A full-day private drive from Thessaloniki that pairs easy nature walks, historic Naoussa sights and guided tastings at celebrated wineries. Expect waterfalls, centuries-old plane trees and Xinomavro-focused tastings on this 10‑hour cultural-and-wine loop.
A full-day private drive from Thessaloniki that pairs easy nature walks, historic Naoussa sights and guided tastings at celebrated wineries. Expect waterfalls, centuries-old plane trees and Xinomavro-focused tastings on this 10‑hour cultural-and-wine loop.
You roll out of Thessaloniki before the heat sets in and the road climbs toward the green flank of the Vermio range. Vine rows and forested gullies pass like pages; the Arapitsa river threads the valley and seems to dare you to follow its current. By mid-morning you’re stepping off the van into the cool hush of Metamorfosis waterfalls, the water pushing forward over stone, and later wandering the plane-tree alleys of Agios Nikolaos park where light filters through leaves like a slow metronome.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hello Thessaloniki · Naoussa, Imathia
You roll out of Thessaloniki before the heat sets in and the road climbs toward the green flank of the Vermio range. Vine rows and forested gullies pass like pages; the Arapitsa river threads the valley and seems to dare you to follow its current. By mid-morning you’re stepping off the van into the cool hush of Metamorfosis waterfalls, the water pushing forward over stone, and later wandering the plane-tree alleys of Agios Nikolaos park where light filters through leaves like a slow metronome.
Naoussa’s name echoes in local history — the 1822 uprising and the sacrifice at Stoumbani mark the town as the "Heroic" Naoussa — and geology explains its terroir: limestone slopes and well-drained, stony soils favor Xinomavro, the tannic red that defines the region. Small family estates sit alongside modern wineries like Kir-Yianni, mixing traditional gobelet-trained vines with more experimental practices from younger producers.
On a practical note: this private day trip runs about 10 hours door-to-door from Thessaloniki, with guided walks, winery tastings and short village strolls. Expect easy walking on dirt tracks and paved village streets, some uneven surfaces at natural sites, and opportunities to sample several Xinomavro expressions plus local small-producer wines.
Bring a light jacket for river breezes, comfortable shoes for short hikes and strolls, and a reusable water bottle to refill between tastings. Time your visit for late spring through early fall to get the fullest mix of waterfalls, shade in the plane trees and open cellar doors.
easy.
10 hours.
Suitable for travelers with basic mobility; involves short, easy walks and standing during tastings.
Yes — hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off in Thessaloniki are included as part of the private transfer.
Tastings at selected wineries are included in the itinerary; confirm any additional reserve tastings or bottle purchases with your guide.
The tour accepts infants; stroller access is possible in many spots, but some winery and waterfall areas have uneven ground—infant seats are available on request.
A professional English-speaking driver/escort is provided; confirm other language needs in advance.
Naoussa earned the title “Heroic Town” after the 1822 uprising and the Stoumbani incident; viticulture here dates back centuries and intensified under modern winemakers in the 20th century.
Naoussa is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) zone for Xinomavro; visitors should stick to marked paths, avoid trampling vines and minimize single‑use plastics to protect streams and soils.
Hello Thessaloniki operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You roll out of Thessaloniki before the heat sets in and the road climbs toward the green flank of the Vermio range. Vine rows and forested gullies pass like pages; the Arapitsa river threads the valley and seems to dare you to follow its current. By mid-morning you’re stepping off the van into the cool hush of Metamorfosis waterfalls, the water pushing forward over stone, and later wandering the plane-tree alleys of Agios Nikolaos park where light filters through leaves like a slow metronome.
You roll out of Thessaloniki before the heat sets in and the road climbs toward the green flank of the Vermio range. Vine rows and forested gullies pass like pages; the Arapitsa river threads the valley and seems to dare you to follow its current. By mid-morning you’re stepping off the van into the cool hush of Metamorfosis waterfalls, the water pushing forward over stone, and later wandering the plane-tree alleys of Agios Nikolaos park where light filters through leaves like a slow metronome.
Naoussa’s name echoes in local history — the 1822 uprising and the sacrifice at Stoumbani mark the town as the "Heroic" Naoussa — and geology explains its terroir: limestone slopes and well-drained, stony soils favor Xinomavro, the tannic red that defines the region. Small family estates sit alongside modern wineries like Kir-Yianni, mixing traditional gobelet-trained vines with more experimental practices from younger producers.
On a practical note: this private day trip runs about 10 hours door-to-door from Thessaloniki, with guided walks, winery tastings and short village strolls. Expect easy walking on dirt tracks and paved village streets, some uneven surfaces at natural sites, and opportunities to sample several Xinomavro expressions plus local small-producer wines.
Bring a light jacket for river breezes, comfortable shoes for short hikes and strolls, and a reusable water bottle to refill between tastings. Time your visit for late spring through early fall to get the fullest mix of waterfalls, shade in the plane trees and open cellar doors.