Group tour to Greece for autumn 2025.

A culinary tour to mystical monasteries and untouched landscapes - come and experience Greece in a very authentic way.

Below tour I did for myself last autumn and I have fallen in love with this part of Greece.

And here comes the news – I will guide a group tour the coming autumn for exactly the same trip!!

Tourdate is 13th – 21st September 2025 – this tour will mainly focus on German speaking travellers. However, if you are interested in an English tour, please reach out as we are planning to set up an English-speaking group as well.

13th – 21st September / 9 Days / 8 nights

Thessaloniki – Vergina – Meteora Monasteries – Pilion Peninsula

The journey

Kreta, Rhodos, Santorini are all very beautiful destinations in Greece, however unfortunately also overcrowded. But have you ever heard about the wild beauty of the romantic Pilion peninsula? Most probably not and as that is the same with many other travellers this green jewel at the coast of Thessalia has remained untouched and is widely protected from mass tourism. Overtourism is still unknown over here.

On this trip we will discover the breathtaking nature of this magic peninsula and we will get to know to the country, its culture and people. And what is the quickest way to catch up with the locals? For sure with a sociable Tsipouro-Round with local specialities in one of the many tavernas. The culinary experience is an essential part of every travel memory and especially this part of Greece surprises its visitors with an overwhelming variety of dishes.

But of course, also culture cannot be missed on a trip to Greece. Therefore, another highlight of this journey will be the visit to the historical and ancient old rock monasteries of Meteora.

To complete this varied experience of nature, culture and food this trip will end in the buzzling port city of Thessaloniki. We will dive into the daily life of a modern Greek port city, which despite its size still feels very relaxed and easy going.

Why to travel with me

For those of you who are following my Blog know already a bit about me and about my way to travel and to explore new countries and cultures. For all others please refer to the “About” section (www.traveltreasuresbymarion.com/about) to get to know about me and what has driven me to walk on that incredible path of tourism.

If you travel with me, I will show you a very authentic experience and we will be always close to the local people and their traditions. No mass tourism and we will show respect towards our host country.

As I am a big Greek lover, however not an expert in the very complex Greek history – I will get some support from very knowledgeable local guides while visiting cultural sites. However, in general the focus of this trip is rather on authentic experiences, amazing nature and great food than on historical details.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Thessaloniki

The participants will arrive today individually in Thessaloniki. After check-in we will all meet in the lobby for a small get-together. We will then proceed together to a nearby restaurant for our first dinner.

Overnight in Thessaloniki (3-4* Hotel)

Day 2 – Drive to Meteora with a stop in Vergina

After breakfast we will start our roundtrip with the drive to the spectacular Meteora monasteries. En route we will stop at the small village of Vergina, which is surrounded by vast fruit tree plantations and other greenery.

It is rather a quiet town, however can name an extraordinary museum its own. Beneath an unspectacular hill, which resembles a 2300-year-old grave hill, you can find three royal graves one of them from Philipp II, the father of Alexander the Great. We will emerge ourselves in a secret underworld and we can admire the mystically enlightened and painted tomb chambers. Behind glass you can also see the evenly precious burial objects. The museum of Vergina is unique in its kind and also non-museum lovers will get impressed over here.

After our museum tour we will wander around the small town centre of Vergina and we will try out some local pastry.

Afterwards we continue our journey to Meteora (around 2 hours-drive). Already from far you can see these bizarre looking monasteries that are proudly situated high up on its rock fortresses. Enjoy these first impressions of a purely unique landscape.

In the evening, we will try out the flavourful dishes of the regional cuisine in an authentic local taverna.

Overnight in Kastraki (3-4* Hotel)

Day 3 – Visit of Meteora Monasteries

The nuns and monks of the Meteora monasteries live literally close to heaven. Constructed high up on top of partially freestanding rocks, these monasteries are among the most impressive tourist sites of the country. This almost surreal landscape, which is unique in the world, is simply breathtaking and is therefore alone worth the visit. The vertiginous monasteries on top are just the additional bonus. Over the past centuries a total of 24 monasteries and hermitages have been built in the area out of which 6 are inhabited and can be visited nowadays. The rest is doomed to decay and not accessible anymore.

