The Salonica View team organizes a four-day excursion to Thessaloniki with hiking in Hortiati and boating in Lake Kerkini.
Day 1:
Departure for Thessaloniki:
We will depart from Larnaca airport bound for Thessaloniki airport. From the airport, the bus will pick us up with the attendants from Thessaloniki to take us to our hotel located in the center of the city. When we arrive at the hotel we will settle in the rooms and then we will have free time to eat, walk and drink in Thessaloniki.
Day 2:
Hiking in Hortiatis:
We will wake up early to have our breakfast at the hotel. Then we will depart for Hortiatis where we will have a beautiful hike.
Hortiatis is located at the foot of Mount Hortiatis southeast of Thessaloniki, at a distance of 18 kilometers from the city center. During the Macedonian struggle, the Hortiatines fought with the most important Macedonian fighter, the chieftain Georgios Alexopoulos. Hortiatis took place during the Occupation, the Hortiatis Holocaust, on September 2, 1944, by the German occupiers.
On Mount Hortiatis, near the settlement, is the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior which was founded in 1961 and we will have the opportunity to visit for a pilgrimage.
Our hike will start on an asphalt road for about 1 km until we enter a path and face the amazingly beautiful black pine landscape, discovering the "unknown" beauties of Hortiatis! Going uphill we will see a panoramic view of the beautiful Thessaloniki as well as the Thermaikos Gulf and part of Halkidiki, weather permitting.
Our route will continue to the S. E. O. refuge where we will have the opportunity to stop for rest and coffee (food/drinks are not included in the price). We will continue the last part of the hike with a voluntary ascent to the top (if we can bear it and everyone wants it) and then return to the original starting point (antennas).
A hike of medium difficulty level, aimed at hikers and nature lovers in moderate to good physical condition. Also suitable for children over 10 years old.
Afterwards we will visit a village tavern for food (food/drinks not included in the price).
Specifically:
• Total route length: 12 mm (circular)
• Total altitude difference: 248 meters
• Total hiking time (with stops): 3 – 4 hours
• Degree of difficulty of the route: 2+ (scale 1 – 5, good physical condition)
• Suitable for children: 10+ (must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
Day 3:
Boating on Lake Kerkini:
After having our breakfast at the hotel we will depart for Lake Kerkini.
Lake Kerkini
In the northwestern part of the prefecture of Serres, just 40 km from the capital of the same name and about 100 km from Thessaloniki, we find one of the most beautiful places, Lake Kerkini, one of the 10 wetlands of international importance in Greece.
The experience of the unique spectacle offered by water buffaloes, 3,500 in number, a unique species in Europe, which you will meet in the area of Chrysochorafon, Byronia, Kerkini, Mandraki, Livadia.
Boating on the lake with traditional Plavas
We will have the opportunity to admire the wetland of Lake Kerkini, and the beauty of the riparian forest, the delta of the Strymonas river, the breeding grounds, the enchanting mountain slopes, the bird nests and the islet "home" of the Pelicans. The secret of Kerkini is the thousands of birds scattered in its peaceful waters.
We will feel the embrace of nature, passing by boats among the wild willows of the riparian forest and the blooming water lilies that stand in clusters in its water mirror. The "plaves", the characteristic boats of the lake, will bring us into direct contact with the water element, but at a safe distance from the birds that perch on its banks.
Day 4:
After breakfast we will have the whole day free time in Thessaloniki for shopping, food and coffee. In the afternoon we return to the hotel to collect our luggage, board the coach and go to the Macedonian airport for our return to Cyprus.
What should I bring with me:
- Good sneakers or hiking shoes
- Mountaineering pants or leggings
- Backpack small
- Waterproof jacket (because you never know)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Tissues
- Camera (optional)
Cost of participation:
The price includes:
- Organization and escort from our office
- Airfare and airport taxes
- All transfers (from airport to hotel - hotel to airport, transfer to Hortiati and Lake Kerkini)
- Hiking in Hortiatis
- Boating on Lake Kerkini
