Journeying through this land of Macedonia, one can immerse themselves in a Plethora of cultural and religious heritage. From the vast and majestic burial sites, to the vibrant and colourful natural landscape, a traveller is sure to be mesmerised by the beauty of the land.
The journey from the ancient city of Vergina to Meteora is one that leaves a lasting impression, as the ancient and modern mix together in harmony. An overwhelming sense of awe can be felt, as the power of nature and the strength of humanity combine to form a timeless tapestry.
Vergina is home to one of the most opulent and awe-inspiring museums in Greece: the burial tomb of the Macedonian kings. In the late 20th century, archaeologists uncovered multiple unmarred royal graves. The panoramic views of the alyakmonas river gorge from the st. John the forerunner monastery will be etched in your mind for eternity.
Vergina is a repository of the Macedonian lineage, and should be the starting point for anyone wanting to explore the amazing history of ancient Macedonia. It was here, in the small town of Vergina, that the city of aeges, the very first capital of Macedonia, first came into being. Not surprisingly, the tomb of the renowned conqueror, Philip ii (father of Alexander the great) was also discovered here. Alexander the fourth, philip’s son, was laid to rest in the same area.
The stories of old claimed that when a king of Macedonia was laid to rest in a foreign land, the argeades dynasty would come to an end. Though such tales may be difficult to believe, it was after the mysterious disappearance of Alexander the third that Macedonia’s power began to fade.
Despite its historical attractions, this hospitable greek village lures vacationers to it with something more. Behind the cliffs lies a captivating spot. Nestled in the mountains and blanketed in foliage and blossoms lies the skete of john the baptist, an ancient monastery. The mountains are full of caverns where monks once began this monastery. This christian gem, concealed in the rocks, is awe-inspiring. The walls of the sanctuary, the sacred monastery’s invigorating ambience, and the tranquil flow of alyakmonas river form a stunning place that no traveler would miss taking a picture of.
Liakou winery, nestled in thessaly plain’s boundless lands, is well-known for its proximity to the wondrous Meteora. On the way to Kalambaka, the estate of Liakou is fragrant with the enchanting scent of fresh berries and fine wine.
Visitors can explore the lush vineyards and taste the pure, fruity wines made from grapes that develop in the shadow of Meteora. Of course, a trip to Liakou would be incomplete without a visit to the winery’s hallowed production hall where you can sample the best of the local wines.
Let Liakou’s wines bring joy to your heart!
Once you get to the vicinity of Meteora, take a day to gaze upon these stunning rocks. It’s hard to decide which is more awe-inspiring: the six-hundred-meter-high monoliths or the walls of man-made monasteries, which, after being built hundreds of years ago, appear to have been embedded within the stone, towering above the plain. Two dozen monasteries sprung up, following the first one.
At this place, there are special workshops for icon-painting, where knowledgeable and talented artisans create beautiful representations of holy figures before the eyes of any witness. The experience of seeing the masterful brushstrokes being used to craft the faces of saints is truly remarkable.
Transfer to Vergina. Here the time may differ, depending on the departure point.
Excursion to the Museum of the Macedonian Royal Tombs in Vergina
Moving to the monastery of st. John the Baptist, located in a picturesque place on the western slopes of Mount Olympus, in the rocks above the river Alyakmonas
Visiting the monastery, where the great saints and theologians of medieval Byzantium lived. Here the cave of St. Gregory Palamas and the holy relics of many saints are still preserved
Moving to the city of Veria - the capital of the Immathia region, where in the 1st century AD the apostle Paul preached
Lunch in one of the town restaurants can be combined with a visit to the "Tribune of the Apostle Paul" - the place where, according to tradition, the apostle addressed the local inhabitants with the Evangelic sermon
Moving to Meteora with a stop at the winery, located in the vicinity of Meteora
Get to know the winemaking traditions of Northern Greece and taste the local wines (optional)
Accommodation in a hotel in one of the towns, located at the foot of the Meteor rocks: Kalambaka or Kastraki. On request, dinner and free time
Breakfast in the hotel
Visit to the Iconpainting Workshop at the foot of the Meteora Cliffs
We visit two or more of the six Meteora monasteries opened for tourists, as well as several historical churches and monasteries, which are closed to visitors, the existence of which is not suspected not only by the numerous tourists, but also by most guides visiting Meteora
in one of the traditional taverns in the town of Kalambaka at the foot of the Meteor Cliffs
Transfer to the gorge of Tembi, where on the southern slopes of Olympus is the cave temple of St. Paraskevi
That's how the name of St. Paraskeva is being translated. Her miracle-working icon rests in a small cave church in this amazing place. The temple and the spring of St. Paraskeva can only be reached by an overhang bridge connecting Central and Northern Greece!
Return to Halkidiki
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What to takeDrinking water, money for souvenirs, lunch, wine and entrance tickets to the monasteries, a positive attitude and a desire to get rich spiritually :)
What to wearComfortable shoes, a hat, appropriate clothes for visiting monasteries.
