Welcome to Ioannina
Ioannina is one of Northern Greece's most atmospheric cities. It is set on the western shore of the lovely Lake Pamvotis, and framed by the impressive mountain range that turns lilac at sunset. The walls of the Kastro enclose an atmospheric, tranquil old quarter, and the lakeside area is lined by opulent plane trees that let in dappled afternoon sunlight. Together with jutting minarets, the fantastic fortress and the unique appeal of To Nisi (The Island), Ioannina makes a beautiful place to spend at least a couple of days.
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Ioannina activities
Butrint Day Trip from Corfu
Highlights Visit the UNESCO site of ButrintiEnjoy the well balanced ecosystem between Butrinti’s monuments and wildlifeLearn about the artistic treasure of Butrinti’s Baptistry from the 6th centurySoak up the stunning views of the Archeological Park from Butrint’s Castle What you can expect Your guide will meet you at Saranda port from where the tour begins. Next you will drive for about 35 minutes to Butrinti Archeological Park across Ksamil town. As you drive to the archeological site you can enjoy the panorama over Vivari Channel and learn about the Ali Pasha military outpost built around the 19th century to guard Corfu strait. In the archeological site you will be guided through its well preserved monuments beginning with the Venetian tower and continuing through the green vegetation to the temple of Asclepius and Agora. Next we walk to the Baptistry, Episcopal Palace, Church, the castle and Museum.The settlement goes as far back as the Bronze age believed to have been founded by the Trojan prince Heleni, son of King Priam. In the beginning it served as a trading post between the inlanders and the merchants sailing from Corfu. Later on it grew into a small town where the centre of the city was the temple dedicated to Asclepius, God of Medicine around the 3rd century BC. During the Roman Period the settlement became a Roman colony changing significantly. After the Roman expansion the city grows again during the Byzantine period when it became an episcopal centre. Later on during the Venetian rule the city shrunk in size and importance to become just a small fisherman village. The last period to be inhabited was during the 19th century when this area was part of Ioannina principality under the rule of Ali Pasha Tepelena. In the end of our visit we take a coffee break in the Archeological park and return to the city of Saranda where our tour ends.
One day to Ioannina from Corfu
Pick up service from hotel and transfer to Corfu port. Departure with ferry at 09.00 and arrival in Igoumenitsa at 10.30.Then drive to Ioannina through Egnatia highway. It takes aprox 60 minutes to reach the city center of Ioannina and the lake. Tour arround lake and fortress and visit to the old town. A walk through the city has the feel of a bygone era, full of secret places and legends still living. Wonderful buildings like the House Matei Hussein, the Ottoman mosque of Veli Pasha and the entire historic centre of the town are unique attractions.Ioannina was always multicultural, dominated mainly by Christian, Islamic and Jewish influences. This coexistence of cultural influences is clearly evident in the historic city centre. The Stoa Louli arcade is one of the locations where the three communities worked together and prospered. The arcade was originally an inn and then became a mercantile exchange of great importance throughout the whole of Epirus.Free time in town and optional visit to the small isle in the lake. The 10minutes crossing from town and a 30minutes walk on its cobblestone alleys will send you picking up echoes of folk songs and psalms of Christians, Jews and Muslims who lived on the land peacefully for centuries. It is filled with pine trees, unique stone houses, a natural port, full of fishing boats and it is the home of seven monasteries. The greatest one is Stigopoulos monastery and Philantropinos monastery. Our tirp return in Corfu at 20.00
Greece Motorcycle Tour
Day 1, Thessaloniki Arrive at Thessaloniki Airport to be collected and transferred to the Hotel. you will meet the team and make acquaintance with you motorbike for the next 11 days. A welcome dinner will be perfect for you to meet the other riders and to emerge in the Greek culture.Day 2, Thessaloniki - Mount Olympus - PlatamonasToday you will get the chance to visit Dion Archaeological Park, the place where Alexander the Great itself used to make sacrifices before going to battle. A ride on the Olympus - the highest mountain in Greece will refresh you. Spend the night in Platamonas.Day 3, Platamonas - Palaios Panteleimonas - Kalambaka - Lamia Ride on Kato Olympus to Palaios Panteleimonas, a mountain Greek village with old traditional architecture. Continue your journey to the Meteora and visit one of the most beautiful monasteries in the World. Spend the night in Lamia.Day 4-5, Lamia - Delphi - Athens Morning ride to Delphi - the bellybutton of the World. Visit the ancient Oracle of Apollo and continue riding to Athens. The capital city of Greece will welcome you with busy streets, ancient places and the Famous Parthenon. Accommodation in Athens. You have the time to visit the city of Gods, the birthplace of democracy, the cradle of civilization.Day 6, Athens - Corinth - PatrasToday you're going to ride North of Pelopponnese, the Gulf of Corinth. Make a stop to be amazed by Corinth Canal, an artificial canal constructed to make way for the ships and visit Ancient Corinth Archaeological Park. Spend the night in Patras.Day 7, Patras - LefkadaMorning ride across Rio - Antirrio Bridge, the longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge in the World, an engineering marvel. Continue your travel to the Island of Lefkada for accommodation and relaxation.Day 8-9, Lefkada - Arta - Ioannina Arta and Ioannina on your route today. Both of the cities were during the time known for their wealth: cobbled streets, stone bridges, byzantine castles, Silver and Gold. Accommodation in Ioannina. ou can visit Ioannina Castle, take a boat ride to the small island on the lake or get your motorbike and ride the great bends Tzoumerka National Park, a place of unspoiled nature, traditional Greek villages and rock bridges.Day 10, Ioannina - Edessa - Thessaloniki Ride Pindus National Park, great motorbike roads and stunning views. Arrive in Edessa home for the highest waterfall in Greece - Karanos Waterfall. 70 m high, Karanos Waterfall offers plenty of photo opportunities. Accommodation in Thessaloniki.Day 11, Thessaloniki With a lot of memories and Greek souvenirs transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home.