3 ήμερη
Specific Tour
Unlimited
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The Vale of Tempi is the narrow pass the river Pineios cut between Mount Olympus and Ossa. Most people drive past on the motorway without stopping — and miss one of the most storied landscapes in Greece, where mythology places Apollo purifying himself after killing the Python.
From Athens it is about 350 kilometres, four and a half hours with stops. From Thessaloniki, just 100. You can base yourself in Larissa or, better, in Ambelakia itself. The road up to Ambelakia is narrow and steep but well surfaced — take care in winter ice.
Ambelakia made history in 1780, when the dyers and traders of red yarn founded here the first cooperative in Europe, with branches from Vienna to Leipzig. That money built the mansions you see today.
The Schwarz Mansion, with its wall paintings and carved wooden ceilings, is among the most important examples of 18th-century urban architecture in the Balkans. In the valley, Agia Paraskevi with its suspension bridge over the Pineios and the path to the cave. A little further north, Platamon castle guards the entrance to the valley.
The valley shelters cherry laurel and rare species that survive thanks to its particular microclimate. There is a riverside path and rafting on the Pineios in spring.
In Ambelakia and the surrounding villages you will find tsipouro, local cheeses and grilled meats. In Larissa the market is worth a walk.
The Schwarz Mansion keeps limited hours — check before driving up. The stop at Agia Paraskevi is from the old national road, not the motorway.
Three days cover the valley, Ambelakia and a trip to Olympus or Platamon. The price covers accommodation with breakfast — you arrive in your own car.
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Price and availability last updated: 20 September 2026
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We arrange your trip. For the days in between, these two partners cover tours, tickets and activities in Tempi.
Skip-the-line museum tickets, guided walks and day trips, with free cancellation on most options.
Activities, experiences and local guides — book ahead and keep your days free of queues.
These activities are provided and sold by our partners. You complete the booking on their page, at exactly the same price.
