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Private Sightseeing Tour in Thessaloniki: Explore Historic Beauty with Expert Guides
5.0
3 Ratings
Thessaloniki
Embark on a private sightseeing tour in Thessaloniki and explore the historic beauty of the city with expert guides. Visit the Archaeological Museum and Museum of Byzantine Culture for a unique cultural experience.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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White Tower of Thessaloniki - The emblem of Thessaloniki
The White Tower is perhaps the most recognizable spot in Thessaloniki. Depicted on all types of souvenirs and favourite clothes, photographed from all angles, in all seasons and at each hour of the day, it has come to be imprinted on our collective unconscious, an archetypal image. With its distinctive cylindrical shape, its six storeys and its memory-charged history, it has become the city’s trademark. When one sets eyes on the White Tower, it means that one has made one of the most fascinating journeys and is in the city of a thousand promises, Thessaloniki. -
Alexander the Great Statue - The Alexander the Great statue in Thessaloniki is a prominent landmark and tribute to one of history’s most famous military leaders. Situated along the city’s waterfront on Nikis Avenue, near the White Tower of Thessaloniki.
It overlooks the Thermaic Gulf, providing a scenic backdrop. The statue depicts Alexander the Great mounted on his horse, Bucephalus. It portrays Alexander in a dynamic pose, symbolizing his conquests and leadership.
The statue is made of bronze and stands on a large marble pedestal. - Arch of Galerius - One of the most characteristic monuments of Thessaloniki is the Arch of Galerius, located on the upper side of the Via Egnatia, a short distance from the Rotonda. (The Rotonda is a building with internal niches, serving as a place of worship). The Arch of Galerius is a glorious monument, whose purpose was not practical, but memorial and honorary. It is a triumphal arch built shortly before 305 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Galerius, after the final victory over the Persians. The triumphal arch that was positioned perpendicular to the ancient Egnatia, which crossed the city (west to east) forming a part of the Roman Palace of Galerius, which was developed through the current squares of Navarinou and Hippodrome. The construction design of the arch of Galerius was such as the two major roads to pass beneath it and crossed right in the middle, the current Egnatia Street and the street starting from the Arch and ending at the south gate of the wall of the Rotunda.
- Rotunda - The famous Rotonda of Thessaloniki, Macedonia: The Rotonda (or Rotunda) is one of the most important Roman monuments in Thessaloniki. It stands just next to the Arch of Galerius in the city center and it is also known as the Church of Agios Georgios. This cylindrical structure was built in 306 AD by the Roman tetrarch Galerius, who intended it to be his grave. At first, it worked as a temple but it remains unknown to which god this temple was dedicated. Eventually, Galerius died in 311 AD and he was buried in Felix Romuliana, modern Serbia. In the 4th century AD, the Byzantine emperor Constantine I converted it into an Orthodox church and many frescoes were painted inside, some of which survive today on the walls of Rotonda.
- Eptapyrgio Castle - The city walls of Thessaloniki were the fortifications of the Byzantine city and are of great interest and importance for their archaeological, architectural and artistic points. The Byzantine walls of Thessaloniki concurred with the Roman ones. The walls were built of narrow bands of stone and a wider of brick and spread over a length of 7-8 km. The walls were forming an almost square shape (trapezoid) and a height of 10-12 m and their northern part was connected to the walls of Acropolis. Today exist only 3 km of walls. During the Turkish occupation part of the walls were built with ordinary bricks.
- Church of Saint Dimitrios - Patron of Thessaloniki - The church of Agios Dimitrios is dedicated to the patron Saint of the city and holds a prominent position among all the churches in this city. The Church has a rich history. Originally was built as a small chapel in 313 AD, on the ruins of an ancient Roman bath. In the fifth century the Bishop Leontius reconstructed the small chapel to a large basilica. This church was burned somewhere between the 626 AD and 634 AD. When it was constructed again took the form of a five-aisled basilica but in 1493 the Turkish invaders converted it into a mosque! In 1912 the church returned to the Christians but the great fire in 1917 destroyed it completely. The church commenced its holly service in 1949. The church is located on the ruins of the Roman Forum and is a basilica with five naves, a transept and a vestibule. It has a crypt located directly beneath the transept and the sanctuary. There are catacombs beneath the temple among which is the hall of the prison of St. Demetrius.
