Hafen
Thessaloniki

Visit two villages in the foothills of Mount Olympus and discover their significance in the ancient world by browsing the excavated ruins and an archaeological museum.

After departing from the pier, you will travel for just over 1-hour through the rolling countryside, somewhat following the Gulf of Thermai to the village of Litochoro. It lies in the shadow of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and the legendary home of the gods.

The soaring mountain makes a wonderful backdrop as you stroll through the narrow streets, taking in the considerable sights. You may spot locals shopping in the open-air markets, mountain climbers preparing for their ascents, and others simply enjoying the carefree rustic atmosphere. Regardless of where you wander, Mount Olympus dominates, as it has always been inextricably connected with Litochoro.

In time, you will continue on to Dion, another village that the mountain has heavily influenced. Unearthed ruins of ancient Greek theaters, Roman baths and elaborate mosaic-floored villas attest to Dion’s importance during its heyday when it exercised complete control over the narrow pass leading from Macedonia to Thessaly. It was here that Alexander the Great made sacrifices before commencing his eastern adventures, and the ancient Macedonians worshipped the Olympian gods in sacred places such as the Sanctuary of Zeus.

For a more in-depth understanding of Dion’s place in history, you will browse the exhibits in a nearby archaeological museum. The excavated statues, grave monuments, everyday objects and such are grouped according to where they were found, making it easier to imagine life in ancient Dion.

Before returning to the pier, lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Behold the architectural landmarks that have defined Thessaloniki over the centuries and then enjoy a leisurely drive through a verdant forest that lies on the outskirts.

After departing from the pier, you will drive along the city’s seaside boulevard, where you will soon come upon Aristotelous Square. Designed following the great fire of 1917, the mansion-flanked square has become a revered symbol of the city. Nearby, you will also find the iconic White Tower, a 15th-century fortress on the waterfront.

Continuing on, one landmark after another will come into view, including the Arch and Rotunda of Galerius, which the emperor built in the 4th century to commemorate his victory over Persia. Then, there is the city’s esteemed Archaeological Museum and St. Demetrius Church, the site where the saint was imprisoned and eventually martyred.

Saint Sophia Church is another highlight that reveals much about Thessaloniki’s past. Based on its masonry, it may date from the early 8th century. Over the centuries it has been converted into a mosque, rededicated for Christian worship, partially destroyed in World War II, and severely damaged by an earthquake. Yet, it still stands, a beautiful representation of Thessaloniki’s resiliency

As a counterpoint to the city tour, you will take a short drive through Sheikh Sou forest on the outskirts. As there are very few green spaces within Thessaloniki, this lush wonderland is revered for its serenity. It makes for a welcome respite. Following a refreshment stop, you’ll return to the pier.

Explore a series of ancient royal tombs that include that of Philip II, Alexander the Great’s father, a treasure-trove so extraordinary that it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely drive of nearly 90-minutes to Vergina, the modern name for the ancient city of Aigai, which was the first capital of Macedonia. Vergina earned its status as one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece when a series of intact tombs of the Macedonian Royal Family was unearthed in the late 1970s. Vergina was the burial site for all Macedonian royalty and tradition held that the Macedonian Dynasty would collapse if one of the kings was ever buried elsewhere. This superstition became fact when, after his death in Babylon, Alexander was interred somewhere in Asia and the Dynasty fell.

The most significant tomb is that of Philip II, who was assassinated in the theater in 336 B.C., leaving his son Alexander the Great as king. The facade has the form of a Doric temple with a marble door. Philip’s solid-gold larnax or ash chest, a massive frieze of a hunting scene, and numerous grave artifacts were found inside undisturbed.

As you walk among the various tombs and monumental buildings, you will see mosaic flooring, colonnades and fine relief tiles in excellent condition. You might also visit a tomb believed to be that of Alexander the Great’s son. It closely resembles Philip’s tomb, although it is smaller. Its original contents are displayed in front of the tomb.

Other invaluable artifacts are housed in the Archaeological Museum atop the tombs. The items include elaborate jewelry, a golden wreath of hundreds of oak leaves and acorns, the king’s armor, a great gold-and-ivory ceremonial shield and a carved burial bed. Also on display are miniature ivory statues of the royal family, including a rare portrait of Alexander. After browsing the exhibits, you will rejoin your coach and travel back to the pier.

Visit the ancient city of Dion, located on the mountain where the gods of Greek mythology once resided and the most important sacred city of the Ancient Macedonians.

