Escorted Tours
Lakes Of Northern Greece Tour
One doesn’t think of lakes when one thinks of Greece; it is always the sea, the islands and the country’s beautiful coastline, and yet Greece is home to numerous lakes that offer a completely different view of this wonderful country.
This tour will take you on a journey to uncover the joy of these hidden places, exposing their exceptional nature, stunning scenery, unusual fauna and, as always, a range of tasty regional food.
Birds, buffaloes, beans, bears, boats and magnificent scenery are just a little of what you can expect to discover on this tour.
From
£1,920
per person
what’s included
At A Glance
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrive Thessaloniki
Transfer to Lake Kerkini and check-in to the Villa Belles hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 2: Exploring Lake Kerkini
Whether you know the difference between a Grebe and a duck, a boat trip on peaceful Lake Kerkini is a must and a wonderful opportunity to spot birds in their natural habitat. Our exploration will also take us around the lake, where we learn more about the buffaloes, which are a very important part of local life. After a break for lunch at a local taverna offering good regional dishes, we visit the peaceful nunnery of Timios Prodromos that has panoramic views to Lake Kerkini. Evening at leisure.
Day 3: Kerkini to Kastoria via Ancient Aigai
En-route to Kastoria, set on the banks of beautiful Lake Orestiada, we take the opportunity to visit the exceptional museum of Vergina built within a remarkable recreated tumulus that contained the tombs of Philip II; the gold, and other more practical everyday items found within the tomb are exceptional. The great Palace of Aigai, which has only just reopened to the public after 16 years of ongoing restoration, closely associated with both Philip II and Alexander the Great, is another highlight.
On arrival in Kastoria, check in to the comfortable Limneon Spa Hotel. Evening at leisure.
Day 4: Exploring Kastoria & Around Lake Orestiada
Today we shall explore the historic and picturesque neighbourhoods of Kastoria, known as Doltso, with buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and enjoy a tasting of local products at one of the old mansions that is now a lovely cafe.
We will have a relaxed stroll alongside the lake, visiting the beautiful 11th-century Panagia Mavriotissa Monastery, with its well-preserved wall-paintings, and explore the interesting ‘Cave of the Dragon’! This unique treasure of nature is located only 20 metres from the shore of the lake.
Returning to the hotel mid-afternoon, there will be time to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel before dinner. For those who would like to join, later there will be an optional evening visit to Kastoria.
Day 5: Explore Prespes
The lakes of Prespes, situated 850m above sea level, share their waters with three countries, Albania, North Macedonian and Greece. The whole area, whichever country the Lake falls in, is known as Prespes and was formalised as an international protected wetland and National Park in 1973. It is an area of nature, culture, ancient settlements and beans! Yes beans! They say the best beans are found here because of the altitude at which they grow, which creates a healthy microclimate.
We will explore the area visiting the island of Agios Achillios, littered with Byzantine remains, Psarades, a listed settlement where we take a short boat trip to see the rock paintings of abandoned hermitages, and have lunch altogether in a picturesque setting by the lake in the tiny settlement of Mikrolimni. Evening at leisure.
Day 6: Kastoria to Preveza
En-route to Preveza we will stop at mountainous Metsovo for coffee, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Pamvotis at Ioannina and have time for lunch in the village of Eliniko, which has a delightful and unexpected museum as well as stunning panoramic scenery.
After lunch we continue to Preveza and check-in to the comfortable Daluz Boutique Hotel. Evening at leisure.
Day 7: The Ambracian Gulf
This peaceful body of water, a closed internal sea that is connected with the Ionian Sea through a narrow seaway, was created thousands of years ago. Fed not only by the sea but also by two freshwater rivers explains the diversity and richness of the biotopes found here. It is a paradise for birds but bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead turtles are also found here.
We will explore this wetland area by boat on a half day tour, which will include lunch, searching for dolphins, turtles and other wildlife. In the afternoon we will visit seaside Preveza before returning to our hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to Preveza Airport for Return to London Gatwick
our guests say
Recent reviews
“Beautiful Lake Kerkini was the highlight, but every day brought its own special experiences. This was my second trip with Jane and Nico, and they are a wonderful team. As I have some mobility issues, I felt completely safe and well cared for throughout. Jane is professional, informative, and brings a wonderfully relaxed vibe to the holiday.”
Mrs E, September 2025
“For someone new to Greece, everything was a highlight, but the professionalism and dedication of our guide Jane really stood out. The three varied boat trips were enjoyable, the hotels were all different and charming, the food, especially the organised meals, was delicious, and the authenticity of the region was palpable. Our group of like-minded travellers were wonderful companions, making this a holiday I will never forget.”
Mrs W, September 2025
“Yet again, Jane our tour manager was fantastic. The holiday was very well planned in a beautiful part of Greece. I would highly recommend this trip.”
Mrs H, September 2025
“This was a truly delightful holiday. The birds on Lake Kerkini were a highlight, and the food everywhere was simply excellent. Jane Freeman made the experience all the more enjoyable. Everything was very well organised, and the company wonderful.”
Mrs H, September 2025
“The various boat trips and sightseeing in Kastoria were memorable highlights. There was so much history to explore, and our guides made everything interesting and easy. The tour was well organised, and the experience highly enjoyable.”
Mr S, September 2025
“This was an exceptional tour, full of fascinating discoveries. From the birds and dolphins to the unscheduled Costume Museum in Kastoria, the Royal Tombs Museum of Ancient Altai, and the off-the-beaten-track art gallery, every day was a delight. The food was superb, chosen with care for both location and variety, and the hotels ranged from charming boutique to comfortable modern spa hotels. Jane and Nicos are a formidable team: brilliant, knowledgeable, and so attentive. Thank you for arranging such a memorable holiday.”
Mrs B, September 2025
“My highlights were the museum at Aigai with the beautiful contents of Philip of Macedon’s tomb, and the boat trip on Lake Kerkini to see pelicans and cormorants – peaceful, informative, and simply wonderful. The tour was very well organised, and being with Jane and Nico made it even better. Jane is an outstanding tour guide, and Nico a safe and helpful driver. A truly excellent holiday.”
Mrs W, September 2025
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Villa Belles, Akritochori
Overlooking Kerkini Lake, this traditional style hotel offers comfortable rooms with balcony and a tranquil countryside position.
Hotel Website
Limneon Resort Hotel, Kastoria
This luxury spa hotel has a lovely position right on Lake Orestiaida. All rooms are Lake View rooms. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, gym, spa facilities and a swimming pool.
Hotel Website
Daluz Boutique Hotel, Preveza
Very comfortable modern hotel with swimming pool in peaceful location close to Preveza. Rooms included are classic double, these can be upgraded to Deluxe double for a small supplement.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
A more relaxed-paced itinerary, with time to enjoy visits at a comfortable rhythm. There may still be some walking between sites, periods of standing during guided visits, and occasional steps, slopes or cobbled areas, particularly in historic towns, gardens and older buildings.
You should be comfortable walking for around 30 minutes at a steady pace and standing independently during visits.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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