Acquaintance with the city of Thessaloniki: Thessaloniki is the second most populous city of Greece; it is called by Greeks the ‘co-capital’ of Greece and its name is derived from the name of Alexander the Great’s sister. It is a unique city, much unlike any other in Greece. Century-long harmonious cohabitation of many different ethnicities and cultures has given the city a one-of-a-kind character and a sense of diversity and multiculturalism.
Thessaloniki has been and still is the place where the eastern mentality meets the western; this blend of mindsets and cultures bestows the city with a completely unique feel, making it vividly stand out. Here you can visit monuments from Roman times such as the palatial complex of Galerius, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda and the Via Egnatia. Byzantine monuments also abound in the city, such as the St. Demetrios Church, the Hagia Sofia Church, the Church of St. Nikolas Orfanos and many others, while monuments from the Ottoman period are also present: make sure to visit the Bey Hamam (Baths of Paradise), the White Tower, the Bezesteni market and the 15th century Alaca Imaret Mosque, which are only some of the many sights the city has to offer. Most of these monuments which define the character of Thessaloniki are included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the largest university of Greece, can also be found here. Due to this, the city has a significant youth population, which provides it with a vibrant and lively feel. You can grasp the juvenile pulse of the city merely by sitting down to have a coffee in one of the numerous cafeterias around the area of the university. If, on the other hand, you are keener on a night out, you can always enjoy a glass of wine while savoring the beautiful view of the Gulf of Thermaikos from one of the many beautiful bars facing the seafront. The overall night-life of the city is very active, with bars, cafes, restaurants and many other options in every corner of the city.
The city of Thessaloniki always has something interesting and original to offer; the vast variety of projects, activities, events and actions taking place and being organized in Thessaloniki has fairly given the city the title of the most enchanting city in the Balkans.
The city of Thessaloniki can be a gastronomical heaven for gourmet lovers; countless taverns and restaurants can satisfy even the most demanding customers.
After the tour of the city, the group will depart for “Domaine Babatzimopoulos”. Situated near the mountain Ossa, the winery is at a 45 km distance from the city of Thessaloniki. During the visit, a tour at the winery’s vineyards and facilities will take place, through which you will have the chance to get acquainted with the production process. The tour will conclude with a wine-tasting of the estate’s products, followed by dinner either at the winery’s premises or at a local tavern. The group will then return to Thessaloniki for an overnight stay.