Today you’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful road trips in Greece from Delphi to Meteora, a drive of roughly 3.5 hours.

Over the course of the drive, you’ll traverse the hilly Domokos mountain range. This area is known for its creamy white cheese called katiki. You can stop at most towns for a quick snack or take the cheese with you (remember to keep it cool along the way). Another potential stopping point is Trikala, considered the most ecologically and sustainably advanced city in Greece. A stroll in its picturesque old town of Varousi is worth the time.

Once you arrive, settle into your lodgings and relax before you set out to explore Meteora’s famous monasteries.

Discover the incredible scenery and explore the centuries-old monasteries on a private tour of historic Meteora, either in the cool morning hours or in the evening for sunset views. Reaching heights close to 2,000 feet (600 meters), Meteora is one of Greece’s most important monastic communities. Your local guide will take you through this UNESCO World Heritage Site and explain its geological, cultural, and historical significance.

Home to some of the oldest monasteries in Greece, Meteora rises out of imposing rock formations created 60 million years ago. Enjoy a guided tour of ninth-century monastic life that has been nearly unaffected by modern times. You’ll visit all six monasteries and enter two or three of them (depending on which are open and conditions that day). Along the way, your guide will continue to share historical information, local knowledge, and insider specifics. They’ll offer plenty of photo stops and a few short walking excursions for the best views and hidden vistas.

Enjoy a scenic three-hour drive from Meteora to Thessaloniki.

Along the way, you’ll stop to explore Mt. Olympus and its surrounding monuments. Discover Greek mythologies and stories of Alexander the Great on this private history tour from Dion to Litochoro. You’ll start with a visit to the village of Dion, set at the foot of the mountain, where archeologists have unearthed ruins from an ancient Macedonian civilization.

As you explore this archeological site, you’ll hear stories of King Philip II and his son Alexander the Great, plus many other historical figures. View rare artifacts and visit sanctuaries of Olympic Gods and ancient Greek and Roman theaters.

As you continue to Litochoro, your guide will answer the question of why people believed Mt. Olympus was the residence of the 12 Gods. Litochoro is a charming mountain town with incredible views. Your guide will take you on a short walking tour, then leave you with some free time to explore on your own. Relax and enjoy a traditional Greek coffee as you take in the scenery.

Once you arrive in Thessaloniki, take a relaxed walk through the city to take in its ancient Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture. Start from the White Tower, the city’s most famous attraction, with family-friendly pavement and sidewalks along the coastline with easy access to historical sites towards the center of the city and the coastal promenade. Or take a stroll on the seaside promenade of Nea Paralia, which extends from the White Tower to Megaro Mousikis concert hall. The path takes you through beautiful thematic parks, where you can have a picnic or play with kids, as well as the children’s traffic park and other unique playgrounds and spots ideal for your family to rest for a while. 

Discover Thessaloniki through your tastebuds on this delicious four-hour food tour through the city. Your guide has extensive knowledge of Greek food and culture and is excited to share it with you! You’ll eat your way through breakfast and lunch like a local, learning about Greek food, customs, and traditions.

You’ll start your day with a traditional Greek coffee and a sweet pastry called bougatsa, a typical breakfast for any local city dweller. Then, you’ll walk around Thessaloniki, making several short stops to try different delicacies and learn the history and culture of Greek cuisine. Get a behind-the-scenes look at bakeries, grills, restaurants, cafes, and food shops. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a total of four drinks and 14 bites of sweet and savory specialties.

Before ending your tour, stop at the city’s lively open market. Here, you’ll discover local culture and unique traditional flavors. Chat with the farmers and artisans, and buy some foodie souvenirs to take home.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Get onboard one of the small wooden ships anchored in the White Tower area and sail away around Thermaikos Gulf, or stay on land with a walk in the city center through Aristotelous Square and Navarinou.

Thessaloniki is also home to multiple museums. Around the city port, you’ll find the Museum of Photography, the State Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Thessaloniki Film Museum. In the city center, head to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, or the War Museum depending on your family’s interests.

Chalkidiki is a picturesque region and peninsula southeast of Thessaloniki with three “legs” that jut out into the Aegean Sea. The area offers incredible beaches, many with crystal-clear waters away from currents. It’s an ideal location for a relaxing day at the seaside.

Mostly protected from winds, the beaches of Chalkidiki feature shallow, turquoise waters. For the best experience, drive along the eastern side of the “second leg” (as the locals call it). You’ll have plenty of options for beaches with perfect swimming conditions and beautiful surroundings. The Vourvourou, Armenistis, and Kavourotrypes beaches are all excellent choices.

Continue clockwise and make your next stop at Porto Koufo, an oddly shaped bay that creates what looks like an enclosed sea. Although not ideal for a swim, it’s the perfect spot for lunch, with some of the best fish taverns in Chalkidiki.

On your way back to Thessaloniki, stop at Nikiti and take home the delicious revani (sweet cake with orange and rose flavors) accompanied by their special ice cream called dondurma.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Thessaloniki to Zagori, a trip of about 4.5 hours. Head southwest and enjoy views of the purple saffron fields near Kozani. Consider a short detour to the charming town of Naoussa, surrounded by nature and famous for the local grape variety Xinomavro. This grape produces some of the best wines in Greece, especially aged varieties.

Once you arrive in Zagori, set out to experience what life is like for the inhabitants of these stone villages. This family-friendly activity takes place in the traditional cottage of a historic 19th-century mansion as your host helps you understand life in Zagorochoria (the 46 villages of Zagori).

In Zagori, life is simple and slow-paced. To start, you’ll learn to weave on a traditional loom and make a natural tincture to dye wool, as the locals still do. Then, discover the process of felt and create your own keepsakes, such as a little cushion or decorative frame.

Next, you’ll meet the cottage’s chickens and collect the day’s eggs to make a traditional Zagori pie. Your guide will need your help making bread for the day, so you’ll test your skills kneading the dough and watching it bake in the oven. After all your hard work, you’ll enjoy a fresh meal in the peaceful garden.