Ancient Dion

From the port of Thessaloniki, a one-hour scenic drive south takes you to the renowned archaeological park where you will discover exciting remains of this once important centre of worship. The town was founded in the 5th century B.C. at the foot of Mount Olympus, home to the gods of classical Greece. Here at Dion, festivals and games took place that lasted nine days. They were dedicated to the divinities of art and culture, known as the nine muses. Alexander the Great is said to have offered a sacrifice to the gods before heading with his fleet to Minor Asia. Dion grew and flourished until the 5th century A.D., when an earthquake brought everything to a standstill.

Guided Walking Tour

Start your visit exploring the part outside the walls that has been transformed into a park. Your walk will take you past sanctuaries of the Olympic gods, a Roman theatre and the Hellenistic theatre, still used today during the summer festival for performances. Then continue with your visit inside the walls. As you follow your guide through the streets of the ancient city, you can see the Roman baths complex and the Odeon. Farther along is the Sanctuary of Ascleipious, whose worship was connected with the healing of the body, and the Villa of Dionysos with its unique mosaic floor.

Archaeological Museum

Your visit to the museum complements what you have seen in the Archaeological park. Exhibits on two floors feature remains from the first cult of Zeus and its sanctuary near the site of Mt. Olympus, including vases, jewellery and statues from the Villa of Dionysos. Construction materials, building tools and coins unearthed during the excavation provide a look at everyday life in ancient Dion.

The tour concludes with a return drive back to the pier.

Learn everything there is to know about the rich history of the area by visiting the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the first capital of Macedonia with an archeologist. This remarkable full-day excursion combines the glories of Pella with those of Vergina and includes traditional Greek lunch.

Pella

Commence your exploration with approximately one hour drive to Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the second capital of ancient Macedonia. For 250 years Pella was the cultural center of the Greek world. As the seat of the royal family, Pella experienced its greatest prosperity during the reign of Alexander the Great. Thanks to archaeological excavations, public buildings and luxurious private homes with intricate marble-floor mosaics have been uncovered. Also unearthed were a plethora of delicate clay figurines and vases. View these and other treasures in the small Archaeological Museum before continuing to the city of Veria.

Vergina & Lunch

Next, continue to Vergina, where you will visit the tomb of King Philip II of Macedonia. Dating from 335 B.C., the bones of the king are covered with a golden wreath of oak leaves. Also found here are the king's iron helmet and a cache of weapons. In addition to King Philip's tomb and personal effects, you will also view well-preserved examples of large-scale classical painting and numerous carved, painted steles of ordinary citizens. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch before returning to the ship.

Discover the treasures of Thessaloniki - perhaps the world's greatest living Byzantine museum - and the rich surrounding area of Macedonia, with its inspirational scenery and history of many heroes. This half-day excursion offers a great opportunity to visit the Royal Tombs at Vergina, believed to be the ancient Macedonian capital of Aigai.

Macedonian Royal Dynasty

The Macedonian Royal Dynasty included descendants of Hercules - the greatest hero of all. Philip II was the first person to ever unite the Greek city, but his noble fame was far surpassed by his brilliant and unparalleled son, Alexander, whose greatness is still discussed and envied today. One of the most important archaeological discoveries of recent times occurred just over 30 years ago with the unearthing of the intact tombs of the Macedonian Royal Family, including the tomb of Philip II.

Vergina - Archaeological Site of Aigai

Depart the pier and travel to Vergina and the sacred city of the Macedonian Kings at Aigai, excavated in 1938. Aigai served as the capital of Macedonia until the 5th century B.C., when Pella was built. It was the burial site for all Macedonian royalty and tradition held that the Macedonian Dynasty would collapse if one of the kings was ever buried elsewhere. This superstition became fact when, after his death in Babylon, Alexander was interred somewhere in Asia and the Dynasty fell.

Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai

Next, visit the impressive Royal Tombs and the museum, which displays the finds from the site and the untouched tomb of Philip II - assassinated here in 336 B.C. One of history's greatest generals, Philip was robbed of the fame he truly deserved by the greatness of his son Alexander. The artifacts from his tomb, only recently discovered, rate among the most prized collections ever found and the artistic quality of the relics offered new insights into the Macedonian culture. Among the finds are the famous Golden Larnacs with the great king's remains, a golden wreath of oak leaves with exquisite acorns still attached, the king's armor and a great gold-and-ivory ceremonial shield. Also on display are miniature ivory statues of the royal family, including a rare portrait of Alexander.

