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Type: Antiquities, Driving Tour, Heritage, Photo Stops
Length: 4 Hours
Walking: Medium
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Licensed Guide
Language: English
Thessaloniki Shore Excursion - This half day excursion includes a driving tour of Thessaloniki photo stops at places such as the White Tower, the Galerious Arch, the Rotunda and the Citadel. You also visit Saint Dimitrios Church and the city's Archeological Museum, to see many jewels from the tombs of Vergina.
Since its founding by king Cassander of Macedonia in 315 B.C., Thessaloniki has always been a metropolis. The city was named after Cassander's wife, the stepsister of Alexander the Great, and its long history is visible everywhere in the varied architecture. You'll see beautiful examples of Hellenistic, Roman, Ottoman,and modern building styles sitting side by side. You'll be astonished by an impressive Byzantine artistic heritage and the mark left by the large Jewish population when the city was known as "the second Jerusalem" in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, Thessaloniki is the second largest city of Greece with a population of about 1million people. It is the principle gateway from the Mediterranean to the Balkans and Central Europe.
Your first stop will be Thessaloniki's most recognizable site, the White Tower. It was built as a part of the city's ancient defense walls and has even been used as a prison and place of execution. Today it is the symbol of the city..
Next you'll enjoy a scenic driving tour with short photo stops to see the Galerious Arch, the Rotunda, the Citadel, the Trade Fair grounds, and the University campus. From the Ancient Walls you'll get a marvelous view of the city, the Thermaic Gulf, and fabled Mount Olympus in the distance.
No visit to Thessaloniki is complete without seeing a Byzantine church. You'll stop to admire St. Dimitrios dedicated to the city's patron saint. Your guide will explain the church's history and interpret the original ancient mosaics and frescoes.
Finally you visit Thessaloniki's Archeological Museum. The museum houses a stunning exhibition of gold and jewels found at the tombs of Vergina. After your museum tour you'll return to the pier to rejoin your cruise.
Please Note: Please note that many Greek churches enforce a dress code for respect. No bare shoulders, no shorts, no dresses above the knee, and no bare feet or exposed midriffs are allowed. Please come prepared, or you will be disappointed if you are turned away.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Thessaloniki tours and Thessaloniki Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Thessaloniki tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
- Meet guide and enjoy driving tour with photo stops - 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
- Visit Saint Dimitrios Church - 45 Minutes
- Drive to Archaeological Museum - 15 Minutes
- Visit Archaeological Museum - 1 Hour and 20 Minutes
- Return to the pier - 15 Minutes
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