May Day Trip to Macedonia with a scent of Pontus

and Arcadian Tours It invites you to a unique spring escape to the heart of Greece, where nature meets history and tradition.The imposing Meteora, the mansions of Siatista and the important pilgrims of Macedonia make up a journey full of images, spirituality and authentic experiences.

️ 1st day – Friday 01/05/26

Tripoli – Kalambaka – Meteora – Siatista

Departure at 6am Colocotronis Square & 06.15 by I.N. Prophet Elias Through a beautiful route we know the Thessalonian land and reach the area of Meteora, one of the most important monuments of Orthodoxy and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit to the Holy Monks Varyam and St. Stephenwhere we will admire the impressive architecture, the sculptures and the unique view to the Thessalonian camp.

We continue to the Archdiocese. Sionist, a city with great traditions in commerce and special cultural heritage. Arrangement at the hotel and time for a walk in the picturesque streets.

Dinner and overnight.

️ 2nd day – Saturday 02/05/26

Siatista – Virgina – Veronia – Nausa – Notre Dame Sumela – Siatista

After breakfast, departure to historic Macedonia.

The first stop of our expedition today will be the Holy Pilgrimage of Our Lady Sumela.

to Holy Prayer of the Virgin SumelaLocated on the slopes of Mount Vermius, near the village of Kastania in Veroias, it is one of the most important religious centers of Pontic Hellenism and of the entire Orthodoxy. Its history is linked to the famous historic Monastery of Our Lady Sumela in Ponto, which was founded in 386 AD. H is . It was founded by the monks Barnabas and Sofronius and was for centuries a spiritual symbol of the Greeks of Pontus. After the Asia Minor disaster, the Pontian refugees transferred the tradition and sacred relics to Greece and in 1951 the new monastery was erected in Vermium, as a continuation and revival of the historic pilgrimage. At the pilgrimage is kept the miraculous image of the Virgin, which according to tradition was crafted by the evangelist Luke and is a symbol of faith, memory and identity for Pontic Hellenism. Today, Our Lady of Sumela is an important place of worship and pilgrimage, especially during the celebration of the Dormition of the Theotokos on 15 August, bringing together a multitude of believers from Greece and abroad.

We will then visit the archaeological site of the Aegean in Vergina.

O is Archaeological site of AegonNear the Virgin of Hematia, it is one of the most important discoveries of Greek archaeology and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The worldwide importance of the site emerged in 1977, when archaeologist Manolis Andronikos discovered the royal tombs, including the tomb attributed to Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great.

In the underground museum, which is built inside the drum, visitors can admire unique finds, such as:

• The Golden Larnaca with the Star of Macedonia
• Gorgeous gold crowns
• Excellent art, such as the famous The Abduction of Persephone
• Arms and armor of the Macedonian kings

In the archaeological site are also preserved the ruins of the majestic The Palace of EggsOne of the largest buildings in classical Greece, as well as the ancient theatre where Philip II was assassinated in 336 BC, which paved the way for the rise of Alexander the Great.

Today, Vergina is a top cultural destination, as it combines history, art and memory of the Macedonian dynasty, offering a unique experience of getting to know ancient Greek civilization.

We continue to Veria, a city with significant Byzantine history and a picturesque old neighborhood.

The next stop is Naousa, a city with intense historical identity. Here we will visit the Efxinos Library of Naousa, an important spiritual carrier founded by the Pontian Association "Efxinos Club" and is a reference point for the salvation of the history and culture of Pontian Hellenism. In its premises, rare books, archives and testimonies are hosted that highlight the memory and identity of the Pontians.

Return to Siatishta, free time and overnight stay.

🗓️ 3rd day – Sunday 03/05/26

Siatishta – Ioannina – Tripoli

After breakfast, we will have time for a sightseeing tour in Siatishta.

In our tour we will see:

• The Pulkos Mansion – famous for its excellent frescoes and Macedonian architecture. The mansions testify to the wealth of the city's merchants and are a main reason for visiting.
• The Holy Church of Saint Paraskevi
• The Folklore Museum of Siatishta, which presents the daily life of the inhabitants, traditional costumes and objects from the region's history.

Departure from Siatishta with destination the beautiful Ioannina, the historic capital of Epirus, built on the shores of Lake Pamvotida.

Upon our arrival, we will have free time for a walk in the picturesque historic center and the famous Ioannina Castle, one of the oldest Byzantine castles in Greece. Those who wish can enjoy a coffee or meal with a view of the lake or visit the island of the lake, a unique traditional settlement with important monasteries and history connected to Ali Pasha.

Ioannina is a city with a rich cultural heritage, known for its tradition in silverwork, its special Epirotic cuisine and its warm hospitality.

Then, departure for our return to Tripoli with intermediate stops for rest during the journey.

Arrival in the evening, full of beautiful images from a unique May Day trip.