From Thessaloniki: Pella-Edessa Wine Tasting

Exploring the historic region surrounding Thessaloniki, this immersive day tour invites travelers to uncover the birthplace of Alexander the Great and marvel at the Balkans’ most impressive waterfall. Along the way, guests will savor the distinct flavors of the renowned ‘Xinomavro’ grape through a guided wine tasting at local vineyards. With knowledgeable experts leading the way, this enriching experience promises to transport visitors back in time while indulging their senses. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this captivating journey?

Key Points

• This 9-hour excursion from Thessaloniki takes visitors to the ancient site of Pella, the Karano waterfall in Edessa, and includes a guided wine tasting of local ‘Xinomavro’ varieties.
• Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, features well-preserved archaeological remains and exhibits at the on-site museum, providing insights into ancient Macedonian history.
• Edessa’s Karano waterfall offers a serene natural setting, and visitors have free time to explore the city, sample local cuisine, and browse for souvenirs.
• The wine tasting experience at local wineries in Naousa introduces participants to the distinctive ‘Xinomavro’ grape and the winemaking process.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off locations throughout Thessaloniki, along with air-conditioned luxury buses, ensure a comfortable and seamless transportation experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Pella-Edessa Wine Tasting Tour is a 9-hour excursion that takes visitors on a journey through the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the ‘City of Water’ in Greece, culminating in a guided wine tasting experience.

Priced from $65.35 per person, the tour is available in English and Italian, with other languages offered on select dates.

Accessibility is provided for wheelchair users, and travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes guided visits to the archaeological site of Ancient Pella, the renowned Karano waterfall in Edessa, and local wineries where participants can sample three varieties of the famous ‘Xinomavro’ wine.

Pella Highlights

Visitors to the archaeological site of Ancient Pella, birthplace of the legendary Alexander the Great, can explore the well-preserved symposium parlors and intricate mosaic floors dating back to the 4th century B.C. during the guided tour.

The site offers a captivating glimpse into the past, showcasing:

• The remains of the palace, where Alexander the Great was born and raised

• Beautifully crafted floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes and geometric patterns

• Carefully excavated symposium rooms where ancient Macedonian nobles gathered to dine and socialize

• Informative exhibits at the on-site museum, providing context and insights into the site’s rich history

Exploring this archaeological gem is a highlight of the Pella-Edessa Wine Tasting tour.

Edessa Highlights

Known as the ‘City of Water,’ Edessa features the largest waterfall in the Balkans, Karano, which offers visitors a chance to take in the serene natural beauty of the region.

With free time allotted for lunch, shopping, and sightseeing, the Pella-Edessa Wine Tasting tour provides ample opportunity to explore this charming city at one’s own pace.

Visitors can wander the streets, indulge in local cuisine, and browse the various shops and markets for unique souvenirs.

Whether it’s admiring the cascading waters of Karano or discovering the city’s rich history and culture, Edessa promises an enriching and memorable experience for all who visit.

Naousa Wine Tasting

Visiting the local wineries in Naousa offers guests a guided tour and tasting experience of the famous ‘Xinomavro’ wine. Travelers have the opportunity to sample three distinct varieties of this regional specialty, complemented by a selection of savory snacks.

The winemaking process and unique characteristics of the Xinomavro grape are thoroughly explained by knowledgeable staff, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation for the local wine culture.

The tour includes:

• Exploring the vineyards and learning about sustainable farming practices

• Witnessing the crushing, fermentation, and aging of the Xinomavro grapes

• Tasting the bold, full-bodied red wines with notes of cherry, tobacco, and spice

• Discovering the historical significance of the Xinomavro grape in the Naoussa region

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Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour provides guests with several convenient pickup and drop-off locations throughout the city, ensuring a seamless start and end to their Pella-Edessa wine tasting experience. Guests can choose from five different locations, including the Grand Hotel Palace and the Arch of Galerius. This flexibility allows participants to easily access the tour, regardless of their starting point in Thessaloniki. The tour’s transportation is provided by air-conditioned luxury buses, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout the day. At the end of the tour, guests are returned to the same location where they were picked up, completing the seamless experience.

