Wine tasting tour Naoussa from Thessaloniki: Private day trip

Xinomavro tastings, centuries-old plane trees, and waterfalls in one morning from the city

A private wine tasting tour from Thessaloniki to Naoussa, the Protected Designation of Origin wine region of northern Greece, with visits to a working winery, natural parks and waterfalls, hotel pickup included and an English-speaking driver for the full day. The tour runs 10 hours and includes wine tastings, transportation by private car or minivan, water and coffee on board, and photos and video sent after you return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Thessaloniki to Naoussa wine tour

• Pick up from Thessaloniki hotel
• Travel to Waterfalls of Metamorfosis
• Visit Kir-Yianni winery for tasting
• Explore Agios Nikolaos park
• Walk natural waterfalls and picnic
• Wander Arkochori village streets
• Visit Sacrifice Site of Naoussa
• Return to original pick-up point

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Thessaloniki hotel and a drive to the Metamorfosis waterfalls, a natural site with small cascades set among oak, chestnut and filira trees. The walk is easy and signposted, with pedestals for swimming if you want to wade into the icy water, though most visitors stay dry and picnic instead. Drinking water is available at the chapel and at marked points along the route.

From there you head to Kir-Yianni, a winery founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, a leading figure in Greek wine who broke away from his family's premium wine company to start his own. The winery sits in Naoussa, a region where vine-growing dates back to at least the 16th century and where Xinomavro (the finest red variety in northern Greece) remains the main grape. You taste wines here and learn how the younger generation of winemakers is slowly reviving the zone, which now holds the OPAP designation, Greece's highest appellation. Naoussa itself has about 20 wineries across 500 hectares of vineyard.

The afternoon takes you to Agios Nikolaos park, 3 km outside Naoussa, a landscape of centuries-old plane trees, oaks, chestnuts and running water that won a pan-European renovation award. Streams, wooden bridges and a small zoo fill the grounds. You also visit Arkochori, a village wedged between two hills in dense forest, with narrow stone streets and traditional houses where local restaurants serve regional food. The tour includes a stop at the Sacrifice Site of Naoussa, a historical landmark commemorating the women who leapt into the Arapitsa waterfalls in 1822 rather than surrender during the Greek War of Independence. The driver returns you to your hotel at the end of the 10-hour day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Thessaloniki.
• private transportation by car or minivan.
• wine tasting at Kir-Yianni winery.
• visits to Metamorfosis waterfalls, Agios Nikolaos park, Arkochori village and the Sacrifice Site of Naoussa.
• an English-speaking driver and professional escort for the full day.
• water and coffee on board.
• photos and video of your trip sent by email after you return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hello Thessaloniki

Is this one for you?Book the private version to set your own pace at wineries and villages, or choose the shared minibus if you prefer a faster itinerary and lower cost.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wines do you taste on the Naoussa tour?

Kir-Yianni winery specializes in Xinomavro, the signature red variety of Naoussa and the finest red grape in northern Greece. The winery also produces Negoska, Naousseiko, Sefka and Prekniariko, as well as local wines of Imathia, so the tasting reflects the full range of what the region grows.

Is lunch included in the 10-hour tour from Thessaloniki?

Lunch is not included, though the tour stops at Arkochori village where local restaurants serve regional dishes, and you can picnic at the Metamorfosis waterfalls. Water and coffee are provided on board.

Can I swim in the Metamorfosis waterfalls?

The waterfalls have small natural cascades and pedestals for swimming, though the water is icy year-round. Most visitors stay on the banks and enjoy the setting instead. The walk to reach them is easy and signposted for all fitness levels.

What is Agios Nikolaos park like?

Agios Nikolaos is a 3 km walk from Naoussa town, set among centuries-old plane trees, oaks and chestnuts with streams, wooden bridges and a small zoo. It won a pan-European renovation award and is known as one of the most beautiful parks in Greece, with plenty of space for walking and sitting by the water.

Is this tour private or shared with other travelers?

The tour is private, meaning you book it for your group alone. Transportation is by private car or minivan depending on group size, and an English-speaking driver and escort accompany you for the full 10 hours.

What happens if I arrive late to Thessaloniki or want to extend the tour?

Pickup is from your hotel or apartment in Thessaloniki at a time you arrange. The standard tour is 10 hours and returns you to your original pickup point. Contact the operator about custom timing or extensions.