Nimfeo, wild bears sanctuary and Alpha winery from Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki, Greece
Duration9h - 10h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Italian, French
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

This curated day tour from Thessaloniki blends the artistry of winemaking at Alpha Estate with the timeless charm of Nymfaio, a UNESCO-recognized stone village nestled in the mountains. Expect scenic drives through lakeside valleys and beech forests, a guided winery experience, traditional Macedonian cuisine, and light exploration of nature and history. The itinerary is designed for small groups (up to 8 participants) with private transport, emphasizing sustainable tourism and local flavors. Total duration: approximately 9-10 hours, including 4.5 hours of driving and ample time for relaxation.

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • A black sedan car will take you in comfort to see all the beautiful sites in your day tour.
  • Parking Fees
  • Alfa estates offers wine tasting which you can choose on site.
  • We have some suggestions for you and the cost depends on which restaurant you will choose. This is extra cost paid in the restaurant chosen.
  • Gratuities
  • The driver is not a certified tour guide and does not accompany you in the museums and sites.

What to expect

  1. Alpha Estate
    1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    Arrive at this family-owned gem in Amyndeon (620–710m elevation). Begin with a guided walk through 220 hectares of organic vineyards, followed by a tour of the gravity-flow winery and aging cellars. Learn about Xinomavro grapes and sustainable practices from expert oenologist Angelos Iatridis. Conclude with a tasting of 5–6 wines (e.g., floral whites and bold reds) paired with local cheeses.
  2. 1h
    Stroll the fairy-tale streets lined with galvanized-roof mansions and Vlach artisan workshops. Visit the Nikios School (now a cultural center) and Silver/Gold Museum for a glimpse into 19th-century silversmithing. Then, a guided 45-min walk to the nearby Arcturos Bear Sanctuary—Greece's only brown bear refuge—observing rehabilitated animals in a natural habitat (entry €5; wolves/lynx area optional). Gentle paths; no strenuous hiking.
  3. 45m · Admission ticket included
    Arcturos Sanctuary (5-min walk uphill), Greece's pioneering wildlife haven since 1992. Home to 16 brown bears (rescued from circuses/poaching) and a wolf/lynx enclosure, guided tours (€5/adult, 45 min) reveal rehabilitation efforts amid 40 hectares of forest—bears like Zoe, weighing 250 kg, lumbering in semi-wild freedom. It's educational yet poignant, underscoring biodiversity in the Balkans' "tail-end Alps." Families appreciate the ethical focus; no feeding, just observation from safe paths. If energy flags, opt for a kafeneio terrace overlooking the valley.
  4. 1h 30m
    Dine at a traditional taverna like Omegas Tigris or Plateia, in a restored stone mansion. Savor Macedonian specialties: wild mushroom pie, slow-cooked lamb kleftiko, grilled sausages, and seasonal salads with local truffles or foraged greens. Wine pairing optional (e.g., Alpha Estate rosé). Vegetarian/gluten-free options available.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Our driver will meet you with a sign of your name.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
€150.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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From
€150.00 per person
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