Our plan is to visit Varlaam monastery, which is equipped with well-preserved frescoes in its main church and chapel.

Moreover, we will climb the many stairs to the oldest, most beautiful and biggest monastery – the Megalo Meteora monastery. Visitors can study the adventurous rope winch, with which the monks used to pull up goods as well as visitors in a net into the monastery. In case you want to try that out – no, I have to disappoint you, its not functional anymore 😊

Furthermore, we have the easily accessible Agios Stefanos monastery on our agenda, which is still home for many nuns nowadays. The devout nuns have painted the colourful church all by themselves and they are also acting as very ambitious sellers in the adjacent souvenir shop.

Our visits will depend on the opening times of the monasteries, which unfortunately can always change. In that case we will visit some of the other monasteries than the ones I have named above. As there are no restaurants on the mountain plateau, we will bring some pic-nic lunch with us.

However, our dinner in one of the many Tavernas of Kastraki will be more opulent then. I also highly recommend a walk by night through Kastraki, as some of the bizarre rocks close to the village will be lightened up at night.

Overnight in Kastraki.

Day 4 – Drive towards the Pilion Peninsula

After breakfast we have to say goodbye to this fantastic landscape and we will start our drive to Kala Nera, our base for the next couple of days. Our route will be via the port city of Volos (around 2 hours-drive). Kala Nera is a very charming beach hub and is the entry gate into the Pilion peninsula. Here you can find many small family-owned hotels, B&B´s plus one taverna after the other along the beach road. Visitors can enjoy a simple, but super fresh and delicious local cuisine directly on the beach with views onto the Pagasetic Gulf.

Also our hotel is located directly on that beach road. After check-in enjoy some sun on the hotel beach loungers or have a swim in the crystal clear sea with the scenic mountain peaks of the Pilion Peninsula in the backdrop.

Tonight, a very special culinary experience awaits you for which we will go on a short drive back to the city of Volos. There we will have a visit to one of the many typical Tsipouro Restaurants for which Volos is popular. Spanish Tapas for sure are familiar to you, but did you know that also Greece has its very own tapas concept? Lots of small plates are coming on the same time to your table containing an incredible variety of different dishes – fish, seafood, meat, vegetables, salads and so much more - the variety is sheer endless and with all this comes the hearty Tsipouro, a trendy pomace brandy that is available with or without anise. This double distilled pomace brandy is an essential part of the sociable Greek food culture. Ouzo is usually more common and comes first in every foreign traveller’s mind, however in reality Tsipouro or Greek Grappa how it is also called has recorded the strongest increase in terms of volume. Tsipouro is served in mini-bottles together with a glass of ice cubes over which the drink is poured – if it is still too strong for you, you can add some water as well. A Tsipouro night is one of the most authentic experiences that you can get.

Overnight in Kala Nera (3-4* Hotel).

Day 5 – Exploration tour through Volos

After breakfast we will return to Volos. Yesterday evening we have already experienced some of the food culture of Volos, so today we will first explore the fascinating history of the city. We will do that on a small walking tour. Volos also shines through its scenic location between the sea and the mountain range.

Beside the lively city centre with its many shops, you also have the kilometre long corniche road, which turns into a local catwalk during weekends. Whenever you get tired from walking around you can rest in one of the many coffeeshops, bars or restaurants that are side by side.

Our walk offers you a delicious mix of culinary, history and culture. We will try local specialities, sweet and sour, plus we will enjoy hot and cold drinks of the region.

After our sightseeing tour you will have some free time for your own arrangements.

Overnight in Kala Nera (3-4* Hotel).

Day 6 – Day at leisure

Today will be free for your own arrangements. You can start your day with a relaxed breakfast and a small walk through Kala Nera. After relax on the beach and just do nothing at all. Enjoy the sun and sea.

