09:00

Breakfast and a walk in Nea Zichni

Allow about an hour in the center, taking in the streets of the village and daily life before setting off for the excursions. For a simple breakfast, budget around 4–8 € per person.

Stock up on water and cash: in smaller towns, services may be limited.

10:00

Loutra Neas Zichnis

Drive to the local thermal baths and check on site which pools or facilities are actually operating: availability and opening times may change. Allow 60–90 minutes and expect an approximate cost of 5–15 € depending on the service chosen.

Bring a swimsuit, towel and flip-flops; check before departure that the baths are open.

11:45

Transfer to the Cave of Alistrati

The drive takes roughly 25–35 minutes. Park in the visitor area and buy your ticket for the guided tour, which normally lets you appreciate the limestone chambers and mineral formations along the way.

Leave some time for the group to assemble: access may be in shifts.

12:30

Visit to the Cave of Alistrati

Plan on about 60–90 minutes between entry, the route and the information areas. The underground temperature is cooler than outside; the ticket can cost around 8–15 € per adult, with varying rates for discounts or packages.

Wear closed-toe shoes and follow the staff’s instructions: do not leave the designated route.

14:00

Lunch in Alistrati

Stop in town for a leisurely meal before continuing to the Aggitis Cave. A simple taverna lunch can cost roughly €12–22 per person, drinks excluded or included depending on your choice.

Ask for the daily specials and check kitchen hours, especially outside peak season.

15:30

Aggitis Cave

Drive to Aggitis Cave, also known for its underground river setting. Allow about 60–90 minutes for the visit and the accessible areas; admission is typically in the range of €6–12 per adult.

Check in advance whether the trail is open and whether shifts or guided tours are scheduled.

17:15

Return to Nea Zichni and dinner

Head back to base at your own pace and take a break before dinner. For a meal at a local taverna, expect around €15–25 per person, depending on dishes and drinks.

Driving times depend on the route chosen and road conditions: avoid scheduling the last visit too late.

08:30

Depart for Amphipolis

Drive to the archaeological site; from Nea Zichni the trip takes roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on the route and traffic. Bring water and a hat: much of the visit takes place outdoors.

As an alternative to driving, check connections and transfers in advance: local services may be infrequent.

09:30

Archaeological Site of Amphipolis

Set aside about two hours for the remains of the ancient city, taking in the areas open to visitors, the fortification ruins, and the relationship between the settlement and the river. Admission may be free or ticketed depending on the site and current regulations; budget roughly €0–10.

An outdoor visit is more comfortable in the morning; check for any closures or limited access.

11:45

Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis

Set aside about an hour for the collections, which are useful for putting the city and the finds discovered in the area into context. Expect an indicative ticket price of €0–10, with possible reductions or free admission depending on the rules in force at the time.

Opening hours for archaeological museums can vary by season and public holidays: check before you leave.

13:00

Lunch in the Amphipolis area

Stop at a local taverna or café for a light lunch. Budget around €12–22 per person and use the break to rest before the stops along the Strymon.

Outside peak periods, some businesses may have reduced hours.

14:30

Lion of Amphipolis

Drive to the monument, one of the region’s most recognizable symbols. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the stop: view the sculpture from different angles and read the information panels on site.

The outdoor area is exposed to the sun; bring water and do not cross the barriers.

15:30

Amphipolis Bridge and Strymon landscape

Continue to the historic bridge for a short walk and to take in the river and surrounding landscape. Allow about 30–45 minutes; access to nearby areas should be approached with caution and in accordance with signage and traffic.

Do not stop on the roadway or approach the water where the shore is unstable.

16:30

Return and break in Nea Zichni

Head back to Nea Zichni and keep the rest of the afternoon free for a break. For coffee or a snack, budget approximately 3–8 € per person.

If you also want to visit other archaeological sites, check distances and opening hours first: the extra stops can significantly lengthen the day.

18:30

Dinner in town

End the day with a relaxed dinner in Nea Zichni. A rough budget of 15–25 € per person lets you choose a full meal, depending on dishes and drinks.

Booking ahead is useful on weekends and during busy periods.

09:00

Transfer to the Monastery of Timios Prodromos

Drive from Nea Zichni toward the monastery, allowing about 40–55 minutes for the journey. The road becomes more winding as you get closer to the destination: drive carefully and allow extra time for parking.

Wear clothing appropriate for the site and check opening hours in advance.

10:00

Visit to the Monastery of Timios Prodromos

Spend about 60–90 minutes exploring the monastic complex and the areas open to visitors, keeping a discreet demeanor and respecting any photography restrictions. Admission may be free or require a donation: budget approximately 0–5 €.

Monastic communities may change their schedules for religious services or holidays.

12:00

Lunch in the center of Serres

Head down to Serres and stop in the center for lunch, with an estimated cost of €12–22 per person. A break in town also lets you visit the next stops on foot without constantly moving the car.

Park in a permitted area and continue on foot into the center.

13:30

Serres Archaeological Museum

Visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in the historic Bezesteni, and see the artifacts that tell the story of the city and the surrounding area. Allow about 60–75 minutes; admission is approximately €0–8, depending on the current rates.

Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may change depending on the season and the day.

15:00

Walk through the historic center

Explore the central streets on foot and stop for a coffee, spending about an hour on the modern city and its urban views. For coffee and a pastry, budget around €4–9 per person.

Leave the car parked: the center is more enjoyable to visit on foot.

16:30

Acropolis of Serres (Koulas)

Climb up to the Koulas citadel to see the remains of the fortifications and enjoy the view over the city. Set aside 60–90 minutes, including the ascent and descent; access to the outdoor area is generally free, but some sections may be closed or inaccessible.

Wear shoes with good grip and check how much daylight remains if you are visiting in autumn or winter.

18:15

Return and end of the itinerary

Drive back to Nea Zichni, allowing roughly 40–55 minutes. If you still have time, have dinner in town or in Serres: budget around €15–25 per person.

If you need to continue your journey in the evening, consider the traffic and plan a stop before getting behind the wheel.