NEW TOUR!

(Click here for the complete tour description as document.)

The Via Egnatia was the connection between the western and eastern part of the Roman Empire. The road was built in the 3rd century BC under consul Egnatius as an extension of the Via Appia, also as a military road. It runs through the Balkans from Durrës (Dyrrachium) in Albania, through Northern Macedonia and Northern Greece all the way to Istanbul (Byzantium) in Turkey.

Also Apostle Paul walked on this road, when he came to the west to preach the new Christian faith. Via Egnatia is now part of the pilgrim's route Rome - Jerusalem.

So the Via Egnatia - with intervals due to political or geografical trouble - has been a real trans-Balkan highway.

The tour starts in Thessaloniki, with a city walk along the historical monuments. So you spend two overnight stays in this vibrant town. Then you’ll be taken by taxi to Agios Vasileios to start the trekking.

It’s a tour for people who want to enjoy a historical hiking tour without any worry about pathfinding.

 

Trip highlights

• Following the footsteps of history.
• The archeological site of Amphipolis.
• Ancient Philippi and Lydia.
• The old pavement of the Via Egnatia near Kavala.
• Walking through one of the most fertile regions of Greece.

About the walks
The walks are on flat or slightly hilly terrain using well-maintained paths, so technically not too difficult. You walk mostly on unsurfaced tracks and dirt roads. Sometimes a section on tarmac road if unavoidable.

However: be prepared for long distances that require good stamina to complete! This is a pilgrimage route, demanding endurance as you journey on its historic paths. That’s also why we’ve graded this as a class 3 tour. The daily walks are between 4½ and 7 hours net hiking time (so without the breaks).

We advise you to arrive well trained and fit with well worn-in and ankle-high hiking boots. Thus you’ll get more pleasure out of your hiking holiday.