10:00

Arrival and check-in in Nea Zichni

Use the town as a base for your first night and check in without planning any demanding visits. If you’re arriving from Thessaloniki, allow about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic and route.

For travel in the following days, having a car is useful.

11:30

Nea Zichni Central Square

Spend some time strolling through the square and central streets, watching the town’s everyday rhythm and stopping for a coffee. The visit is free; allow about 45 minutes and a coffee for €2–4.

12:30

Church of Agios Georgios

Head to the Church of Agios Georgios and visit the accessible areas discreetly, checking on site whether it is open. Allow 20–30 minutes; admission is usually free, while a small donation is optional.

13:30

Lunch in town

Choose a tavern in the center for a simple meal of Greek dishes and local products. A casual lunch can cost around €12–20 per person, drinks excluded.

16:00

Alistrati

Drive to Alistrati in about 20–30 minutes and stroll through the town center, noting the services and the departure points for tomorrow's cave visit. End with a stop in the square and return to Nea Zichni before evening.

Check cave opening hours and tour availability in advance.

09:00

Departure from Nea Zichni

Drive to the Alistrati area and plan the morning around the cave entry time. Leave room for possible waiting times or changes in the guided visits.

10:00

Cave of Alistrati

Follow the designated route to admire halls, stalactites and stalagmites: the guided visit usually lasts about an hour, but the route and service may change. Admission is ticketed; budget around €8–15 per adult and check the latest prices and opening hours.

Bring a light jacket: it is cooler inside.

11:30

Aggitis area

Take time for a stop at the accessible points along the Aggitis river, following local signs and avoiding slippery banks. Allow 45–60 minutes; access to the outdoor areas is usually free.

13:00

Lunch in Alistrati

Return to the village for lunch at a taverna and, if available, try the daily specials and local products. Budget around €12–20 per person for a simple meal.

15:00

Stroll and a break in the village

Spend the afternoon on a leisurely walk through the streets of Alistrati and take a break in a café, without pushing the itinerary after the underground visit. Drive back to Nea Zichni, usually in less than half an hour.

09:00

Departure for Amphipolis

Leave Nea Zichni early: the drive takes about 40–50 minutes, depending on the exact destination and the road chosen. Bring water and a hat, as some archaeological areas are exposed to the sun.

10:00

Ancient Amphipolis

Explore the accessible areas of the ancient city, following the authorized routes and observing its strategic position by the Strymonas. Allow 1.5 hours or more; any tickets and opening hours depend on the site's opening times.

12:00

Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis

Visit the museum to put the finds and the city's history into context, from its foundation to the Roman period. Allow about 60–90 minutes and check opening hours and ticket price before you go, generally in the range of a few euros.

14:00

Lunch in the Amphipolis area

Stop at a local taverna or bring a snack if you find limited options open. For a sit-down lunch, budget around €15–25 per person.

15:30

Lion of Amphipolis and Amphipolis Bridge

Reach the Lion of Amphipolis, a monumental funerary monument visible from the outer area, then make a short stop at the bridge over the Strymon. For both stops, about 45–60 minutes in total is enough; outdoor access is free.

16:45

Kasta Tomb: accessibility check

The Kasta mound is a highly significant archaeological site, but it should not be considered a guaranteed visit: access and public openings may be limited or changed. Check with the archaeological authorities before setting out and, if it is not accessible, observe only the areas permitted from the outside.

Do not cross fences or follow unofficial signs.

09:30

Transfer to Serres

Drive to Serres from Nea Zichni, allowing about 30–40 minutes. Park near the center and continue on foot between the urban stops.

10:15

Archaeological Museum of Serres

Visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in the Bezesteni, to learn about the artifacts and the history of the area. Allow 60–90 minutes; opening hours and tickets may vary, so check before you arrive.

12:00

Sarakatsani Folklore Museum

Discover objects, costumes and traditions linked to Sarakatsani culture. Allow about an hour for the visit and check opening times, which may be limited on some days; any admission is paid, with the fee to be confirmed on site.

13:30

Lunch in the center of Serres

Stop at a taverna or restaurant in the center, where the choice is wider than in the villages. A full meal costs roughly €15–25 per person.

