Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Thessaloniki
Step off your cruise ship and get ready to explore Thessaloniki with a shore excursion built specifically for cruise travelers. This tour covers the city’s main highlights and also takes you to corners of the city many travelers miss. With more than ten years of experience, we plan everything around your cruise schedule so your day is smooth and stress-free. Ride in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle while your licensed local guide brings the city’s history to life at places like the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, St. Demetrius Church, and the Eptapyrgio Fortress. You will also enjoy free time in the city center to shop, try local food, or explore at your own pace. The final stop includes a 30-minute walk. After your free time at Aristotelous Square, your guide will walk you back to the port, just a few minutes away. We also offer tours in many ports along your cruise route—ask us about a custom tour package! We look forward to sharing the best of the Mediterranean with you!
Once you’re picked up at the port, you’ll meet your English-speaking guide and continue in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to explore the city.
The tour begins at the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s signature monument on the waterfront. Formerly a defensive fort, it now symbolizes the city’s history. You’ll view the tower from the outside and enjoy the nearby seaside sights, including the Statue of Alexander the Great.
Next, you’ll visit the Arch of Galerius, a 4th-century Roman structure decorated with detailed carvings celebrating Emperor Galerius’ victory over the Persians. A short walk from the arch is the Rotonda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest surviving Christian buildings. You’ll view this impressive monument from the outside.
Your next stop is St. Demetrius Church, a key Byzantine monument honoring Thessaloniki’s patron saint. From the entrance, you can admire its architecture and the mosaics that make it a popular pilgrimage site. You may also step inside if you wish to explore further.
Continue to Ano Poli (Upper City) to explore the Eptapyrgio Fortress and the historic city walls. Built in the Byzantine period, they provide great panoramic views of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf. Take a walk along the walls and enjoy the quiet atmosphere and historic setting.
Head back to the city center to explore the Roman Forum, an open-air site that served as the heart of ancient Thessaloniki. As you follow the walkway around it, you’ll see the preserved ruins and get a look into the city’s past.
Finish your tour in the lively city center at Aristotelous Square, Thessaloniki’s main meeting point. From here, you can walk through busy shopping streets, browse local boutiques, or relax at a café. If you’re ready for a meal, this area offers plenty of places to try authentic Greek dishes. The final stop includes a 30-minute walk.
After your free time at Aristotelous Square, your guide will walk you back to the port. It’s only a short stroll from the square, so you’ll be back at your ship in just a few minutes.
Thessaloniki Shore Excursion with Port Pickup and Drop off lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 8 stops.
Prices start at $58 per person for this Thessaloniki experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 30 participants.
This tour involves approximately 1.5 hours of walking and is not suitable for guests with mobility limitations. We kindly ask all participants to carefully consider their physical ability to complete the tour before making a reservation. Please note that refunds cannot be provided if a guest is unable to complete the tour due to mobility or accessibility concerns.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Our tour guide was lovely. This was a group tour not a private. It gave us an overview of the city and a bit of time to walk around. I recommend this type of tour as the city is large and there would be too much walking. In my family group we had two elder that would not have been able to see the city if we had to walk it.
This tour was really good. Loved our tour guide. She was very sweet and knowledgeable. Loved the sites and history. As an FYI, the final portion of the tour is a lot of walking and it was hot so beware of that, especially with those who are elderly. We had a few. They survived but it was a bit difficult for them. Otherwise, would def recommend.
We saw the sights of Thesoloniki and received a lot of information. I would recommend radios for a group this large. It was hard to hear Athena but she did a great job.
Very good overview of Thessaloniki and stops at the most interesting attractions. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and effectively conveyed her enthusiasm for the historical sites.
We were a group of 20 and tour guide was knowledgeable and patient! We could not ask for more! Tight streets and a great decent amount of walking during the various parts of the tour
Lisa gave a very good tour and provided a lot of history of the people and the area. We went to the White Tower, the statue of Alexander, Orthodox monastery, St. Demetrius Cathedral and other stops between. At each stop, a history of the city, people or culture was provided.
Georgia was very imformative. We saw a lot even though it was Easter Sunday and things were closed. Highly revommend this tour.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki Shore Excursion with Port Pickup and Drop off | 5 hours | 5.0 (7) | $58 | |
 Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki to Meteora | 10 hours | 5.0 (31) | $591 | View |
 St. Paul's Footsteps Private Experience from Thessaloniki | 9–10 hours | 5.0 (6) | $544 | View |
 Meteora Experience: Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki | 10–12 hours | 4.9 (64) | $296 | View |
 Discover Olympus & Dion: Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki | 7 hours | 4.8 (79) | $201 | View |
 Philippi and Kavala Private Apostle Paul Tour from Thessaloniki | 8 hours | 4.8 (59) | $260 | View |
 Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki | 11 hours | 4.5 (608) | $66 | View |