Rick Stein heads to Thessaloniki on a 'Long Weekend'

Renowned chef Rick Stein is back with another series of 'Long Weekends' and his journey to Thessaloniki in northern Greece will be aired on BBC Two this Friday (9 December 2016).

During his trip, Rick explores a variety of dishes from cinnamon-spiced mezzes, to the city's syrupy pastries, as well as meeting famous Greek chef Vafa Alexiadou. He also arrives in time for harvesting peaches on land and mussels out at sea.

As well as exploring the city's gastronomy, travellers could also cycle along the promenade, Europe's longest urban waterfront, or stroll around Ano Poli (the old city) passing ancient remains of the city walls, castles and towers – many of which were built to resist Turkish threat, and nearly all are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The modern city is youthful – it is a student hub in Greece – with a number of universities and a dynamic nightlife and restaurant scene. This year has seen the opening of a funky new boutique bed & breakfast The Caravan (www.thecaravan.gr). With 13 rooms in a renovated neoclassical building in the heart of Thessaloniki, double rooms start at around £60 a night per room.

Flights from the UK are plentiful with direct routes from Gatwick with British Airways (britishairways.com), and easyJet (EasyJet.com), which also flies from Manchester to Greece's second city, while Thomson flies from Bristol and East Midlands.

City-break packages to Thessaloniki in 2017

Kirker Holidays

A three-night holiday at the five star Hotel Excelsior Superior in Thessaloniki including flights, private car transfers and breakfast is from £598pp. Guests will also be able to use the Kirker Concierge service to book opera, ballet and concert tickets or make a reservation at a recommended restaurant as required. www.kirkerholidays.com / 020 7593 2283.

Best of Greece 

A two night stay at the five star Electra Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki including flights from Gatwick, private car transfers, breakfast and a half-day culinary tour is available from £389pp based on two people travelling in winter/spring 2017. The hotel is at the heart of Thessaloniki. www.bestofgreece.co.uk/el/locations/thessaloniki / 020 8324 3111.

British Airways

A three-night stay at the four star City Hotel in Thessaloniki, including Euro Traveller return flights from London Gatwick and breakfast, is available from £419pp - based on travel between 1 April – 26 May 2017. Book by 20 December 2016. www.ba.com/thessaloniki / 0344 493 0125.

Sunvil

A three-night stay at the four star Park Hotel in Thessaloniki, including flights from Gatwick, breakfast and airport transfers is available from £473pp - based on 8 June 2017 departure. An optional Thessaloniki walking tour with private guide can be added for £65pp.

Guests can also stay one week at the Liotopi Hotel in Olymbiada, Halkidiki (Athos peninsula) on a half board basis with seven day car hire – total cost from £813pp. www.sunvil.co.uk / 020 8568 4499.

Planet Holidays

A three-night stay at the three star Luxembourg Hotel, which is located in the heart of the historical centre and near the sea front, includes breakfast, flights and private taxi transfers on arrival and departure. Depart on 5 May 2017 from Gatwick for £498 per person. www.planet-holidays.co.uk / 01438 841 270.

Beyond Thessaloniki

Olympic Holidays

Thessaloniki offers a great base to explore the region of Halkidiki. Guests could combine a city break in Thessaloniki with the beautiful beaches of the Halkidiki peninsula.

A four night stay at the three star Stratos Hotel l in Salonica–Nea Moudania, including breakfast is available from £120pp based on two people travelling in July 2017. The package must be booked by 31 December 2016. The hotel is under an hour away from Thessaloniki. www.olympicholidays.com / 0208 492 6868.

Ramblers Holidays

Explore the picturesque peninsula of Sithonia and Mount Holomontas, stopping off at small mountain villages and small beaches along the way.

A seven-night 'Unspoilt Greece' walking holiday, including flights to Thessaloniki, half board en-suite accomodation, a dedicated guide and all local transport costs, is available from £895pp with Ramblers Holiday. www.ramblersholidays.co.uk / 01707 331 133.

Cyplon Holidays 

A four-night stay at the five star Porto Carras Meliton Hotel l in Sithonia, including breakfast and including transfers from Thessaloniki and flights from Gatwick. The holiday is available from £499pp based on two people travelling in May 2017. The package must be booked by 30 Dec 2016. The hotel is 75 miles away from Thessaloniki.  www.cyplonholidays.co.uk / 0208 340 7612. 

Rick Stein's Long Weekend will be broadcast at 21:00 on Friday 9 December 2016 on BBC Two.  

For more information on what to see and do in Greece, please visit www.visitgreece.gr.

Ends

For further press information, please contact: Tim Thackray, Lotus: 020 7953 7470, Tim@wearelotus.co.uk, or Panos Papadopoulos, Greek National Tourism Organisation, GNTO UK & Ireland Office: 020 7495 9311, pr@gnto.co.uk