Even for dinner you do not have to move much. Many Tavernas in Kala Nera have their tables placed right onto the beach – so you can enjoy some catch of the day while you have your feet still in the sand.

Day 7 – Drive around the Pilion Peninsula

Today we have once again a real exciting day on our agenda, because we will explore the very authentic and purely amazing Pilion Peninsula. Whoever wants to explore this picturesque stretch of land should be in love with winding roads. Onto the Pilion you can find numerous idyllic villages that seem to be out of a fairy tale and which are surrounded by a lush vegetation and a dense forest. Makrinitsa is the diamond among all the mountain villages with its old mansions that are built in the local architecture and which reveal the former wealth of the village. These mansions are scattered along a very steep mountain stretch, 500 meters above sea level.

Also in the Greek mythology the Pilion plays an essential role and was known as the home of the Centaurs, the mystical creatures of half a human being and half a horse.

The east side of the Pilion is hardly accessible with a dense almost jungle-like forest and steep mountains. The rough sea is crashing into the cliffs, small villages are clinging to the rocks and most of the bays are only reachable via boat.

In between you can find some tourist hubs like the little village of Agios Ioannis.

Because of its wild and elemental nature the Pilion is also known as the herbal garden of Greece – over 1000 different species of herbs can be found over here and the inner island has a fantastic variety of trees such as beech, oak, chestnut and plane tree. Despite the rough conditions apple and other fruit trees have been cultivated here and the honey of this region is widely known.

The western part of the Pilion is “softer” – the mountains are gently rolling down into the sea, the infrastructure is more developed and therefore this part of the Peninsula is also more touristic. However, in general the Pilion has kept an unique authenticity that is nowadays hard to find in other parts of Greece.

All this we will explore on today´s tour and I am sure that you will be amazed by this hidden part of the country, which also still counts as an insider tip among Greece lovers.

Unfortunately, the devasting thunderstorms of 2023 have left a trace of destruction on the Pilion. However, a lot of things have been rebuilt again and the brave residents have re-started all over. That´s why they are really happy and appreciate every visitor who comes to the peninsula.

Overnight in Kala Nera (3-4* Hotel).

Day 8 – Farewell Day in Thessaloniki

Although time seems to stand still on the Pilion, time has come for us to say goodbye. We will return to the modern civilization and for our last day we will explore the buzzling city of Thessaloniki.

Once we have arrived we will take a small stroll through the town centre with its hidden monasteries, ancient monuments, lively squares and modern street art places.

At the end of our walk we will immerse into the famous Kapani-Market. In the oldest and most interesting market of Thessaloniki you can find all sorts of goods and food items. A walk through the market is a feast for all your senses – mingle with the locals and get that feel of a Thessaloniki resident.

Of course, we do not only want to see and smell all this delicious food, but we also want to taste it. Therefore, we will have our lunch today in one of the rustic market Tavernas.

Afterwards you will have some free time for your own discoveries or for the purchase of your last souvenirs. Thessaloniki is a shopper´s paradise and you will find many local and international shops around the town centre.

Thessaloniki has also gained a remarkable reputation as a foodie destination. It is often called the secret food capital of Greece due to its large variety of traditional restaurants, but also because of the never-ending openings of modern and trendy eateries.

The old port area Ladadika, that was formerly known as a maze of runned down streets, has become the place to be for all food lovers and people who like to meet, drink, dance and socialize – you will find a huge variety of restaurants, traditional tavernas, bars, pubs and clubs.

Therefore, this neighbourhood is the perfect place to end our journey. During our last dinner we can recap all our new experiences that we have gained on this trip and maybe already get into the planning for our next exciting trip to Greece 😉

Overnight in Thessaloniki (3-4* Hotel).

Day 9 – Departure

Today all participants of our tour will have their individual departures.

To book this tour please e-mail to contact@traveltreasuresbymarion.com