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7 Nights Ey Zhn - The Routes of Aristotle - Kavala, Xanthi, Drama, Serres and Thassos
Overview
Introduction
Begin your adventure in Kavala, a coastal city with a fascinating past. Discover ancient ruins, stroll through the picturesque old town, and marvel at the imposing Kavala Aqueduct. Journey to Xanthi, a city known for its vibrant atmosphere and Ottoman-era architecture. Explore the bustling market, wander through narrow cobblestone streets, and visit the Folk and History Museum. Continue to Drama, a city nestled amidst scenic mountains. Hike through verdant forests, relax by picturesque lakes, and discover hidden waterfalls. Explore Serres, a city with a rich Byzantine heritage. Visit ancient churches, admire Byzantine-era frescoes, and delve into the city's historical museums. Towards the end of your holiday, escape to the idyllic island of Thassos, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery. Swim in turquoise coves, sunbathe on golden sands, and explore charming villages.
Throughout your journey, you'll encounter traces of Aristotle's influence and gain a deeper understanding of his philosophical legacy. From ancient ruins to breathtaking natural landscapes, "Ey Zhn - The Routes of Aristotle" offers an unforgettable exploration of Northern Greece's cultural and historical treasures.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival - Kavala
There are few direct flights to Kavala from the UK. The best option is a TUI flight on a Wednesday or Sunday. It’s an early morning flight so once you have collected your hire car at Kavala, drive to Xanthi, an easy 40 minute drive for your first overnight at Hotel Z Palace.
Overnight at Hotel Z Palace, Xanthi
Kavala
Day 2 - Xanthi
Xanthi (population approx 59,000) is mentioned by the geographer, Strabo, as one of the cities of Cicones (a Thracian tribe) in the 1st century AD. It was an important residential centre during the Byzantine era and the period under the Ottomans. In the 19th century, the city was at its height as a result of the flourishing tobacco trade. In 1994, the old town of Xanthi was designated as a traditional settlement. The Nesstos river is only a few kilometres from the city. Xanthi’s February carnival is very popular as is the ‘Old Town’ festival in early September.
An unknown city from the tourist’s point of view, the old town has 1,200 traditional buildings. Dimokratias Square, the Folk and History Museum and the House of Shadow Museum should be visited. If you are a fan of the Greek composer Hadzidakis, then a must is a visit to his residence which is now a museum. A short drive outside the city you will find the Nestos and the village of Toxotes which are also worth a visit.
Overnight at Hotel Z Palace, Xanthi
Old town of Xanthi
Day 3 - Coastline of Xanthi
After breakfast take a drive down to the port of Xanthi and follow the coastline. Along the coastline of Xanthi, the sea, lakes (Vistonida Lake covers 42,000 acres), lagoons and rivers create a rich ecosystem protected by national and international environmental conventions.
The importance of this location has been well known since the 7th century BC when the first seaside settlement was founded in Avdira. Visit the Museum of Avdira and its archaeological site, the Porto Lagos settlement and the impressive monastery of Agios Nikolaos, Porto Lagos. Fanari village is on a long, sandy, Blue Flag beach, ideal for a swim.
Overnight at Hotel Z Palace, Xanthi
Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, Porto Lagos
Day 4 - Phillipi
After breakfast it's an hour’s drive to the archaeological site of Phillippi. This is the most important site in the Eastern Macedonian area of Greece and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 356 Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander The Great, named the city after himself and from there controlled the nearby gold mines of Mount Paggaio. This was an important city in Roman times and well known for the battle of Phillippi in 42 BC when the emperor Octavian and Mark Anthony defeated the armies of Brutus and Cassius who had murdered Caesar. It was in Phillippi where the Apostle Paul on his first missionary journey in 49 AD was imprisoned.
If the visit to Phillippi is exhausting then why not visit the Nico Lazaridi winery (a 22 minute drive to the east) in the beautiful Drama region for a tasting. Leave some time to visit the City of Drama and explore the 60 acre park of the Spring of Aghia Varvara in the heart of the city. It is a 37 km drive from Drama to Kavala for your overnight stay at Hotel Lucy
Overnight at Hotel Lucy, Kavala
Ancient ruins at Phillipi
Day 5 - Kavala
Spend the day exploring Kavala and there is a lot to see. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. Kavala was founded in the 7th century and has been continuously inhabited ever since. In Roman times it was an important station of the Egnatia Road. It was here in 49 AD that St Paul preached Christianity on European soil for the first time. Since the 19th century Kavala has been a commercial city and the most important port of the region.
Overnight at Hotel Lucy, Kavala
Old town, castle and aqueduct of Kavala
Day 6 - Amphipolis
The ancient port of Amphipolis is 62 kilometres west of Kavala. It was from here that Alexander the Great’s fleets sailed for his Asian expeditions. Amphipolis was founded by the Athenians in the 5th century BC and was later conquered by Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. During Roman times it was a station on Via Egnatia and was also visited by St Paul on his journeys through Europe. The Kasta tomb, the largest ever found in Greece was crowned by the 5.30 metre tall statue of the Lion of Amphipolis which was lost for many centuries. Parts of it were discovered in the 20th century and was restored in 1937. It is a majestic sculpture dating from the 4th century BC. For those interested in speleology, the Alistrati cave is nearby. Considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe, its halls reach a height of 10 metres and the walking distance inside the cave is 1 km.
Overnight at Hotel Lucy, Kavala
Ancient lion of Amphipolis
Day 7 - Thassos
The island of Thassos is a very beautiful pine forested island and deserves a quick look on your last day (you can, of course, extend your stay on the island). Car ferries sail from the nearby port of Keramoti, 40 km east of Kavala.
Overnight at Hotel Lucy, Kavala
Thassos
Day 8 - Day of departure
After breakfast, perhaps time for a final walk around Kavala before leaving for the airport and dropping off your hire car.
