Post-Conference Tours - Saturday, 7 June 2025
(for UFI delegates only)
*included in the registration fee*
Dress Code
☀️ Based on the information about the weather conditions, lightweight and breathable clothing is advisable for outdoor activities - consider bringing a light jacket or scarf for added comfort.
Tour 1 - Discover Thessaloniki: A One-Day City Tour Through 2,400 Years of History and Culture
SOLD OUT!
Date and time: Saturday, June 7, duration: 10:00-15:00
Departure at 9:30 am sharp from Capsis and Makedonia lobby.
- Meeting point with a guide: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jS2QLN64tVAqng4h8
- 13:00 Lunch is included: selected menu with a choice of main course.
Dress code: casual and comfortable shoes.
Thessaloniki, Greece's vibrant second-largest city, boasts an extraordinary 2,400-year history, offering a perfect blend of ancient heritage and modern charm. A one-day city tour will take you through centuries of fascinating history, from the Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras to its thriving contemporary culture.
Start your journey with a visit to the White Tower, the city's iconic landmark on the waterfront, followed by a stroll along the bustling Aristotelous Square, the heart of Thessaloniki. As you explore, discover the city’s rich Byzantine past with visits to the Rotunda, the Church of Saint Demetrios, and the stunning Hagia Sophia, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing exquisite mosaics and architectural grandeur.
The tour also includes the Roman Agora and the Arch of Galerius, offering glimpses into Thessaloniki’s Roman era. For art lovers, the Museum of Byzantine Culture provides an in-depth look into the city’s historical role as a center of Byzantine art and religion.
As you walk through Thessaloniki’s lively streets, you’ll experience its 2,400-year-old story—shaped by Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning seafront views, Thessaloniki is a city full of energy and stories waiting to be discovered in just one day.
Tour 2 - Experience the Majestic Meteora: A Day Trip to the Monasteries in the Sky
SOLD OUT!
Date and time: Saturday, June 7, duration 7:00-18:00
Bus departure at 7:20 am from Makedonia and at 7:40 am from Capsis.
Dress code for the visit to the Meteora Monasteries:
- Please dress casually and lightly, as the weather will be warm.
- Hats for sun protection are recommended.
- Ladies are kindly asked to wear dresses or skirts, short or long sleeves are required.
- Shorts are not permitted for anyone.
To be in line with the established dress code, men are required to wear long trousers while women are requested to wear below the knee skirts.
For women, should your outfit is considered not suitable to enter a monastery, you can always find skirts and shawls available to borrow at the entrance of the monasteries.
Lunch is included: selected menu with a choice of main course.
Meteora, one of Greece’s most awe-inspiring destinations, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance. Towering rock formations rise dramatically from the Thessalian plain, crowned by ancient monasteries that seem to float in the sky. A day trip to Meteora provides a unique opportunity to explore these monasteries and experience their serene atmosphere, stunning architecture, and deep-rooted history.
Originally built by monks seeking solitude and spiritual refuge, the monasteries of Meteora date back to the 14th century. Six of them are still active today, preserving centuries-old traditions. As you visit these monasteries, including the Great Meteoron, the largest and oldest, or the Monastery of Varlaam, you’ll marvel at the incredible architecture, rare religious icons, and panoramic views that extend across the landscape.
A day at Meteora also offers an unforgettable spiritual and cultural journey. Walking among the monolithic pillars, you’ll sense the peace and isolation that attracted monks to this remote location. The surrounding nature adds to the tranquillity, making it a perfect escape for those seeking a blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
A visit to Meteora is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects you with Greece’s deep spiritual heritage and some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world.
Tour 3 - Discover the Spiritual Beauty of Mount Athos: A Unique Day Cruise
Date and time: Saturday, June 7, duration 7:00-18:00
Bus departure at 7:15 am from Capsis and at 7:40 am from Makedonia.
Dress code: casual and comfortable shoes.
Lunch is included: selected menu with a choice of main course.
Mount Athos, also known as the "Holy Mountain," is a place of profound spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Located on a peninsula in northern Greece, it has been a center of Orthodox Christian monasticism for over a thousand years, home to more than 20 historic monasteries. Although access to the peninsula itself is restricted to women, a cruise around Mount Athos offers a rare opportunity to admire its majestic landscape and the architectural splendor of the monasteries from the sea.
A day cruise around Mount Athos provides visitors with a glimpse into this secluded, sacred world. As you sail along the coastline, you’ll learn about the rich history and traditions of the monasteries while soaking in the stunning views of the rugged cliffs and pristine forests. The serene atmosphere and untouched beauty of the area make this an unforgettable experience for both those seeking spiritual connection and nature lovers alike.
A visit to Mount Athos via a cruise is a truly unique cultural and spiritual journey that transports you back in time, offering insight into one of the most significant religious sites in the world.