Greece: Northern Beach Paradise
Duration : 7 Days 6 Nights
Start Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Travel Date : 26 Aug , 2024 - 1 Sep , 2024
Sold out? Prefer your own dates or a smaller group? Consider our Independent Rowing Experience in Thessaloniki.
Greece: Northern Beach Paradise
Macedonia, Northern Greece – A Classic Destination
This trip in Greece showcases a spectacular part of a beautiful country, rich in history and culture. Known especially as the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Macedonia is also where Aristotle was born. Thessaloniki, the second city after Athens, exudes flair, character and dynamism from the diversity of ethnic groups that have touched this region. It also reputed to be Greece’s culinary and cultural capital. While the focus will be on rowing in gorgeous scenery, we will explore some of this history of deep thinkers and famous warriors, experience the culture of a proud civilization, and of course sample the food. This Greece rowing tour is destined to become a classic.
Beautiful Beaches and Water Every Shade of Blue
After enjoying the buzz of the city and rowing the Thermaic Gulf, we will leave Thessaloniki and head to the gorgeous Halkidiki Peninsula. Three fingers reach down into the gorgeous blue of the Aegean Sea. We will explore the eastern side of Sithonia, the middle peninsula. Rugged and hilly in the interior, the coastline is stunning, lined with idyllic beach after idyllic beach. Although tourism is increasing, this side remains quieter and perhaps a bit more authentic. Maybe it is the looming presence of Mount Athos, known for its closed monastic community, across the Gulf of Agíou Orous? Kilometres of pine forests and only a few towns and villages will be our companions as we explore the coastline. In the afternoons we will also delve into the interior to get magnificent views from hilltops and discover folklore preserved in museums and villages.
Coastal Rowing at Its Finest
What better place than the Aegean Sea to enjoy a coastal rowing tour, especially in the company of one of the best coastal rowers in the world. Nikos Gkountoulas, our guide, was World Champion in the pair with his brother, before taking up coastal rowing. Thessaloniki hosted the 2014 World Rowing Coastal Championships, and Nikos continues to generously share his love of coastal rowing, operating Greece’s first exclusively coastal rowing club, travelling to Vietnam to coach, taking his athletes to international regattas and now our rowing tour. Experienced coastal rowers will enjoy this beautiful area, while rowers new to coastal will have the opportunity to add additional skills to their rowing repertoire. Like Nikos, perhaps you will become a fan and advocate of coastal rowing after this trip!
Read some of our blog posts about this trip:
Read what a travel writer had to say when she tried rowing with our guide Nikos on this trip! https://rowingtravelblog.com/greeces-northern-beaches-top-destination-for-rowers-and-non-rowers/
Have a look at photos and testimonials from the sold-out trip in 2023!
Trip Details
| Price Type | USD | CAD | EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $3,375 | $4,425 | €3.200 |
| Single Supplement | $455 | $620 | €415 |
| Fully Independent Non-rower | $1,835 | $2,500 | €1.670 |
| Semi-guided Non-rower | $2,640 | $3,600 | €2.400 |
To learn the difference between fully independent and semi-guided companion option check out our FAQs.
Non-rowing companions welcomed. We offer two options. The Fully Independent Non-rower gives you maximum flexibility to structure each day to suit you, while joining the group for evening activities. Our guides will be happy to provide suggestions and advice, but you must provide your own transportation. The second option is Semi-guided Non-rower. The priority of the guides is to support the rowers, and you will be invited to join the rowers at breaks and for lunches. As much as possible, you will be able to enjoy other activities, particular walking or visits to local attractions. Transportation and lunches are included (options for lunches not with the rowers on some days). Please contact us for the details of what is included in the price for each option – we are happy to answer your questions.
| Difficulty & Daily Distances | Boats | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| 10-25 km/day Moderate | Coastal doubles and a coxed quad | 11 rowers + guide |
!Important!: this trip is coastal rowing. We will be rowing on the open Aegean Sea, where wind and waves can be a factor, especially in the afternoon. We will not be supported by a motor boat. While we do not ask for prior coastal rowing experience, good level of rowing skill, strength and fitness is required for this trip.
Included
- 7 days/6 nights with 5 days of rowing
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners. Beverages and alcohol not included, with the exception of the welcome drink
- Entrances to sightseeing visits
- Van transportation and luggage transfer
- Trip leader is Ruth Marr. Guided by Nikos Gkountoulas
- Accommodation in hotels and glamping tents (with ensuite bathroom) at a campground resort
Sea and weather conditions will be an important consideration that can affect the itinerary – safety is a priority. Thus, on some days, the actual program may vary from this description.
We recommend planning to arrive early or stay on after the tour, in order to further enjoy northern Greece. Recommended are excursions to Vergina –Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, or to Dion and Mount Olympus.