Pickup Locations	Drop-off Locations
Grand Hotel Palace	Grand Hotel Palace
Arch of Galerius	Arch of Galerius
Thessaloniki Port	Thessaloniki Port
Thessaloniki Airport	Thessaloniki Airport
City Center	City Center

Transportation and Logistics

Throughout the tour, guests are transported in air-conditioned luxury buses, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey. The buses are well-equipped to handle the tour’s itinerary, providing ample space for everyone and their belongings. Passengers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views as the bus navigates the winding roads between the tour’s destinations.

The tour includes:

• Pickup from various locations in Thessaloniki, including the Grand Hotel Palace and the Arch of Galerius

• Comfortable and spacious transportation throughout the day

• Drop-off at the same locations as the pickup points

• Liability insurance coverage during the transport portion of the tour

The transportation services are an integral part of the overall Pella-Edessa Wine Tasting experience, allowing guests to focus on the highlights of the tour.

Included Services

Along with the comfortable transportation, the Pella-Edessa Wine Tasting tour includes a range of other services to enhance the overall experience for guests. The tour features a knowledgeable, local guide who provides an engaging commentary throughout the day. Plus, guests will enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site of Ancient Pella and a wine tasting of three varieties of the renowned ‘Xinomavro’ wine, accompanied by tasty snacks. The included services aim to create a well-rounded and memorable excursion, allowing visitors to enjoy the history, culture, and flavors of the region.

Included Services	Details
Guided Tour	Knowledgeable local guide providing commentary
Site Admission	Entry to Ancient Pella archaeological site and museum
Wine Tasting	Tasting of three ‘Xinomavro’ wine varieties with snacks
Transportation	Air-conditioned luxury bus throughout the tour

Customer Feedback

Feedback from past participants highlights the overall enjoyment and satisfaction with the Pella-Edessa Wine Tasting tour, with reviewers praising the knowledgeable guides and immersive experiences. The tour earns an impressive 4.2/5 rating based on 5 reviews.

Standout aspects include:

• Visitors raving about the wealth of historical knowledge provided by the professional guides during the tour of ancient Pella.

• Travelers delighting in the serene beauty and impressive waterfalls of Edessa.

• Guests savoring the opportunity to sample the renowned local ‘Xinomavro’ wines, complemented by tasty snacks.

• Customers appreciating the convenience of the included transportation and accessibility of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code mentioned for the Pella-Edessa Wine Tasting Tour. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and outdoor activities during the day’s itinerary.

Are There Any Child-Friendly Activities on the Tour?

The tour does not seem to offer any specific child-friendly activities. However, the free time in Edessa may provide opportunities for families to explore the city’s sights and attractions together. The wine tasting is likely aimed at adult travelers.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the free time in Edessa. However, the wine tasting portion of the tour is included and provided by the tour operator, so bringing outside beverages would not be permitted at that time.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends around 1.5 hours at the archaeological site of Pella, 105 minutes in Edessa for lunch and sightseeing, and an unspecified amount of time at the local wineries for the guided tour and wine tasting experience.

Is It Possible to Take a Private Tour Instead?

Yes, it is possible to take a private tour of the Pella-Edessa Wine Tasting experience. Private tours can be arranged for an additional fee, allowing for a more personalized and flexible itinerary to meet the specific needs and preferences of the traveler.

Recap

This enriching excursion from Thessaloniki to Pella and Edessa offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and authentic local flavors.

Visitors can explore the birthplace of Alexander the Great, marvel at stunning waterfalls, and savor a delightful wine tasting – all under the guidance of knowledgeable experts and in the comfort of luxurious transportation.

It’s an unforgettable experience that immerses travelers in the rich cultural tapestry of northern Greece.

You can check if your dates are available here: