The Charm of the Snow (?)

Ryanair to Thessaloniki, Hertz car rental and drive to Pella (Alexander the Great); the archaeological area and the museum close at 14.00. Then on to Kalambaka; two nights at the Alsos House for three (total €150 with breakfast) and from here a visit on the 11th to the Meteora monasteries, very striking but mind the opening times and the weather; maximum visibility is essential to enjoy all the magic of the place. Return to Thessaloniki with a stop at Vergina (Philip II) — everything closed on Mondays... Arrival in Thessaloniki, return the car and bus to the centre; the ticket can be bought on the bus, it costs 0.90 cent but the machine gives no change; if you can buy it on the ground it costs 0.80 cent. Arrival in the centre in time for a bit of shopping.

Fourth day devoted to sightseeing: the Rotunda (free), the Arch of Galerius, the White Tower, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture (the last two with a single ticket at €8). The churches of Hagia Sophia and Saint Demetrios. Go and eat in a taverna at 50 Kassandrou Street (behind Saint Demetrios) — with €8 you fill up on Greek specialities to die for!!! Stay at the Orestia Kastorias, with a view of the Roman forum, coffee and biscuits at breakfast; very spartan but right in the centre and for two nights, again for three, it cost €116.