Thessaloniki Highlights
Excursions
- 40-50
- 4 hours
Thessaloniki was founded by Cassander in 316 BC. Departing the quayside, we drive to the White Tower, a monument and museum located on the waterfront. The tower is an excellent example of post-Byzantine architecture and today stands as a symbol of Thessaloniki. After a brief photo stop here, we continue to the Archaeological Museum, which houses artefacts from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. One important exhibit is The Gold of Ancient Macedonia, which displays coins excavated from tombs in central Macedonia.
Re-boarding our tour coach, we drive past the International Trade Fair grounds and Aristoltelion University as we head towards the Citadel. Upon arrival, we can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the city, with Mount Olympus and the Thermaic Gulf in the background.
Our next visit is to the 5th century Basilica of St Demetrius, which is the largest church in Greece. Here we can view an impressive display of mosaics and visit the Basilica’s crypt, where Demetrius – an officer of the guard - was confined.
En route back to the ship, we drive along one of Thessaloniki’s main avenues, passing the Arch of Galerius, which was built in 305 AD to celebrate the triumph of the Emperor over the Persians. We shall also see St George’s Rotunda, which was originally a Roman mausoleum, and later converted to a church by Constantine the Great.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking. There are approximately one and a half hours of walking and standing at the Archaeological Museum, 25 minutes at the Citadel and 30 minutes at the Basilica of St Demetrius, plus around 20 steps to negotiate. Depending on the berth of our ship, there may be a walk of up to 100 metres from the ship to the tour coaches, and vice versa. Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Passengers are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. Please note that flash photography is prohibited in the museum. Places of interest may be visited in a different order to that described.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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