Day 7: Thessaloniki

Thursday, May 27^th, 1999

 Spent most of this morning touring Thessaloniki. Visited the White Tower, Archeological Museum, Agias Sophia, and an open-air market similar to the Monostraki in Athens. The feel of Thessaloniki is quite different than Athens. The people are extremely friendly and there are fewer tourists.

 Around noon we decide to head back out on the road. Heading directly west of Thessaloniki we stop to visit the ruins of Pela, birthplace of Alexander the Great. The tombs of Alexander and his son are amazing and incredibly preserved. Walking in to the actual tomb we are able to view the artifacts and treasures held within. We stop for lunch at a nearby village.


  Off the main road, we head for Vergina and tomb of King Phillip. The tomb is partially buried under the earth and we are able to peak inside. Above the tomb are the remains of his ancient palace overlooking the valley below.


  Continuing on, we head through Kastania and stop for a breathtaking view of the valley below, we are now about 8,000 feet up. I'm getting more and more excited because we are nearing one of the sites that I have been looking forward to, Meteora.

  Late in the afternoon, we enter Kalambaka, a village just south of Meteora. We secure two fantastic rooms at Hotel Meteora.

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