PHILOXENIA 2019
thessaloniki &
central macedonia
November 10-11, 2019
organized by
with the support of
IMPRESSIVE WORLD LEADS
TIF HELEXPO
Schedule
SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER
Buffet breakfast at MET Hotel
Checkout with luggages
Meet up with our IMPRESSIVE World Representatives, at MET hotel’s lobby
Delivery of our luggage’s into our bus. Embarkation
DESTINATION 1 – PELLA
The birthplace of Alexander the Great
Visit of the archaeological site The excavations have brought to light the interesting findings of the ancient city and the pavements decorated with mosaics of rare finesse, exhibited at the local museum.
DESTINATION 2: VERGINA
The ancient capital of the Macedonian Kingdom
Visit of one of the most beautiful museums of Greece, which contains the royal tomb of King Phillip the 2nd, Alexander the Great’s father, along with golden and other artefacts of an incredible beauty and value.
Estimated Arrival at Kyr Yianni Wine Estate – Wine Tasting with Lunch
Return back to Thessaloniki by bus, duration of trip approximately 50 – 55 minutes
Check in at Hotel Makedonia Palace
Check in at Hotel Porto Palace
Inspection visits of the respected hotels
Meet-up with Impressive World representatives, at the Hotel’s Lobby
Transfer to Vrachos fish tavern for dinner in Thessaloniki
Overnight
MONDAY 11 NOVEMBER
Breakfast at the Restaurant of Hotels Makedonia Palace & Porto Palace
Gastronomy Food Tour in Thessaloniki
Mini shopping tour – walking through the shopping area of Thessaloniki ending at famous Terkenlis traditional pastry shop.
Return to our hotels via Porto Palace’s shuttle bus
Pella is the perfect place to set out a magical journey through time to the glorious kingdom of ancient Macedonia. Pella used to be the capital of Ancient Macedonia from the end of the 5th century B.C. until the beginning of 4th B.C.
Apart from cultural and commercial hub, Pella is also a place of great historical significance. By the time of its peak, from the late fourth to second century BC, Pella would have been brimming with public, religious and commercial buildings as well as monuments and homes all carefully organized according to Hippodamian urban planning principles.
There you can see important findings such as: the famous marble head of Alexander the Great, large floor mosaics, coins, objects of stone, metal and ceramic, statuettes and inscriptions. Not far away, is located Vergina, a sight of world-wide cultural value. A visit at the area will travel you to the era of Alexander the Great.
The most significant archaeological findings are the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tombs, some of which date from the 11th century B.C.
Aigai, today’s Vergina, was the first capital of the ancient Macedonian Kingdom. The excavations in 1977, by professor Manolis Andronikos, revealed the 20th century greatest discovery on Greek land. T
It is now a municipal unit within Veroia, with an area 69.047 km2. Vergina is best known as the site of ancient Aigai, the first capital of Macedonia.
The excavation unearthed the burial sites of many kings of Macedon, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, which, unlike so many other tombs, had not been disturbed or looted.
The treasures found were of great archaeological and historic significance and the territory of the ancient Macedonian Kings was proclaimed as a World Heritage Site in 1996 by UNESCO
It was there when in 336 BC, Philip II was assassinated in the theatre and Alexander the Great was proclaimed king
It is also the site of an extensive royal palace.
The archaeological museum of Vergina was built to house all the artifacts found at the site and is one of the most important museums in Greece.
Discover authentic wines, based on unique heritage, unspoiled nature & modern lifestyle.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kir-Yianni vineyards nestled on the rolling slopes of mount Vermion, stroll amid Xinomavro vines, taste our wines right in the place where they are produced, and get acquainted with the Boutaris family legacy.
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Located at one of the most beautiful spots in Nea krini, in Thessaloniki, right by the sea, you can find Vrachos Fish Tavern. Since 1932 this fish tavern serves the best sea food, fresh fish and good taditional greek cuisine.
The exterior space has three terraces where you can enjoy a unique meal by the sea. The interior design is cozy and traditional, with a sense of family atmosphere.
When in 1932 P. Christodoulou, a refugee from Smyrna, arrived by boat in the area of Krini, he decided to stay here near the sea. Thus, in 1932 he created the first tavern for fishers. The menu includes seafood, mussels, squid and fresh fish of Thermaikos, all served freshly and homemade. In Vrachos tavern in Thessaloniki, you will rediscover the tradition through Greek flavors.
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Accommodation
★★★★★
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Makedonia Palace is situated right on the seafront and next to Thessaloniki City Centre and features two of high taste. All suites and rooms are lavishly decorated, including a satellite TV and free WiFi.
The classically decorated units open to balconies with views of the city or the . Each features a well-stocked, bathroom with lavish amenities, bathrobe and slippers. Suites are individually designed. Interconnecting rooms are also available.
The Main is set right by the sea offering views of Thermaikos’ sunset. There is also the seafront Navona, the Italian restaurant serving coffee, snacks and Italian dishes.