15:00

Serres Acropolis

Head up to the acropolis, also known as Koulas, to see the remains of the fortifications and take in the city from above. The walk takes about an hour; wear shoes with good grip and keep in mind that some sections may be uphill.

16:30

Byzantine Baths of Serres

Finish with an outside stop at the remains of the Byzantine baths, checking for any access restrictions and on-site signage. Allow 20–30 minutes and do not enter closed or undeveloped areas.

09:00

Agios Ioannis Park

Start the day with a walk in the park and a peaceful break away from the busiest roads. Access is free; allow about an hour and bring water with you.

10:30

Monastery of Timios Prodromos

Drive to the monastery, a short distance from the city, and visit only the areas open to visitors. Dress respectfully; check opening hours and allow 45–60 minutes, with an optional donation.

12:30

Lunch in Serres

Head back toward the city for lunch before the climb to Lailias. Budget €12–22 per person for an informal meal and refill your water supplies.

14:00

Scenic road to Lailias

Drive up toward the mountain following the main road and allow about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and conditions. Stop only in permitted pull-offs and check the weather and road conditions.

15:15

Lailias Ski Center

Explore the ski center area and the trails or scenic viewpoints accessible during the season of your visit. Facilities and services are seasonal: outside opening periods, the visit may be limited to the landscape and walks, generally without a ticket.

17:30

Return to Serres

Head back at a relaxed pace before sunset, watching out for curves and animals on the road. The evening can be devoted to dinner in town, roughly €15–25 per person.

08:00

Departure toward Lake Kerkini

Leave Serres early: it usually takes 50–70 minutes by car to reach the lake viewpoints. Bring binoculars, water, and clothing suitable for the wind.

09:15

Kerkini National Park Information Centre

If open, ask for up-to-date information on trails, birdwatching, and lake conditions. Opening hours may vary and any fee should be checked; allow 30–45 minutes for the stop.

10:15

Lake Kerkini

Explore the shore from an accessible spot and quietly observe the birds and marsh landscapes. For a short walk, a ticket is usually not required; a boat trip, if available, can cost roughly €10–25 per person and should be arranged locally.

12:30

Kerkini Dam

Reach the dam and stop in the permitted areas to observe the reservoir and hydraulic structures. Allow about 30 minutes and respect any safety and access restrictions.

13:15

Lunch in the lake area

Choose a tavern in a nearby village or pack a picnic lunch, keeping in mind that services may be spread out. A meal at a tavern costs approximately €15–25 per person.

14:45

Vironia Railway Station

Make a short stop outside Vironia Station, linked to the region’s railway history. Allow 20–30 minutes; check on site which areas are accessible and do not enter operational areas.

16:00

Fort Roupel

Continue to Fort Roupel, an important defensive complex of the Metaxas Line. Visits are subject to opening hours, rules, and possible restrictions: check before arriving and allow about 60–90 minutes; any entry or guided visit should be confirmed locally.

18:00

Return to Serres

Head back to the city after a day with several kilometers of driving and plan a simple dinner. If time is short or Fort Roupel is not accessible, opt for a longer, more relaxed visit to the lake.

09:00

Departure for Nea Kerdylia

Drive to the coast from Nea Zichni or Serres, allowing about 45–60 minutes depending on your base. Bring sunscreen and check sea conditions.

10:00

Nea Kerdylia Beach

Spend the morning at the beach and on a stroll along the shore; facilities and beach clubs may be seasonal. Beach access is usually free, while sunbeds and an umbrella can cost about €8–20 per couple.

12:30

Lunch on the coast

Stop at a tavern or a place open during the season of your visit, choosing fish or the daily specials. Allow around €18–30 per person for lunch with a drink.

14:30

Transfer to Ofrinio

Drive to Ofrinio, also called Touzla, on a journey that is generally short but varies depending on traffic and access to the coast. Park where permitted and follow local directions.

15:00

Ofrinio Beach

Relax on the shore or take a stroll, leaving time for a coffee break before heading back. Access is usually free; allow for any beach service fees and check opening hours for venues outside peak season.

17:30

Return and departure

Head back to base or continue to your next destination with enough time for traffic. If you need to catch a flight or connection, avoid leaving the beach until the last minute.