the violation of the Allied oath by the Olnites, Philip II seizes the city and completely destroys it, after this tragic event it is never reborn. However, the testimonies of its former greatness can be seen in the ruins of ancient buildings, in the arrangement of streets according to the Hippodamic system and in magnificently preserved mosaics, one of which “Bellerophon on Pegasus kills the Chimera”.
Potidea
Potidea is located at the beginning of the Western (first) peninsula of Halkidiki, for which it was called “the gate of Kassandra”. Built at the narrowest point of Kassandra, one kilometer wide, on an artificial canal, Potidea is one of the most picturesque and memorable places in the area. Two bays: Thermiko and Toronos touch here, in fact, turning Cassandra into an island.
They were the Corinthians in the 7th century BC.Allah. they founded a colony here and dug the canal, which provided an excellent opportunity for rapid economic development and security (because the fortifications of the city were located along the canal). Potidea became a city of great influence, an important commercial center of the peninsula of Halkidiki with its largest port. The city has repeatedly declared the status of the capital of the “Union of Halkidiki” in contrast to the official capital of Olynthos, and also found itself in the center of political and military events and endless conflicts. Thus the 432 P.Allah. during the next Peloponnesian War and the Epidamicist crisis over insubordination in Athens, a united army of 3 mm. Athenian hoplites, allied units, 600 Macedonian cavalry soldiers and 70 ships, opposed Potidaea. Socrates and Alcibiades participated in the battle between the Athenian Warriors. Socrates saved the life of the wounded Alcibiades in battle, carrying him out of the battlefield along with his weapons.
After a long siege, Potidaea surrendered in the winter of 429 BC.Allah., due to a terrible famine: there were even cases of cannibalism in the city. According to the terms of surrender, the inhabitants had to leave the city, taking with them only clothes and a little money, and the city was captured by the Athenians.
In 356 P.Allah. the Macedonian King Philip II conquered Potidaea. They say that as soon as Philip II had learned of the capture of the city, he received news of the birth of his son Alexander.
The city was rebuilt more than once: by Cassander (founder of the city of Thessaloniki), under Justinian the first, from whose time the remains of Roman fortresses were left on the canal near both bays.
The modern village of Nea Potidea was rebuilt and settled after 1922 by the Greeks-refugees from Asia Minor, who were forced to resettle due to the genocide by the Ottoman Turks.
Today Nea Potidea is a popular seaside resort with a developed tourist infrastructure.
MAP
- The word “Olynthos” is pre-Greek and probably means “wild fig”
- Socrates took part as a hoplite in the battles of Potidea (429 – 431 BC)
- Essentially the peninsula of Kassandra is an island, as it is crossed by a technical canal.
- 70% of the territory of Halkidiki is protected natural area.
- Archaeological excavations were carried out only in 20% of the peninsula.
- The length of the coastline of the peninsula is 540 km, of which 360 are beaches.
- Annually about 100 beaches of Halkidiki are awarded the Blue Flag.
- Total kilometer distance of the excursion (departure from Thessaloniki) – about 200 km.
- Wear comfortable shoes for your safety.
- The program of the excursion can be changed for reasons beyond the control of the company (force majeure); weather conditions and at the discretion of the tour guide, if necessary.
260 €
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THE PRICE INCLUDES
- All transfers made with comfortable transport (depending on the selected category).
- Guide services (unless you have selected the “no guide” service).
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Lunch.
SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS
TOUR IN ATHENS AND THE MUSEUM OF THE ACROPOLIS
CORFU – ISLAND OF THE ARISTOCRATS (TWO-DAY EXCURSION)
Cruise to Albania: Saints Saranda and Vouthroto
PILGRIMAGE TO THE MONASTERIES OF CORFU
DISCOVERING NORTH CORFU
FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH GREECE (PREMIUM, THESSALONIKI)
METEORAS – DELPHI (TWO DAYS)
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Entertainment
TOUR IN ATHENS AND THE MUSEUM OF THE ACROPOLIS
610 €The trip to Athens is one of those trips that will not leave any traveler indifferent. And it’s not just about the the spirit of a modern European metropolis, the atmosphere of the capital or the sequence of objects you visit. The bottom line is that you touch the pages of school textbooks and books about ancient Greek history and mythology on and on again, and, at the same time, discover a lot of new things&facts for yourself.
Not only history and gods with heroes will fill with special content your acquaintance with the city of democracy, but also a number of pleasant surprises and surprises will open Athens for you . And first of all it will be an acquaintance with the uniqueness and originality of the city, which combines a history of five thousand years with the life of a 21st century metropolis. This amazing symbiosis in Athens does not just mean the neighborhood of the majestic ruins of the 5th century BC. e. with modern trading centers and buildings of the 19th century, built in neoclassical style, but also a special atmosphere in which antiquity meets the era of technological progress.
During a sightseeing tour of Athens, you will get acquainted with the main sights of the center of the capital of Greece. Your path will run along the Kifissos River, which, according to one version, is the legendary Eridanus, where the son of the solar god Helios Phaethon fell into, strucked by lightning of Zeus for the inability to cope with the chariot of his father. You will see Cape Piraeus, where the main port once appeared, Athens, which retains such significance today. And marvel at the size columns of the temple of Olympian Zeus, which can surprise even now. Follow the steps of the Evzones – soldiers of the national guard, carrying guard at the parliament building in the very center of the city. take a selfie in the background of Olympic Stadium Kallimarmaro, where the first Olympic modern games were held. You will follow the paths of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle along the agora of ancient Athens and the path “Peripatos” around the hill of the Acropolis, in the honour of which the Peripatetic school of philosophers was named. Dive into the hustle and bustle of the Plaka – one of the old districts of Athens, conveying the mood of the second half of the 19th century. On the way back, a stop in the Thermopylae Gorge is provided, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans accomplished a feat that even today is not forgotten not only by the Greeks, but by the whole world.
