Day 1

Arrival and departure by car heading towards the picturesque city of Goumenissa. Goumenissa lies at the foothills of the beautiful mount Paiko. Its economy relies on the production of good wines. The area has for years been known for its excellent red dry varieties. That’s the reason why so many wineries lie here, known for the production of extra fine wines. The quality of these wines is due to soil composition and the mild climate of the area. These factors create perfect conditions that give us unique wine varieties characterized by such elegance and a pleasant aftertaste.
At Goumenissa we will visit wineries “Chatzivaritis” and “Aidarinis”.
“Chatzivaritis” winery is a boutique winery that seeks to produce extra fine biological wines. Chatzivaritis Estate is one of the newest Estates in the grapevine area of Goumenissa and biologically grows 12 hectares, mainly with the indigenous varieties xinomavro and negoska. It produces Goumenissa PDO (Protected Designations of Origin) wine, as well as another five PGI (Protected Geographical Indications) labels. The Domaine’s philosophy involves the production of extra fine wines, focusing on the protection of the environment. The visit includes a tour in the vineyards and the winery facilities that will allow you to get acquainted with the production process. Wine tasting of wines produced at Domaine Chatzivariti. Lunch in a picturesque tavern in the area.
Overnight stay at Goumenissa.
Dimosthenis Traditional Guesthouse. Dimosthenis Guesthouse provides all modern comforts of home for a pleasant stay and is situated at the heart of Goumenissa.

Day 2

Departure for a visit at the archaeological site and museum of Pella. The drive is less than an hour. In the museum that the travelers visit after sightseeing on the archaeological site, they are able to mentally reformulate the archaeological elements the monuments provided and understand the various aspects of everyday as well as public life of the Macedonian capital.
Return to Goumenissa to visit “Aidarinis” winery. Another notable winery in the Goumenissa area that seeks qualitative improvement and upgrade of its products. The visit includes a tour in the vineyards and the vinery facilities that will allow you get acquainted with the production process. Wine tasting of the wines produced at Domaine Aidarinis. Lunch at a tavern in the area.
In the afternoon, in case there is free time, we’ll visit the city of Edessa. Edessa is considered to be one of the most important cities of ancient Macedonia. The profuse waters are its distinctive feature. The falls of Edessa are the only ones in Greece and offer an impressive, unique show. The town is ideal for lots and varying activities. Free time to wander about the narrow alleys and the square of the town. Dinner and return to spend the night in Goumenissa.

Day 3

Departure in order to visit “Kir Yianni” winery. The winery is situated in Yiannakochori village, close to Naousa. The winery is owned by the Boutaris family for more than a century. This family’s name is linked to extra fine wine and especially Xinomavro which is the oldest and most characteristic variety of northern Greece.
The goal during production at “Kir Yianni” winery is respect to the particularity of each variety and the highlighting of their finest characteristics. The selection of the vineyard as well as strict testing at the sorting table both play an important role leading to the attainment of that goal. During the visit, we’ll get a tour in the vineyards and the vinery facilities. After the tour we’ll have lunch, either at the winery of at a traditional tavern in the area.
After lunch we’re headed towards lush green Nea Stranza. Nea Stranza is located 4 km outside the city of Naoussa. Here, you will visit “Domaine Founti”. Domaine Founti is a modern winery. It seeks the production of extra fine wines. This goal is achieved thanks to the special care towards the vineyards as well as to the use of modern technology and technical know-how during vinification. The visit includes a tour in the vineyards and the vinery facilities. Wine tasting of the wines produced on the Estate will follow.
In case there is time left, a visit at another notable winery, “Chrisochoou Estate” is scheduled. It is a family business aiming at the production of extra fine wine. The visit includes a guided tour at the facilities and vineyard as well as at the small but miraculous, full of small items museum. Dinner at the winery or a traditional tavern in the area. Return to the city of Naousa and overnight stay at the hotel.
Suggested hotels (or equivalent)
Deluxe Boutique hotel, Palia Poli. – Housed in a 1900s mansion made of stone in the center of Naousa.
Hayati hotel Naousa 4* – In the center of the lush green city of Naousa.
The city of Naousa is built at the foothills of Vermion mountains in a 90 km distance from the city of Thessaloniki. It’s a city with historical value since the remains of the infamous Aristotle’s School lie at its outskirts. Alexander the Great was taught ethics, politics and philosophy at this school. The natural beauty of the area has been utilized respecting the environment. The area is part of the European Union’s LIFE program. An organized ski center lies in an 18 km distance from the city.

