Dr Maria Girtzi

Born in Thessaloniki, Maria is an Archaeologist and professional tour guide. She studied Archaeology and Art at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and did her postgraduate studies on Greek Archaeology (MA and PhD.) at the University of Birmingham in the UK. She has taught History, Archaeology and Art history at the Universities of Thrace, Birmingham (UK), Cornell (USA), the Hellenic Open University and the Open University of Cyprus as well as working as a field archaeologist on excavations in Macedonia, Thrace and on Crete. Maria is the author of the book “Historical Topography of Ancient Macedonia”.

A great believer in “lifelong learning” she is involved in the design and implementation of educational programs that appeal to a wide range of ages (primary-secondary education and adults) and is an expert of the Institute of Educational Policy in Educational Programs. We are delighted to welcome her as part of our team.

What previous guests have to say about Maria:

"Maria is a terrific guide. Her stories and explanations were excellent. She combines deep knowledge with extraordinary organizational skills." Raymond Kulla

"the highlight of the tour was having such a wonderful and accomplished tour leader as Maria. She made all the sites come alive with her dramatic flair in explaining the history, mythology, geography, culture, and even the cuisine of the different localities. I have been on many tours before and never have I had such a marvelous guide as Maria. With her background in archaeology and her experience on digs and her wide knowledge of history, she was truly a ne plus ultra in the guide department. She was also most solicitous of the comfort of each tour member. At the Farewell Dinner we all raised our glasses high to Maria and declared that this had been the best tour we had ever been on! Maria is the most accomplished, knowledgeable, professional, conscientious, and just plain nicest guide I have ever had on a tour!" Louise Lindemann

"Maria our guide was an absolute star - her passion, energy and deep knowledge not only of the archaeology but the region and its people made the whole holiday experience outstanding. She could not have done more to inspire, educate and enthuse us and bring the history alive." Giles Cockerill

"Dr. Maria Girtzi has to be the highlight of the tour. She was truly amazing, she had boundless energy, enthusiasm and joy in sharing her knowledge." Janet Cowell

"a guide whose expert knowledge and passion was transmitted to us with energy and colour. She painted a picture of the past, with readings from ancient historians and philosophers so that the spirit of the archaeology, culture and history meant the ancient world came alive. We were grateful for her generosity in imparting her knowledge and passion for her country. She was also attentive to our appreciation of the food of the places we visited, giving us many great culinary experiences, in addition to attending to our individual needs or requests. We could not have had a more passionate and engaging guide in this region and of the historical periods. She made the tour come alive for us, painting a picture of the past so that we easily followed in the footsteps of the historical giants." Wendy McCartney