After your visit to the Acropolis, the tour continues to the new Acropolis Museum, which in 2009 moved from the premises next to the Parthenon to a new building.The layout of the museum building provides transparent floors, so the basement of the exhibition is the excavation of the districts of ancient Athens. On the ground floor there are finds of Athenian pottery, in the first – finds, found mainly during the excavation of the “Persian ravine” – a pit in which were buried details of buildings and sculptural decorations of the Acropolis of the Archaic period of the 6th century BC. after the destruction of the buildings by the Persians in 480 and 479 BC. Also, in the same area, a large number of so-called kouros and koras are presented (statues of young men and women of the archaic period).
The top floor houses the original sculptures of the Parthenon, which are on display in the museum to protect them from the harmful effects of smog, rain and pollution: metopes, fragments of surviving pediments and details of the Parthenon frieze. The Acropolis Museum contains 40 plaques, the British Museum – 56, stolen in 1801-1805 by Elgin.
On the way back, a stop is waiting for you in Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans gained eternal glory.
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Entertainment
CORFU – ISLAND OF THE ARISTOCRATS (TWO-DAY EXCURSION)
1,150 €The two-day trip to Corfu gives you the opportunity to get to know one of the most amazing islands of Greece. An aristocratic Island, unique architecture and huge historical and cultural heritage. The classic Greek beauty of Corfu has fascinated sailors, travelers, aristocrats and artists for centuries. The Venetians, the French and the British left behind a legacy in the architecture, culture, daily life and gastronomy of the island. Today Corfu is a mix of eras and cultures, blending traditional Orthodox Greece with the Cosmopolitan influences of Western Europe.
Day one – the city of Corfu.
Once you step into the atmospheric old town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will find yourself in a fairytale world. You will hear the footsteps of kings, nobles and Knights who once walked on the cobbled sidewalks and quacks. And the labyrinth of narrow streets will lead you to the Church of St. Spyridon, protector of the city and one of the most revered saints. The port of Corfu, one of the most well-fortified ports in the Mediterranean, is characterized by two fortresses – Old and New. An ideal place to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the magnificent Ionian Sea.
Pontikonisi and the Monastery of Vlacherna off the coast of Kanoni are some of the most famous and photographed sights of Corfu. Here you will not only enjoy the picturesque landscapes, but you will have the opportunity to take truly unique photos (with planes flying just a few meters above the Monastery of Vlacherna).
The evening awaits you a walk in the north of the island, where, on the edge of a cliff in Peroulades, the most romantic sunset awaits you.
Day two – the island of Corfu.
The day will start with an acquaintance with the traditional production of liqueurs and sweets from kumquat, which have long been the trademark of the island and are widely exported to European countries. Then to Paleokastritsa, which is a favorite destination for all visitors and locals of Corfu.Picturesque bays and sandy beaches, olive groves, green hills, steep cliffs and caves that are hidden inside, create a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors to the island and residents of the area. Here, on a cliff, dominates the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, whose history will be interesting not only for pilgrims.
At the end of the route – visit to Achillion, the summer house of the Austrian Empress Elizabeth (Sissi). This is undoubtedly one of the most famous royal mansions in Europe. It was built in 1890 and designed by the Italian architects Rafaele Carrito and Antonio Landi.
It is named after Achilles, Elizabeth’s favorite hero. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens dominated by vigorous bougainvillea and tall palm trees. The gardens contain a large number of sculptures, the most remarkable of which are dedicated to Achilles himself.
A two-day trip to Corfu will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with the most European, cosmopolitan and aristocratic island of the Ionian Sea and the whole of Greece.
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Cruise
Cruise to Albania: Saints Saranda and Vouthroto
50 €Albania is located just 2 nautical miles from the island of Corfu and the history of its southern coastline is the history of Greek settlements.
A one-day cruise in Albania will acquaint you with the monuments of ancient times, the natural beauty and the customs of this country.
As part of this route, you will visit the town of Agioi Saranda, called the Southern Gate of Albania due to its key position throughout its centuries of history. The main purpose of the trip is the Butrhoto Archaeological Park, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
And at the end of the program, you will have a short tour of the medieval castle Le Cures, located on a hill above the port.
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CruiseBLUE LAGOON CRUISE
30 €Dreams of relaxation for most people are associated with azure of the sea, endless white sandy beach or sea cruise. The Blue Lagoon cruise is a great opportunity to spend an unforgettable day at the sea and get a lot of pleasant impressions.
Chalkidiki is called “a kaleidoscope of green and blue” because of the rich vegetation that borders the waters of its coasts. The beaches are long and sandy, scattered over small or large bays. The sea is perfectly clean, safe, transparent and calm. The seabed is teeming with life, and if you take diving goggles you can see fish, small octopuses and other marine life.
The cruise will start from the bay of Ormos Panagias and its itinerary will be lie to the south – towards the openwork coast of Vourvourou, after swimming in open waters you will travel to the only one of the inhabited islands in the region region – Ammouliani, where you can stroll through the atmospheric village and relax on the beach.