Day 4

Departure to visit Vergina in the morning. Vergina was the former capital of the Macedonian nation. Here lies the tomb of King Philip (father of Alexander the Great) with its unique findings.
We continue our journey headed to Thessaloniki. Before entering the city we make a stop at “Kechris” winery. This winery is situated in Kalohori, which is very close to Thessaloniki. Kechris winery has 100 years of history. Its goal was, among others, the upgrade of a Greek popular wine, that of retsina, into an extra fine premium wine. During the visit, we’ll get a tour in the vineyards and the vinery facilities that will allow you to come closer to the production process. Wine tasting of the wines produced on the Estate will follow. Lunch either at the winery or at some traditional tavern in the area is next. Transfer to Thessaloniki and overnight stay at chosen hotel.
Suggested hotels (or equivalent):
Tourist 3* – A listed historical building houses a modern and central hotel of the city
Anatolia 4* – A renovated hotel, in the center of the city, on Via Egnatia
City hotel 4*sup – A modern hotel at the heart of the city center that provides all comforts
Holiday Inn 4* – The best choice for those who want the guarantee of an international chain and a hotel in the center of the city
Makedonia Palace 5* – A hotel situated on the seafront and next to the center of the city
Mediterranean Palace 5* – It is located next to the traditional Ladadika in the center of the city with an exquisite view of Thermaikos gulf.

Day 5

Breakfast and acquaintance with the city of Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is the second most populated city of Greece; it is called by Greeks the ‘co-capital’ of Greece and is named after 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 culture meets the western; this blend of mindsets and cultures bestows the city with a completely unique feel, making it vividly stand out. Here you will find monuments from the Roman era such as the palace of Galerius, the Arch of Galerius (Kamara) and Rotunda, as well as Via Egnatia. Monuments from the Byzantine era, such as the churches of Agios Demetrios, Hagia Sofia, St. Nikolas Orphanos, as well as lots of monuments from the Ottoman era, such as Bey Hamam, the White Tower, Bezesteni market, Alaca Imaret to name but a few. Monuments from all eras abound in the city, most of which are included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
Due to the fact that the largest university in Greece is situated here, 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 having coffee in one of the numerous cafeterias around the city. 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 a tour of Thessaloniki, the group will head over to the winery “Ktima Gerovassiliou” at the Epanomi area.
This winery is considered to be one of the most modern wineries in northern Greece, producing a wide range of high-quality wines. Particularly interesting is the wine variety ‘Malagouzia’. Malagouzia is an old, indigenous Greek variety which, at some point, was ohe verge of extinction. Mr Gerovassiliou and his collaborators worked towards the revival of this variety. The visit at the winery includes a tour at the vineyards and the facilities that will allow you to get acquainted with the production procedure. Wine tasting of the wines produced at the Estate will follow. You should also take the time to visit the highly original museum, situated within the premises. This museum houses a rich collection of tools from all around the world, used in the processes of viticulture, vinification and bottling. These objects date from the 18th century to the present day. The visit will be followed by dinner either at the premises of the winery or at a tavern in the area.

Day 6

You will have plenty of time to get to know the city better before departure. You can visit some of the six traditional markets of Thessaloniki on foot. Bezesteni market that is dated back to the 15th century. Louloudadika market (flower market) that is situated by the ottoman baths Yahudi hamam. Bit bazaar where all the antique shops are. Kapani, the oldest food market. The famous throughout Europe Modiano roofed market. Athonos square is full of small artistic shops, taverns and wickerwork. If you are not fond of traditional markets, you can choose to visit the modern market on Tsimiski street and all its side streets, where you can buy branded goods and designer clothes, as well as souvenirs from your visit to northern Greece.
With the last images of this wonderful city still filling your eyes, and with the taste of Greek wines forever carved in your memory, you bid the heart of Via Egnatia farewell.

Package Dates
The packages are available upon request for any week starting from March 1st until November 30th 2016.
The package includes:
• All transfers according to schedule
• Accommodation for 5 nights
• Daily breakfast
• 1 meal in a traditional winery
• Guided tours and wine-tasting in 8 wineries
• 2 guided tours, in Pella and Vergina
• 1 guided tour in the city of Thessaloniki

WINE TOUR

GOUMENISSA – NAOUSA – THESSALONIKI

Urania Travel

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

WINE TOUR

GOUMENISSA – NAOUSA – THESSALONIKI

(6 days)

From:

**INDIVIDUALS/*1**

**GROUP/*2**

**GROUP/*3**

**GROUP/*4**

780€

530€

460€

410€

1 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 04 | 2 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 08

3 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 14 | 4 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 20 plus

All of our packages are flexible in that you can either add or remove days.

You may also combine some of our excursions of your choosing, creating your own packages.

Entrance fees for museums and archeological sites are not included in the price

MAAS, meet and assist us, and U just request and we organize for U

Day 5

Day 6

WINE TOUR

GOUMENISSA – NAOUSA – THESSALONIKI

(6 days)

From:

INDIVIDUALS/*1

GROUP/*2

GROUP/*3

GROUP/*4

780€

530€

460€

410€

*1 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 04 | *2 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 08

*3 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 14 | *4 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 20 plus

All of our packages are flexible in that you can either add or remove days.

You may also combine some of our excursions of your choosing, creating your own packages.

Entrance fees for museums and archeological sites are not included in the price

MAAS, meet and assist us, and U just request and we organize for U

**INDIVIDUALS/*1**

**GROUP/*2**

**GROUP/*3**

**GROUP/*4**

1 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 04 | 2 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 08

3 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 14 | 4 MINIMUM PAX REQUIRED 20 plus