In the heart of the historic Makedonia Palace, Hammam Baths welcomes guests to the marvels of “les bains”. Massage treatments can be also provided. The hotel also provides conference and meeting facilities, a gift and jewelry shop and a fitness centre. Guests can choose between the free, open-air parking space or the guarded, indoor at an extra charge.
Makedonia Palace is located on Thermaikos Gulf, while the White Tower is approximately 900 m away. Many of the city’s attractions, including the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, are in close distance.
★★★★★
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Officially included in the elite of ‘Traditional Deluxe Hotels’ of Thessaloniki, this meticulously restored hotel boasts a 24-hour service-oriented front desk and the largest meeting venue in Macedonia.
The 5-star hotel, housed in a 1913 historical building, disposes distinctive interiors. The hotel’s combine attention to detail with a wide range of amenities including full en suite facilities, working desk and complimentary speedy Wi-Fi. A handy smartphone for unlimited calls and mobile data is offered to guests.
Its superb location by the new harbour provides direct access to Aristotelous Square (2.5 kilometres or 5’ minutes drive), which is served by the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus service.
Offering free open parking with a capacity of 300 cars as well as a roofed one for special cases, well appointed rooms, Porto Palace Hotel constitutes an excellent hospitality choice.
Guests can indulge in some gourmet Mediterranean dining at the Zaytinya a-la carte restaurant or socialize with a drink at the P-Bar after a busy day or before an even busier night. During summer, the guests can enjoy the hotel delicacies and fruity cocktails at Ursa Minor on the hotel rooftop. Greek breakfast enriched with local, homemade flavours can be enjoyed daily.
Sponsors - sUPPORTERS
Thessaloniki Tourism Organization, a non-profit organization constituting the official tourism board of Thessaloniki’s region.
Thessaloniki Tourism Organization’s objectives are advertising & promoting the destination of Thessaloniki in Greece and abroad, designing the tourism brand of Thessaloniki, preparing and implementing tourism development strategic plans, promoting and highlighting the strategic advantages of Thessaloniki as an important touristic, commercial, economic, cultural, religious, MICE and cruise destination as well as supporting and coordinating various events that promote the tourism profile of the Region.
The “Wines of Northern Greece” was founded in 1993, contributing substantially to the development of the Greek wine industry. Today the association owns 29 wineries-member, some of the most popular and remarkable wineries in Greece.
The wine makers association “Wines of North Greece” aims to promote the branded quality wine of its members’ by organizing annually a numerous wine tasting events for consumers and professionals (restaurants, hotels, cellars, sommeliers, service, etc.), such as: exhibitions, thematic tastings, seminars, fam trips and the “Thessaloniki International Wine & Spirits Competition”. It also participates in trade and tourism fairs as well as synergies with agencies promoting Greek wine and wine tourism in Greece and abroad.
Sponsor 1
Founded in 1987, Mazi Travel has grown to become a leading full-service Destination Management Company in Greece and a proud ambassador of the extraordinary country, standing out for their consistency, diversity, versatility, creativity, passion for differentiation and signature boutique approach in planning and designing bespoke timeless experiences for luxury FIT and Group travelers.
Filos Holidays and Travel is a tour operator, operating in Thessaloniki since 1997, specializing in incoming travel services in Greece, tour operator representation, transportation services, a wide range of accommodation services for individual and groups as well as organized excursions.
organized by
IMPRESSIVE World is a professional Global MICE planner, congress organizer, event management company, with hands-on experience in destination management & proven track-record in accomplishing challenging projects.
With more than three decades of experience providing professional services & hundreds of successfully delivered projects, there’s more to it than just getting the job done. For more than 30 years we have been servicing associations, corporations & agencies crafting and delivering event objectives, from logistics to full scale projects.
Our active collaboration with key DMCs around the world has led to the formation of Impressive World DMC Alliance, a unique network of destination management companies acting in unity with reach in 50+ countries around the world. All our members are hand-picked DMCs based on: Operational excellence, Legacy, Experience, Resources, Local Knowledge
We offer customised services in terms of Marketing, Promotion, PR Communication. A strategic business consultant, in partnership with a variety of MICE & tourism exhibitions worldwide to deliver high quality buyer programs, exhibitor opportunities, media & marketing campaigns. Join our Hosted Buyer Group programs with great benefits such as site visits, special events as well as Pre/Post-Tours, sponsored flights and accommodation.
TIF – HELEXPO is the national exhibitions & conferences organizer of Greece and the owner of the two most important exhibition and conference centers in the country, one in Thessaloniki and the other in Athens.
TIF – HELEXPO organizes more than 15 international trade fairs in Greece and also co-ordinates the national participation of Greece in major exhibitions and trade missions abroad. Moreover, the Company hosts at its venues an important number of other trade fairs organized by third parties.
TIF – HELEXPO plays an important role in the Greek economy, as it continuously strives to create new business events and innovative services that promote extroversion and support companies build and expand business networks.