Following you visit, re-board you coach for a return drive to Thessaloniki and the ship.

Explore Thessaloniki at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Thessaloniki at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Thessaloniki at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Thessaloniki at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Thessaloniki is considered the second capital of Greece, not only in terms of population after Athens, but also because it is the capital of central Macedonia. Situated on the sea and founded in 315 B.C., the city was named after a sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki.

Seafront Promenade & White Tower

Commence your city discovery with a drive through the seafront promenade. The White Tower was once a major component in the system of walls and fortifications that originally surrounded the entire town. Today it houses a museum on the history and art of Byzantine Salonika. Your coach will stop to let you take photos of this prominent landmark.

Archaeological Museum

Next, continue with a visit of the Archaeological Museum. Renowned as one of the best of its kind in Greece, the museum boasts an important collection of material from Salonika as well as Macedonia and Thrace. Its main attraction is displayed in a special wing and features a unique collection of finds from the famous royal tombs at Vergina, including two richly decorated chests of solid gold and other masterpieces of Macedonian metal work.

The Citadel

Re-board your coach and travel to the Citadel, located on the site of the ancient acropolis. The Citadel is part of the original defence walls and its he interior is fully restored. On the highest point stands a fortress, formerly used as a prison.

Ayios Dimitrios

Your final stop will be at the Agios Dimitrios which is arguably considered the most important church of Thessaloniki. The church is dedicated to Dimitrius, the town's principal saint and patron. The church was gutted in the great fire of 1917, but archaeologists were successful in rebuilding the structure with materials recovered after the blaze.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the Jewish heritage of the second-largest city in Greece during this half-day excursion.

Thessaloniki, Victory Square and Open Markets

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour sightseeing drive through Thessaloniki, the principal gateway from the Mediterranean to the Balkans and Central Europe. See the former 'Baron Hirsh' Jewish neighbourhood on Giannitson Street, then head to the old railway station, where 50,000 Jews were deported to concentration camps in Poland. From here, drive along the coastal avenue and stop at the historical Victory Square to view the Holocaust Monument, and visit the Jewish Museum and Synagogue. Next, take a guided stroll through the Modiano and Kapani open markets, which abound with vendors selling meat, fish, vegetable, spices, fruit, and flowers.

Aristotle's Square, White Tower and Upper City

Your tour continues with a visit to Aristotle's Square, followed by a drive to the White Tower, the symbol of the city. Upon arrival, some free time is made available for independent exploration. Afterward, drive through the eastern part of the city and along Queen Olga's Street, home to early-20th-century mansions formerly belonging to famous Jewish families, then proceed to the Upper City. A stop is made at the Byzantine Walls for spectacular panoramic views overlooking the city, Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus in the background.

Thessaloniki Landmarks

Leaving the Byzantine Walls, your tour concludes with an approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier. En route, pass by renowned monuments such as the Ministry of Macedonia, Trace Building, St. Demetrius Church, Rotunda, Arch of Galerius, International Trade Fair, and University Campus, formerly the area of the old Jewish Cemetery.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Thessaloniki City & Port, Guided Walking Tour, Municipal Market

Depart the pier for a guided and narrated sightseeing tour of the city of Thessaloniki, the crown jewel and capital of Macedonia. Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and renowned as a living Byzantine Museum, as evidenced during your guided walking tour. The port of Thessaloniki is one of the largest in Europe, serving northern Greece and all of the Balkans. Your journey begins with a drive to the bustling Municipal Market.

City Centre, Roman Agora, Ottoman Bey Hamam, Galerius Palace Complex, White Tower

Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through the Municipal Market. Along the way, see locally-sourced products available for sale. Leaving the market, proceed on-foot to the city centre. Thessaloniki was founded in 315 B.C. by Cassander of Macedon. The city bears the traces of Roman, Ottoman, and Sephardic Jewish cultures, as evidenced whilst passing by the Roman Agora, Ottoman Bey Hamam, Galerius Palace Complex, and White Tower, Thessaloniki’s most iconic site.

Refreshment Stop, Local Café, Kafeneio, Coffee, Traditional Greek Pastry & Cheese Pie

Thessaloniki’s culinary traditions also reflect its diverse cultural influences, and you can discover a few of them during a relaxing stop at a local café, Kafeneio. Here, enjoy a cup of coffee served with a traditional Greek pastry and cheese pie. At the conclusion of your walking tour of Thessaloniki, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.