Halkidiki

Accommodation

Accommodation is of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotel you will stay in is:

• 4-star Porto Carras Grand Resort

Consisting of several hotel buildings, close to Neos Marmaras, on the spectacular coast of Sithonia. Amenities include two outdoor pools, a Jacuzzi, a choice of restaurants and bars, a casino and a spa. All the comforts of home can be found in the 477 spacious bedrooms, which feature en suite facilities, a hairdryer, telephone, satellite television, mini-bar, air-conditioning, safety deposit box and a balcony.

Please note: Some amenities may not be available in early or late season.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

Itinerary

Day 1: UK/Thessaloniki

You’ll depart on your scheduled flight to Thessaloniki, before entering the peninsula of Halkidiki, where you will stay for the next seven nights. Your hotel, the 4-star Porto Carras Grand Resort, occupies a wonderful position, built around a marina and fronted by beaches of soft, golden sand lapped by clear, calm waters. It even boasts its own vineyard and olive groves which supply the hotel’s restaurants and bars. After you’ve settled in, take a stroll around the marina where you can admire the yachts moored here, enjoy a refreshing drink or simply explore this spacious resort.

Day 2: Neos Marmaras

After breakfast be sure to join your Tour Manager on our included half-day visit to the nearby picturesque village of Neos Marmaras, where you can browse the stalls at the local market and take a stroll around the pretty harbour.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure. It’s easy to laze the days away amid the relaxing surroundings of your hotel. As well as a beautiful beach, which is backed by pine-clad hills and is each year awarded a Blue Flag, the Porto Carras Grand Resort boasts two swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts and a selection of shops. Your hotel package includes all your meals and drinks as well as the use of sun loungers and towels.

Day 3: Mount Athos cruise

Today we offer an optional cruise to Mount Athos. Known as the Holy Mountain, it is home to 20 monasteries, inhabited by some 1,400 monks. You’ll view these mysterious structures as your boat gently sails along the coastline. After a stop for lunch and a dip in the sea at pretty Ouranopolis, your return journey will be accompanied by rousing Greek music and, if you’re in the mood, a spot of dancing on board.

Day 4: Sithonia Peninsula

Explore the natural beauty of Sithonia on this full-day optional excursion. After admiring the dramatic scenery en route, you can laze on the white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters or take a stroll around the delightful harbour and enjoy the view of pine trees rising into the clear-blue skies. A stop is also made at a heritage village and you’ll visit a centre where local honey is produced.

Day 5: Thessaloniki

We give you the opportunity to visit Greece’s second city and capital of the region of Central Macedonia, Thessaloniki, on an optional full-day excursion today. One of the oldest cities in Europe, you’ll view its main highlights such as the Church of St Dimitrios and the ancient city walls in the company of your Tour Manager and a Local Guide. They will be able to suggest a spot for you to enjoy lunch before you explore at your own pace. A stroll along the harbour-front promenade, where you can shop for souvenirs or enjoy a drink as you watch the boats come and go, comes highly recommended. Nearby you’ll see the White Tower of Thessaloniki, built around 1520 and used by the Ottomans as a fort, a garrison and a prison. From its top-floor terrace you’ll be able to admire splendid views over the city, while the Byzantine Museum of Thessaloniki is housed on lower floors.

Day 6: Mount Holomondas

For more scenic views of the area join your Tour Manager on an optional half-day trip to Mount Holomondas today. You’ll travel through the evergreen forests of the Holomondas Mountains to discover Halkidiki’s rural way of life. You will stop in the village of Pyrkadikia where you may choose to sit alongside the locals in a taverna for a traditional lunch such as souvlaki – tasty kebabs made with grilled lamb, chicken or pork and usually served with tomatoes, onions and the fresh-tasting yoghurt and cucumber dip, tzatziki.

Day 7: Halkidiki

Round off your holiday with a day of leisure. You may choose to enjoy your hotel’s superb facilities or see more of the local area with a scenic coastal walk – the choice is yours.

Day 8: Thessaloniki/UK

Today you will transfer to the airport where you will take your flight back to the UK.

Please note

To maximise your enjoyment of this holiday a certain amount of walking is essential.