Description

Ideal destination for nature lovers close to rare species of birds and animals!

Day trip to Kerkini Lake, one of the 10 most valuable wetland habitats in Greece, ideal for nature observation of about 300 species of birds and rare animals. Among many species, admire the beautiful flamingos and the magnificent buffalos; inextricable parts of the greek fauna.

All these are combined with the wonderful view of Mount Beles and the verdant valley of Serres forming the paradise of the alternative tourism. It’s an ideal excursion for nature lovers, where you can enjoy a boat ride through the lake of the National Park. Don’t miss this experience!

WHICH PLACES WE VISIT

• Kerkini Lake
• Lithotopos Dam
• Vironia village

STARTING POINTS AND DEPARTURE TIMES

• Starting point: Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street (Venizelos Statue) | 08:00

EXCURSION DURATION

• 8 hours (3 hours on the road)

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

We depart to Kerkini Lake with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist,

at 08:00 from Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street (at the white Statue of Venizelos).

The distance is 98km and lasts approximately 1½ hour.

We reach the dam of the picturesque Kerkini Lake in the area of Lithotopos. Each season of the year the lake hosts different species of birds, therefore every visit hides a different surprise for the traveler. Depending on the season the beautiful flamingos though, can be found there and their characteristic pink plumage colors the blue surface of the lake giving enchanting views combined with the verdant surrounding landscape. The horse riding area is located next to the dam where we can enjoy a ride and feel part of this wonderful natural scenery (optional and upon notification).

Later on, we have a coffee break and then continue our trip to the east part of the lake, visiting a traditional farm with impressive buffalos that walk next to us; observing their movements in their natural environment and learning their unique history.

We visit also the historic village of Vironia, to enjoy our lunch break in a traditional greek tavern that during the end of the 2nd Balkan War (in summer of 1993) was used as a Greek Military Command Center. There, King Constantine and the prime-minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos, signed a peace covenant making history and doubling the size of the country.

We depart to Thessaloniki at around 14:00 enjoying the way back through the perimeter road of the west side of the lake. Leaving behind the enchanting scenery we will experience not only a part, but the whole Lake Kerkini in total!

THE PRICE OF THE EXCURSION INCLUDES

• Round-trip transportation to Kerkini Lake and Vironia village

• English speaking trip attendant-archaeologist

• Basic travel insurance (during transport)

NOT INCLUDED

• The ticket for the one hour boat ride 10€/person

• The cost of the horse riding 15€/person (upon notification)

• Personal expenses

• Tips

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Our trip attendant-archaeologist shall wear clothing with the Ammon Express marking so that he/she will be recognisable easily

• You should be at the departure point 10΄ before the time indicated in the schedule. The bus cannot remain at designated stops, except for boarding

• Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the sights

• In summer season bear in mind to have sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat

• Please be consistent with the exact appointment times specified by the Ammon Express escort, so that the excursion will remain unforgettable to all participants

• Have a nice trip and an unforgettable experience!

• Don’t forget to share pictures and comments from your experience!