- Roman Forum of Thessaloniki - The Roman Forum of Thessaloniki, also known as the Ancient Agora, is a significant archaeological site in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. It served as the center of public life during the Roman period. The Roman Forum is situated in the heart of Thessaloniki, near the modern Aristotelous Square. The site includes two main squares (the northern and the southern) and was surrounded by stoas (covered walkways), shops, and other public buildings. The forum dates back to the 2nd century AD, during the Roman Empire’s rule over the region. It was the administrative, social, and commercial center of ancient Thessaloniki.
- Church of Agia Sofia - Τhe Agia Sofia or Agia Sophia for several years was the metropolis of Thessaloniki. Agia Sofia is a great Basilica (domed) built over the ruins of an earlier gigantic basilica (which was destroyed in the 6th century AD). The church was built to commemorate the Agia Sofia in Constantinopolis. The construction began in the 7th century AD but during the years of construction there were many modifications and additions. During the Ottoman Empire this church as many others became a mosque but it was destroyed by fire in 1890 to reopen and offer its holly service, in 1913. Visitors of Agia Sofia will be able to observe the existence of very impressive pictures and carved decorations retained by the 8th, 9th and 11th century.
- Aristotelous Square - After the fire of 1917, the French architect Ernest Hébrard was assigned to redesign the whole area of the city center and due to the historical significance of this central point he put Aristotelous Square in the heart of the new plan. The Aristotelous square is the point where the sea meets the land in the most central point of the city and the starting point of a place full of open spaces to the public. The Aristotelous square is described as a crucial place for Thessaloniki since is the only open space in the center of the city with this vast dimension turning to be the point of hosting numerous events throughout the year, people’s meeting place, place of recreation and promenade for the citizens and the visitors. It is mentioned and in fact is a rare example of a preplanned architectural design while its careful orientation is offering a captivating view of Mount Olympus.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Entrance Tickets Fee General ticket: €15.00 (valid for 3 days)
Additional Information
Having resided and made our careers in Thessaloniki for over three decades, we are intimately familiar with every nook and cranny of this splendid metropolis. Journeying with us is more than just a tour; it’s a unique experience! The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, one of the most extensive institutions in Greece and the key museum of the northern region, welcomes all guests to explore its impressive collections of antiquated artifacts and engage in its lively and outbound cultural activities. At the Museum of Byzantine Culture, tourists can traverse through the 11 displays of the permanent exhibition, and be transported back to the era of Byzantium via sections dedicated to various facets of daily life, including both private and public spheres, religious and burial practices, architecture, art, and commercial and business operations.
- Entrance Tickets Fee General ticket: €15.00 (valid for 3 days) Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Museum of Byzantine Culture, Rotonda, Thessaloniki, The White Tower, White Tower: Museum
Location
White Tower of Thessaloniki
Leoforos Nikis, Leoforos Nikis, 54640
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
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Jill_r
Jun 15, 2024
Private tour Thessaloniki with Maria - Great private tour with Maria in Thessaloniki! She had a drive named Solon that was able to drop us close to all destinations. He also would wait for us at the end. This would be a good tour for older people or people with mobility issues. It was a hot day and we loved the air conditioning! Great memories.
Review provided by Viator
Maxim_k
Apr 21, 2024
Come for the attractions, stay for the knowledge - Enjoyed the trip: both the driver and the guide were super knowledgeable and attentive to our needs. They’ve been able to show as much as we could in the time we had and answered lots and lots of questions. Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
